One of Vogue Ballroom’s  favourite locations for distinctive, yet classic wedding day shots, is The Arts Centre. Designed by famed architect Sir Roy Grounds, and opened in the early 1980’s, the centre has long been an icon of the Melbourne Arts complex. Nestled in the vibrant Southbank area, on St Kilda Road, the centre is a convenient choice as a wedding day location, as it is only a short stroll from Melbourne’s CBD, gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and a stones through away from the Yarra river. This Heritage listed building makes a spectacular backdrop for a variety of beautiful location shots on your way to the formal ceremony, or festive reception.

Planning for the Arts Centre began in the mid 1940’s, for after WWII it became clear that Melbourne needed its own cultural centre. Renowned architect Roy Grounds was chosen to design the complex, and in 1960 final plans were approved and building went underway. Overseeing the project which spanned over a decade was Premier and Minister of the Arts; Rupert Hamer (1972–79) and for the final stages the next Minister for the Arts; Norman Lacy (1979–82)

The iconic interiors of the Arts Centre Theatre Building and Hamer Hall were designed by Academy Award– winning set designer John Truscott. His ornate work was constrained only by a requirement to leave elements already constructed, such as Ground’s faceted cave Concert Hall interior, to which he applied jewelled finishes, steel mesh draped ceiling and perforated brass balls. Today the beautifully executed Arts Centre complex includes a 2077 capacity State Theatre, Playhouse, Hamer Hall, Fairfax studio and dedicated gallery spaces. The rich red velvet furniture, floor to ceiling mirrors and elegant brass details of the entrance interior is a glamorous setting for unique and tasteful wedding day photography.

Perhaps the source of the Arts Centre fame is the magnificent spire. At 162 metres tall, this architectural landmark is an adored feature in Melbourne’s sky line. Haddon Storey, former Minister for the Arts, stated: “The Arts Centre spire is the most powerful cultural symbol in Melbourne — it is an artistic landmark, and one which represents the city as the arts capital of Australia.” In your wedding day finery you will feel at home posing underneath the spire, as its white metal webbing was designed to emulate the billowing of a ballerina’s tutu. Serendipity loves the transformation that occurs as the sun goes down, your photo’s will burst with luminosity, as the 6,600 metres of fibre optic tubing within the spire cause it to sparkle and twinkle like a star filled sky.

Whether on your way to another location, after completing your ceremony in the Royal Botanic Gardens or one of Melbourne’s historic churches. Or choosing The Arts Centre and surrounding precinct as the base for your wedding day celebrations, the experienced staff at Serendipity will expertly and artistically capture every special moment of your day.