The Button Factory · Cheltenham, Victoria

Michaela & Todd

6 August 2022

An engagement party, as far as most people knew. Michaela and Todd had a change of clothes waiting.

Chapter / THE MORNING

The secret gets dressed.

Todd’s watch, bow tie, rings and cologne laid out on a round table.
Todd’s polished shoes rest on a patterned rug.
Todd reads a card while sitting on the bed.
Todd laughs beside a man reading a card.
An older man helps Todd with his cuff.
Todd smiles while adjusting his black bow tie.
Todd smiles in his dinner jacket beside the window.
A small child smiles beside their toys.
A woman holds a small child while getting ready.
Michaela’s lace wedding dress hangs in front of a curtain.
Michaela’s white shoes and perfume on a green chair.
Michaela reads a letter while wearing a robe.
Michaela raises her perfume beside the window and large green leaves.
A woman helps Michaela into her lace wedding dress.
Michaela fixes her hair in a mirror.
Michaela fastens the strap of her wedding shoe.
Michaela stands in her lace dress holding her bouquet.
Todd looks down as he takes Michaela’s hand.
Michaela smiles towards Todd after their first meeting.
Michaela wraps her arms around Todd during their first meeting.
Michaela rests her head against Todd’s shoulder.
The couple share a kiss before leaving for portraits.

Chapter / THE GARDENS / THE BUTTON FACTORY

Before anyone knows.

Michaela and Todd walk beside a tall hedge, her veil trailing behind.
The couple embrace in soft garden light.
The couple embrace beside a deep green hedge, Michaela’s veil trailing behind.
The brick entrance to The Button Factory beneath a blue sky.
The couple stand apart in a narrow brick passage at The Button Factory.
Todd holds Michaela from behind as she smiles.
Michaela and Todd sit together on the floor against a pale wall.
Michaela holds her bouquet with her dress’s long train spread behind her.

Chapter / THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

As far as they know.

A sign bearing Michaela and Todd’s names waits at the venue.
Tropical greenery and red flowers frame the ceremony space.
Long reception tables beneath the exposed beams upstairs.
Glasses, flowers and a small framed sign on a reception table.
Flowers and a gold topper decorate the wedding cake.
Guests arrive at the brick entrance to The Button Factory.
A waiter carries a tray of sparkling wine through the guests.
Guests talk over drinks before the surprise ceremony.
Michaela and Todd wear their engagement-party outfits outside the venue.
Michaela adjusts her hair after changing back into her wedding dress.
A woman helps arrange Michaela’s veil before the reveal.

Chapter / THE REVEAL / THE CEREMONY

So, about the engagement party.

Guests turn towards the couple as they appear in wedding clothes.
Guests react with surprise and laughter.
Two guests embrace as the surprise becomes clear.
Todd embraces a guest among the crowd.
A small girl stands near the ceremony seats.
Michaela walks into the ceremony on an older man’s arm.
The couple meet in the candlelit greenhouse ceremony space.
Two women read together during the ceremony.
An older guest watches attentively from her seat.
Michaela looks towards Todd as they exchange vows.
A guest laughs as he watches the couple.
Todd reads his vows into a microphone.
Michaela holds her hands together at her waist.
Michaela reads her vows to Todd.
Michaela places a ring on Todd’s finger.
Michaela and Todd kiss beneath tropical leaves at The Button Factory.
A small girl applauds with the guests.
Michaela signs the register with Todd beside her.
A guest raises an arm as the newly married couple walk past.
Michaela and Todd smile as they leave the ceremony.
Guests embrace Michaela after the ceremony.
An older man kisses Michaela’s hand.
Todd smiles as he greets a guest.

Chapter / THE RECEPTION

Upstairs, everyone.

Michaela and Todd climb the stairs to their reception.
The couple kiss beside their wedding cake.
A small boy holds an instant camera up to his face.
Michaela laughs with Todd seated beside her.
Michaela and Todd stand together to speak to their guests.

Chapter / THE EVENING

Room for cannoli.

Michaela and Todd embrace in blue light during an evening portrait break.
Todd leads Michaela into a turn during their first dance.
A small boy raises both arms on the dance floor.
A young girl spins between the adult dancers.
A guest dances with his arms stretched out.
A child grins as two adults hold his hands on the dance floor.
A hand reaches towards a tray of cannoli.
The DJ works the decks beside the dance floor.
Guests laugh and hold hands as they dance under blue light.
Michaela and Todd stand together on a narrow staircase.
The couple embrace in a pool of light outside at night.
Michaela and Todd hold each other in the dark, their long shadows reaching towards the camera.