Real Wedding – Montana & Nathan, Prahran VIC
Montana and Nathan kept their wedding day thoughtfully pared back and full of meaning, celebrating with only their nearest and dearest.
Their registry office ceremony was simple yet heartfelt, and the reception at the stunning Sophia in Prahran Arcade allowed the beautiful space to speak for itself. Rather than over-transforming the venue, they enhanced its charm with moody lighting, flickering candlelight, and single-stemmed blooms, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere that perfectly complemented the elegance of the setting.
Entertainment was never an afterthought. Montana and Nathan wanted the night to shift seamlessly from ceremony to celebration, and Melbourne Entertainment Co delivered, creating a reception that was as lively as it was memorable.
Every moment was captured beautifully by Love By Shae, whose photography perfectly tells the story of the day.
The meeting.
Nathan and I met in year nine, when I transferred to his school. I always thought he was cute, however for a few years we dated other people. We did not start dating until midway through year twelve, just after both our 18th Birthdays – 25 June 2016. At the time, he was the only boy who was able to render me shy and speechless. We have been together for over nine years and now married – I am not so speechless anymore, but I think that is what drew me to him so much.
The one.
Initially, it was because I was speechless around him, and that wasn’t normal for me. Then, it was the unconditional love. I can be loud, confident, forward and a little crazy, and Nathan just loves and supports me through it all. Likewise, I see the best in him and everything he does. I honestly believe that from a young age, we just chose to love each other over anything else, and it’s a bonus that he treats me like the princess I was raised to be.
The proposal.
In 2023 we moved into our first property while our friends were heading on their first Europe trip. Our financial situation had drastically changed. Now we had a mortgage, and though I was screaming to be engaged (we were 25 and had been together seven years), I also wanted a quick getaway. Nathan surprised me by telling me we were going to meet up with our friends at the end of their Europe trip, in Greece. In my head, that meant I wasn’t getting engaged anytime soon but obviously I wasn’t quite fully aware of the financial situation. Turns out, within the month from booking our tickets, Nathan had also been pretending to go to golf but was actually organising the engagement ring. At the same time he was navigating with our friends where and how he would exactly propose.
Once in Greece, we island-hopped before landing in Santorini. Nathan told me we were going on a date night. I almost ruined it by suggesting we should just enjoy the trip with our friends, though everyone convinced me it was okay for us to head out. We ended up at a winery on the cliffs, I believe it was Venetsanos Winery. For the first time in his life, Nathan suggested we take photos down on the edge of the cliff away from the restaurant. We headed there, and I was looking around, and Nathan told me there was a door to avoid because of a spider. Mid taking photos, he started telling me how much he loves and appreciates me before getting down on one knee and proposing. I was in such shock that I just kept asking, “Are you serious? Are you serious?” I was shaking and obviously I said yes! It truly didn’t add up in my head how he planned it all, and to my surprise, our friends were there to witness and even record it so we can keep the memory.
Best day of my life!
Style inspiration.
I wanted to elope, and Nathan wanted the wedding – he promised to help me plan, though that didn’t come to fruition! I have never been the girl who had her wedding planned and dreamed about the day. I would have been happy running away and causing our families’ absolute torment by eloping. I love them all dearly and they were so supportive I just didn’t know what I would want in a wedding. So, we compromised with fifty guests maximum, and only people we speak to regularly. It’s why I had the idea for a registry office ceremony – quick and to the point.
When it came to the style, we visited a couple of venues, but nothing captured us like Sophia at Prahran Arcade – both the incredible venue and the service Atlantic group provide sealed the deal. It was so Melbourne and so us.
I also love simple beauty that speaks volumes. I made all guests, and the bridal party wear black, and the boys wore tuxedos. To complement the venue, I wanted to maintain the old Victorian vibe and loved candles – so our photographer, Mon, from Love by Shae, connected us with Weddings of Distinction. The beautiful women there had a warehouse local to where I live so I could bring my vision to life. It was minimalist old Victorian vibes – brass candelabras, candlesticks, tea-lights, scattered single blooms, and moody lighting, of course. I wanted it to feel like a luxe dinner party. The cocktail hour also had Bridgerton-type music to begin with, and when dinner was finished I wanted the vibe to shift to a party, and that meant we had the DJ and Saxophonist, it was incredible – thank you Melbourne Entertainment Co.
For me it wasn’t completely about what everything looked like, but more how the celebration made us feel.
The ceremony.
The Victorian registry office was just what we wanted. It put less pressure on the ceremony being perfect, because I just wanted it to be us and the people we love. The registry office is bigger than you initially think, we had all fifty guests attend our 10-minute ceremony. It was perfect. I understand that type of ceremony isn’t for everyone, but we know how special this commitment is, and it gave some humour to the day with how quick the ceremony went. I totally expected at least 30 minutes, but our bridal party advised the entire ceremony was 7-10 minutes long. I still got to walk down the aisle to my man, with my mum and dad, and all the normal things still happened, it was just quick and that was hilarious.
The outfits.
