Melbourne Wedding Venue | Ceremony and Reception
Hannah and Matthew chose Ballara Receptions as it’s one of those venues that couples fall in love with the moment they walk through the gates. Tucked away in Eltham and surrounded by lush gardens, winding paths and that gorgeous lake backdrop, it feels like you have escaped the city without actually leaving Melbourne. The team at Ballara are absolute pros, too. Everything runs smoothly, the spaces are beautifully maintained, and the entire day feels calm, organised and genuinely special. It is one of those venues where you can relax knowing you are in very capable hands.
Ballara Wedding Venue Melbourne
Hannah and Matthew chose to marry in the Ballara chapel, and it was the perfect setting for their ceremony. The chapel has that timeless charm with big windows that let in the softest natural light, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere from the moment guests walk in. Standing at the front with Hannah and Matt as they said their vows was a real pinch-me moment. Hannah looked stunning in who Fairytales Bridal Boutique gown with her beautiful florals from Lillypad Flowers. There is something incredibly intimate about a chapel ceremony, and this one felt full of love, laughter and happy tears in all the right places. It set the tone beautifully for the celebrations that followed.
The Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a lovely blend of heartfelt moments and personal touches. With a wedding party of twelve, it was such a warm and supportive group around Hannah and Matthew and they were seated for the ceremony. The readings added such depth and meaning to the ceremony, and the blessing of the hands was such a beautiful symbol of their unity. And of course, having their nephew bring up the rings added that extra layer of cuteness and family involvement. All in all, it was a truly touching and memorable ceremony and all captured beautifully by Andrew from Passion8 Photography.
Their Love Story
Hannah and Matthew first crossed paths in 2018 while working at the same pub. Matthew had already been there for a few years, while Hannah had just moved down from Queensland and found herself behind the bar. But before they even spoke, Matthew had already hatched a plan. He asked Ebony, a mutual friend, to invite both of them out for pancakes. Subtle, right? Pancakes: the great uniter of people and, the beginning of this love story.
Now, Hannah admits she was so focused on her new job and adjusting to Melbourne life that Matthew didn’t quite pop up on her radar straight away. But when he did, well, it was thanks to that infamous Pancake Parlour booth moment when Matthew rested his head on her shoulder. Hannah calls it the weirdest yet bravest move any man had ever tried. But, as it turns out, it worked. From that moment on, there was a magnetic pull neither of them could ignore.
Matthew, meanwhile, was already smitten. The first thing he noticed were Hannah’s eyes, eyes he says he could look at for hours. And luckily, the job kept them side by side more often than not. As time went on, their friendship grew, then that spark became undeniable.
Now, for their first date? Well, it depends who you ask. Hannah thought they were heading out to the movies with a group of friends. Matthew knew it was a date from the get-go. Hannah’s “So… who else is coming?” was met with Matthew’s confident “Just me.” Smooth. After the movie, the night didn’t feel like it should end, so naturally they went to, the Pancake Parlour. But nerves got the better of Matthew, and in his attempt to impress, he managed to hit his head on the overhanging light. Not exactly a Hollywood moment, but one they still laugh about to this day.
From those early days, what impressed Hannah most was Matthew’s kindness, his love for his family, and his big dreams. She just knew their futures were destined to intertwine. For Matthew, it was how perfectly they matched from the start, like they’d known each other forever.
Hannah realised she loved Matthew when she couldn’t imagine experiencing life’s joys and challenges without him. Matthew knew when Hannah returned from a trip to Queensland, he felt so content, so complete, just being back in the same room with her.
The Proposal
Fast forward to December 2024 and Matthew had a proposal plan that was equal parts sneaky and romantic. He booked dinner at a new venue across from Treasury Gardens, then suggested a walk. Hannah wasn’t thrilled about the walk, but Matthew had his ways. As the light faded, he led her to a spot where a photographer was waiting in the wings. A hand spin, a knee drop, and one sparkling ring later, Matthew was asking Hannah the biggest question of their lives. Tears, mumbling, a lot of emotion – but ultimately, Hannah got out the all-important “yes.”
When asked to sum each other up in just three words, Hannah describes Matthew as kind, steady, and affectionate. She loves Matthew’s pure heart and the way their love has grown since they were just 19, fitting together like puzzle pieces.
She adores him exactly as he is, not just for who he is today, but for who he was, and whoever he’ll become in the future. There aren’t enough words, sentences, poems, or songs to fully explain the love she has for Matthew.
Matthew calls Hannah mesmerizing, funny, and irreplaceable. He loves the absolute certainty that she is the one, that she is home. He is sure that they were meant to be together. Not a minute goes by in a day where he doubts their love; Hannah is the person he wants to spend his life with.
Life brought them together and they both experienced very different journeys to get there and with that came different perspectives. They’ve brought the best out in each other and love that they fill the gaps to work best as a team.
They’ve learned the big lessons. Hannah says Matthew has shown her what true love really is: communication, patience, and growth. Matthew has learned from Hannah how to ditch procrastination and get things done, a handy skill for married life!
Their relationship thrives on the little things: singing together (badly but enthusiastically), quiet routines, family dinners every Tuesday with Matthew’s parents, and frequent trips to Queensland to see Hannah’s family. They’d happily shrink each other down to pocket-size if it meant spending the day with each other and they cherish the support from family and friends.
When asked what makes a marriage work, they both agree: compassion, trust, and loving each other through every change life brings.
For Hannah, marriage is about always having Matthew by her side, through every high and low, building something even stronger than what they already share and supporting each other through their goals.
