Groom twirls bride playfully by the lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens at golden hour, captured in a black-and-white editorial wedding portrait.

The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding
with Rebecca & Alex

As seen on Ivory Tribe

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

Map showing Lori and the Lake, with notable locations including William Tell Rest House, Taxodium Lawn, Punting on the Lake, The Terrace, and a rare and threatened species area.
People relaxing by a lake in a park with lush trees and a tall palm tree, with city buildings in the background.

Getting Ready: Love and Nerves in
Two Beautiful Spaces

Bride and bridesmaids in pastel satin pyjamas sitting on timber stairs, smiling and holding champagne glasses during relaxed wedding morning preparations at home.

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.

Groom and groomsmen in black tie on The Langham rooftop, with Melbourne city skyline in the background – pre-wedding portrait by Melbourne wedding photographer Sean Tak.

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.

Bride and groom holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, framed by vibrant floral arrangements and soft natural light.
Bride and groom laughing while showing off their rings just after signing their marriage certificate at The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Bride and groom smiling at each other during their wedding ceremony outside at The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

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.

Newly married couple walking hand in hand with their bridal party in black tie outside The Terrace venue in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.
Bride and groom walking across the lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens, smiling at each other in soft golden evening light during their candid garden wedding.
Groom lifts and spins bride joyfully during golden hour portraits by the lake at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding in Melbourne.
Bride kissing groom’s cheek as they sit on a garden bench at dusk holding a bouquet of calla lilies at their Royal Botanic Gardens wedding.

The Terrace Reception: Dancing Under City Stars

Close-up of candlelit wedding reception table decorated with bold, colourful florals and glassware at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

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.

Bride laughing as she runs through a tunnel of guests' raised arms during a fun reception moment at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding in Melbourne.

