Victoria and JJ’s Chateau Apollo wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, warmth, and pure fun! Held on a beautiful evening in the heart of Adelaide, their wedding had all the ingredients for an unforgettable celebration. The later ceremony added a touch of romance, with the golden hues of the setting sun fading into the cool glow of city lights. Chateau Apollo’s chic industrial charm set the scene for this lovely couple, and I was thrilled to capture their special day as their wedding photographer.
Chateau Apollo, nestled on Frome Street in Adelaide’s CBD, offered the perfect backdrop for Victoria and JJ’s big day. The venue’s urban vibe, exposed brick, and warm lighting provided a dreamy yet modern aesthetic that suited them perfectly. It was clear from the start that this wedding would be as unique as their love story.
Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
Before the ceremony, we kicked off the day with a beautiful pre-wedding photoshoot. The vibe was relaxed yet brimming with excitement, as Victoria and JJ chose to have a “first look” moment. Their small bridal party stood nearby, ready to share in this intimate part of the day. The famed Chateau Apollo wall, with its raw and urban appeal, made for a striking backdrop as JJ laid eyes on his bride for the first time. The connection between them was palpable—it was one of those moments where the world just seemed to pause.
We also made use of Chateau Apollo’s signature industrial aesthetic for some creative portraits. Victoria and JJ’s bridal party complemented the mood perfectly, adding a sense of laid-back elegance to the shots. With the soft natural light filtering in through the large windows, I captured their laughter and love in a setting that felt both romantic and unpretentious. It was clear that this wedding wasn’t just about the grandeur of the day, but about the genuine connection they shared with their closest friends and family.
A smiling man in a formal suit has his boutonniere adjusted by a woman before a special event.
Man in navy-blue suit with bow tie stands confidently on a city sidewalk, surrounded by urban architecture and casually dressed pedestrians.
A bride approaches her groom in front of the elegant facade of Chateau Apollo.
Bride and groom share an intimate, emotional moment in elegant attire outside a grand historical venue.
A joyful couple shares a romantic moment with a white rose against a timeless stone wall backdrop.
Newlyweds celebrate in front of Chateau Apollos vintage architecture.
Bride and groom embrace on their wedding day in front of the historic Chateau Apollo building.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment, smiling in elegant attire against a historic stone wall in the city.
Newlyweds share a loving gaze in an urban setting, with the brides vibrant bouquet adding a splash of color against a beige brick wall.
Rustic industrial venue with elegant dining setup, featuring exposed beams, chandeliers, fairy lights, and minimalist table settings for a wedding or celebratory event.
Man in a suit with a boutonnière smiling by a sunlit window.
Vic and JJ share a joyful laugh next to their beautifully decorated wedding cake.
Bride and groom share an intimate moment in front of French doors, surrounded by natural light and loved ones at their elegant wedding.
Bride and groom share an intimate embrace at a beautifully lit, elegant indoor wedding with smiling guests in the background.
Elegant couple celebrates in a well-lit room with arched windows.
Newlywed couple shares a tender moment in a beautifully lit, elegant venue.
Newlyweds beaming with happiness, holding a vibrant bouquet, on their special day.
A white rose cradling a sparkling diamond ring, symbolizing romance and commitment.
Chateau Apollo Wedding Ceremony
When it came time for the ceremony, the atmosphere shifted from light-hearted to deeply emotional. As guests filled the venue, Victoria and JJ greeted each one at the door together, setting a welcoming tone. But then, all eyes turned to the dramatic staircase at the center of the venue—the star of the show for their ceremony. Victoria had a grand vision for this moment, and it did not disappoint. She descended those stairs like a queen, her dress flowing behind her as JJ watched, spellbound. The soft glow of the indoor lighting and the closeness of the guests created an intimate and magical scene.
The ceremony was filled with personal touches, from their vows to the laughter they shared throughout. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as they exchanged rings, and their elaborate first kiss brought cheers from the crowd. I couldn’t help but smile behind the camera, knowing I was capturing a moment that would be cherished forever. After the ceremony, we all gathered for a large group photo outside. With the sun nearly set, I had to get creative—no drone needed, just a trusty 4-meter pole to capture everyone with the city traffic bustling by in the background. It was chaotic, but oh-so-fun!
A heartfelt hug between two women at a cozy, festive indoor gathering.
A joyous intergenerational exchange at a family gathering, capturing a moment of mutual respect and affection between an elderly woman and a younger woman.
A joyful elderly woman with a walker, surrounded by smiling family and friends at a heartwarming gathering.
Elegant guests pose warmly at a wedding, radiating joy and sophistication.
Friends share a warm embrace at a rustic-industrial outdoor bar.
Bride stands at the top of a staircase holding a vibrant bouquet, under an elegant veil, with the groom awaiting at the bottom in a charming rustic indoor setting.
Bride and groom exchange vows on a flower-adorned staircase, surrounded by loved ones in a romantic, rustic wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom share a joyous moment during their wedding ceremony, with the officiant reading vows in a beautifully decorated venue.
