Welcome to our very first blog! Launched in 2019, with years of industry experience prior, we at Love Above have seen just about every facet of the Melbourne wedding scene, and hope our weekly updates and articles will assist in the ever exciting journey of wedding planning.
As a team, we've seen our fair share of quirky, unique, and at times underrated wedding venues across our amazing state. From re-purposed warehouses, to majestic mainstays within our iconic regions, here are some of our absolute favourite hidden gems!
1. Mont du Soleil: Kallista
Found along Kallista-Emerald Road, Mont du Soleil is a definite standout from what one typically expects from the Sherbrooke side of Victoria.
Nestled amidst the forestry hub lies the versatile property owned and run by a husband and wife duo, with all the rustic charms to rival any popular regional venue. Along its winding driveway one can experience a picturesque country setting; with horses, llamas, and at times geese roaming Mont du Soleil's expansive fields.
Pulling up into the main building introduces you to the venue's famed jaw-dropping architecture, with the venue specifically designed to ooze old-school Tuscan charm. From a social-media worthy exterior, to rooms adorned by heritage artwork and vintage furniture, Mont du Soleil is an aesthetic dream!
Key Features: Intimate space, vineyard, unique architecture, on-site accomodation
Suited For: Intimate weddings, elopements
2. Butterfly: Red Hill
Versatile, quirky, and just simply gorgeous, this hidden gem in Red Hill knows just how to throw a party!
Surrounded by lush greenery, scenic views, alongside a plethora of garden spaces, Butterfly ticks all the right boxes for couples wanting an outdoor element to their wedding. Not to be outshone by the natural beauty around it, Butterfly's interior space exudes the cosy warmth of a country cabin, with a multi-faceted floor plan providing an exceptional canvas to style the perfect reception.
Perhaps the most standout aspect of Butterfly, the professionalism and understanding of the team exceeds the standards of any 5-star hotel, let alone a hidden country location. With exceptional communication skills leading up the wedding and sheer excellence in their coordination of the day, couples are sure to be at ease knowing they are in trusted, capable hands.
Also, they have fire pits to toast marshmallows.
Key Features: Exceptional service, food truck access, excellent photo opportunities, on-site accomodation
Suited For: Rustic and natural themes, casual relaxed weddings
3. Redwood Forest: Warburton East
A popular tourist spot for locals and visitors alike, not many think to realise just what a perfect backdrop the forest makes for an outdoor ceremony.
The unique, unmistakable silhouettes of the redwood trees draw a stark distinction from the familiar Australian bush, allowing couples to escape into a foreign realm right in the state's very own backyard. Accentuating a moody atmosphere in winter, and sun-kissed overtones in warmer months, this Warburton East staple is bold in character, making it a wonderful gem among ceremony choices.
An array of fun-loving reception venues, such as Projekt 3488, are but a stone's throw away, adorned with rustic quirks that perfectly complements a forest ceremony.
Key Features: Stunning natural features, close to reception venues
Suited For: Couples seeking a scenic outdoor ceremony
4. The Wool Mill: Brunswick East
A leap closer to home, this elegant warehouse conversion is tucked away in Melbourne's north. With three distinct spaces, The Wool Mill provides an exceptional blank canvas that caters to any and all ideas couples may have.
An industrial gem, this venue embodies the very notion of flexibility. Alongside fantastic styling and coordinating services, The Wool Mill is perfect for couples seeking a venue that they can truly customise as their own.
The industrial backdrop further presents a unique opportunity for a distinct style of wedding portraits, with both the venue's interior and surrounds being a photographer's playground for fun and exciting photoshoots. In warmer months, soft summer lighting permeates the main reception area, creating a finely-lit setting for couples to sneak away for a few portraits.
Key Features: Elegant warehouse setting, multiple spaces, good lighting, flexible styling
Suited For: Warehouse weddings, blank canvas venue
5. Goona Warra Vineyard: Sunbury
Veering towards Melbourne's north-west, this venue features the very best elements of a winery wedding. With expansive vineyards, a cellar adorned with barrels, and a reception hall that encapsulates Goona Warra's rustic character, this venue is simply a joy for couples and photographers alike.
A stroll through the vineyard presents the perfect opportunity for couples to soak in the experience of tying the knot, creating genuine, unposed emotion on full display for photographers to do what we do best.
The epitome of rustic charm, Goona Warra's bluestone laden walls set the scene for both raucous receptions and intimate dinners alike.
Key Features: Vineyard, rustic interiors, scenic views
Suited For: Winery and rustic weddings