Serendipity Photography Melbourne

Montsalvat is a unique property in Melbourne’s outer suburbs with an engaging past and an eclectic approach to Australian design. Serendipity Photography have shot many, many weddings at Montsalvat, and we believe it offers some of the most exquisite location photography opportunities available in Melbourne. Every turn of the path is subtly different, every archway special, even the steps themselves are things of beauty. Monsalvat redefines the notion of rustic, blending in with medieval elements to delightful romantic medley, perfect for your own romance and special photographic  memories. Weddings at Montsalvat embody all the passion and romance that was so much a part of it’s construction in the 1930’s. Justus and Lily Jorgensen bought the land that would become Montsalvat in 1934 and set about building the various elements of the artists colony. The construction involved the collaborative efforts of the Jorgensen’s friends and contemporary designers and builders.

The Great Hall has many recycled components including lead-light windows from the Royal Insurance building in the city, which had been recently torn down. The flagstone floors, the posts, the hammer beams and the stone fireplace were also sourced from demolished buildings. Other features of the Great Hall at Montsalvat, such as the gargoyles, were carved by friends of Jorgensen and volunteers from local rock. Montsalvat now covers twelve acres with winding paths between the various buildings — of which the bluestone nondenominational chapel and a stables are particularly attractive. The grounds are luscious and green most of the year and a ceremony or reception package at Montsalvat also includes time for photography around the grounds. Please do not begrudge the fees, think of the huge costs of maintaining these buildings that are so important to Melbourne’s heritage — besides Serendipity Photography, as part of our support of the National Trust, will “reimburse” your Montsalvat location fees (approx $450 per hour) with a panorama and a mix of large and small album pictures to the value of $450!

Montsalvat is so wonderful, allowing us to photograph quickly and with many different stylistic approaches, so that Serendipity can truly guarantee, that you will only be very grateful that you had the opportunity for location photography that is full of enchantment; Monsalvat is definitely one of the most beautiful and most versatile wedding photography venues in Melbourne Receptions and ceremonies can be held in either the Great Hall or beside the ornamental pond. There is also a chapel for ceremonies that can seat about fifty and has a charming rustic feel. The great hall has polished wood floors and the lead-light windows and has a much greater capacity for ceremonies. At Serendipity we thoroughly recommend the area north of the Great Hall for romantic couple portraiture.

The beauty of twining foliage, lavender, weathered surfaces and the light skimming over the stones is one that a Melbourne wedding photographer would not lightly pass over. We search for the area of greatest shade for photographing larger family groups, often in the courtyard to the south of the Great Hall.