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

Flat lay of wedding items including white high heels, pearl earrings, a gold wedding ring, a floral bouquet, a perfume bottle, and a wedding invitation featuring a couple illustration.
Three women in pajamas sitting on wooden stairs, holding champagne glasses, smiling, and engaging in conversation.
Two women in formal attire, one in a wedding dress and the other in a black dress, smiling and holding hands indoors.
Bride in white wedding dress and veil, smiling and holding a bouquet of white flowers in a room with wooden floors.
Close-up of wedding invitation with illustration, pearl earrings, white shoe, and perfume bottle.
White high heels and bouquet on chair with tulle fabric, hardwood floor and curtains
Two women laughing together, one in a white dress and the other in a black dress, standing inside a room with light curtains.
Bride smiling with her parents, mother in a blue dress and father in a black suit, holding flowers.
Blurred wedding invitation with an illustration, surrounded by white flowers, a ring, pearl earrings, and a high heel shoe. The invitation reads "Rebecca and Alexander."
Two women hugging, one in a white wedding dress and veil, the other in a black dress, both holding bouquets of calla lilies.
Bride in white dress holding flowers with bridesmaids in black dresses, each holding white floral bouquets.
Two women smiling; one in a black dress, the other in a white bridal gown holding a bouquet of white flowers.
Modern skyscrapers against a clear blue sky with wispy clouds.
A woman in a blue dress adjusts a man's bow tie in an elegantly furnished room.
Man in white tuxedo with black bow tie standing in a room with patterned carpet and framed artwork on the wall.
Interior of a room with a white blazer and black bow tie hanging on a stand beside a floor lamp and a sofa.
Two men in formal attire at a celebration, one wearing a white suit jacket holding a drink, and the other in a white shirt sipping from a glass with a straw.
Collection of men's accessories including a black bow tie, cologne, two rings, cufflinks on a Montblanc cloth, and a red carnation, arranged on a textured surface.
Four men in formal suits, three in black tuxedos and one in a white tuxedo, walking on a rooftop with a city skyline in the background.
Man in white suit adjusting cufflinks on a white shirt sleeve
Four men wearing formal suits in a room, three in black suits and one in a white suit jacket, posing and smiling.
Four men in formal suits, three in black tuxedos with bow ties and one in a white tuxedo jacket, standing in a room with curtains.
Smiling man in a white dress shirt playfully posing with fists up in a living room setting.
Group of men in formal wear walking down a hallway, one smiling at the camera, black and white photo.
Four men in formal attire, one wearing a white jacket and others in black suits, walking down a carpeted Langham Hotel hallway.
Four men in formal attire, one in a white tuxedo, three in black, standing on a rooftop with Melbourne city skyline in the background.
A bride in a white dress is stepping out of a car with assistance from a woman in a black dress. The scene takes place outdoors with greenery in the background.
Bride in white dress walking down the aisle with father in a black suit at a wedding ceremony at The Terrace, surrounded by guests and floral decorations.
A bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by vibrant flower arrangements outdoors.
A bride and groom embracing during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with the bride wearing a long veil and floral arrangements nearby.
Groom in white tuxedo standing outdoors with flower arrangements and palm trees in background.
A groom in a suit hugging an older man at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom standing outdoors, holding hands. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and veil, while the groom is in a white suit with a black bow tie. They are surrounded by greenery and colorful floral arrangements.
Bride and groom in an outdoor wedding ceremony, with two bridesmaids holding bouquets, all under a large tree with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Happy bride and groom showing rings at wedding with greenery background.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss at a wedding reception table adorned with colorful flowers and greenery, set in an outdoor garden setting.
A joyful couple dressed in wedding attire, with the bride holding a bouquet, walking hand in hand outdoors.
Smiling man in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie, standing outdoors.
Bride and groom holding hands outdoors during wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors, bride in white dress and veil, holding hands with groom in white suit, surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Bride and groom smiling during wedding ceremony outdoors with floral decorations.
A couple in wedding attire embracing outdoors with floral arrangements nearby and a scenic background of trees and a lake.
A couple holding hands in wedding attire, with the focus on their clasped hands. The man is wearing a white suit jacket, while the woman is wearing a white dress.
Bride and groom holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by colorful flower arrangements, with seated guests in the foreground.
A bride and groom in formal wedding attire standing outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The bride is in a white wedding dress with a veil, and the groom is wearing a white tuxedo with a black bow tie and a red boutonniere.
A bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony with an officiant present.
Bride and groom in white attire smiling during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Wedding party celebrating with bride and groom kissing, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen in formal attire, holding bouquets, outdoors with trees in the background.
