The venue hunt is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. You’re setting the stage for one of the most magical days of your life — no pressure!
In this Easy Wedding series, we’re challenging you to pick which venue you think our couples will go for based on their short list of options. With so many options, who knows which location will take their fancy? Australia offers historic inner city buildings, charming rural estates, and, of course, stunning waterfront venues to choose from.
Meet the couple
Cindy and Abdi are a vibrant and loving couple residing in the bustling city of Melbourne. Their journey towards marriage began in the most unexpected of places – the workplace. Despite the hustle and bustle of their professional lives, their connection blossomed over shared interests and mutual respect.
Abdi, with his warm smile and easygoing nature, was immediately drawn to Cindy’s infectious laughter and compassionate demeanour. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon their work interactions evolved into deep conversations and shared moments of laughter.
Their relationship took a significant turn when Abdi decided to surprise Cindy with a proposal on one of Melbourne’s picturesque beaches.
As they embarked on the exciting task of planning their wedding, Cindy and Abdi sought a venue that would reflect their personalities and priorities. They envisioned a setting that would capture the beauty of Melbourne while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for their friends and family.
Their search led them to explore various venues across Melbourne, each offering its unique charm and ambience. From sprawling gardens to historic landmarks, Cindy and Abdi carefully considered every detail, envisioning how each location would contribute to their wedding day.
Option 1: Vogue Ballroom
As Cindy and Abdi explored potential wedding venues, Vogue Ballroom in Burwood East emerged as an option that perfectly aligned with their vision for their wedding day.
Luxury was at the forefront of what appealed to them about Vogue Ballroom. The allure of crystal chandeliers, stone bathrooms, and a spacious, elegant setting promised to set the tone for a wedding that felt truly upscale and unforgettable.
What truly captured Cindy and Abdi’s attention was Vogue Ballroom’s commitment to tailored catering. They were impressed by the team’s personalised approach, working closely with couples to create food and beverage packages that catered to their unique preferences and dietary needs. The idea of having their wedding menu customised to their tastes was something that resonated deeply with them.
Moreover, the Melbourne location of Vogue Ballroom was a major plus for Cindy and Abdi. Situated just a short 20-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD in Burwood East, it offered easy accessibility for guests travelling from various parts of Melbourne. This ensured that their loved ones could join them in celebrating their big day without any inconvenience.
Option 2: Leonda by the Yarra
Cindy and Abdi were charmed by the relaxed elegance of Leonda by the Yarra, a serene venue nestled along the tranquil banks of the Yarra River. With its two enchanting reception spaces, they envisioned a wedding day surrounded by natural beauty and simplicity. The venue’s private courtyard, offering a picturesque backdrop, felt like the perfect spot for their ceremony, while the expansive windows promised stunning views to enhance their celebration.
What stood out to Cindy and Abdi about Leonda was its genuine commitment to ensuring their wedding day was stress-free and personalised. From the moment they stepped inside, they felt welcomed by the warm and attentive Leonda team. The promise of a seamless wedding journey, paired with all-inclusive packages and customisable options, gave them peace of mind as they planned their wedding day.
With capacities accommodating anywhere from 60 to 480 seated guests, Leonda offered flexibility to suit weddings of all sizes. The availability of lunch, dinner, and cocktail options, along with the option for a unique boat departure from a private jetty, added a touch of charm and individuality to their celebration.
Option 3: Encore
Encore St Kilda emerged as another enticing option for Cindy and Abdi as they navigated their wedding venue choices. Nestled just footsteps from the ocean, Encore promised a tailor-made experience focused on bringing their unique vision to life.
Immersing themselves in a world of luxury and imagination, Cindy and Abdi were tempted by Encore’s array of features. From two private bridal suites to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of St Kilda Beach, every detail seemed designed to elevate their wedding day. The built-in dancefloor, flexible room layouts, and outdoor terrace further added to the venue’s allure, providing endless possibilities for their celebration.
What truly set Encore apart was its dedication to ensuring a stress-free and harmonious wedding experience. With in-house event coordinators, bespoke wedding packages, and award-winning catering menus, Cindy and Abdi felt confident that every aspect of their day would be expertly taken care of.
Whether they envisioned an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Encore St Kilda’s capacity of 300 guests seated or 700 cocktail-style events offered the versatility they desired.
Which did they pick?
While Vogue Ballroom offered luxury and exquisite amenities, Cindy and Abdi encountered a drawback as they realised the venue lacked a designated area for their ceremony, posing a logistical challenge for their wedding plans. On the other hand, Encore St Kilda, with its stunning beachfront setting and customisable spaces, seemed promising, but the restriction on BYO alcohol posed a concern for Cindy’s picky family preferences. As they weighed their options, Cindy and Abdi deliberated on finding a venue that not only fulfilled their aesthetic desires but also accommodated their specific needs and preferences to ensure their wedding day was truly perfect.
The winner: Leonda by the Yarra
Cindy and Abdi’s vision for their wedding day was nothing short of a fairytale, and Leonda by the Yarra embodied that dream perfectly. Enchanted by the venue’s romantic vibe, they were sold the moment they discovered they could depart by boat—an enchanting touch that captured the essence of their fairytale vision. With a desire for convenience and cohesion, Cindy and Abdi chose Leonda for its ability to host every aspect of their celebration in one location, eliminating the need for guests to travel elsewhere.
On their wedding day, the ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of the tranquil Yarra River, with Leonda’s private courtyard providing a picturesque setting. Following the ceremony, the area seamlessly transitioned into a cocktail space as the newlyweds took group photos, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy refreshments while soaking in the ambience.
Later, guests were ushered into Leonda’s main ballroom for the reception—a grand space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the river. Here, they dined, danced, and celebrated the newlyweds’ love in style. The event flowed seamlessly from one moment to the next, with Leonda’s expert staff ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly.
For Cindy and Abdi, the most important factor in selecting a venue was how it made them feel and how they believed it would be received by their guests. Leonda’s enchanting ambience and unique feature of departing by boat not only resonated deeply with the couple but also left a lasting impression on their loved ones.
Congratulations, Cindy & Abdi!