Rachel and Mathew chose The Commons Collective to exchange their vows. Surrounded by urban elegance and raw emotion, the venue perfectly blends modern romanticism with old-world charm. From their serene pre-wedding preparations at the Royce Hotel to the carefree twirls on the dance floor, everything about the day was picture-perfect.
Our team captured the wedding style and chilled vibes beautifully. Scroll down to relive the candid moments from their big day.
The Commons Collective – Venue Details
- Address: 17 Moubray St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
- Phone: +61 3 8416 9710
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
- Map:
The Royce Hotel Basic Information
- Address: 379 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
- Phone: 61 3 8614 1414
- Opening hours: 24 hours open
- Map:
The Commons Collective – A Timeless Melbourne Wedding Venue
Standing tall and elegant in the heart of Melbourne, this heritage-listed gem is an iconic event space that blends vintage charm with modern sophistication. Ideal for both intimate gatherings & grand celebrations, The Commons Collective offers lush outdoor spaces, chic interiors, and character-filled exposed brickwork, making it the ultimate wedding destination.
Thoughtfully renovated, the venue now houses a collection of carefully curated spaces designed to inspire and create unforgettable experiences.
Rachel and Mathew chose The Commons Collective for both their wedding ceremony and reception — a decision that allowed them to fully utilize the venue’s diverse spaces and effortlessly transition between the two events.
So what makes this venue truly stand out? It's the clean architectural lines, breezy open spaces, and cascading greenery that come together to create an effortlessly stylish and timeless atmosphere. Whether you're planning a low-key celebration or an elegant affair, The Commons Collective offers a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxed charm.
The welcoming vibe instantly puts guests at ease, and to top it all off, the food is exceptional, often becoming a talking point long after the last dance.
The Royce Hotel – A Glamorous Start to the Wedding Day
Before the ceremony began, Rachel and Mathew spent their morning at The Royce Hotel — a boutique gem of luxury nestled on Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Road. With its glamorous Art Deco interiors and timeless charm, it provided the perfect setting to kick off their big day.
The bride’s suite was filled with sunshine, laughter, and love — the kind of energy that makes wedding mornings unforgettable. The excitement in the air was undeniable as Rachel’s bridesmaids helped her slip into her chic white gown. We made sure to arrive right on time to capture her final moments of bachelorette bliss, surrounded by love and anticipation, before walking down the aisle with her proud parents. Her style was impeccable — effortlessly elegant and beautifully comfortable.
Just a few doors away, Mathew was getting ready with his groomsmen in a candid and relaxed setting. From straightening ties to adjusting cufflinks, and quiet mirror reflections to shared laughter, we were there to capture every meaningful moment — the calm before the celebration.
Our Story With The Couple
Right from our very first conversation, it was clear that Rachel and Mathew were after a unique wedding style. They didn’t want anything overdramatic or overly posed. Instead, they were looking for a photographer who could capture their story with honesty and a natural touch — someone experienced in wedding photography with an eye for the nuanced and emotional moments.
They wanted a candid photography style, where emotions, aesthetics, and their personalities would shine through the lens.
With our background in wedding photography, we knew instantly that their warm and grounded nature would make our job an absolute joy. They had already explored our portfolio before meeting us, and after a sincere and open chat, they chose us for our candid, documentary-style approach.
Getting Ready
The day began at the Royce Hotel, where both Rachel and Mathew got ready surrounded by their closest family and friends. Amid hugs, music, laughter, and smiles, there were a few quiet tears of joy too — the perfect emotional build-up to the day ahead.
We didn’t miss a beat. From Rachel’s final touches of makeup to Mathew’s best man helping him with his cufflinks, every moment was a story in itself — beautifully raw and real.
The Ceremony
As Rachel walked into the ceremony with her parents, the room glowed. And so did Mathew’s expression. We clicked away, capturing every heartfelt moment — from their handwritten letters to one another, to the quiet exchange of vows filled with emotion.
There were no dramatic entrances or flashy theatrics — just a candid and relaxed style celebration. From gentle hand squeezes and teary eyes to spontaneous laughter during the vows, we documented a lifetime of memories in the making.
The Photo Session
Post-ceremony, we took a stroll around the Commons Collective for their portrait session. It wasn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles — just two people deeply in love, basking in that fresh “just married” glow. The chemistry, the connection, the comfort — it was all there, beautifully unscripted.
