Botanic Gardens Adelaide Wedding – Melanie & Adrian
Melanie and Adrian’s Botanic Gardens Adelaide wedding was a celebration wrapped in sunshine, greenery, and plenty of emotion. Choosing the Adelaide Botanic Gardens as their backdrop gave their day an effortless elegance, filled with natural charm and intimate details. This is one of those venues that never fails to impress, with every turn offering a fresh perspective for photographs.
They originally set their sights on the Summer House near North Terrace, but Adelaide weather was kind to them, so they took advantage of a nearby open patch of grass. That decision gave the ceremony a wider view, with tall trees framing the edges and light streaming in across the space. It brought a sense of openness that felt welcoming, and it allowed me as their wedding photographer to capture not just their story, but also the vibrancy of the gardens around them.
Pre Ceremony
The time leading up to the ceremony were filled with anticipation and a touch of lighthearted energy. Both Melanie and Adrian arrived in style, their cars rolling up to the gardens with polished chrome catching the afternoon sun. The arrival itself turned heads, setting the tone for an elegant celebration with a classic twist. Guests gathered, admiring not only the couple’s entrance but the surrounding gardens that were in their springtime glory.
The pre-ceremony buzz carried beautifully across the lawn. Children ran about, guests mingled under the trees, and there was that subtle excitement only a wedding can bring. Adrian was steady but emotional, waiting at the end of the grassy aisle, and it was clear this moment was one he had been building toward with love and anticipation.
Botanic Gardens Adelaide Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony itself unfolded with simplicity and sincerity. The couple had opted for a short, heartfelt service that placed all the focus on their bond. As Melanie approached with their son by her side, Adrian’s emotions spilled over in the most touching way. Those quiet tears, caught in the afternoon glow, became one of my favourite frames from the day.
Every ceremony at the Botanic Gardens Adelaide has its own unique atmosphere. For Melanie and Adrian, it was intimate yet inclusive, a gathering that drew guests into their story without distraction. The grass underfoot, the trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the sunshine bathing everything in warmth made the moment feel organic and true.
Adding a fun twist, Melanie decided to toss her bouquet immediately after the ceremony. Instead of saving it for later at the reception, she gathered her guests right there on the lawn. Laughter and cheers filled the gardens as friends jostled playfully to catch it. It was a spontaneous touch that broke tradition in the best way, giving the ceremony a lighthearted finish before moving deeper into the day’s celebrations.
Glamour Photos
After the ceremony, we set off for a walk through the Botanic Gardens. The gardens are a dream for portraits, offering endless variety without ever feeling staged. Towering palms, winding pathways, reflective ponds, and bursts of colourful blooms all became part of Melanie and Adrian’s photo story. Each location gave them a fresh backdrop, and it was wonderful watching them relax more and more as the walk continued.
Adrian, still glowing from the ceremony, carried their son during some frames, making the family dynamic shine through every shot. Melanie’s gown flowed effortlessly against the greens and golds of the gardens, catching the light in just the right way as we paused in front of iconic features. This part of the day wasn’t just about posed glamour; it was about capturing the couple in motion, strolling through spaces they had chosen for their significance and beauty.
The gardens gave us opportunities for candid laughter and intimate pauses, creating a balance of formal elegance and playful authenticity. The combination of natural landscapes and heartfelt emotion gave their glamour photos a depth that perfectly matched the spirit of their wedding day.
The Rydges Hotel Wedding Reception
As the sun lowered, the celebration shifted to the Rydges Hotel at the south-west corner of Adelaide’s CBD. The top floor reception room offered sweeping views of the city, and on this particular evening, the sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink. From a photography perspective, it was nothing short of spectacular. Every speech, every toast, and every smile was set against that glowing horizon, giving the evening a warm, cinematic atmosphere.
The reception was filled with heartfelt words, with friends and family standing to honour Melanie and Adrian’s journey. Their son once again stole the spotlight, entertaining guests and charming the room with his boundless energy. Children have a way of becoming the centrepiece of a reception, and here it added to the authenticity of the celebration. This wasn’t just a wedding reception; it was a family gathering, a blending of love and laughter with a city view that made everything sparkle.
The evening carried on with dancing, stories, and an undeniable sense of joy. Guests leaned into the celebration, making the most of the space and the company. As the night wore on, I captured the small details—the glasses clinking, the way the light bounced across the tables, and the tender moments between Melanie and Adrian when they thought no one was watching. Those details stitched the story of their reception together, leaving them with a collection of memories as vibrant as the day itself.
Melanie and Adrian’s Botanic Gardens Adelaide Wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, emotion, and fun. From the open-air ceremony framed by greenery to the vibrant glamour photos and the sunset-soaked reception at Rydges Hotel, their day reflected not just their love for one another but the joy of sharing it with family and friends. Every element came together to create a celebration that was uniquely theirs, filled with personal touches and heartfelt moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.
