Nora & Martin’s Carousel Albert Park Wedding – Tea Ceremony & Lakeside Celebration

As a wedding photographer in Melbourne, I’ve seen many beautiful celebrations, yet Nora and Martin’s Carousel Albert Park wedding stands out as truly special. It took place on a warm summer day and was a breathtaking blend of cultural tradition and modern romance set against Melbourne’s most iconic backdrops. The day started with a heartfelt Chinese tea ceremony honoring their elders—a quiet, intimate ritual filled with family warmth. Later, in the lush oasis of St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Nora and Martin shared an emotional first look that felt straight out of a fairy tale, their joy shining amid the greenery. The magic continued at Carousel, an elegant Albert Park wedding venue by the lake. Their sunlit ceremony was as picturesque as could be, made extra special by their beloved golden retriever, Teddy, proudly trotting down the aisle as ring bearer. By the time golden-hour light streamed in for their first dance, I was in awe. It was pure magic—panoramic lake views, twinkling lights, and an absolutely packed, energetic dance floor. Every detail of this intimate city wedding felt candid, heartfelt, and timeless.

A happy couple dressed in wedding attire with a golden retriever in a tuxedo. The bride holds a white bouquet, and they are outdoors with a cityscape in the background.

Morning Traditions: The Chinese Tea Ceremony

A group of eight people dressed in traditional Chinese clothing celebrating outdoors, with one woman holding a bouquet of red roses above her head, and various joyful poses and expressions.

Nora and Martin’s day began with a heartfelt nod to heritage — a traditional Chinese tea ceremony held at their family homes. Dressed in rich red attire, they knelt before elders, offering tea in exchange for blessings and red envelopes. These intimate moments were filled with emotion: proud parents, quiet tears, laughter, and cultural rituals passed down with love. It was beautiful to witness and document something so meaningful — a powerful reminder that weddings aren’t just about two people, but the families that shape them. The tea ceremony laid the foundation for a day that blended tradition with modern joy.

A smiling couple in traditional red Chinese wedding attire, sitting together against a red background with a gold double happiness symbol, celebrating Chinese wedding customs.
A couple dressed in traditional Chinese red wedding attire, smiling and holding hands outside a house. The woman is holding a bouquet of red flowers, and another person is partially visible in the background.

Getting Ready at Southbank

Four women in pink and white pajamas hugging and smiling in front of an abstract blue and white painting.

After honouring their families, Nora and Martin shifted into wedding mode. The Southbank Airbnb filled with laughter, the scent of hairspray, and the rustle of champagne robes. Nora’s glam squad (makeupjane_ and hairbyjc) worked magic while her bridesmaids hyped her up. Martin, not far away, suited up with his groomsmen — whisky in hand and bow ties slightly askew. A sweet note exchange between the couple had them both teary-eyed. These calm, playful hours before the ceremony gave me space to capture genuine emotion, editorial portraits, and the quiet excitement that comes just before you say "I do."

A bride in a wedding dress with a long lace train is surrounded by four bridesmaids helping her while standing near a large window in a hotel room.
Four men in white shirts and black pants are in a high-rise apartment, helping one to adjust his black bow tie as they prepare for a formal event.

First Look at St Kilda Botanical Gardens

A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire smiling and looking at each other outdoors amidst lush green foliage.
Group of eight people dressed in wedding attire outdoors, with trees in the background.

Their first look took place beneath the tall trees of St Kilda Botanical Gardens — a private moment before the crowd. Martin stood waiting, back turned, nerves quietly simmering. Nora approached softly, and when he turned… everything changed. His face lit up, hers softened, and they melted into laughter and quiet awe. The garden wrapped around them like a storybook. I stood back, capturing each glance and smile from afar. These candid portraits weren’t posed — they were lived. Their first look gave them space to breathe before the ceremony, and the images reflect that honesty perfectly.

Ceremony at Carousel Albert Park

A bride and groom join friends for a celebration on a waterfront dock with a floral arch and a dog dressed in a tuxedo, during a sunny day.

Carousel is a Melbourne wedding icon for a reason — perched beside Albert Park Lake, with city views and open skies, it was the perfect setting for Nora and Martin’s ceremony. The florals were soft and modern, the lake shimmered, and Teddy the golden retriever trotted down the aisle in a tux as ring bearer (crowd favourite, obviously). Their vows were emotional, funny, and full of promise — a seamless blend of tradition and personality. The sun hit just right as they kissed and were pronounced husband and wife. Their Carousel Albert Park wedding felt timeless, grounded, and uniquely theirs.

Indoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows in front of a decorated arch, overlooking a city skyline and body of water, with guests seated in silhouette.
A smiling bride and groom walking outdoors on their wedding day, with trees and a parking lot in the background.

Golden Hour Portraits by the Lake

Just after the ceremony, we slipped away. No one around, just the lake, the light, and two newlyweds floating on a cloud. The sunset spilled over Albert Park Lake, casting everything in gold. Nora’s veil caught the breeze. Martin’s hand never left hers. These golden hour portraits are some of my favourites — warm, intimate, and full of that just-married energy. We walked, laughed, hugged the dog. No pressure, just moments unfolding. As a Melbourne wedding photographer, you dream of light like this. But it’s the connection between them that made it magic — the kind you can’t pose.

A young man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, white shirt, and boutonniere stands outdoors with his hands in his pockets, smiling confidently at Melbourne wedding venue.
A woman in a white wedding gown standing outdoors, smiling, with plants and a modern building in the background.

Reception at Carousel

Inside Carousel, the night began with candlelight, long tables, and city lights glowing through the windows. The decor was chic, understated, and full of intention — just like Nora and Martin. Speeches brought tears and belly laughs, and the first dance beneath the twinkling ceiling lights made time slow down. Their guests leaned in, glasses raised, and stories were told that stitched together years of friendship and love. The space buzzed with warmth. As the room filled with the scent of dinner from Silks Catering, I captured not just what it looked like — but what it felt like to be there.

Dance Floor Antics

Then came the chaos — the joyful kind. DJ Davy Wong knew exactly what he was doing. The floor filled fast and stayed that way. Nora barefoot, bridesmaids spinning, Martin mid-air (IYKYK). Grandma even got involved — arm in arm with Nora during a slow jam. The photobooth was packed. Someone started a conga line. It was sweaty, loud, and absolutely perfect. No one held back — and why would they? It wasn’t about the moves, it was about the moment. And that moment? It was electric. Their dance floor told a love story louder than any speech.

People dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception with a host and bride on a dance floor, under a large sparkling chandelier at Carousel wedding venue.
Group of men dressed in white shirts and black accessories, gathered closely together, making funny faces, with one holding a green bottle, celebrating at a party.
Four women in dresses dancing and having fun at a party, with other guests in the background at Carousel Reception hall.
Group of people dancing and celebrating at a party, some holding colorful glow sticks.

Final Reflections

Some weddings stay with you — not for the styling or the skyline (though both were stunning), but for the feeling. Nora and Martin’s Carousel wedding wasn’t just editorial, or fun, or beautifully planned. It was honest. Full of culture, softness, laughter, family, and a wildly good time. From tea ceremonies to sunset portraits and one hell of a party, it reflected everything they are. As a photographer, it’s a gift to witness something so real — to press the shutter right as a tear falls or a joke lands. Nora and Martin, thank you for the trust and the joy. This one’s a forever favourite.

A woman laughing joyfully while sitting on a man's shoulders outdoors at night. The man is walking on a paved path, dressed in black pants and a white shirt, holding the woman's legs for support. The scene appears happy and celebratory.

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