Francis & Nathan’s Calm, City Wedding at Alto Event Space

A calm and elegant Melbourne wedding at Alto Event Space, with a rooftop ceremony, city views, and a relaxed reception full of quiet moments.

Every part of their day flowed with ease — from getting ready in a familiar home to a rooftop ceremony overlooking Melbourne’s skyline. Nothing rushed. No big performances. Just genuine, gentle love and the people who mean the most to them.

Getting Ready in Springvale — A Sentimental Start

Francis got ready at her childhood home in Springvale, surrounded by her closest family. The morning felt unhurried — makeup by the window, soft music playing in the background, and a few happy tears here and there. Her gown hung in the hallway, catching slivers of light, while Nathan was just a few suburbs away getting ready with his groomsmen.

It’s always special photographing couples in spaces they grew up in. There's a comfort there that can't be staged — the way her mum checked every detail of her veil, the way her dad stood quietly nearby watching it all happen. It set the tone for the day: grounded, warm, and real.

First Look at St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Instead of waiting for the ceremony, Francis and Nathan chose to share a quiet moment before everything began. We met at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, a favourite spot for garden ceremonies in Melbourne, especially on days with soft golden light like this one.

They saw each other for the first time under the tall trees, tucked away near the rose garden. No big reaction, no tears — just calm smiles, a long hug, and a quiet exchange that only they could hear. From there, we wandered the gardens for portraits, keeping things relaxed and natural. The gardens gave us the perfect mix of greenery, light, and privacy.

Rooftop Ceremony at Alto Event Space

Back in the city, guests began arriving at Alto Event Space, perched above the GPO in Melbourne’s CBD. Francis and Nathan chose to hold their ceremony on the balcony terrace — a choice that couldn’t have worked out better.

With the skyline behind them and soft light wrapping around the buildings, they stood hand-in-hand, surrounded by close family and friends. There were no over-the-top decorations — just thoughtful touches, a few white florals, and the city as their backdrop. It felt calm and modern, just like the rest of the day.

As they exchanged vows, the sounds of the city faded into the background. It was one of those moments that felt both simple and big all at once.

After the ceremony, everyone moved inside for the reception at Alto Event Space. The space had been styled minimally — clean tables, soft lighting, and the warmth of the brass bar glowing behind the guests. Dinner was served as the sun went down, and the speeches were short and sincere.

There wasn’t a huge party vibe, but there didn’t need to be. People laughed, shared quiet conversations, and took in the view from the terrace throughout the evening. Francis and Nathan spent most of the night moving slowly through the room, talking with every guest. No formal entrances, no big exits — just presence.

A Relaxed, Intimate Reception at Alto

Closing Thoughts

There’s a beauty in weddings that feel like the couple. No trends. No pressure. Just a steady kind of joy, captured by a Melbourne wedding photographer.

Francis and Nathan’s wedding at Alto Event Space was exactly that — calm, intimate, and full of quiet meaning. From a first look among trees to a rooftop ceremony in the city, every moment was lived fully and simply. A day that didn’t need anything extra to be complete.

