Tucked beneath the leafy canopy of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, The Terrace played host to one of the most joy-filled weddings I’ve had the pleasure of capturing. Rebecca and Alex’s day wasn’t about spectacle—it was about feeling. From the calm of getting ready (him at The Langham, her in her family home) to a garden ceremony full of personality, every moment felt personal, candid, and wildly them.
As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to couples who lean into real connection over perfection. This The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding had exactly that—heartfelt vows, spontaneous dancing, and those cheeky little smiles that say I can’t believe we get to do this. Here’s how it all unfolded.
A Romantic Garden Wedding in the Heart of Melbourne
Getting Ready: Love and Nerves in
Two Beautiful Spaces
Rebecca began her day at her family home—a space filled with sunlight, keepsakes, and women who knew her best. There was a calm softness to it: a few teary hugs, handwritten vows on creamy stationery (Sea and Paper), and a champagne toast that came with the first pop of nerves.
Hair by KX Hair Design and makeup by VVN_Makeup gave Rebecca that editorial glow—sleek, fresh, timeless. Slipping into her MAELLE dress felt like a transition into something quietly powerful. She looked like the muse of a classic film—but with a cheeky sparkle in her eye that promised fun ahead.
Meanwhile, Alex prepped just across the river at The Langham Hotel. With sweeping city views, plush interiors, and his best mates around him, the energy was relaxed, playful, a touch Bond-like. There were whisky glasses, bow ties being wrangled, and a few pep talks before slipping into his Farage tux. That moment when he stood by the Langham window, hands in pockets, soaking it all in—yeah, that’s the one.
Ceremony on the Lawns: Personal Vows Beneath the Trees
Set under the lush canopy of the Royal Botanic Gardens, their garden ceremony in Melbourne felt equal parts sacred and cheeky. Rebecca and Alex read their personal vows aloud—words that made their guests laugh through tears. With Megan Thompson as their celebrant, it was beautifully grounded. There was no fuss, just meaning.
The gardens offered the perfect backdrop—florals by Grown Florists danced in the breeze, and the sunlight glinted off the lake nearby. You could hear a few magpies in the distance and the faint rustle of eucalyptus leaves, nature playing soundtrack.
Portraits: Editorial Vibes and Candid Joy
We stole away post-ceremony to wander the gardens. Rebecca and Alex were absolute naturals. No forced posing, just connection. One moment they were lost in each other; the next they were twirling, laughing like no one was watching.
There’s a shot of them walking toward the skyline with palm fronds framing the scene—very city skyline views meets old-world romance. And when the sun dipped, casting a honeyed glow across the lake, they stood together, forehead to forehead, in their own little world.
The Terrace Reception: Dancing Under City Stars
Inside The Terrace, the space had transformed. Warm candlelight, fresh blooms, and ambient fairy lights wrapped the room in softness. The vibe was relaxed and a little luxe. Guests spilled out onto the deck between speeches, glasses of wine in hand, laughing beneath trees and stars.
Music by Married to the Groove set the tone—think vibey classics with just enough edge to get even the shyest uncles grooving. The cake by The Dessert Life was minimalist perfection: clean, textured, delicious.
And when Rebecca kicked off her heels and Alex spun her across the dance floor, it felt like watching a movie. Not posed. Not staged. Just them, completely in it.
Planning Your Own Terrace Wedding?
This day was a reminder that beautiful doesn’t need to mean stressful. With the right people around you and a venue like The Terrace, you get to slow down and actually feel your wedding day.
If you're planning an intimate city wedding at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, and want those in-between, soulful, unguarded moments captured with care—I'm your guy. Let’s make something honest and beautiful together.
Key Vendors Who Brought It All Together
Photographer - Sean Tak Photography (hello 👋)
Videographer - Momento Films
Venue - The Terrace Events
Dress - MAELLE
Suit - Farage
Hair stylist - KX Hair Design
Make-up Artist - VVN_Makeup
Celebrant - Megan Thompson
Florist - Grown Florists
Stationary - Sea and Paper
Cake Artist - The Dessert Life













































































































