Bride and groom with wedding party in formal attire.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand, bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, groom in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants.
Smiling couple in wedding attire, close-up of faces, with the groom wearing a white suit and red boutonniere.
A couple in wedding attire smiling at each other outdoors, the woman in a white dress and the man in a white tuxedo with a red boutonniere.
Bride and groom smiling at each other, wearing formal wedding attire.
A black and white photo of a couple in formal attire, close together and smiling, about to kiss. The woman wears a strapless dress, and the man is in a suit with a bow tie.
Bride and groom smiling and holding hands outdoors.
A bride and groom walking hand in hand on a lawn, surrounded by greenery. The bride is in a white strapless gown and the groom is in a white jacket and black pants. The bride is looking back and smiling.
Bride and groom smiling in a garden, groom holding bride in his arms, bride wearing white dress and heels, groom in formal suit with boutonniere, surrounded by greenery.
Bride and groom posing outdoors in formal wedding attire, bride holding a bouquet of white flowers, groom wearing a white tuxedo jacket with black pants, green hedge background.
Bride holding white calla lily bouquet, wearing a white dress, and standing next to a person in a white suit.
Floral arrangement on white tablecloth with orange, yellow, and purple flowers, surrounded by greenery. Outdoor setting with garden background.
Elegant table setting with colorful floral centerpiece, two forks, two knives, a wine glass, a water glass, and menu cards on a white tablecloth.
A bride and groom posing on a lawn, with the bride in a white gown holding a bouquet, and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket with a red boutonniere and black pants.
Wedding party with bride and groom in formal attire, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen in black outfits, holding drinks and flowers, standing outside The Terrace wedding venue.
A groom in a white suit jacket lifts a bride in a white wedding dress on a grassy area with trees in the background.
Bride and groom posing with bridesmaids and groomsmen, all dressed in formal attire and holding drinks, likely at a wedding celebration outdoors.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding flowers, standing outside with two bridesmaids in black dresses assisting her. Tropical plants and a sign are visible in the background.
Three women in elegant dresses, one in a white gown holding flowers, stand together smiling outdoors with palm trees in the background.
Three women posing outdoors; one in a white wedding dress and two in black dresses, each holding bouquets of white flowers, with greenery in the background.
Bride and groom walking down steps at an outdoor wedding with guests in the background, surrounded by greenery.
Man in a suit lifting a woman in a white dress outdoors
A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet, standing with a groom in a tuxedo with a red boutonniere against a background of greenery.
Bride and groom kissing near a white wedding cake on a table with gold utensils and a flower bouquet, indoors.
A bride and groom walking on grass, both dressed in formal attire. The bride is wearing a white dress with a slit and white shoes. The groom is wearing a white tuxedo jacket and black pants.
Map showing Taxodium Lawn, The Terrace, and Punting on the Lake with icons for restrooms, wheelchair accessibility, and baby changing facilities.
Assorted colorful flowers in glass vases placed on a stone surface with white chairs in the background.
A group of people dressed in formal attire in front of The Terrace, with two women in black dresses and a bride in a white gown in the center. They pose near a building, holding drinks and flowers, with some seated on chairs.
Two-tiered white wedding cake on a stand with two champagne glasses and cake serving utensils on a marble table.
Green wedding welcome sign for Alex and Rebecca, dated January 26, 2025, on an easel with plants in the background.
People sitting by a pond surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a large palm tree in the foreground and city buildings visible in the distance.
Wedding party posing outdoors with trees in the background; includes three women in black dresses holding flowers and four men in suits, one in a white jacket.
A smiling couple in formal attire at a wedding. The woman is in a white dress holding flowers, and the man is in a white tuxedo jacket with a red boutonniere, holding a drink.
A couple dressed in formal white attire, drinking from champagne glasses, possibly at a wedding.
A bride and groom smiling and dancing at a wedding reception, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
Bride and groom dancing at wedding reception with guests observing.
Bride and groom holding hands on a wooden path surrounded by greenery, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a white jacket.
Bride and groom celebrating outdoors in a park, wearing wedding attire, with trees and a pond in the background.
A bride and groom joyfully dancing and embracing on a grassy field with a pond in the background.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing outdoors, wearing formal clothes, with a nature background.
Bride and groom in white attire standing on grass, holding a bouquet of white flowers, with a background of trees and a pond.
A happy couple in formal attire, with greenery in the background.
Black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire, with hands gently clasped showing an engagement ring.
A happy couple embracing, wearing formal white clothing, outdoors.
Man in a white tuxedo with a red boutonniere smiling outdoors