A young woman in a red dress is standing in front of an older couple, who are sitting on chairs and appear emotional. The woman is wiping tears from her eyes, and the man is gesturing with his hand, all in a bright room with minimal decor and a wall
From above, a white ceramic teapot with a woven handle and floral design on the lid, and two matching white teacups with saucers, filled with tea, are placed on a grey surface.
A sunny park scene with a dirt path lined by tall palm trees and green grass.
Tall palm trees under a blue sky in a landscaped garden.
A man dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow tie standing outdoors on grass, smiling, with a large tree and sunlight filtering through the leaves in the background.
Black and white photo of a man wearing a tuxedo with a flower boutonniere, standing outdoors under a tree, looking to his left.
A person walking along a garden path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery.
Bride and groom outdoors on their wedding day with lush greenery and trees in the background, bride holding a bouquet and groom standing in front.
Bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling at groom in a black tuxedo with a white boutonniere, outdoors in the garden setting St Kilda Botanical Gardens.
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A bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers looking at a groom in a tuxedo on a pathway surrounded by trees.
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Bride and groom in wedding attire standing outdoors, the bride smiling and holding a bouquet of cream and blush flowers, wearing a lace wedding dress with flowing hair, and the groom in a dark tuxedo with a white boutonniere.
A bride and groom standing outdoors on their wedding day, surrounded by lush greenery. The bride is in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers, and the groom is in a black tuxedo with a white boutonniere.
A smiling bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of roses and pampas grass, standing next to a groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere, outdoors with trees in the background.
Close-up of a bride holding a bouquet of white and blush roses and dried pampas grass, standing beside a groom in a black tuxedo.
A groom in a tuxedo with a boutonniere laughs while looking at a bride, who has long, wavy hair and is holding a bouquet, outdoors surrounded by green trees and plants at St Kilda Botanical Gardens.
A wedding party of eight people standing outdoors among trees with sunlight shining through the leaves. The bride is in a white gown holding a bouquet, surrounded by four bridesmaids in light dresses, and four groomsmen in black tuxedos with white sh
Wedding party with bridesmaids in lavender dresses holding bouquets and groomsmen in black suits with bow ties, standing outdoors with trees in the background.
A wedding party walking outdoors, consisting of four bridesmaids in lavender dresses holding bouquets, a bride in a white wedding gown, and four groomsmen in black tuxedos with bow ties, under green trees.
Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands at a wedding, focusing on the bride's lace wedding dress with a deep neckline and the groom dressed in a black tuxedo with a boutonniere.
A newlywed couple walking outdoors amid greenery, with bridesmaids and groomsmen in the background, celebrating their wedding.
A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire holding hands outdoors, with other guests in the background.
A bride and groom hold hands as they walk outdoors, surrounded by trees and sunshine, during a wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom holding hands, walking on a shaded pathway surrounded by greenery. The bride is smiling at the camera, wearing a white wedding gown, and the groom is dressed in a black suit.
A bride and groom share a tender moment outdoors, with their eyes closed and heads touching, dressed in wedding attire. The bride has long wavy hair and wears a white lace wedding gown. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a white boutonnière, black b
A bride in a white wedding gown and a groom in a black suit holding hands walking in an empty urban parking lot with a city skyline of tall modern buildings in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a city rooftop parking structure with tall office buildings in the background, sunny sky, and lens flare.
A happy couple, dressed in wedding attire, sharing an embrace on a city rooftop with tall buildings in the background.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, standing in an outdoor parking lot with urban buildings in the background.
Bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet in a parking lot
Storefront signs for 'ALTO', 'Absolutely Altered & Tailored', and 'LARSEN JEWELLERY' on a concrete wall inside a modern building with wooden slats and an exposed ceiling.
A decorative floral arrangement with a circular black frame, roses, pampas grass, and other flowers, set on a balcony with city buildings in the background on the balcony of Alto Event Space.
A floral arrangement with white and pale pink roses, baby’s breath, eucalyptus, and fluffy pampas grass on a black surface indoors.
Wedding place setting with a menu, drinks menu, and place cards for Francess and Nathan. Silverware on each side of the white tablecloth.
Packaging box with the text 'KOKO BLACK' and a gold metallic triangle design.
A two-tier white wedding cake with a large light pink flower and gold accents, placed on a black table near a window with sheer curtains.
Elegant banquet table set with glassware, plates, cutlery, and a table number sign, in a bright, modern venue with large windows.
Long dining table set with white tablecloth, floral centerpieces, glassware, and cutlery in a bright, modern event space with large windows and high ceilings at Alto Event Space.
Two men in tuxedos with bow ties and boutonnières standing outdoors during a wedding ceremony, with a modern glass building in the background.
Bride in a white gown walking into a reception with her mother, guests watching, sunlight streaming through windows, and rainbow light reflections on the floor and walls.
A wedding ceremony happening outdoors on a rooftop with tall buildings in the background. The bride and groom stand facing each other, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, with guests seated and watching, some applauding and smiling.
A bride and groom exchanging wedding rings indoors near a floral arch with pink and white flowers, sunlight coming through a window.
A woman in a white wedding dress smiles during her wedding ceremony as a man in a black suit reads vows, with bridesmaids holding bouquets nearby and a floral arch in the background.
A bride is crying happily as she receives her wedding vows from her groom in a sunlit room decorated with a large floral arrangement.
A wedding ceremony on the balcony of Alto Event Space with a bride and groom kissing under a floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen in formal attire, with sunlight streaming in.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom sharing a kiss, standing in front of a large floral arrangement with white flowers and pampas grass, inside a modern venue with large windows in the background.
A bride and groom kiss during their wedding reception, with guests in the background in a bright, modern venue.
