A Valentine’s Day Wedding at St Mary Star of the Sea: Kartia & Pasquale
Kartia and Pasquale’s wedding has stayed vividly in my memory for three main reasons.
First, they booked their wedding photography incredibly early—almost two years in advance. As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I usually receive enquiries 6 to 12 months before a wedding, so a two-year lead time is quite rare. It made me feel genuinely honoured that they placed their trust in me so far ahead of time.
Second, their wedding date—14 February 2026—was Valentine’s Day. It’s a date no one forgets, and it adds an extra layer of romance to an already meaningful celebration.
Third, their ceremony took place at St Mary Star of the Sea—one of my top three favourite Catholic churches in Melbourne, alongside St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Ignatius Church. While slightly smaller than St Patrick’s, St Mary’s features soft pastel pink tones and elegant detailing that create a beautifully romantic and refined atmosphere.
Their reception was held at Overnewton Castle, a historic estate built in 1849. While writing this blog, it’s hard to believe the venue has since closed after being sold to a college—it truly was a unique place.
When Kartia and Pasquale officially booked our photography, they also secured videography. I immediately called my colleague Seth, who I work with almost every weekend. After double-checking the date, he asked, “Are you sure it’s 2026? It’s only 2024 now.” I laughed and confirmed, “Yes—2026.” Without hesitation, he replied, “If you go, I’ll go with you.”
And just like that, our A-team was set—two years in advance.
Time flew by, and before we knew it, the big day had arrived.
Seth and I began the morning at Pasquale’s house. He was completely relaxed—no signs of stress at all. After putting on his three-piece suit, he leaned back in a suspended chair in the courtyard. It was a bright, sunny day, and he naturally put on his sunglasses. His best man handed him a bottle of beer, and Pasquale simply lay back, sipping it in the gentle breeze. It was such a calm, effortless moment—and I captured some fantastic photos.
I then drove to Kartia’s home. The traffic was surprisingly smooth, which made the day feel even more relaxed. By the time I arrived, Kartia had already finished her hair and makeup. I captured beautiful moments of her preparation—quiet, elegant, and full of anticipation.
Next, I headed to St Mary Star of the Sea for the ceremony—the highlight of the day. Despite being located near the city, parking was relatively easy since I arrived early. With only a few guests inside, I had plenty of time to photograph the church’s interior.
Completed in 1900, the church carries over a century of history. From a photographer’s perspective, it has strong Baroque influences—lavish dome decorations, pastel pink walls, and a white marble altar. The long aisle stretches approximately 53 metres, flanked by pillars made of Swedish red granite and Carrara marble. The grand organ sits beautifully on the balcony, and as the organist played Air on the G String, the church’s high ceiling created rich, resonant acoustics that filled the space with a sacred and romantic atmosphere.
Soon, Pasquale and his groomsmen arrived, greeting guests warmly. I captured candid moments from a distance with my telephoto lens. As the ceremony approached, Seth and I waited outside for Kartia. Right on time, her white vintage car arrived. I guided the driver into position and gently signalled Kartia to remain in the car for a moment. She rolled down the window, and I captured a series of elegant portraits before her father helped her step out.
Inside, the organ began Wedding March—one of my favourite pieces for ceremonies. Thanks to the long aisle and beautiful lighting, I had ample time to photograph each bridesmaid and, of course, Kartia’s grand entrance.
The ceremony lasted around 45 minutes. I positioned myself midway down the aisle to capture the vows and ring exchange. When the priest announced, “You may kiss the bride,” I captured a truly epic moment framed by the grandeur of the church.
After the ceremony, I organised group and family photos outside, using the church façade as a stunning backdrop. The driver positioned the car perfectly, and the couple leaned casually against it for some relaxed, editorial-style shots—one of which looked straight out of a magazine cover.
From there, we moved to several iconic Melbourne locations: Parliament House, Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, and Carlton Gardens. Each location added a different mood and texture to their wedding story.
Finally, we returned to Overnewton Castle for the reception. I captured their first dance, cake cutting, and heartfelt speeches—each moment full of warmth and joy.
It was truly a wonderful wedding day—one I’ll never forget.
