Sometimes time folds two points together that seem… uniquely contrasting. This time around, the two points were one being a slice of adolescence spent in the same heavy metal band with Chris, and the other, his considered and classy wedding to Catherine as cutting edge health professionals over a decade and a half later at the Lake House in Daylesford.

Once a hard rocker, always a hard rocker… Catherine and Chris both channelled a little of that Scandinavian flavoured heavy metal spirit for a moment, and spent the rest of their day with an intimate crew of family and friends.

Lake House wedding vendor team

Photography: Briars Atlas
Dress: Sassi Holford via Bluebell Bridal
Suit: Bespoke Corner
Florist: Wombat Hill
Venue: Lake House
Cake: Priscillas cakes
Wedding celebrant: Felicity Fritsch

More weddings in Daylesford:

See these Daylesford Convent wedding photos, at the wedding of Laura and Walker.

Bonnie and George preceeded their Cutler and Co wedding with a Burnley Gardens wedding ceremony, hidden in the heart of Melbourne along the banks of the Yarra River.

Burnley Gardens wedding team information

Dress Designer: Caroline Castigliano via BlueBell Bridal
Suit: P Johnson Tailors
Planning & Styling: The Farmers Daughter and The Small Things Co
Florist: Blonde Florals
Venue: Cutler & Co
Music: Hey Jack
Celebrant: Georgia Mills
Bride Jewellery: Olivia Bond Diamonds
Groom Ring: Sarah & Sebastian
Make Up for Bridal Party: DMV Makeup Artistry
Hair: Liberty & Frank
Wedding Cake: Miss Trixie Drinks Tea
Stationery: Ardently Yours

Burnley Gardens wedding venue information

If you’re after a wedding venue that feels like a secret garden tucked away in the middle of Melbourne, Burnley Gardens might just be the spot for you. Situated along the banks of the Yarra, this beautiful and historic garden space is perfect for couples looking to tie the knot amidst nature without having to leave the city. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, Burnley Gardens offers an incredible backdrop that Melbourne couples will love.

Why Burnley Gardens is the Perfect Wedding Venue

Burnley Gardens isn’t your standard, manicured park. It’s a lush, thriving garden filled with all sorts of native and exotic plants, making it an ideal location for couples who want their wedding to have a more organic, natural feel. With over 150 years of history, it’s a place that holds a bit of magic, offering peace and tranquillity while still being only a stone’s throw from the bustling inner suburbs.

What Makes Burnley Gardens Unique

Unlike more commercial wedding venues, Burnley Gardens feels like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. The gardens are part of the University of Melbourne’s Burnley Campus, meaning they’re maintained by some of the country’s best horticulturists. This level of care shows in the greenery that surrounds you – there’s always something in bloom, and the layout offers plenty of secluded spots perfect for romantic moments or quiet reflection.

Ceremony Spaces to Fall in Love With

For couples considering Burnley Gardens, one of the highlights is the variety of ceremony spaces available. Whether you want to say your vows beneath towering trees, near picturesque water features, or in a more open grassy area, there’s something for every style. The garden’s different nooks allow you to create an atmosphere that feels entirely your own. You can choose a spot that suits your guest size, from intimate gatherings to larger parties of around 120 people.

Practicalities of Hosting a Wedding at Burnley Gardens

Burnley Gardens offers a solid mix of both charm and practicality. There’s ample parking on site, and it’s easily accessible for guests coming from all corners of Melbourne. The gardens also provide plenty of options for photo opportunities without having to relocate – meaning more time spent celebrating and less time traveling between spots.

One important thing to note is that Burnley Gardens is an outdoor venue. While Melbourne’s weather is famous for being unpredictable, there are plenty of sheltered areas to keep in mind in case the skies decide to turn. But if you’re a Melbourne local, you already know that a little rain never stops a good time.

Flexibility in Styling Your Day

One of the best things about choosing Burnley Gardens for your wedding is the flexibility it offers in styling. Whether you want to bring in a marquee, set up an outdoor lounge area, or simply let the natural beauty of the space shine, there’s plenty of room to make the venue your own. The gardens also give you a blank canvas for your photography – from dramatic shots amongst the trees to softer moments in the flowerbeds. The key is working with the landscape, allowing it to complement your wedding style.

Nearby Reception Venues

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony but want to move indoors for the reception, Burnley Gardens is conveniently located near several reception venues that will make the transition seamless. Options range from stylish, urban venues to more casual pub-style spots, offering something for every vibe. Richmond, Hawthorn, and South Yarra are just around the corner, so you’re never far from a fantastic spot to kick on and keep the celebrations going.

Key Considerations

Before diving headfirst into planning, there are a few key details to consider. Being a public garden, Burnley Gardens operates with specific booking policies and restrictions, particularly around alcohol and noise levels. It’s worth having a chat with the University of Melbourne’s events team early in the process to make sure all your bases are covered. That said, the team is incredibly helpful and will guide you through any restrictions to ensure your day runs smoothly.

