Lucy & Anton’s W Hotel Melbourne Wedding

A Morning of Laughter, Tea, and Tradition

Some wedding days start with quiet anticipation. Others? They kick off with energy, laughter, and a full house. Lucy and Anton’s wedding began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, complete with cheeky bridal games, heartfelt tea offerings to elders, and red envelopes flying.. Anton and his groomsmen had to earn their way through Lucy’s door — a mix of laughter, dares, and declarations of love that set the tone for the day ahead.

Getting Ready in the City

After the tea ceremony, we headed into Melbourne’s CBD. Lucy checked into the W Hotel bridal suite while Anton and the boys set up across the road in a city Airbnb.

The mood in both rooms was light and playful. Lucy’s gown hung by the window, surrounded by makeup brushes, florals, and a room full of energy. Her hair was styled in soft, side-swept waves — a little nod to Marilyn Monroe — classic and effortlessly cool.

Ceremony at Fitzroy Gardens

The ceremony took place under the Old Bandstand at Fitzroy Gardens on a sunny afternoon. The bandstand’s timber frame and the surrounding greenery made it feel like something out of a movie.

There were happy tears, warm vows, and so much joy. Guests gathered under the trees as Lucy walked down the lawn, and Anton couldn’t stop smiling.

Portraits Among the Trees

After the ceremony, we stayed in garden wedding portraits at Fitzroy Gardens. The plane-tree path gave us that golden light every photographer dreams of. We walked, laughed, and let the moments unfold — no stiff posing, just real connection between two people buzzing with post-ceremony joy.

Reception at the W Hotel Great Room

Back at W Melbourne’s Great Room, the vibe shifted to full celebration mode. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, moody lighting, and 150 guests from all over the world ready to party.

There were emotional speeches, a romantic first dance, and a packed dance floor. Every corner of the room buzzed with warmth and joy — the kind of reception that makes you forget what time it is.

Final Thoughts

Lucy and Anton’s wedding was big, bold, and full of feeling — blending cultural tradition with modern celebration. From bridal games in the morning to portraits in the gardens and a dance floor that didn’t quit, it was one of those weddings that reminds me why I love this job.

As a Melbourne wedding photographer, these are the days I live for — fast-moving, full-hearted, and completely unforgettable.