For Matthew, it’s about all the adventures still waiting for them, a whole life yet to explore together. They’ve only just scratched the service.
Their future, it’s simple, really; to keep loving one another unconditionally, to build a family of their own, and to never forget the path that brought them here; from a booth at Pancake Parlour, to standing side by side on their wedding day, to a lifetime ahead of love, laughter, and pancakes. And as of today, that will be as husband and wife.
The Wedding Vows
Hannah’s Vows
Matthew,
From the very first moment we met, I didn’t just feel seen. I felt at home.
Like a porch light left on, just for me. A quiet welcome I didn’t know I’d been waiting for.
Together we’ve learned that love doesn’t need to be held too tightly.
It lives in trust. In presence.
In choosing each other, again and again.
I come from a big family where love has always been around me. I’ve known what it means to be held, to be challenged, to be seen. But nothing has grounded me the way your love does.
With you, I’ve found a love that carries me forward. One that turns ordinary days into something I’ll always treasure.
I love how you remind me of the moments I forget, I hope you never get tired of it, it’s beautiful how I get to see these moments again through your eyes.
So as we step into everything the future brings, I know this:
We will be us. Ever-changing. Always growing. Always loving
Matthew… today I make these promises to you, I promise to keep your curiosity alive.
To delight in the way you see the world. And to never take that wonder for granted.
I promise to be by your side, to carry what I can and sit with what I cannot. So you never have to carry anything alone.
I promise to listen. Truly listen. To your words, your silence, and everything in between. And I promise to notice you
In silence. In laughter. In a crowded room, or a quiet corner – I’ll always see you.
I promise to build a life that feels warm. Safe. A little messy. And full of love.
And to celebrate our dreams, our little victories, and the life we are yet to imagine.
And I’ll always remember that home is not a place, but the hands we hold
I promise to meet you fully. In joy. In wonder. In all the adventures that lie ahead. I promise to choose you, in this life and every life to come. I will always follow the path that leads me to you.
I love you.
Matthew’s Vows
Hannah
It’s been nothing short of a journey to find ourselves at this moment. Almost 8 years ago I walked into work as if it was any other day and there you were, perfect, completely unaware of everything that was to come. How could either of us have known what meeting on that day would mean for both of our lives. Two kids still finding themselves and finding each other at the exact right moment.
It can be terrifying to not know if someone feels the same about you as you do for them but in all honesty I don’t know if I gave you much of a chance to not spend time with me. When we would finish work and hang out as a group of friends, I wanted to be as close to you as I could and there isn’t a day I don’t feel grateful you felt the same way for me.
It has always been you and it will always be you. There is not a day I don’t cherish getting to wake up next to you – even when those mornings usually look a lot like me waking up, falling back asleep a few times and then you having to get me out of bed right before we need to leave.
You are my other half to the fullest. You push me and drive me to be better and are there to catch me on the days that I can’t. There is no problem or bad day that cannot be made better by knowing I don’t have to try and face it alone and from now to the rest of our lives I don’t fear the problems or bad days because I know that we are strong enough to see them through.
Hannah, my heart belongs to you without question. It feels so freeing to open yourself up completely and be loved and to give love without hesitation. I promise to keep that forever and never not give you all that you deserve as my bride.
I promise to be the man you know I can be and to never not try to always be better. I cannot promise to be perfect but I can promise to love you always and never lose sight of us despite whatever challenges may come.
I vow to uphold the promises we make to each other today and to never forget everything that has brought us to where we are. It is an honour to get to stand here today and pledge myself completely to you, to us, and the life we have before us.
You are my everything and I give myself to you from now until forever.
The Reception
After the ceremony, the celebration at Ballara really kicks into high gear. The post ceremony area is just as stunning, with its elegant décor and that gorgeous outdoor space that’s perfect for mingling and celebrating.
The reception was just as vibrant and memorable as the ceremony. When Hannah and Matthew made their grand entrance, they went straight into their first dance, setting the tone for an evening full of joy. Following that, they cut the cake and shared a heartfelt speech and toast, which really brought everyone together.
We also made sure to capture everyone at the reception gathering guests from each table at a time onto the dancefloor for a photo with the couple. It was such a fun way to ensure everyone got their moment. And of course, the evening was filled with lots of heartfelt speeches and plenty of dancing. The grand exit at the end on the steps was the perfect finale, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories. It was truly a day to remember!
Finally
A big thanks to Matthew and Hannah for sharing their day and evening with me and allowing me to celebrate and coordinate it all in conjunction with Ballara Receptions.
And if you are looking for a celebrant and MC to create a fabulous atmosphere, check out all the information HERE
We had Julie as our celebrant and MC and my gosh she was fantastic. We wanted a beautiful ceremony that would tell our story, with heart, laughter, and lots of love which Julie just nailed. Her communication was top notch, and she allowed us to give her everything needed in order to tell our story and make the ceremony exactly what we wanted.
A lot of our guests just cried as her delivery was so beautiful. Before the ceremony Julie was able to support both myself and my husband and talk us through any thoughts we had. Once it went to MC duties later on, Julie was able to wrangle our guests and command the room, so everyone knew exactly what was going on. She was on top of any last-minute changes too and coordinated with the venue and other vendors with ease, even organising our farewell circle and hyping everyone up to wave goodbye on the balcony as we departed.
We couldn’t recommend Julie any more. Thanks so much for creating and leading the charge of our beautiful day.
It was also fabulous to work with wedding vendors who are members of the premium wedding collaborative Wedding Services Melbourne, of which I am a member and former president.
Working with like-minded suppliers makes your wedding day even better!