Stephanie and Joeys Panama Dining Room wedding was nothing short of inspiring. These two have the kind of love that sonnets, love stories and gorgeous rom coms are written about. The Panama Dining room is a wedding venue right in the heart of Fitzroy. Steph and Joey fell in love with the awe inspiring arched windows – an absolutely gorgeous backdrop for a wedding ceremony. These two have been together 10 years, met at University and bonded over their love of films.
From the initial meeting with Steph (Joey was asleep – he gets up INSANELY early for work), I knew it was going to be an absolute stunning wedding. They were super organised, were locking in their amazing vendors AND they had a whole lot of love for each other. They were super excited to get married to one another and it was important to them that they celebrated with their families.
Steph and Joey got ready separately in their hotel rooms at Ovolo Laneway in Melbourne. Something super special they did was write each other letters to read while they were getting ready. It made for an emotional moment as they awaited their ceremony. Steph also had a tear jerking first look with her father. Not a dry eye on that balcony! Often giving space to these emotional moments in a ‘first look’ allows the emotion to be shared.
Ovolo Laneways is right in the heart of the city and was designed and inspired by the hidden laneways and street art. There was street art out in the little court yards with a sweet view of some do the sky scrapers. It was the perfect backdrop for some getting ready photos. It’s a great idea to book hotel rooms for getting ready in – it also cuts down travel between getting ready locations for your photographer and videographer. Especially when it comes to inner city weddings where traffic can be unpredictable.
Steph looked absolutely radiant in her Emily May Bridal dress. Her dress was elegant and her veil truly captured her natural beautiful. Arlo and Co Hairdressing and Lina Elh took care of her and her bridal party as they counted down to go time! Something incredibly special was the emotional first look she had with her Dad. What a beautiful moment to have captured.
After I finished up with Steph it was time to head to the wedding! Something I loved about Joey and Steph’s Panama Dining Room wedding was all the little details that made it unique to them. Joey absolutely loves Batman, so check out all the little nods to Batman through their wedding! Steph works in cinema and they both love movies so there was lots of cool movie theatre details as well. Beforehand they had written love notes to one another so during my time with them I was able to capture their reactions to reading them. How sweet!!
It’s always a nerve wracking time waiting for the ceremony to start. Joey and their guests were excitedly waiting for Steph to arrive and you could feel the energy was high! Steph arrived looking absolutely fabulous stepping out of a vintage car. Her father walked her down the aisle and it was a truly emotional and beautiful moment when Joey saw her for the first time that day.
Next it was time for their beautiful Panama Dining Room wedding. This beautiful warehouse style venue is an iconic space on Smith St in Fitzroy. It’s elegant but relaxed, warm and inviting with the perfect touch of class. Once a textile factory called ‘Panama house’ in the 1900’s, there’s plenty of room for all your guests to have a super fun night. The views are beautiful out of the gorgeous arch windows and you have soooo many options for your wedding photos nearby. The food is phenomenal and the staff are absolutely amazing in making sure your wedding day runs smoothly! A Panama dining room wedding is a MUST if you’re looking for something with the WOW factor.
This Panama Dining Room wedding was styled beautifully with the help of amazing Melbourne florist State of Nature Floral. The colour palette of deep and moody tones really popped in the gorgeous arch window where Steph and Joey had their ceremony. Celebrant Felicity delivered the perfect ceremony – a mixture of tears of laughs about Steph and Joeys love story! Cassidy Mackie serenaded the couple before and after the ceremony and it was hard to find a dry eye in the room.
Steph and Joey chose the Fitzroy Gardens as their wedding photo location!! The heavens opened as soon as we arrived it started raining. Did this need to be a big deal?! Heck no. We got some umbrellas and continued on!! Unless it’s absolutely torrential rain you can still have your photos outside – just grab some clear umbrellas and be on your way. Woo hoo!! Steph and Joey were sooooo loved up and it was nice for them to take a quiet moment together (with myself and earthy tones film lurking close by). This is often the only time you get ‘alone’ together on your wedding day so it’s fantastic to schedule in time away from your guests for photos.
Joeys friend escorted us all to and from the Panama Dining Room in the Batman themed limo – nice touch!
After their wedding photo session in the Fitzroy Gardens it was back to their reception!! The evening was filled with love, laughter, emotional speeches, dancing and a fabulous cake by Zephyr Bloom Cakes! Everyone also had fun in the photobooth.
It was such a pleasure being Steph and Joeys wedding photographer. Their day was just absolutely magical and I was so happy that they loved their photos. Thanks for having me you two!!
Steph and Joeys Panama Dining Room wedding dream team:
Venue: Panama Dining Room
Photography: Me! Clodagh Jane Photography
Videography: Earthy Tones Film
Check out the film from this special day here.
Getting ready location: Ovolo Laneways
Celebrant: Celebrant Felicity
Florals: State of nature floral
Dress: Emily May Bridal
Suit: Formal Red
Cake: Zephyr Bloom Cakes
Hair: Arlo and Co Hairdressing
Make up: Lina Elh Melbourne Makeup Artist
Acoustic singer: Sounds Like Cassidy
Limo: Exotic Limo
Photobooth: Ghost Booth Events
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who would LOOOOOVE to capture your Panama Dining Room wedding you can get in touch with me heeerrrrre.
Stunning venue and stunning photos!!