Close-up of a person wearing a white shirt, with a hand holding a gold necklace with a circular pendant and a small hammer charm, against the person's chest.
People celebrating at a wedding reception, with a woman in a white dress being lifted by men, while others dance under a large, elaborate chandelier.
Four women celebrating at a party with a neon sign that reads 'Happily Ever After', with one woman in a white dress and the others in matching nude-colored dresses.
Four women dancing and enjoying themselves at a celebration, with a backdrop featuring flowers and a neon sign that reads 'Happy Ever After'.
Group of five men dressed in black tuxedos with bow ties, standing outdoors in front of a stone building, smiling.
A man in a black tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie, and boutonniere stands confidently with hands in pockets in front of a stone building.
Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo with a bow tie, smiling and laughing, standing in front of a textured stone wall.
Wrapped gift with gold ribbon and script note reading 'Anton, my love.'
A groom in a black tuxedo sitting against a white wall, covering his face with one hand, holding a piece of paper in the other, with a white flower boutonniere on his lapel and a watch on his wrist.
Two women at a celebration, smiling and enjoying desserts, with a floral centerpiece and glasses of champagne on the table.
A group of people celebrating at a wedding reception, holding sparklers, with a bride and groom kissing in the center. The scene is festive and joyful, with everyone smiling outside The W Hotel courtyard.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding celebration with a bride and groom in the center, surrounded by guests holding sparklers and cheering, with a large illuminated 'W' sign in the background.
Five women in pajamas celebrating with champagne glasses, smiling and toasting indoors.
A group of five women in matching satin pajamas, three black and two white, are laughing and celebrating together in a cozy, dimly lit room.
Four women dressed in matching black and white pajamas, standing together indoors, smiling for the camera, wearing white slippers.
A bride in a white wedding dress is sitting on a gray bench, putting on pink high heels, in a modern hotel room of the W hotel.
Bride in a white off-shoulder wedding dress sitting on a bench, holding a paper, with blonde styled hair, pink high heels, and jewelry, in the W Hotel room suite.
Black and white photo of a woman in a wedding dress sitting on a bench, reading a letter, with a bed in the background.
A woman in a white dress sees a group of four smiling people, three women and one man, looking at her and expressing surprise and joy, in a modern indoor setting.
Two women with long blonde hair hugging, smiling, in a modern room with dark walls and a beige sofa.
A young man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and white shirt stands outdoors, smiling, with greenery and a floral wedding arch behind him at Carlton Gardens.
A groom in a tuxedo stands outdoors on a grassy area, smiling, with a large floral arrangement of red and pink flowers behind him. He appears happy and excited.
Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo standing outdoors with a floral arrangement behind him.
Three men in black tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties standing outdoors on a sunny day, with large green trees in the background, engaged in conversation and smiling.
Bride walking down the aisle with her father at an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, with trees and a decorative arch in the background.
A bride in a white wedding dress with pink heels walking down an outdoor aisle arm-in-arm with her dad in a black tuxedo, surrounded by friends and family in daylight with trees and a structure in the background at Fitzroy Gardens.
Bride walking down the aisle with a man, likely her father, at an outdoor wedding ceremony. She is holding a bouquet of flowers. Guests are seated in the background.
A bride in a white wedding dress hugging an older man outdoors at a wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids and guests watching.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne with a city skyline in the background. The bride and groom are standing under a floral arch, surrounded by guests on a grassy field.
Black and white photo of a couple exchanging wedding vows outdoors, with a floral arch and bridesmaids in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows under a white gazebo, surrounded by guests on a grassy lawn with trees in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with the bride and groom holding hands, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, with tall trees and Melbourne's city skyline in the background.
A groom in a black tuxedo holding a wedding vow book stands outdoors, smiling as a woman holds a microphone to him during a wedding ceremony in a park on a sunny day.
A bride and groom stand together at their outdoor wedding ceremony beneath a modern floral arch with red and pink flowers, in a lush green park with large trees in the background.
A bride in a white wedding gown is crying while bowing her head at an outdoor wedding ceremony, with groomsmen in black suits bowing in front of her. Guests are seated in the background on a sunny day.
A couple exchanging vows at a wedding ceremony outdoors in a park with a city skyline in the background, decorated with a floral arch and surrounded by bridesmaids.
A diverse group of five people celebrating a wedding outdoors, with the bride and groom in front holding a marriage certificate. The bride has blonde hair and is wearing a white dress, while the groom is in a black tuxedo with a bowtie. They are smil
Bride and groom kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony at Fitzroy Gardens with the Melbourne city skyline background, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests.
A bride and groom in wedding attire standing outdoors on grass, holding hands and smiling at the camera, with lush green tropical plants in the background.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands, with the groom kissing the bride's forehead. The bride is wearing an off-the-shoulder wedding dress and heels, and holding a bouquet of flowers. They are outdoors with lush trees in the backgr
Black and white photograph of a bride in a wedding gown smiling in a park, surrounded by bridesmaids holding the train of her dress.