Burnley Gardens – A Photographer’s Dream

Your photographer is going to love Burnley Gardens. The mix of formal and informal garden areas, coupled with the varied topography, means there’s no shortage of great locations for wedding shots. Whether you’re looking for candid moments or more dramatic poses, Burnley Gardens delivers on both fronts. The natural light filtering through the trees creates a soft, romantic glow, making those golden hour shots something truly special.

Getting in Touch

If you’re thinking about booking Burnley Gardens for your wedding, your best bet is to contact the University of Melbourne’s events team. They manage all venue hire requests and can provide all the necessary details about pricing, availability, and any other specifics you might need to know. They’re also great at answering any logistical questions you might have, ensuring your day at Burnley Gardens is nothing short of perfect.

Contact Details:

• Venue Manager: University of Melbourne Events Team
• Phone: +61 3 9035 5511
• Email: events-office@unimelb.edu.au
• Website: Burnley Gardens Venue Hire
• Address: 500 Yarra Blvd, Richmond VIC 3121
• Parking: Available on site

Choosing Burnley Gardens for your wedding means embracing the beauty of nature right in the heart of Melbourne. It’s a space that offers both serenity and a touch of whimsy – perfect for couples looking to create something special on their wedding day.

Patti and Chris held their iconic George Ballroom Wedding in the heart of St Kilda, and we encouraged them the enlisting of Luke from The Beginning Studio to copilot with us on video, who flew in from Sydney to document this incredible occasion with us. How do a one-time cagefighter and a mens stylist choose to create their wedding (and how many times do anecdotes about their combined sense of style and athletic prowess emerge in the speeches?).

Scroll down to find out the answers to things (other than that, probably).

Patti and Chris’s George Ballroom wedding is also featured on Together Journal.

Patti and Chris’s wedding was photographed on a mixture of digital and 35mm film – book us as your film wedding photographer.

Patti and Chris: their vendor team

Wedding Ceremony & reception: The George Ballroom, St Kilda
Wedding Photography: Briars Atlas, @briarsatlas 
Videographer Luke Gemmill: The Beginning Studio, @thebeginningstudio 
Stylist & planner: Patti Axiotis, @pattiwhackk 
Florist: Pomp and Splendour, @pompandsplendour 
Celebrant: Heidi Rayment, @hitchedbyheidi 
Entertainment: Shelley Amar – Top Dog Entertainment, @topdogent;
Violinist: – Imelda Baligod, @melli_y 
Hire: Patti Axiotis, @pattiwhackk; The George Ballroom
Cake: Miss Ladybird Cakes, @missladybirdcakes 
Stationary: Dot & Grain, @dotandgrain 
Jewellry: Janai Jewellery, @janaijewellery 
Bridal dress: Brides of Armadale, @bridesofarmadale 
Hair and makeup: Carla Dyson, @carladysonmakeup 
Brides fragrance: Chanel – Mademoiselle
Tuxedo: Bespoke Tuxedo Made by Patti Axiotis: – Tom James Clothing, @pinstripe_patti, @tomjamesclothing 
Grooms shoes: Paco Milan Patent 1935 
Grooms fragrance: Givenchy – Gentlemen Only

Similar wedding venues to the George

See this Recoleta Wedding (by Spring St Events) for more intimate weddings, the Cutler and Co wedding of Bonnie and George, Liv and Daves sublimely styled Rupert on Rupert wedding, and the Higher Ground wedding of Samantha and Michael.

George Ballroom wedding venue information

The George Ballroom wedding venue in St Kilda offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern flair. If you’re looking for a space that exudes historical elegance with a touch of decayed grandeur, this heritage-listed venue is your go-to. The walls, rich with stories of past revelries, set the perfect backdrop for a wedding that’s effortlessly stylish yet deeply memorable.

With capacity for up to 150 seated guests or 200 for a cocktail reception, the George Ballroom provides an intimate yet grand setting. The venue itself is an indoor-only space, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of a meticulously restored heritage building.

Key Details:

• Capacity: 150 seated, 200 cocktail
• Style: Historic, Heritage-listed
• Location: St Kilda, Melbourne
• Spaces: Grand ballroom with vintage décor
• Catering: In-house with custom menus
• Bar: Full service
• Dance Floor: Yes
• AV Equipment: Available

Ideal for couples seeking a wedding venue that’s as captivating as it is character-filled, the George Ballroom offers a setting that feels straight out of a cinematic masterpiece—minus the pretension, plus a bit of old-world charm.

George Ballroom website: https://www.thegeorgeballroom.com.au/

With backgrounds in fashion design and photography respectively, Sumeyra and Daniels Provenance Wines Wedding in Geelong was only ever going to be a sublime and impossible mix of the macabre, and high-fashion. These artists gave us express agency to lean into what got our wheels turning in the first place in this craft – all things moody.

Photographed on a mix of digital and analogue film.

Enjoy.