People gathered indoors during a wedding ceremony, with one woman opening a gift, while others look on. The scene is well-lit with natural light, and some individuals wear formal attire, including a man in a tuxedo and women in elegant dresses.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing closely, holding hands, in an indoor reception area.
Group of bridesmaids and groomsmen standing together during a wedding, meeting a bride in her wedding dress indoors, black and white photo.
A bride in a white wedding dress dancing with two young girls in dresses at a wedding reception inside a venue with large windows and city buildings outside.
A newlywed couple holding hands and walking in the city during sunset, with a man in a tuxedo smiling at the camera and a woman in a white wedding dress smiling, both with soft sunlight glow.
A couple holding hands, with the woman in a wedding dress and the man in a tuxedo, standing on a bridge at sunset.
A newlywed couple in wedding attire standing on a Melbourne city street, sharing a romantic moment with the groom kissing the bride on the cheek, both smiling happily.
A woman in a wedding dress smiling and laughing in the middle of a city street during daytime, with sunlight shining behind her.
Bride and groom standing together outside a decorated arch, dressed in wedding attire—she in a white gown and him in a black tuxedo with bow tie, at a wedding venue.
A man in a black suit lifting a woman in a white wedding dress in the middle of a city street at sunset.
A bride and groom embracing on a city street, with the bride's white wedding dress flowing and the groom in a black suit, surrounded by shops and pedestrians.
A woman giving a speech, holding a microphone and reading from a paper, standing next to a smiling man in a tuxedo, at a wedding reception with seated guests and a large bright window in the background.
People at a formal gathering enjoying food and drinks, with window views of city buildings in the background.
Two women hug at a wedding reception, with the bride in a white wedding gown and the other woman in a pink dress, in a decorated indoor setting with seated guests and large windows.
Decorative floral arrangement with pink and white flowers and pampas grass on a black circular stand on a balcony with city buildings in the background.
Black and white photo of people socializing at a bar or reception area inside a modern building with large windows and city skyline in the background.
People in black suits toasting with glasses of champagne at a formal gathering.
Arrangement of white and blush roses, white fern leaves, baby's breath, and pampas grass on dark speckled floor near window with cityscape background.
People dining inside a restaurant with large glass windows showing a cityscape of modern high-rise buildings.
A banquet hall filled with guests seated at long tables decorated with candles and floral centerpieces during an evening event.
People gathered around a banquet table at a formal event or celebration in a modern venue with large window walls, hanging lights, and floral arrangements.
Nighttime cityscape featuring historic building with arched windows, modern glass building reflecting light, and city skyscrapers in the distance.
Nighttime street view with an H&M store on a modern building in black and white.
Group of friends in formal attire dancing and socializing at a party, some holding drinks, with a bar in the background.
A newlywed couple kissing in the center while friends and family surround them, holding sparklers at a wedding celebration.
A bride and groom smiling as they celebrate with friends and family holding sparklers during a wedding reception.
A small altar with a ceramic figurine of a woman in a flowing dress, surrounded by lit candles, incense sticks, and a plate of fruit, set against a background of Asian calligraphy scrolls and framed artwork.
A groom in a black tuxedo with a white boutonniere and a bride with long wavy hair in a white lace wedding dress standing face to face during their wedding ceremony surrounded by soft pink and white flowers.
A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a black tuxedo reading vows or a speech during their wedding reception at The Alto Event Space.
Modern white apartment buildings with large black-framed windows and outdoor terraces, under a clear blue sky.
A white boutonniere with a white rose and dried floral accents, placed on a folded white napkin. The napkin and boutonniere are on a gold-colored table, with a black bow tie and a black suspenders laid out around them.
Three men in white dress shirts and black bow ties preparing for a formal event in a living room, with one smiling and the others adjusting their bow ties.
A man in formal attire is sitting and tying the laces of his black leather dress shoes on a dark textured carpet.
A man in a tuxedo stands with a serious expression while three other men, also in tuxedos, adjust his jacket and watch him in a room preparing for an event.
Four men dressed in black tuxedos with bow ties, standing together in a living room, looking at the camera. They are part of a formal event, such as a wedding or celebration.
A wedding dress with lace detailing on the bodice hanging on a white hanger against a white wall.
Pair of beige Valentino high-heeled shoes with studded straps on a white tulle fabric background.
Five women in satin robes smiling and toasting glasses of champagne or wine during a celebration or wedding prep.
A woman is sticking photos and magnets on a black Samsung refrigerator in a kitchen.
A smiling woman adjusting her earrings, wearing a white dress, standing near a window with white curtains.
A woman in a wedding dress putting on beige high-heeled shoes with studded straps.
A smiling bride in a wedding dress is putting on elegant, studded high heels.
Close-up of a person wearing a white dress with lace detail and a silver bracelet on their wrist.
A bride wearing a white wedding dress with lace details and sheer sleeves, smiling and standing in a bedroom with a bed in the background.
A bride in a white wedding gown smiling as she is surrounded by her bridesmaids in lavender dresses, helping her prepare for the wedding.
A bride in a wedding dress holds hands with her bridesmaids who are helping her with her dress.
Bride in a white wedding dress with a long tulle train, smiling as she is helped by her bridesmaids dressed in light purple gowns.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of light pink and white roses with pampas grass, smiling with her eyes closed.
Bridal party holding bouquets with pale pink and white roses, dried pampas grass, and white flowers, wearing pastel blue dresses and a white wedding gown.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, covering her mouth and laughing.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride holding a bouquet of flowers, standing on a carpeted staircase in a wedding dress.
A woman in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of roses and pampas grass, standing on black carpeted stairs against a white wall.
A person in a black suit pouring tea into small cups on a tray with apple slices, a bowl of apples and kumquats, and a plate of mooncakes, with a woman in a red dress standing nearby.
A young woman in a red dress leans over and smiles while giving a gift to an elderly woman seated in a chair, who is smiling and holding a cup.