A bridesmaid with blonde hair and a white wedding dress holds a bouquet of flowers, smiling, with another bride or bridesmaid in a pink dress holding the train of her dress in a lush outdoor setting of Fitzroy Gardens.
A bride in a white wedding dress standing and laughing, surrounded by three bridesmaids in matching blush pink dresses, outdoors with lush greenery and palm trees in the background.
A bride and four bridesmaids standing outdoors on grass with large green tropical leaves in the background, all smiling and holding bouquets.
A woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown with a high slit, pink shoes, and blonde hair, standing outdoors among lush green plants and palm trees.
A bride and groom holding hands outdoors, surrounded by lush trees and greenery on their wedding day.
A bride in a white wedding gown and a groom in a black tuxedo standing outdoors in a garden with lush green trees and grass, smiling at the camera.
Close-up of a couple holding hands during their wedding, featuring a woman with an engagement ring and a man in a suit, black and white photo.
Group of nine wedding attendees, including the bride and groom, standing outdoors on grass with tropical trees in the background, dressed in formal attire.
A wedding party of ten people standing outdoors on grass, with tall palm trees in the background. The bride is in a white gown with blonde hair, and the groom and groomsmen are in black tuxedos with bow ties. The bridesmaids are in beige dresses, hol
Group of wedding guests in formal attire posing outdoors in front of large trees, making playful gestures and smiling.
A bride and groom kissing outdoors during their wedding, with sunlight and trees in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a couple on their wedding day, smiling and leaning close to each other outdoors.
A bride in a white wedding gown surrounded by her groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, all smiling and laughing outdoors on a sunny day.
Bride and groom dancing outdoors on a sunny day in a park with trees and Melbourne city buildings in the background.
A bride and groom in wedding attire standing close together outdoors on a grassy area in Melbourne City with trees and city buildings in the background, sharing an intimate moment.
A couple in wedding attire sharing a kiss outdoors during sunset.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss outdoors at Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne city, with the groom dressed in a black tuxedo and the bride in a white wedding gown with blonde, styled hair.
Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands, with the bride's hand resting on the groom's chest, showing an engagement ring, during a wedding photo.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands outside, with trees in the background. The bride is in a formal gown, and the groom is in a tuxedo.
A woman in a white off-shoulder wedding dress with a long train standing on a grassy lawn near a jungle of tall trees and palm leaves.
A woman in a wedding dress walking outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.
A bride in a white wedding dress with an off-shoulder design and lace-up back, standing on a lush green lawn with trees in the background during daylight.
A woman in a long white wedding dress standing on a grassy lawn, with her back to the camera, holding the edges of her gown, and surrounded by trees and sunlight.
A bride and groom standing outdoors on a grassy area, holding hands. The bride is wearing a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress with a high slit, and pink high heels. The groom is dressed in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. They
A bride and groom stand outdoors on grass, with palm trees in the background. The bride has blonde hair styled in loose curls and is wearing a white off-the-shoulder wedding gown. The groom has black hair, is wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie, an
A groom in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie, standing outdoors among green plants and trees, looking to the side.
A bride and five groomsmen outside in a lush green garden. The bride is sitting in a white wedding gown, smiling, with the groomsmen surrounding her and striking playful poses.
A joyful bride with blonde hair in a white off-shoulder wedding dress surrounded by five groomed men in black tuxedos in an outdoor setting with greenery, celebrating and playing together.
Group of four women and one man dressed in formal attire outdoors among large green tropical plants, striking playful poses.
Colorful illuminated art mural with abstract floral and nature elements inside a dark building with reflections on glass panels at The W Hotel lobby.
View of modern glass and steel office buildings in a cityscape with trees at street level.
Elegant event venue with round table set for celebration, featuring black tablecloths, pink floral centerpiece, and place settings with wine glasses, napkins, and bread rolls. Large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding a glamorous touch
Elegant banquet table set with glassware, silverware, black napkins, and a tall floral centerpiece of red, pink, and white flowers in a modern metal stand.
A cake decorated to resemble a Christmas tree, made of stacked golden-brown caramel squares or croquembouche-style balls, topped with a small cone.
A beautifully set round dining table with black tablecloths, decorated with a tall floral centerpiece of red, pink, and white flowers. The table is arranged with wine glasses, plates, silverware, and small bread rolls with butter, in an elegant event
A formal table setting with silverware, wine glasses, and a black napkin. There is a decorative place card with an orange tassel, a red tag, and a name tag that says "Mykal."
Elegant dinner table setting with a black tablecloth, gold utensils, wine glasses, and a decorative plate with a red napkin tied around a personalized name card that says 'Patrick,' surrounded by small candles.
Wedding reception table decorated with red, pink, and white flowers, surrounded by candles in glass holders, with a neon sign reading 'Happily Ever After' and an arched floral backdrop.
A red table number card with the number 8 on it, surrounded by glass candles and wine glasses at an event or dinner table.
A bride with curly blonde hair wearing a shiny white dress is blindfolded and covering her eyes with one hand, in a clothing or fashion setting.
