The Vision: Effortless, Wild & Personal
Some celebrations are simply made for summer. Jen and Les’ Abbotsford Convent ceremony nuptials and Butler Lane wedding reception unfolded on one of those golden January days when Melbourne feels like it’s humming with possibility—sunlight filtering through heritage trees, the city’s edges softened by the sound of laughter and the scent of garden blooms.
From the very first conversation, Jen’s vision was clear: she wanted florals that felt effortless, wild, and deeply personal. No stiff bouquets or cookie-cutter centrepieces—just a story told in seasonal Australian blooms, layered with texture and movement. Les, ever the minimalist, was all for it. Together, they handed me the creative reins and let the flowers do the talking.
Ceremony Florals at Abbotsford Convent
Forget the traditional arbour—Jen and Les wanted something that felt fresh, modern, and completely their own. Instead of building up, we built out: a lush, sculptural ground arrangement that seemed to grow organically from the convent’s ancient stones, wrapping the couple in a sea of summer florals. The effect was quietly spectacular—fluffy, seasonal blooms in soft blush, apricot, and cream, punctuated by wild greenery and the occasional pop of something unexpected.
Aisle arrangements lined the path, guiding Jen down the sunlit walk to meet Les. The whole scene felt like a secret garden—intimate, abundant, and just a little bit wild.
The Florals: Wild, Whimsical, Wonderfully Melbourne
For Jen and Les, I sourced the best of the season from local Victorian growers—think buttery dahlias, delicate cosmos, and wild lupins, all arranged to look as if they’d sprung up overnight. The ceremony ground arrangement was a focal point: layered, asymmetrical, and bursting with colour, it framed the couple against the city’s summer light.
Every bouquet, buttonhole and table arrangement was designed to echo the garden outside—relaxed, tactile, and just a little bit unexpected. No two pieces were the same, but together, they created a kind of floral symphony that felt both curated and completely organic.
Repurposing Blooms: Taking Florals from Abbotsford Convent to Butler Lane Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, we gathered each arrangement and whisked them across town to Butler Lane. There’s a quiet joy in giving flowers a second life—aisle pieces became statement features at the reception entrance, and the ground arrangement transformed into a striking head table backdrop. This seamless transition let the story of the day flow naturally from one space to the next.
At Butler Lane, the industrial lines and leafy courtyard set the mood for a relaxed, elevated evening. The repurposed blooms took centre stage—layered along tables, clustered in corners, and spilling softly onto the dance floor. Candlelight flickered, glassware sparkled, and the flowers—still fresh from their morning debut—seemed to glow in the summer twilight.
Jen and Les wanted the reception to feel like an extension of their ceremony: joyful, welcoming, and unmistakably them. Every floral detail was there to spark conversation, connection, and a sense of celebration that lingered long after the music faded.
The Dream Team
- Ceremony Venue: Abbotsford Convent
- Reception Venue: Butler Lane
- Photography: I Got You Babe
- Catering: Peter Rowland
- Florist: Estudyo
- …and everyone who helped bring Jen & Les’ vision to life.
Planning Your Own Melbourne Summer Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of florals that feel modern, personal, and a little bit unexpected—let’s chat. I’d love to help you create something unforgettable, whether you’re saying “I do” at Abbotsford Convent, Butler Lane, or anywhere in Melbourne.
Enquire here or find more inspiration on Instagram.
Thank you, Jen & Les, for trusting me to tell your story in flowers.
