Maria and Macaulee celebrated a summer wedding at Rupert on Rupert in Collingwood that blended garden vibes with indoor charm, drawing on the couple’s love of colour, food and close-knit company.
Venue and Design
The venue, Rupert on Rupert in Collingwood, provided the perfect setting for the couple’s whimsical celebration, featuring hanging cotton-candy-like flower clusters above the tables. Katie from Ripple Studio translated a vague brief into hanging arrangements, simple candles and two bouquet options, letting the duo choose on the day.
Both bride and groom favoured bold hues over traditional neutrals. Macaulee wore a green velvet suit from Oscar Hunt, while Maria changed outfits multiple times, starting in a halter-neck dress and gloves made by her mother, then moving to a jumpsuit for dancing.
Photographer Jackson Grant captured the scene with a playful eye, encouraging candid moments such as a broken heel during a “running to the camera” shot. He later joked that the couple let him “live out my Year 12 art project,” a sentiment that matched the relaxed atmosphere.
The ceremony featured an acoustic rendition of “Dreams” by The Cranberries, performed by Charlotte, while Paper Hearts supplied additional music. Maria walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father, highlighting the family-centric tone of the day.
Food, Music and Guest Experience
Only 55 guests attended, eliminating the need for a formal wedding party and allowing the pair to focus on conversation and cuisine. An oyster station opened the meal, followed by a cannoli cart that replaced a traditional cake.
Live entertainment came from DJ and saxophonist Keidan Morley, who blended beats with a sax solo during the first dance to “You Are The Best Thing” by Sophie Faith.
Vendors played a key role in shaping the day. Maria praised each provider for guiding the inexperienced pair through decisions, noting that Ripple Studio, Jackson Grant, Keidan Morley, Paper Hearts and the venue staff all offered ideas when the duo had none.
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The celebrant was the bride’s brother-in-law, adding a personal touch to the ceremony. The vows were simple, foregoing readings and focusing on their own words, which gave the service a heartfelt simplicity.
Throughout the evening, guests mingled around the floral installations, sharing plates and stories. The relaxed layout meant no one felt rushed, and the pair could spend quality time with each attendee.
In the early hours, the venue’s staff arranged a private first-look photo session, allowing the couple to capture street-style images before the ceremony began.
Family and Personal Touches
Family members played a central role, with a close relative stepping in to lead the ceremony. The bride’s brother-in-law performed the service, and the couple kept the vows personal, writing them themselves and forgoing traditional readings.
Details of the bridal attire highlighted a deep personal connection; every piece was fashioned by the bride’s mother, who crafted both the initial halter-neck ensemble and the later jumpsuit that allowed the bride to move freely on the dance floor. This hands-on involvement extended to the groom’s attire, which was selected to complement the bright palette favoured by the pair.
Culinary and Celebration Highlights
Food offerings reflected the couple’s desire for a memorable tasting experience, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that showcased the venue’s culinary expertise. Guests enjoyed a selection curated by the kitchen team, praised for delivering dishes that balanced flavour and presentation, reinforcing the celebration’s emphasis on shared enjoyment.
The night ended with laughter.
