Ballara Eltham Weddings
Ballara Eltham Weddings is the reception venue
Hannah had been looking at a few venues, but none of them really stood out. Then Deb (Matthew’s mum) suggested Ballara Receptions, and both Hannah and Matthew instantly fell in love. It had everything we were looking for with a chapel, a beautiful ceremony and reception space, and a gorgeous venue that meant we wouldn’t have to travel between locations. The venue is where the photography took place.
Wedding gown // Fairytale Bridal
Suits // Men’s Suit Warehouse
Hair & Make up // Prive Hair & Makeup
Conducting the service // Julie Byrne
Flowers // Lillypad Florist
Wedding Cake // Melbourne Cake Studio
Wedding Cars // Luxury Limousines
Video // Andrew – Passion8 Photo & Video
DJ // DJ Karl
How we met:
We met at work in 2018. Matthew had been working at the pub for a few years at that point and Hannah had moved from Queensland recently where she ended up getting a job at the same venue. Before we ever spoke, Matthew had spoken to Ebony, who had befriended Hannah and asked if she would invite Hannah and himself out to pancakes together, this is what started our friendship. Hannahs thoughts – I was so wrapped up in the new job and a few other events that I didn’t really notice Matthew as quickly as he noticed me – he had dyed blonde hair and a kind smile. We went to pancake parlour a few times after work with a couple of other people from the hotel. I think he really popped on my radar when he sat beside me in the booth and laid his head on my shoulder. It was honestly the weirdest and bravest move a man had ever done, i feel from that move onwards, we had this pull to always be connected. Matthews thoughts – The very first thing that struck me was her eyes, I felt like I could look at them for hours. It was an instant attraction and I knew I had to get to know her more. The joy of working at the same place is you end up spending an awful lot of time together and, thankfully, we started to like each other more and more.
The Proposal:
Matthew proposed in December of last year. He deals with a lot of restaurants through work and this is where his idea for the proposal came to life. There was this new venue in the city that was right across from the Treasury Gardens that made for the perfect spot to pop the question. After a wonderful dinner, Matthew suggested that we both go for a walk through the park, Hannah wasn’t thrilled at the idea but he convinced Hannah eventually. We walked down through the gardens as the fading light shone through the trees around us. What Hannah didn’t know is Matthew had organized a photographer to be positioned nearby to catch our moment. We came to the spot where Matthew let Hannah take a few steps in front of me, grabbed her hand to spin her around and before she knew it I was on my knee in front her with ring in hand. I did most of the speaking, Hannah managed a few mumbles through the tears. All that matters is that at the end she said the two words that mattered.
After the Wedding – Review on Australian Bridal Industry Awards (ABIA) – couples feedback
Hannah & Matthew
We can’t thank Andrew at Passion8 enough for capturing our wedding day so perfectly. Every single photo is stunning from the ceremony right through to the night shots and we can’t stop looking through them!He was exactly what we needed on the day: calm, friendly, and gave great direction that made everything run smoothly. You can tell he truly loves what he does, and it shows in every photo.
Hannah & Matthew