If you are planning your wedding at Chin Chin in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, you’ll want to see this wedding celebration.

‘Oh my Gosh Marisa! We just cried so much in awe and joy!! Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.’ – Elise & Ben – Chin, Chin, Melbourne CBD

Chin, Chin Wedding | Melbourne CBD | 17 April 2021

When the celebrant, Taryn messaged us as we waltzed down Collins Street to Chin Chin, she nailed it in one – “This wedding is a whole vibe“. I can’t even explain it. Imagine the greatest party you’ve ever been to, all your favourite songs, surrounded by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Oh and don’t forget the food that Chin Chin is famous for. All there to celebrate the love of two self-proclaimed, ‘wild cats’! However, the day didn’t start that way.

It started quietly at the Adelphi Hotel (Collins Street) as Elise, prepared to walk down the aisle in style surrounded by her family and some of her closest friends (and talented hair and make-up artists) helped her relax and enjoy the day. We drank bubbles, we laughed (a lot) and we paused for a lift selfie on our way out the door.

The First look

Okay, so we were running a smidge late. Ben was waiting patiently (read nervously) for Elise by a tree in Treasury Gardens. She approached him slowly while he faced away – his nerves were climbing. Seeing your partner for the first time on your wedding day is a big deal! As I say to my wedding couples, it’s best to get those nerves out in private with a first look. To save that moment up for your guests can be nervewracking.

You can only imagine the emotion (or you can peek below in their wedding photos at Treasury Place). A few gentle tears, a lot of laughter and the deep connection they share shone through.

Stroll to Chin, Chin Wedding space for the greatest celebration

After loved-up, portraits in the garden, we strolled up Flinders lane. Yes, we stopped for a cheeky cocktail on the way – to Chin Chin Wedding function space for Ben and Elise to make their grand entrance. Hand in hand they enter their spectacular party filled with their friends and family so a night of celebration, heartfelt words, that first kiss, the delicious food that Chin Chin is known for and a night of dancing.

Oh and that Whisky Station. You know I definitely enjoyed a whisky that night too!

Celebrated DJ Andrew Padura had the entire group on a high mixing everyone’s favourite songs from the early 2000’s. In planning their wedding, Ben and Elise just wanted an enormous party where their guests could let their hair down and forget, ‘he who shall not be named’… otherwise known as the events of 2020.

My feet were sore the next morning but it was soooo worth it.

Biggest love to Ben and Elise for allowing us the privilege of documenting your wedding day – from the deepest part of our hearts, thank you.

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

Much love,

Marisa & Sarah xx

Shot for Oh the Places Elopements

PS. Biggest gratitude to Chin, Chin Weddings for working with up on our celiac dietary requirements – it’s not often that a wedding venue goes above and beyond like you to take such good care of us. It is so incredibly appreciated xx

Wedding Vendor listing – Chin, Chin Wedding

Venue: Chin Chin Wedding Functions Event space @chinchin 

Flowers: Amazing Graze flowers @amazinggrazeflowers 

Backdrops: One Big Day Event Hire @onebigdayeventhire 

DJ: Andrew Padula 

Cake: JB Bakes 

Celebrant: Teagen Dole @weddingsbypanache 

Dress: Rafaelle Ciuca @raffaeleciucabridal 

Rings: Black Finch Jewellers @ blackfinch_jewellery and Top Image Jewellery @topimagejewellery 

Hair: Clarissa Crawford @clarissacrawfordhair 

Make-up: Oh the Places Elopements – Sarah @ohtheplaces_elopements

Photography: Oh the Places Elopements – Marisa (Me!) for @ohtheplaces_elopements

MELBOURNE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER – MEET MARISA FROM CADENCE & GRACE

I’m Marisa from Cadence and Grace Photography and I’m not your average Melbourne Wedding Photographer. To me, a wedding is the greatest celebration of the depths of human connection. When you know in your core that ‘your person’ makes you light up inside and that you can’t imagine a world without them. A wedding is a celebration of you finding each other in this crazy world. It’s your declaration screaming ‘Hells YES!’ to a lifetime of daily adventures, holiday planning, long brunches, eternally lost socks, long drives, trying to keep indoor plants alive and fights over which movie to watch together on Netflix. It’s a celebration of the real you, together and the perfectly imperfect.

Above all, when I document your wedding, I’m documenting a story and connection that is unique to the two of you. I’m showcasing its beauty in a day filled with fresh florals, champagne toasts, smiles (and often tears), proud grandparents, first kisses, cheese towers, drunken cousins and dance floor antics. The big moments and all the little moments in between.

I only take a limited number of weddings each year. To see if I’m available on your wedding day, drop me a message on my contact page or email me at hello@cadenceandgrace.com . Marisa xx

Melbourne Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Photos of how deeply you love and are loved