There is so much to fall in love with about St Mary Star of the Sea, a much admired French Gothic Revival Catholic church. Just minutes from the grand classical architecture of the North Melbourne Town Hall, St Mary's Star of the Sea is literally on Melbourne's doorstep, full of photographic potential for history and drama in your wedding album. Serendipity has captured many wedding ceremonies at this spectacular church, and we continue to be inspired by the elegant architecture and ornate detailing of the facade as well as the interior.
The original church building of St Mary's was constructed in 1854, where it served as important gathering place for the local community and witnessed a selection of weddings, before being rebuilt as the grand structure - which stands today - in 1892. During this period, architect Edgar Henderson, blessed St Mary's Star of the Sea with details that continue to be a visual draw card today. The church is famous for features such as French Gothic architecture, rose windows, marble alter, delicate gold stencilling in the sanctuary, rose tinted walls and soaring ceilings. The designs owe much to Eugene Viollet-le-Duc's work at Notre Dame, and also Augustus Pugin's designs at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster.
At Serendipity we appreciate the opportunity to photograph weddings at St Mary's Star of the Sea, truly one of Melbourne's most splendid churches, and recommend the Presbytery as the picturesque backdrop for family and romantic couple pictures. The surrounding grounds of the church contain a lovely garden, which is blooms with flowers for much of the year. The grounds are also spacious enough for dramatic shots with the bridal party and cars. If you have a little extra time after the ceremony, St Mary's Star of the Sea is surrounded by Melbourne history - gorgeous bluestone facades, Victorian terraces and those desirable wrought iron fences perfect backdrops for alternative location wedding day photography (if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful church grounds!)