Grooms joyous smile during an intimate wedding moment with brides veil softly cascading in a warm, fairy-lit ambiance.
A radiant bride and groom share a heartfelt moment amidst a dreamy backdrop of fairy lights during their wedding ceremony.
A couple exchanges vows on a floral-adorned staircase, surrounded by romantic decor and warm lighting, in a historic and elegantly restored venue.
Bride and groom share a passionate kiss on a flower-adorned staircase at their charming, rustic wedding.
Newlyweds joyfully descend a beautifully decorated staircase, surrounded by smiling guests at a rustic wedding venue.
Bride and groom exchange wedding rings in an intimate black-and-white ceremony.
Elegant wedding celebration outside the historic Chateau Apollo, featuring a joyful couple in wedding attire and well-dressed guests.
Chateau Apollo Wedding Reception
Once the ceremony was over, the night transitioned into a lively reception filled with heartfelt speeches, dancing, and some unexpected surprises. One of the most impressive moments was watching Victoria—already stunning in her bridal gown—take on the role of MC. She truly commanded the room, gracefully leading the evening’s festivities with humor and warmth. It was so fitting for a bride who was already the center of attention to take on the additional role, and she did it with such ease!
Their first dance was choreographed, and it was clear they had put thought into every step. It was a magical moment, with Victoria and JJ floating across the dance floor, completely in sync. And once the formalities were over, the party really kicked off. The dance floor was packed, with everyone celebrating well into the night. There were a few hilarious moments, too—especially when someone noticed that their seating arrangement board, made from pegs, ended up being repurposed into hair accessories for the guests! It added a quirky and spontaneous element to the evening, and by the end of the night, there wasn’t a peg left on the board.
To top off an already fabulous reception, Victoria and JJ made use of our audio guest book. This is always a crowd-pleaser, and their guests didn’t disappoint! Everyone left heartfelt, funny, and sometimes tear-jerking messages that the couple will be able to listen to for years to come. There’s something truly special about hearing your loved ones’ voices long after the wedding day, and this was the perfect way to end their unforgettable celebration.
A newlywed couple shares a magical moment in front of Chateau Apollo at night.
Newlyweds share a magical kiss on a bustling city street under the night lights.
Elegant pointed-toe shoes adorned with BO$$ and LADY speech bubbles beneath sequined fabric.
Two friends share a joyful laugh while looking at a phone during a festive party.
Bride in elegant white dress giving a joyful speech at wedding reception, smiling with microphone in hand.
Older man in red suspenders and bow tie delivers a speech at a formal indoor event.
A row of softly glowing candles illuminates a textured brick wall, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
Bride giving a heartfelt wedding speech, standing elegantly in a lace gown with a veil, amidst romantic decor featuring greenery, fairy lights, and a rustic cake stand.
Friends sharing a joyful toast at a cozy celebration.
Newlyweds share a heartfelt laugh, radiating joy at their wedding reception.
Man in a blue suit gives an elegant speech at a beautifully decorated wedding.
Elegant two-tiered wedding cake with garland frosting on a rustic wooden barrel, accompanied by champagne flutes, in an intimate and cozy setting.
Bride and groom share a joyous moment while cutting their wedding cake at a beautifully rustic reception.
A couple shares a tender, intimate moment under warm, romantic lighting at their wedding.
A joyful couple shares their first dance at an elegant, rustic wedding venue, surrounded by smiling guests.
A couples first dance at a wedding reception, surrounded by cheering guests and enchanting, rustic decor.
Elegant couple dancing at a rustic loft wedding reception, surrounded by fairy lights and joyful onlookers.
A couple joyfully dances at a formal event, capturing the essence of celebration and happiness.
A joyful couple celebrates together at an elegant event with a festive backdrop.
Friends sharing laughter and joy at a lively celebration.
A joyful moment at a rustic wedding reception with the bride, groom, and guests celebrating amidst warm, intimate lighting.
Groomsmen lifting bride in joyous moment at a rustic, intimate wedding reception.
Bride and groom dance joyfully surrounded by celebrating guests at an elegant wedding reception.
Newlyweds joyfully celebrating in a rustic, romantic venue with candles and fairy lights.
Bride dancing joyfully with guests at a wedding reception under fairy lights.
A jubilant bride and groom celebrate their wedding day with joyful smiles and loving gestures, surrounded by an elegant and intimate venue.
Victoria and JJ’s Chateau Apollo wedding was more than just a beautiful event—it was a celebration of their love, shared with the people who mean the most to them. As their wedding photographer, it was an absolute joy to capture every moment, from the quiet pre-ceremony excitement to the laughter and fun on the dance floor. Chateau Apollo provided the perfect setting for their unique day, with its blend of urban chic and intimate charm. I can’t wait to look back at these photos with them in years to come, knowing that this was just the beginning of their amazing adventure together.