After meeting each other in a small rural South African town called Ixopo in 2003, it wasn’t until a few years later that loved blossomed in Melbourne for Melissa and Heath. Next up, a relocation to Mumbai, India was on the cards for the couple, where Heath proposed a year later during a holiday to Kashmir.

With a relatively short lead up to the wedding and as the couple are based in India, Melissa began researching and contacting reception venues in Melbourne online. 

“Eventually, we decided that the easiest thing was for me to fly home for a week and organise as much as possible. It was an insanely hectic seven days,” Melissa said.

“When we got to Zinc, I fell in love with the fresh, open feel of the space. I instantly sent Heath a photograph and he was also very keen on the modern, relaxed look of the venue.”

For her gown, Melissa chose a traditional princess gown, with an intricately beaded heart-shaped bodice, complemented by a bouquet of fresh white roses, while her four bridesmaids wore light grey strapless, floor-length gowns.

For more inspirational wedding stories, visit Real Weddings and find your perfect Melbourne wedding venues!

Gown: Mariana Hardwick | Photographer: Astir Images | Videography: Proeye Pictures | Ceremony location: Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Newman College | Reception Venue: Zinc Fed Square | Reception Caterer: Epicure Catering | Engagement and Wedding Rings: MDT Design | Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Formal Red | Flowers and Floral Decorations: Flowers Vassette | Stationery: Paper Marc | Transport: Classic and Prestige Car Hire | Make-Up: Ellie Make-Up | Cake: Ab Fab Cakes | Gift Registry: David Jones | First Night: The Western Hotel, Melbourne | Honeymoon: Cocoa Island, Maldives