Not that I told Nathan in advance, but I had two wedding day dresses. My gown for the ceremony, official photos and reception entrance, and I changed into my mini before cutting the cake.
I imagined I would wear a mermaid fit gown, and while I did try a few of those styles on, it didn’t feel quite right. My mum has always been really good at suggesting dresses for me, she helped me find my deb dress after all, so I utlilised her skills. Made With Love was the second store we visited. I had already earmarked a couple of dresses I wanted to try on, again, more fitted styles that hugged the body. I described my wedding to the assistant, and she and my mum went to work. It was suggested that I try on an A-line gown. It felt a little over the top for the wedding I was planning, with its long train, but I tried it on anyway – and there it was. The most special dress I’ll ever wear, and nothing like anything I’d worn before or will ever wear again. It was the one: simple, yet bold enough to feel completely perfect for me.
I also wore an incredible cathedral-length veil with floral lace appliqués, although it didn’t make it past my walk down the aisle. I’d neglected to check how heavy it was before putting it on just moments before the ceremony. I’m not great with uncomfortable things, so it was gone before I even took Nathan’s hands.
My gown was the Rae by Made With Love, with custom measurements. For my second dress, I wore the sweetest little mini, also by Made With Love – the Heidi. I fell in love with it instantly.
Favourite moment.
Honestly, it was the cocktail hour time. All our guests except for the bridal party were downstairs with cocktails and canapes, whilst we were in the bridal suite at Sophia with our own canapes and cocktails, tequila and every other drink we wanted. It was nice to decompress and enjoy my nearest and dearest’s company before we headed down for the big show. It was just bliss with my husband.
Meaning of marriage.
Commitment to choosing love, for better or worse – we will always choose love for each other.
Wedding soundtrack:
Aisle: I am not sure, I was too excited, and the registry office played something that sounded somewhat traditional
Cocktail hour for guests: Bridgerton-like playlist, a nod to the old Victorian vibes
Reception entrance: Heaven – DJ Sammy
First dance: We didn’t have an official first dance. However, when we viewed the venue décor once it was all complete, we naturally fell into dance. We were alone with our photographer, DJ and Saxophonist – the song was Jubel – Klingande
Cake cutting: Adore U – Fred Again
Our song choices were eclectic, but they meant something to us and gave us the vibe we wanted.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
When the celebrant advised Nathan to repeat the vows after him, it seemed that Nathan was too excited and missed that part, so once the celebrant spoke there was a 15 second pause before it was suggested to Nathan he should speak!
Everyone still laughs at how quickly our ceremony went. Fifty guests in black tie for a 2pm ceremony that lasted all of 7–10 minutes, with a 6pm reception to follow. You could say we were more than cautious about leaving enough time in between.
Planning surprises.
No matter whether you are having a small wedding or a big wedding in terms of guest count, you still need to organise the same things – a small wedding does not make planning any simpler.
Words of wisdom.
Go on a honeymoon straight away – it is a big lead up, and we decided to delay our honeymoon which we would both change if we had our time again. You need the rest.
Final words.
Our photographer, Mon of Love By Shae, was incredible. She helped us navigate both the planning process and the day itself — support we truly needed, especially before the ceremony. Mon had a deep understanding of timing: when to be ready, how much buffer to allow for traffic to the venue, and even where to stay to ensure the best lighting for photos.
It was also invaluable having someone so confident and experienced when taking photos in public spaces. Clear direction is essential — knowing exactly where to be, when to move, and how to gently navigate around others when needed. At Parliament House, for example, we certainly weren’t the only bridal party.
The team at Atlantic Group, for our venue Sophia, were incredible on the night. I didn’t want all the formalities at the start, which seems to be the new norm – I wanted things that made sense for me, like cutting the cake after dinner. They made it seamless, and it never felt like we were wasting time before the party.
We also had security and personal servers, and the team made us feel truly celebrated and well taken care of. Plus, the food was chef’s kiss.
Choose your venue wisely – food, drinks, and service are so important to how people experience your event. At least, that was definitely the case for us.
MONTANA & NATHAN’S VENDORS
Ceremony venue: Victorian Marriage Registry, Margaret Craig Room, Old Treasury Building, 20 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3000
Reception venue: Sophia at Prahran Arcade, 282 Chapel St, Prahran, Melbourne
Photography and content creation: Mon – Love By Shae
Styling: Weddings of Distinction
Florist: Kelly of Blush Floral Design
Hair and makeup: Styled by Paris Wylde
The dresses: Rae & Heidi styles – Made With Love Bridal
Veil / headwear: Made With Love Bridal
Shoes: Bared Footwear
Rings: Temple and Grace
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Effie Kats
Suits: YSG Tailors
Bow ties / ties: YSG Tailors
Catering and bar: Atlantic Group
Favours: Personalised Favours
Cake: Get Caked by Lisa
Stationery / Signage: By my creative friends
Entertainment: Melbourne Entertainment Co
Transport: Enrik Limousines
Décor and hire: Wedding of Distinction
