Serendipity Photography Melbourne

One of Melbourne’s most unique architectural forms, located in the exciting heart of the city, is the iconic Federation Square. As well as boasting an abundance of quality restaurants and bars, the square is also home to a selection of galleries such as: Ian Potter Centre, the Australian Centre of the Moving Image and the SBS headquarters, making it a contemporary hub for the arts, fine dining and entertainment. At Serendipity we are always happy to shoot at the expansive grounds,  The distinctive architecture and open plan of the bustling square offers abundant potential for striking, panoramic and diverse photographs. Standing in the middle of the square in your elegant gown, or sharp suit, the stunning panoramic views of the city provide a wonderful contemporary backdrop to your wedding day. Federation square’s proximity to other iconic landmarks, such as Flinders St Station, the Arts Centre Complex, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, render the square a fashionable and convientent choice of location between the ceremony and reception.

Planning for the square officially began when the block of land south of the Hoddle grid was selected. During the initial planning period, it was understood that for a new public square to accommodate the public both physically and culturally it would require ambitious and considered design. Thus in 1997 premier Jeff Kennett announced an architectural design competition, whose brief sought to better connect Flinders Street to the Yarra River. The selection of architects for Federation Square was based on an international, two stage design competition, which required that the design for this contemporary civic square was capable of hosting up to 15,000 people in an open air amphitheatre. The competition attracted hundreds of entries and was finally awarded to a collaborative partnership– between London based: Lab architectural studio, and prominent Melbourne firm: Bates Smart.

Construction began on this multi million dollar project in 1998. Because the square was built over a functioning railway, structural work was gradual, the total scale of the plan measuring 38,000 square metres, or one city block. In the lead up to the Centenary of Federation in 2001, the development of Federation Square offered a unique opportunity – the chance to celebrate ideas of ‘identity’ and ‘place’ through a much needed civic and cultural space.

The open air agora was officially opened to the public on 26^th October 2002. Unlike traditional public spaces like Venice’s San Marco or New York’s Rockefeller Centre, Fed Square is made up of a series of interlocking and cascading spaces. Buildings open at all angles into the city, creating unexpected connections and vistas. In response to the brief, the design was heavily influenced by the idea of ‘Federation’, of bringing disparate parts together to form a coherent whole. The complex of buildings held in the square form a loose U-shape, creating a magnificant central space between them, perfect for elegant long range vistas, active poses, and generous group photos of the bridal party.

The design of Federation Square is divided attractively into a number of distinct, yet harmonious areas. Which means there a a selection of fabulous spots for diversely themed photographs– from the bustling atmosphere of the main square, to the more intimate and tree lined, river side areas. The eastern end of the square which is predominantly bluestone and sandstone: acts as a stunning complement to much of the  surrounding architecture in Melbourne. The elegant tones rendered by this exterior makes for a classic backdrop on your wedding day. In subtle contrast to this historically sensitive design, the main square which is paved in 470,000 ochre-coloured sandstone blocks from Western Australia, invoke images of the Outback. The paving is designed as a huge urban artwork: titled Nearamnew, and gently rises above street level, containing a number of textual pieces inlaid in its undulating surface. The triangular glass choreography of the atrium walls, casts picturesque light over the internal laneway-like space. The exposed metal structure and glazing patterns of the precincts façade follow a interlocking pinwheel tiling pattern, a fitting symbol for a wedding day, where two parties are joined in union.

Serendipity regard Federation Square as an exciting contemporary location, a striking and sophisticated backdrop to a myriad of different wedding themes and sizes. The square’s historical and architectural significance makes it an interesting addition to selection of backdrop locations between ceremony and reception. The centre’s proximity to other gorgeous Melbourne landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral and the beautiful Yarra River, as well as providing a gorgeous surrounding panorama, mean that the square is a convenient stroll from your main city location.