An Unapologetically Queer Melbourne Wedding Day

Tell us about the proposal!

We got engaged on our first anniversary. Tracy had found a perfume-making workshop on the Mornington Peninsula (Jell is a serious perfume collector), and we spent the day creating truly awful scents that now double as toilet spray. Back at our BnB, after some Mexican food and a bit of a giggle, Jell popped the question on the couch. Tracy cried, said yes, and we snapped a photo of the couch to remember it forever.

One day, we’ll frame it, promise.

Why did you choose the Post Office Hotel as your venue?

Honestly, it was four tram stops from our house – so it felt rude not to check it out. But the second we walked in, we knew it was the one. It felt just like us. A little bit fancy but not too serious, full of warmth, and somehow looked exactly like the Pinterest board we’d made. Plus, the food was incredible and the staff were just so easy to vibe with.

Any challenges during planning?

Ah yes… the guest list. Jell was trying to invite anyone who had ever meant something once, and Tracy was cutting people off like it was a reality TV elimination round.

In the end, it all worked out. The crowd felt perfect, but we definitely had a few surprise RSVPs that sent us spiraling. There were spreadsheets.

There were negotiations. But we got there.

How did you make the day feel personal?

We leaned into what we love. Jell’s into film, so we gave guests honey jars as favors with quotes and a little tag that said “we stick together like the honey and the bee.” It became a bit of a theme – Jell wore bee socks, and the honey was from Tracy’s hometown in Queensland.

We also made our own name tags and little bits and pieces to keep costs down and make things feel more us.

What did the ceremony look like?

Dee Wild absolutely nailed it. Even though we’d read parts of the script, we still found ourselves crying and laughing through the whole thing.

We didn’t do the whole “giving away” tradition. Instead, Jell was walked down the aisle by her dad and brother – well, they ran, and she ended up trailing behind them solo. Tracy arrived early, hung out awkwardly in an alley, and then walked down to an acoustic version of Two Strong Hearts with her parents. The vibe was relaxed, loving, and very queer in all the right ways.

And the vows? Tracy’s were next level. Jell knew her wife was talented, but didn’t expect to sob like that in front of everyone.

How did you find your vendors?

Tracy’s sister had gifted us an engagement shoot with Nikki Russian, and after that, we knew she was our wedding photographer. Her style is gentle, and we felt super comfortable with her guiding us, which was perfect because we’re both a bit awkward in front of the camera.

We also found that local vendors were way more affordable than the first ones that pop up in search engines. Bee made our cake and delivered it on her birthday, which honestly just says everything about how amazing our vendors were.

Let’s talk food!

The food at the Post Office Hotel was such a win. During photos, guests had sliders, charcuterie, and snacks to keep things going. Dinner was family-style with pasta, salads, roasts, and all the good stuff. We had a lolly buffet, petit fours, and our wedding cake for dessert. We’ve been to too many weddings where we’ve left hungry – that was not happening here.

What were your favorite moments from the day?

For Jell, it was that moment Tracy came down the aisle — terrifying facial expression aside (which, in fairness, looked more like panic in the photos than it felt in real life). For Tracy, it was hearing the DJ play Rhinestone Cowboy as we were heading back from our rooftop photos, espresso martinis waiting inside.

We didn’t get to dance to every song or talk to every guest. But the love in the room was undeniable, and we’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Just maybe with a few extra hours to soak it all up.