Julie and Duc's Albert Park Wedding | Iain and Jo

When Julie’s parents found out their 16-year-old was dating a boy she met at Springvale Library, they were less than impressed and thought she should concentrate on her school work. But it was too late. Julie admitted to her sister, she was in love with Duc and couldn’t imagine life without him. Turns out she didn’t need to as 11 years later they would become husband and wife.

Julie and Duc’s long-anticipated Albert Park wedding was an epic one, which started with a 4am hair and makeup call for the girls before traditional tea ceremonies at both family’s (very full) houses. Once they were complete, Julie changed out of her red dress into her bridal gown. Even though they had been together all morning, these emotional ‘first look’ moments between Julie and Duc were so touching and a highlight of the day.

Then we all headed to the majestic grounds of Melbourne Uni (where Julie is currently studying law) for some photos. It had been such a busy morning that to climb the stairs from the iconic ‘Mad Max’ car park into an oasis of calm, green lawns of the university grounds felt like we had arrived at a different country. From here it was a short stroll around the gorgeous archways and facades of the Philosophy and Old Law buildings.

With all the emotion shown by these high school sweethearts, it was easy to forget that they weren’t actually married by this stage! This was done by celebrant Wendy McRae in front of their family and friends at The Park at Albert Park Lake before we all headed inside for the reception.

From their first official date at Chadstone (where a nervous Julie dropped soy-covered sushi onto her favourite white skirt) to Duc’s surprise proposal at Werribee Mansion, these guys have grown up together and were always meant to be.
Preparations for traditional tea ceremonies with both families to start the wedding day
At 7am, the family are dressed up, bearing gifts and ready to get started
The groomsmen get ready
Meet Duc, the happiest man on earth. He's about to marry the girl he fell in love with 11 years ago.

Let the games begin - Duc has to complete a series of challenges before he can see his bride
Step 1 - provide gifts for his bride's family

As part of the pre-wedding games, the bridesmaids made the groomsmen ‘share’ a packet of Pocky sticks without using their hands.

As part of the pre-wedding games, the bridesmaids made the groomsmen 'share' a packet of Pocky sticks without using their hands

And for the last challenge before he was allowed to see his bride, Duc had to get permission from the bridesmaids to get through the door.

Natural Elegant Wedding Beloved

Having passed all of the challenges set by the bridesmaids, our groom brings his beautiful bride down to see the family
Tea Ceremony

One .... two .... three .... SQUASH!! What an awesome bunch of kids
The bride and groom leaving for their traditional tea ceremony at the groom's house
Full-length portrait of the gorgeous bride in the red dress she wore to her tea ceremony
The white wedding begins. A selection of Julie's bridal accessories.
The bridesmaids help Julie get ready
The stunning bride, transformed from red to white
A gorgeous peonie bouquet by Levian Events

The first look
One of the most beautiful moments of the day. When Duc took his first look at his bride Julie in her white dress, things got a little emotional
Bride and groom getting into a vintage Mercedes chauffeured by TripleR Cars, heading off for their wedding Bride and Groom under the arches at the Melbourne University Carpark
Full-length picture of a bride taken at the Philosophy building at Melbourne University
Portraits of the bride and groom at Melbourne University's old Philosophy Building

The bridal party
Portrait of Julie and Duc on their wedding day
The bridal party wander the grounds of Melbourne University
The groom, Duc, whispers beautiful things to his bride
The bridal party with cars provided by TripleR Cars, in the carpark at Melbourne University
Portraits of the bride and groom in the vines at Victoria Barracks
The bride Julie and her father enter the ceremony at The Park, Albert Park
The groom, Duc, seeing his bride walking down the aisle at The Park, Albert Park
The bride's father accompanying his daughter to meet her groom at the top of the aisle at The Park, Albert Park
Wedding ceremony conducted by celebrant Wendy McRae at The Park, Albert Park

Exchanging rings at The Park, Albert Park
Guests look on and applaud as the bride and groom are pronounced man and wife
You may now kiss the bride
The happy couple walk back down the aisle to celebrate with their family and friends
Congratulating the bride and groom
Bride and groom sharing a kiss at sunset in Albert Park

Bridal table and reception decorations at The Park, Albert Park
Bride and groom entering their wedding reception at The Park, Albert Park

Bridal Waltz at The Park, Albert Park