Nicholas & hayley

11 Mar

When we say this wedding was fire… we mean it literally. Shooting Nicholas and Hayley’s two-day Melbourne celebration meant working through 40°C heat for 12 hours each day – but the energy, emotion, and endless Greek dancing more than made up for the sweat!

Nicholas, a music producer, and Hayley, who works in corporate sustainability, flew in from London to be married in their hometown of Melbourne. Their intimate ceremony was held at the Rose Pavilion in the Royal Botanic Gardens, followed by a beautiful lunch at Gardens House, hosted by The Atlantic Group.

This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a tapestry of stories, traditions, and deep connection. One of the most moving parts of the ceremony came when the flower girl and page boy carried the rings around the circle of guests. Each family member held the rings in their hands and silently offered a blessing before they reached the couple. Photographing those quiet, meaningful exchanges was a true privilege.

There were so many emotional moments throughout the day, but a few really stood out. During the lunch, Nicholas’s mum gently came up behind him and wrapped him in a quiet hug – a still moment of warmth that said so much without words.

Then came a speech from Nicholas’s best man, Vedran, who shared a story from their very first day of primary school: how Nicholas’s mum had consoled Vedran’s mother – who spoke little English – and reassured her that their sons would look after each other. She was right. They’ve been best friends for life.

Hayley’s happy tears after her speech were another highlight – surrounded by her bridesmaids in a moment that felt so genuine and unfiltered. And the couple’s handwritten, individual letters to each family guest at the lunch. A gift for us to capture. So many moving reactions, and each one deeply personal.

With a day of rest between the Ceremony and the Reception, we headed to So High Gallery on Chapel Street (an incredible event space with a fantastic team) for the reception on a hot Saturday night – a wild, joyful celebration full of traditional Greek dancing, amazing food and desserts shared between family and friends, and dance floor moments that won’t be forgotten. Watching Nicholas and his dad dance together to the music of their heritage was a definite standout.