Real Wedding – Ryan & Maria, Eltham VIC
When Maria and Ryan first met, there was an instant connection and comfort between them—and it’s safe to say this radiates in every stunning frame of their wedding celebration, captured with artistry by Margot Stewart.
Choosing Montasalvat, with its European aesthetic and lush gardens, meant they simply had to add some striking crimson florals, and they and their guests were transported to what felt like a gorgeous destination escape.
Beginning with a beautifully grounded, perfectly personal ceremony by celebrant extraordinaire Brooke Brodie set the tone for the day to follow – one filled with effervescent excitement, raw romance, and effortless elegance.
The meeting.
We actually met on a dating app and hit it off straight away. From our very first conversation, it just felt easy and natural, like we had known each other much longer than we had. When we met in person, that feeling only grew stronger, there was an instant connection and comfort between us. What started as a simple swipe quickly turned into something so much more meaningful.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how quickly everything fell into place, but we both knew early on that this was the start of something special.
Planning process.
What we enjoyed most about the planning process was seeing all the pieces slowly come together.
One tip we’d share with other couples is not to underestimate how long everything takes to plan, even a small wedding. The details add up quickly, and giving yourself more time than you think you’ll need makes the whole process so much easier.
Style inspiration.
For us, the styling that worked best was already built into the venue itself. Montsalvat has such a strong European charm, with its stone buildings and beautiful gardens, that we really didn’t need to add much more. The setting created the exact atmosphere we were hoping for, it felt like it could have been somewhere overseas, which made the whole day feel unique and memorable.
Favourite moments.
Our favourite part of the wedding was the ceremony, especially the moment our marriage celebrant asked us to pause and look around at our family and friends. Standing there together, we could really feel the love and support surrounding us. Seeing all the people who mean the most to us gathered in one place was so special, and it gave us a chance to take everything in.
We will also never forget taking our sunset photos. After the nerves and excitement of the ceremony, it was such a special way to finish the day.
Meaning of marriage.
Being committed to each other for life and starting a family of our very own.
Ryan and Maria’s choice of hues is both perfectly of the now and forever timeless. If you’re considering a ruby red colour palette for your dream day, here’s our guide to styling this romance-infused shade.
RYAN & MARIA’S VENDORS
We feel really lucky with the people who helped make our day so special.
Brooke, our celebrant, was incredible – not only on the day itself but in all the lead-up as well. She kept us organised, calm, and made sure everything flowed smoothly, which took so much pressure off us. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide us through such an important moment.
Margot, our photographer, was another standout. She captured the day beautifully without ever feeling intrusive, and the photos are something we’ll treasure forever.
Steph, who has been Maria’s friend for over 20 years, also deserves a mention for her gorgeous flowers. They were not only stunning on the day but were so special to us.
Together, they made the experience unforgettable.
Ceremony & reception venue: Montsalvat Weddings
Celebrant: Brooke Brodie Celebrant
Photography: Margot Stewart Photography
Florist: Bloom Society (Steph)
The dress: Meshki
Suit: Politix
Cake: Miss Trixie Drinks Tea