Smiling woman in white dress outdoors on a grassy area.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing, with the woman smiling at the camera. They appear to be in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Woman in white dress standing on grass with trees in background.
A smiling woman in a white dress stands outdoors on a lawn, with trees in the background.
A couple in wedding attire poses outdoors, with a groom in a white tuxedo holding a bouquet and the bride in a white dress, embracing him. They are standing on grass with trees in the background.
A happy couple in formal attire dancing outdoors on a grassy area.
A tall palm tree in a park with a person sitting on a bench in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery and a pond.
A couple in formal attire sitting on a park bench, smiling at each other. The man is wearing a white tuxedo with a black bow tie, and the woman is in a strapless white dress. They are in a green park setting with trees and foliage in the background.
Dimly lit dinner event with guests seated at a long, elegantly set table adorned with colorful flowers and candles.
Dimly lit event table with flowers, glasses, and candles.
A man in a white tuxedo seated at a table with two women, surrounded by colorful flowers, listens to a speech given by a blurred figure in the foreground.
A couple sitting at a decorated wedding reception table, both covering their faces with laughter. The table has floral arrangements, lit candles, and dinnerware. Guests are seen in the background.
Man in white tuxedo holding a microphone and speaking at a podium.
Smiling woman at a dining table with wine glasses and food in a well-lit room.
Woman in a black dress smiling at a dinner table with glasses and plates.
A woman in a white dress sitting at a table, wiping tears from her eyes, during an indoor event, with blurred background.
A wedding reception scene featuring a groom in a white suit giving a speech. Guests are seated at a long, decorated table with flowers. People are smiling and enjoying the event indoors.
A woman in a white dress embracing an older man in a black suit indoors, likely at an event or ceremony with tables in the background.
Couple in formal attire dancing and embracing at a wedding reception with other guests dancing in the background.
A bride and groom in formal attire are happily eating burgers together at a wedding reception.
A man in a white tuxedo with a red boutonniere holding a microphone at a podium, speaking at an event.
A couple dancing at a wedding, with the woman in a white gown and the man in a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie and pants. They are smiling and holding hands under a modern architectural structure with a clear roof.
Bride and groom embracing in outdoor setting, smiling and holding hands in a garden.
A bride in a white gown holding a pair of white high-heeled shoes.
Bride and groom in wedding attire, groom holding white anthurium flowers.
A couple in formal attire standing on grass, with the woman in a white dress and the man in a white tuxedo jacket holding a bouquet.
A joyful bride and groom running hand in hand on a grassy field, the bride in a white strapless dress and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket with a red boutonnière, holding a bouquet of white flowers. Trees are in the background.
A couple in formal attire embracing outdoors on grass, with bride laughing while being lifted by a groom in a white suit jacket. Trees and a water body are visible in the background.
A couple sitting on a bench outdoors in formal attire, with the woman holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A couple in wedding attire sitting on a bench, with the groom in a white tuxedo and the bride in a strapless white dress holding a bouquet of white calla lilies, posing happily together in a garden setting.
Group of women posing at an outdoor evening event, dressed in colorful dresses, with one woman wearing a white gown holding flowers.
A man and woman dancing energetically at an indoor event, with the man wearing sunglasses and a tie, and the woman in a yellow dress. Other people in the background.
Group of well-dressed men posing together at a nighttime event, holding drinks and smiling.
Two men in formal attire smiling and holding cigars at a social event.
A well-dressed couple at a formal event, with the man wearing a beige suit and tie, and the woman in a gold satin dress. They are smiling with a wine glass on the table and floral decorations in the background.
People in formal attire dancing and hugging at a party or wedding reception.
Group of four men in tuxedos celebrating, two holding drinks, indoors.
A joyful couple at a party, with the woman hugging the man from behind. They are smiling, and the room has tables with flowers and candles.
Three people at a party, one woman in a green dress and two men, one in a suit and the other in a black shirt. The woman is holding a piece of paper.
Outdoor evening event with a lit up building, people silhouette, and surrounding trees.
White calla lilies bouquet on a table with rose petals, candles, and a glass of champagne.
Group of people dancing at a lively indoor event, wearing formal attire.
A group of people dancing at a wedding reception, featuring a bride in a white dress, a groom in a white suit, and guests in formal attire, enjoying the celebration indoors with a lively atmosphere.
Group of people celebrating indoors, a man in a white suit is lifted by friends.
A joyous wedding celebration with a bride and groom being lifted on guests' shoulders, surrounded by smiling friends and family taking photos.
Bride smiling and running through a tunnel of guests with raised arms at a wedding reception.
A joyful man in a white suit surrounded by people having fun at a party.
A wedding bouquet of calla lilies next to a glass of champagne and several instant photo prints showing wedding images on a white tablecloth. Red plastic cups and a colorful flower arrangement in the background.
Couple in wedding attire dancing at a celebration, surrounded by guests in formal wear, dimly lit indoor venue.