The Grand on Princes Wedding Photos
Art deco lines, a parquetry dance floor, a sweeping staircase and a rooftop for the vows
The Grand on Princes is a family-run reception centre on the Princes Highway service road at Mulgrave, in Melbourne’s south-east. The building is art deco in style and has been refurbished: the grand ballroom has a parquetry dance floor, a sweeping staircase, chandeliers and a balcony, and holds 180 to 380 guests depending on the layout. There is a decorative garden with a gazebo, bridal and groom suites for getting ready, and an outdoor rooftop used for ceremonies.
Veri has photographed two weddings here. Zulfia and Muizz held their ceremony, portraits and reception at The Grand on Princes, and a second couple married and celebrated here in November 2016. The staircase and the balcony give the two frames that matter in a ballroom like this: the entrance from above, and the first dance seen from the same spot.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at The Grand on Princes
A rooftop ceremony on the Princes Highway means open sky and, by late afternoon, sun low across the roofline; we place the couple so the light comes from the side, not behind the celebrant. The garden gazebo works for the wedding party and for a quiet portrait between courses. The ballroom lighting is warm, so we keep the chandeliers in frame and let the parquetry carry the reflections. The galleries below are two Grand on Princes weddings.