Maria and Edward’s Regal Ballroom Wedding

It was eight years ago when Maria and Edward first met through mutual friends on a night out in Brisbane – where Edward lived, and Maria was visiting for a girls’ weekend. The pair hit it off and started talking regularly, but it would be another three years before they made their relationship official. And then three years before Edward made the permanent move down to Melbourne.

Even after all these years, Maria remembers her impressions of that first night:

“He was a really genuine, down-to-earth and trustworthy guy. From day dot I had a really secure, comfortable feeling with him. He made me feel myself and looked at me differently.”

Marriage was always on the cards for these two and Edward had the ring for nearly a year before he planned the perfect proposal during an European holiday. The trip included a trip to Ireland, where Edward booked a surprise stay at Longueville House, an 18th century estate owned by the O’Callaghan clan.

But his plans came undone after a seven-course degustation dinner with matching wines (over the course of just one hour) proved too much for Maria, who retired to bed before Ed could pop the question. It was the following morning while they were sitting on the bed, looking out to the garden when Edward presented the ring box to a very surprised and emotional Maria.

“My hands were shaking and tears were pouring down my face … I had to try to widen my eyes through the tears to even see the ring!”

Their wedding was just as emotional as Maria and Edward made their long-time love story official at St Margaret Mary’s Church in front of all their family and friends. The weather was a little challenging but with such a fun bridal party, no one minded waiting for the rain to clear for our photo shoot at Fitzroy Gardens. Big points to the ever-helpful bridesmaids for keeping Maria’s dress clean and dry! Then it was onto Regal Ballroom in Northcote for the real party to start.

Maria and Edward, thanks so much for trusting us to capture your special day and sharing your love story with us. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and all your family and friends. We wish you a lifetime of happiness together.