Some couples have a love story that sounds like a film. Nick and Lara’s sounds more like a pub tale that got wildly out of hand, and I mean that as the highest compliment. As their Melbourne Celebrant, I had the joy of telling their story at their wedding at Panama Dining Room, and it remains one of my favourite ceremonies to date.

If you are searching for a Melbourne wedding venue with character, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of room for laughter, Panama Dining Room deserves a spot on your shortlist. It suited Nick and Lara perfectly: stylish without being stuffy, and warm enough that every guest felt part of the day.

Photography by Elsa Campbell, flowers by Pomp and Splendour, music by One More Song.

How Nick and Lara met

Nick and Lara first met in March 2017, when Nick was wearing shorts that were too tight, a singlet that was too small, and thongs that still showed off the tan from his time working on a farm in Queensland. To say he made a strong first impression on Lara would be right. Not everyone falls in love at first sight, and Lara most likely did not.

That night they barely spoke, both more focused on drinking with their friends. But when the group reached the nightclub FAD in the CBD, Nick strutted over to Lara and asked a series of very direct questions. “Do you have a boyfriend?” “Can I get your number?” “Can I take you out on a date next week?”

Then came a brief conversation in which Nick impressed Lara by explaining that he was homeless, sleeping on someone else’s couch, unemployed, and on a working holiday visa that was expiring in a few short months. At that moment, Lara knew there was no way she would ever marry this man. Nick reinforced this by “accidentally” ignoring her later that night when they ended up side by side at the bar.

The first date that almost didn’t happen

The next day, Nick lived up to his promise and texted Lara to arrange a date. Lara was 26, single and, by her own admission, had never been on a proper date. That her first would be with a British bogan she had met while drunk did not seem promising. So when she got home from work, she put on her pyjamas, got into bed and planned to cancel.

Enter her friend Steph, who knew Lara would back out. Steph called and ordered her to get up, down a beer and get out the door. Big up to Steph!

Out the front of Prahran Hotel, the moment they saw each other, they both relaxed. The nerves settled, the conversation flowed and they realised how much fun they had together. When Nick walked Lara to the train stop, he was busy wondering when he should kiss her. Lara stepped up and kissed him. Five years later, in that same spot, Nick proposed, and just like the first time, Lara stepped up and said yes.

From that night to the altar

By the end of 2017 they had moved in together, realising while Nick was back in the UK just how much they loved each other. A holiday to Tassie followed, then Noosa, before Nick took Lara home to meet the Smiths (the family, not the band).

Words from the ceremony

This is where a great Wedding Celebrant earns their keep: finding the details that make a couple unmistakably themselves. Here is a little of what I shared on the day.

Nick, when Lara first saw you from across the room at that house party so many years ago, she thought you were cute, but with very questionable style. Luckily, she was only right about one of those things. You are cute, with excellent fashion sense, and you make her feel calm and happy in any situation. She loves that you chose to become a die-hard St Kilda fan even though you had no choice in it, that you always know when the tea is ready to be drunk, and when the custard creams should be brought out.

And Lara, Nick loves your obsession with collecting things. Standouts include your Kurt Vonnegut soft plush doll, your kewpie baby collection and the endless trinkets you always seem to find. You have brought Nick as much direction in life as love and laughter, and given him the confidence and courage to grow in so many ways. You are the INFJ to his ENFJ, the midfield to his forward, the Tony to his Lockett.

Why Panama Dining Room works so well for a wedding ceremony

A ceremony is not just a formality before the party. It is the heart of the day. Here is why a venue like Panama Dining Room, in the heart of inner-city Melbourne, makes a great setting:

Intimate energy. Guests are close to the couple, which means every joke, every happy tear and every “I do” lands.
Atmosphere that feels like you. Couples who want something personal rather than traditional will find it easy to make the space their own.
A natural flow from ceremony to celebration. Your guests do not have to travel anywhere. They simply move from the vows to the toasts.

If you are planning a wedding in Melbourne’s inner north, a relaxed city venue gives your Celebrant plenty to work with, and gives you a ceremony that sounds like the two of you.

Looking for a Celebrant in Melbourne?

A ceremony should sound like you, not like a template. The best Celebrant for your wedding is someone who listens closely, asks the right questions and is not afraid to tell the story of how you really met, thongs, tight shorts and all.

As a Melbourne Celebrant, I work with couples to write ceremonies that are personal, funny where it fits, and heartfelt where it counts. Whether you are marrying at Panama Dining Room or another Melbourne venue, I would love to hear your story.

Get in touch to check my availability and book a chat about your wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Vendors Behind Nick and Lara’s Day

A great wedding is a team effort. Here are the talented people who helped make Nick and Lara’s wedding at Panama Dining Room such a standout.

Venue: Panama Dining Room
Photographer: Elsa Campbell
DJ: Eddie from One More Song
Florist: Pomp and Splendour
Suit: Arthur Gallan
Celebrant: Me!

If you are planning a wedding in Melbourne and want recommendations for suppliers who work beautifully together, your Celebrant is often the best person to ask. I am always happy to share the vendors I love working with. For more real weddings with bright and beautiful florals check out here, or for a deeper look into spring wedding ideas check these out.