A pyramid of small, round desserts on a black marble pedestal at a decorated event with a large crystal chandelier overhead in a banquet hall.
Black and white photograph of a large event or wedding reception gathering in a modern, spacious banquet hall with high ceilings, large windows, a chandelier, and multiple seated guests around decorated tables in the Great Room at The W Hotel.
A person holding a Monopoly game ticket at a formal dining table set with silverware, wine glasses, a bread roll, and a smartphone.
A group of people dressed in formal wedding attire, performing a dance inside a decorated venue with large windows and floral arrangements in the background.
Group of people dancing at a wedding reception, with a chandelier overhead and floral decorations in the background.
A bridal party in formal attire, dancing at a wedding reception in a decorated indoor venue with large windows and floral arrangements.
A bridal party dressed in formal attire, joyful and dancing at a celebration or wedding reception, with a decorated indoor setting and large windows in the background.
A newlywed couple and wedding guests raising glasses of red wine in a toast at a wedding reception, with city buildings and large floral arrangements in the background.
Couple dressed in formal wedding attire cutting a tall croquembouche, a French wedding cake made of cream puffs arranged in a cone shape, at a wedding reception with seated guests and floral decorations in the background.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss at their wedding reception, with the groom in a black tuxedo and the bride in a white off-shoulder gown, standing next to a tall croquembouche cake on a black marble pedestal.
A newlywed bride and groom sharing a kiss in an elevator, with the bride wearing a white off-shoulder wedding gown and the groom in a black suit, surrounded by pink walls and neon lighting.
A woman in a wedding dress is holding up her gown, with a man in a black suit walking past her in an urban setting.
A bride in a white wedding dress with pink high heels walking hand-in-hand with a groom in a black suit
A black and white photo of a city waterfront with a boat on the water carrying four people, two women and two men, waving at the camera. In the blurred foreground, a couple dressed formally is partially visible, possibly at a wedding or special event
A newlywed couple standing by a river during sunset, with a city skyline in the background. The bride is wearing a white off-shoulder gown, and the groom is in a black tuxedo with a bow tie.
A bride and groom sharing a romantic moment by the water on their wedding day, with city buildings in the background.
A black and white photograph of a bride and groom embracing outdoors, with the city skyline in the background. The bride has long, wavy blonde hair with pearl and rhinestone accessories, and is wearing an off-the-shoulder wedding gown. The groom is d
A happy bride and groom walking along a city riverwalk, holding hands, with tall modern buildings in the background. The bride wears a white off-shoulder wedding gown with pink high heels, and the groom is dressed in a black tuxedo with a bowtie.
A newly married couple walking along a city waterfront. The groom is in a black tuxedo, holding a bottle, and the bride is in a white off-shoulder wedding gown with a slit, wearing pink high heels and holding her dress up. They are holding hands and
A bride and groom stand together on a wooden dock by the water, with a city skyline and tall buildings in the background during sunset. The bride is wearing a long white wedding dress, and the groom is dressed in a black suit.
A bride and groom are close together, about to kiss, with their eyes closed, sharing an intimate moment on their wedding day.
Bride in white wedding dress holding up the hem of her dress to reveal pink high heels, standing on a city street.
A young bride with blonde, wavy hair and a white off-shoulder dress, smiling and posing among vertical white light tubes in a dark room of the W Hotel valet space.
A bride and groom in formal wedding attire standing inside a modern, black-walled room with bright, white fluorescent light fixtures arranged in geometric patterns in The W Hotel's underground valet parking space.
Four women in elegant dresses and high heels playful and smiling, with one woman lifting her dress. They are in a room with dark walls and light curtains.
A girl in a satin dress with curly hair getting buttoned up by a woman, with two other girls with curly hair assisting. Black and white photo.
A woman with blonde hair in a strapless ruffled dress, smiling and walking at a formal event, surrounded by seated people and tables with floral centerpieces.
A woman with blonde hair in a white dress and pink heels dancing happily at a celebration or party, with guests dancing and enjoying themselves in the background.
A bride and a groom at the W Hotel's Great Room, holding wine glasses and dancing under a large chandelier, with guests seated at tables in the background.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception with a large bridal party in the background, seated at a table with floral arrangements and candles.
A bride and groom dancing and laughing at their wedding reception. The bride wears a white off-shoulder dress with pink heels, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. Guests are seated at a decorated head table in the background.
A newlywed couple dances during their wedding reception, with the groom dipping the bride as she smiles joyfully. The setting features elegant decorations, floral arrangements, and a dance floor with a chandelier hanging above.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing on the dance floor at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests dancing under a large chandelier.
A black and white photo of a wedding reception dance, showing a bride and groom kissing in the center while guests dance in the background under a chandelier in the Great Room of The W Hotel.
A couple kissing at their wedding reception, with the groom lifting the bride in a dance under a large chandelier. Others are dancing and celebrating in the background.
A group of young people dancing and hugging at a party or celebration, with some individuals in the background talking and smiling.
A bride and groom kiss in the center of a crowd celebrating their wedding with sparklers at night at The W Hotel.
A group of people celebrating at a wedding reception, with a bride and groom in the center, surrounded by friends holding sparklers.
