LEONDA BY THE YARRA WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY

Leonda by the Yarra is one of those Melbourne wedding venues that truly has it all. Tucked beside the Yarra River in Hawthorn, it feels like both an inner-city location and a peaceful riverside retreat. As a wedding videographer, it is the kind of place you look forward to filming. The setting, the soft natural light, and the way everything flows smoothly throughout the day all help create a celebration that feels genuine and elegant. It makes capturing real, emotional moments that much easier.

This wedding brought together Serbian and Italian families, and the day began at the groom’s house with a relaxed atmosphere and a quiet sense of anticipation. This home was not just a backdrop for prep. It was also where the couple planned to move in together after the wedding. I made a point of filming some of the space in its early stages. It might not seem important now, but years from today, when their home has changed and grown with them, these early glimpses will carry a special kind of meaning.

Over at the bride’s home, the vibe was entirely different. Lively, emotional, and full of movement, it had all the joyful energy that comes with big Italian families. From heartfelt first looks with each relative to thoughtful gift exchanges, there was a richness to the morning that set the tone for everything that followed. Since they would not be reading vows during their Catholic ceremony, the couple wrote letters to each other instead. I found a quiet corner where they could take a moment to read a few of their favourite lines aloud. These clips became some of the most powerful parts of their film.

Their ceremony took place at St Augustine’s Catholic Parish in Yarraville. The church was beautiful, and the couple’s exit into a sunny afternoon felt like a turning point in the day. With plenty of time before the reception, the couple was keen to explore different locations for their portraits. We started at the Parliament steps for something iconic and architectural, then moved to The Windsor Hotel for timeless interiors. From there, we visited the Cricketers Arms for a relaxed pub-style setting, followed by a quick stop in one of Melbourne’s alleys for a bit of urban contrast. We wrapped up with some soft garden footage in the Treasury Gardens. This kind of session gave their film strong visual variety while staying grounded in their personalities and style.

By the time we arrived at Leonda by the Yarra, we all agreed the couple had earned a short break. The venue has its own beautiful locations for portraits, including the riverside jetty and leafy courtyard. But with such a complete session already behind us, it felt right to let them relax and enjoy cocktail hour. Their guest list included around 250 people, and Leonda is one of the few venues in Melbourne that can host that many guests comfortably while still feeling stylish and welcoming. The reception space is bright and open, with large windows overlooking the river, and it transforms beautifully for the evening celebrations.

Their first dance was a show-stopper, complete with dry ice and floor sparkler effects. The crowd was ready for the dancefloor from the moment it opened, and the energy stayed high all night. But it was their exit that gave the day its final cinematic touch. Guests gathered with sparklers in hand as the couple walked down the venue steps to the private jetty, where a ferry waited to take them to their accommodation. It was the kind of farewell you can only get at Leonda. Romantic, memorable, and perfect for film.

For a wedding videographer, Leonda by the Yarra offers the ideal mix of visual charm, practical layout, and thoughtful service. It supports large weddings with ease while still giving each couple space to shape their day in a way that feels personal. From riverside light to lively receptions and one-of-a-kind exits, it is a venue that not only looks beautiful but helps the day feel beautiful too. Capturing this wedding was a privilege, and Leonda gave it the perfect backdrop to shine.