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.

A newlywed couple stands together outdoors on a sunny day. The bride is wearing a white wedding gown and holding a bouquet of flowers, and the groom is in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere. They are smiling in front of lush green trees.

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.

A bride in a white wedding dress with a long, flowing veil standing in a room, surrounded by three women in matching lavender bridesmaid dresses, getting ready for the wedding.
Four men dressed in black tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties, standing indoors in a living room, smiling at the camera at a formal event or wedding.

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.

A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling, standing behind a groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, outdoors under trees with sunlight filtering through.
A bride and groom standing outdoors, smiling and looking at a bouquet of flowers. The bride is leaning forward, and the groom is standing behind her, smiling. They are surrounded by trees and greenery.
A wedding party of eight people, four women and four men, standing outdoors on a pathway, surrounded by greenery. The women are in light-colored dresses, and the men are in black tuxedos with white shirts and bow ties. They are smiling and holding bouquets of flowers.
A happy couple, a man and a woman, standing on a rooftop in an urban area, wrapped in a sheer fabric, both smiling and sharing an intimate moment.

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.

A bride with long wavy hair wearing a white lace wedding dress is holding a tissue to her face, smiling through tears during her wedding vow exchange. A groom in a black suit is holding a paper, reading vows. Bridesmaids with bouquets of flowers stand nearby, wrapped in pale dresses, in a room with large windows and floral arrangements.
A bride and groom share a first kiss at their wedding reception, with sunlight streaming through large windows in the background.
A wedding ceremony on a rooftop terrace with the bride and groom standing in front of an officiant, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. The scene is bright and modern with city buildings in the background.

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

People in formal attire enjoying drinks and toasting at a social gathering.

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 bride and groom celebrating with their wedding guests, holding sparklers and smiling at a party called Parker Cell Concierege.