Today we’re chatting to Laura Wheldon of twotonmax and checking out this industrial warehouse, which provides the perfect space to create your dream wedding. Just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne CBD, this modern and sophisticated venue can be styled for any occasion with your choice of caterer, furniture, music and decorations. Our favourite features? The gorgeous polished concrete floors and the striking oversized marble bar! Read on below as Laura walks us through the space, how couples can go about booking it for their future weddings, and what kinds of weddings work best here.

Tell us about the history of twotonmax…
twotonmax was originally a small part of an industrial workshop involved in the manufacture of generator equipment. The area now occupied by Twotonmax was originally built around 1910-1920. During its century of working life, it has housed a company that manufactured ship’s boilers, then general welding/boiler making, then heavy industrial roller shutters, and lastly the generator business.

When electricity became available the travelling overhead vintage yellow crane (two ton max capacity) was added to the mix – Its scarred metal and elegant design was an important influence on the style and tone of the venue; which left no doubt that the space should be named in its honour.

The true rustic history comes alive with the exposed beams, high ceilings, brick walls and polished warehouse flooring – with the added pendant lighting bringing out the warmer elements to the industrial space.

Images: Tori + Sal & Jeremy Blode Photography

What’s the space like?
Ever imagined spending the most remembered night of your life in a restored industrial warehouse? Probably wasn’t a dream that specific but I can guarantee you will have wished it was! twotonmax has everything you need for a day that will be looked back on with love for years to come – located in the back streets of North Melbourne the space is a true hidden urban oasis.

The venue has been developed with the environment in mind. Can you tell us more about that?
The re-use of an existing building benefits from low encapsulated energy. The materials normally discarded during the demolition phase have been re-crafted and employed in the finished product, slatted timber cladding on the entry gate and bulkhead areas, the main timber stairs, and the metal fence and handrail components. Unmistakably built for a good time!

Equally important, all consumables used in wet areas and all cleaning products used in the venue are carefully considered to be environmentally sensitive and wherever possible, non-toxic.

Our in-house catering offers seasonal and sustainable food with a focus on honest, thoughtful and exciting dishes. We have a green approach to waste – paper and wooden utensils (when necessary), biodegradable coffee pods and strict on recyclables.

Images: Pixie Rouge Photography & Jasmine Pettersen Photography

What draws people to twotonmax for weddings?
Contemporary and industrial, twotonmax’s classic warehouse elegance and flexibility within the venue becomes a wonderland for wedding planners who have envisioned personalised touches for their big day!

Is there a particular style of wedding you usually host there?
Unique and alternative couples are drawn to the space, as they have the flexibility to tailor and create exactly what they have envisioned. We believe that a wedding should always be within each client’s budget, without compromising on quality, or disregarding aspect which are important to the couples; Whether they are looking at having their guests graze over a shared dining experience, or prefer to shimmy the night away with canapés, cocktails and an ice cream cart!

How many guest numbers can you cater for?
With a capacity of up to 220 guests for a sit-down and 350 guests for a cocktail style event, the space can also be tailored for more intimate groups.

Can you have a wedding ceremony there or just the reception?
We offer the option of both – added benefit for everything to be held in the same space.

Images: Tori + Sal

Are there any specific suppliers you’d recommend to couples?
We work with many incredible suppliers. However, we are very flexible in who can work within the space – we love working with new creatives and actively work towards building new relationships within the industry.

Is it possible to have live music?
Yes, we love live music, we are very fortunate with where we are based. Being in an industrial area means we can groove into the early AM.

What’s the process for booking a wedding in?
See the space, discuss finer details, lock in a date!

How far in advance should couples be doing this?
6 – 18 months.

Image: She Takes Pictures He Make Films & Brown Paper Parcel

What décor ideas have you seen there lately that other couples might like to consider?
I am currently infatuated with the red and pink autumn floral combination – I also love a personalised bonbonniere, recently a couple had their own hot sauce recipe bottled up for their guests to take home – so simple, yet so personal and fun!

What do you love about working at twotonmax?
Demystifying the whole process of wedding planning – helping couples to create the perfect package for a day they will celebrate for the rest of their lives is very rewarding and special.

Thanks Laura for inviting us in to the twotonmax world today! We love your stunning blank canvas and that couples can truly make the space their own. To find out more about twotonmax, head to their website or check them out on the Polka Dot Directory.

Image in banner: Tori + Sal