People celebrating with sparklers in front of a large, illuminated 'W' logo.
A group of ten young adults dressed in traditional Chinese attire, posing outside in front of a brick house with a tree, some making peace signs and others in playful poses.
A wedding dress hanging on a black wall in front of a sign that reads 'GREAT ROOM 1'
A man in a tuxedo performs a breakdancing move on the steps of a white bandstand in a park, with a woman in a black dress and a person in a black suit walking behind him. Floral arrangements and a white platform are visible in the foreground.
A man in a black tuxedo and bow tie is performing or conducting on an outdoor stage, raising his right arm with one finger pointing upward, while holding a conductor's baton in his left hand. There are other people in tuxedos in the background and fo
A young man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere, standing outdoors in front of a large floral arrangement, looking off to the side in black and white.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other, with bridesmaids holding bouquets in the background.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom holding hands under a wooden hexagon-shaped arch decorated with red, pink, and white flowers. Guests seated behind them watch as the couple exchanges vows on a sunny day in a garden setting.
Guests seated outdoors at a wedding or memorial, with a framed photograph on a chair in front of a woman holding flowers.
A bride with blonde hair and an off-shoulder white wedding dress holds hands with a groom in a black tuxedo during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids and groomsmen in formal attire in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with a bride and groom holding hands, a officiant reading, and bridesmaids and groomsmen standing behind them under trees at the Fitzroy Gardens.
A black and white photo of a woman wearing a wedding dress and a man in a tuxedo during a wedding ceremony outdoors. The woman appears emotional as she looks at the man, with a group of men in tuxedos in the background.
A bride and groom exchange rings during an outdoor wedding ceremony on a sunny day, with green grass and trees in the background at the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne.
A bride and groom kissing during their outdoor wedding ceremony beneath an arch decorated with red and pink flowers in a park with Melbourne city buildings in the background.
Bride and groom walking down aisle after wedding ceremony outdoors in a park with Melbourne city skyline in the background, guests seated and clapping, decorated chairs with flowers.
Elegant event space decorated with large floral centerpieces, round tables with black tablecloths, and a grand chandelier over a dance floor. There are large screens on the walls and a decorated stage with a large letter W in front.
Elegant banquet hall decorated with floral centerpieces, a large chandelier, and a dance floor, set up for a special event or celebration.
A bride and groom pose on a wedding dance floor under a large chandelier. The bride wears a white satin gown with a train, and the groom wears a black tuxedo. The background has decorated tables with red and white flowers and candles, and a neon sign
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception under a large, elaborate crystal chandelier, with floral arrangements and candles in the background.
Woman in a white wedding dress dancing and smiling at a celebration while surrounded by guests clapping and cheering in a decorated banquet hall of the W Hotel's Great Room.
A bride and groom laughing with each other on a bridge during a wedding celebration in an urban setting at sunset.
A newlywed couple celebrating outdoors, the bride in a white wedding dress and the groom in a black tuxedo, with the groom opening champagne as the bride laughs joyfully.
Woman in a white off-shoulder dress drinking from a large beer bottle outdoors with city buildings in the background.
A couple dressed in formal attire, with the groom kissing the bride's cheek during sunset near Yarra River.
A woman in a white dress and a man in a black tuxedo holding hands and standing close together, dressed formally, likely at a wedding or special event.
Four women wearing traditional Chinese dresses, three in cream-colored qipao and one in a red qipao, standing together inside a house with a red lantern hanging from the ceiling behind them.
A woman in a red traditional dress smiling and holding a large red bag with Asian designs and characters.
A woman in a light-colored, sleeveless, striped dress speaking at a podium during an event, with a large screen behind her displaying a pink background with white text. There are glasses of wine and a table with snacks nearby.
A newlywed couple sharing a dance under a large chandelier at their wedding reception. The groom is dressed in a black tuxedo and the bride is wearing a cream dress with pink high heels. Guests are seated at a long table behind them, decorated with c
Couple dancing at a wedding reception in a decorated ballroom with a large chandelier, a backdrop with the couple's names, and wedding guests seated around the dance floor.
A woman in red traditional Chinese dress holding a red tea cup during a tea ceremony, with another person in red traditional attire kneeling nearby.
Group of people dancing and laughing at a celebration or wedding reception, dressed in formal attire, with a large screen in the background displaying some text and graphics.
People dancing and celebrating at a party or wedding reception, with joyful expressions and formal attire.
Three people standing outside a brick house, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, smiling, with one holding a framed photo of a man. The person on the left is a young man in a red embroidered jacket, the middle is a young woman in a red cheongsam
Group of nine people dressed in traditional Asian attire, smiling and laughing outdoors in front of a brick house and green tree.
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Four women celebrating outdoors, wearing traditional Chinese qipao dresses and white sneakers, standing on a suburban street with trees and houses in the background.
A smiling man lifts a laughing woman, both dressed in traditional Chinese red attire, in the middle of a suburban street with greenery in the background.
A couple dressed in traditional Chinese wedding attire sharing a kiss outdoors, with the man holding the woman in his arms.