So far, the Garden Issue has focused on seasonal flowers, secret gardens, and alfresco ceremonies. But Maria and Macaulee’s whimsical wedding shows how you can bring the garden vibe indoors! Collingwood’s Rupert on Rupert is the perfect location to showcase just how easy it is to bring the wild inside for your celebration. Captured by the ever-talented and ever-whimsical Jackson Grant, Mac and Maz’s intimate wedding focused on their two favourite things: great company and great food.

After meeting over 10 years ago in a nightclub on Chapel Street, Maria and Macaulee have built a life together that led to their whimsical wedding, which we have the privilege of showcasing today!

While in Noosa for a joint birthday trip with friends, Mac whisked Maria away for breakfast and a massage, and the only thing Maria could think was, why didn’t they invite any of their friends! “I repeatedly asked, ‘Why haven’t you invited anyone else to get massages and breakfast with us?!’. Much to my surprise, he then took me on a secluded walk, and that’s where he proposed. Afterwards we met up with the rest of our friends for a boozy boat ride to celebrate!”

Maria wore multiple outfits across the celebrations: all made by her talented mother, who is clearly an amazing dressmaker. “The first dress was a simple, halter-neck dress and gloves. I didn’t want anything too fussy. Although I had decided about wearing gloves for a long time (my mum also made the gloves). I then changed into a fun jumpsuit to dance in,” she shared.

Macaulee wore a classic green velvet suit from Oscar Hunt, something slightly different from the traditional black suit but still wedding-ready. “Both of us tend to gravitate towards colour over minimalism and neutrals.”

Katie from Ripple Studio helped Maria and Mac turn their whimsical floral idea into reality. “She was amazing. I wasn’t very clear on what I wanted, but after sharing some cotton‑candy flower clouds and colourful ikebana inspo, we went back and forth, and I trusted her eye. I wanted something colourful and whimsical, so I gave her creative control – and she delivered gorgeous hanging arrangements, simple candles on the tables, and even arrived with two bouquets because she wasn’t sure which I’d prefer. She was incredible at translating my very loose, vague vision.”

When it comes to Melbourne institutions, Rupert on Rupert in Collingwood was always going to be the perfect spot for this whimsical wedding! “We wanted a venue close to where we lived. Rupert on Rupert is also beautiful, the staff are top-tier and are amazing at what they do, and the food is impeccable,” they explained.

As an acoustic version of “Dreams” by The Cranberries filled the room, Maria walked down the aisle with her dad in arm. “We engaged with Paper Hearts for the ceremony music, and we had Charlotte for an Acoustic set, who was amazing.”

Being surrounded by all their loved ones already made Mac and Maria’s ceremony feel so special. But they added another layer of special when they asked their brother-in-law to be the celebrant! “We kept it super simple (no readings, just us) and wrote our own vows.”

The vendor dream team that brought Mac and Maria’s day together also stole the hearts of the couple with how dedicated they were, pouring all of their passion into this celebration. “All our vendors were amazing: Katie at Ripple Studio (flowers), Jackson Grant (photographer), Keidan Morley (DJ & Sax), Paper Hearts (acoustic set), and Rupert on Rupert (venue). Mac and I were complete amateurs at wedding planning and rarely knew what we wanted, but every vendor was personable, professional, and great at guiding us. They helped translate our vague ideas (and even offered ideas when we had none), which made the whole process so much easier,” Maria shared.

With just 55 guests, no formal wedding party and a big focus on delicious food and great conversation, Mac and Maria feel like their whimsical wedding was a perfect reflection of all the things they love. “There was an oyster station, and instead of a traditional wedding cake, we had a cannoli cart. The food was overflowing!”

And of course, if there was any photographer to capture the whimsical, fun vibe of Mac and Maria’s wedding, it had to be Jackson Grant! “Jackson was perfect for us. From the moment we met him, we knew he was right for us – hilarious, chilled, and still completely professional. Since Mac and I aren’t exactly serious people, we wanted playful photos, so we let Jackson take the creative reins,” Maria explained.

“He kept us on track, captured the vibe perfectly, and even laughed with me when I broke a heel trying to nail a “running to the camera” shot. At one point he said, “Thank you for letting me live out my Year 12 art project,” which was exactly the energy we wanted. He also vibed with all the guests!”

The five things that made Mac and Maz’s wedding so whimsical and made it feel like their own were:

“1. Mum made my wedding dress & party jumpsuit.
2. Brother-in-law Josh was the celebrant.
3. Keeping the wedding small and intimate meant we had a chance to spend time with everyone and wasn’t overwhelmed on the day.
4. Huge focus on food!
5. Private first look photos and having couples (street style) photos before the ceremony meant that we could spend the rest of the night with each other, our family and friends!”

Their first dance was to “You Are The Best Thing” by Sophie Faith. “Our DJ and saxophonist (Keidan Morley) also accompanied on the sax.”

Please join us in congratulating Maz and Mac on their incredible whimsical celebration! And thanks to Jackson Grant for capturing and sharing these moments with us.