Melissa and Josh shared a wonderful day with friends and family at their Desmond Hotel wedding! Family played a vital role in making sure everyone looked amazing, which you’ll see in just a moment.
Getting Ready for the Desmond Hotel Wedding
Melissa is such a joyful person and that radiated from her as she got ready for her wedding day. The whole morning was marked by laughter. Not a single stressful vibe to be found. Every detail had been thoughtfully chosen to complete her wedding look. Not the least of which was the stunning cathedral length veil that her grandmother had skillfully crafted for her! It was utterly stunning! Though her grandfather’s suit nearly stole the show. He’d make it himself, head to toe, and it could have easily been on the red carpet.
Melissa is quite close to her grandparents and even got a quick dance lesson in the kitchen before it was time to head over to St Mary Magdalene Church for her wedding ceremony.
Meanwhile, Josh and the guys were busy figuring out their ties and getting socks and shoes on. They were relaxed and Josh was fairly mellow. But as the time drew near for the wedding, he got more and more excited. So we hopped in the car and quickly covered the few miles to church!
Wedding Ceremony at St Mary Magdalene Church
It’s no secret that we love first looks, probably 70% of our couples opt to do one. However, there is still something so precious about the moment a groom or bride sees their forever love appear at the top of the aisle. This wedding was no exception. Josh was absolutely thrilled when Melissa stood in the doorway of the sanctuary. Even more so when her hand was finally in his and they began their ceremony.
When all the words were said, the rings given and received, and a brilliant first married kiss shared, they were husband and wife! We made short work of some timeless family portraits before heading just a short distance to Rose Tree Park for portraits before going to the Desmond Hotel!
Portraits at Rose Tree Park
This lovely park just a few minutes from Ridley Creek and a three minute drive from the church was a perfect place for portraits of our newlyweds and their closest friends. The sun was shining and it was a glorious early summer day, making our job smooth sailing. Then, Josh and Melissa hopped back into the adorable vintage car a friend had lent them for the day, and drove off in style for the Desmond Hotel.
Reception at the Desmond Hotel
Melissa and Josh’s reception at the Desmond Hotel was like witnessing a dam of joy bursting. The whole last year had kept joys held back in some ways, and the second Melissa and Josh stormed into their reception, the levy broke. Joy flooded through the room and everyone was swept away by the torrent. None more than their families.
The toasts brought laughter and more joy, and a few tears of happiness as well. A wedding day is so fraught with emotions and often they converge at once. The elation of love and joy colliding. Sometimes it manifests as happy tears, and sometimes as ripping up the dance floor. There was both at Melissa and Josh’s Desmond Hotel wedding! See for yourself.
