Leonda by the Yarra Wedding | Manoushak & Mahyar

Some love stories start in the most unexpected places.

For Manoushak and Mahyar, it all began with a university assignment.

Not a grand romantic gesture. Not a chance encounter at a party. Just a mechanical engineering problem that needed solving.

Manoushak said: “I had a mechanical subject at uni and was literally stuck.”

After asking a friend if they knew anyone who could help, she was introduced to Mahyar.

“I added him on Facebook and sent him a message. He replied straight away and came to the library to help me out.”

The assignment worked out fine, but something much better came from it.

“I ended up passing the subject… but honestly, I made a much better deal out of it. I met the love of my life.”

So when it came time to plan their wedding day, it only made sense to return to the place where it all began.

Emma Hawkins Leonda by the Yarra Wedding Photographer

Returning to Melbourne University Where Their Story Started

Before heading to their reception at Leonda By The Yarra, Manoushak and Mahyar made a stop at Melbourne University for their couple portraits.

There’s always something special about photographing couples somewhere that genuinely means something to them.

The grand architecture certainly looks beautiful in photographs, but what made this location so meaningful was the history attached to it.

The pathways, buildings and courtyards weren’t just a backdrop. They were part of their story.

It was where a simple request for help turned into a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage.

Emma Hawkins Melbourne Editorial Wedding Photographer

Why They Chose Leonda By The Yarra for Their Melbourne Wedding

For their celebration, the couple wanted a venue that felt convenient for guests without sacrificing atmosphere.

“It had two great things going for it: it was super easy to access and right in the inner city, but at the same time, the water and trees made it feel really special. Like a garden or winery venue without actually leaving Melbourne.”

Leonda By The Yarra delivered exactly that.

Nestled alongside the river, it offered the greenery and open outlook they loved, while still keeping everyone close to the city.

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A Wedding Focused on Colour, Food and Fun

When I asked Manoushak about the style of the day, her answer made me smile.

“To be honest, we didn’t really have a theme. We just went with whatever looked gorgeous.”

The one thing she knew she wanted?

“The main thing I really wanted to have was colour.”

And colour they had.

From the styling to the outfits to the energy of the day itself, everything felt vibrant, joyful and full of personality.

But more importantly, they wanted guests to have an incredible time.

“We really focused on everyone having fun and enjoying good food. I just wanted people to leave the venue saying, ‘What a night, we had so much fun.'”

Mission accomplished.

A Persian Wedding Ceremony Filled With Family

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was their Persian ceremony.

“The Persian ceremony. Our close friends and family were involved in every single moment, which made it so special.”

There was a genuine sense of connection throughout the ceremony, with loved ones playing an active role rather than simply watching from the sidelines, and led by Manoushak’s best friend.

It felt personal, heartfelt and deeply rooted in family.

And as a photographer, those are always the moments that create the most meaningful images.

The Ring Bearer Who Stole the Show

Every wedding seems to have one unexpected star.

For Manoushak and Mahyar, it was their ring bearer.

“Our little ring bearer did such a great job. Completely melted our hearts.”

Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that end up becoming the most memorable.

The Knife Dance That Turned Into a Party

The reception was packed with energy from the start, but one tradition stood out.

“The knife dance was part of the plan, but way more people joined in than we expected, which made it even more fun.”

The dance floor only became bigger, louder and more energetic as the night unfolded.

And then came the moment that truly kicked things up a notch.

“When the percussionist [Yuri Lima] jumped onto the dance floor, that’s when the party really started.”

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Wedding Photos Full of Laughter, Colour and Joy

When discussing photography before the wedding, Manoushak knew exactly what she wanted.

“I like bright, relaxed, elegant photos.”

She wanted images that felt joyful and natural.

“When you think of wedding photos, you picture a day full of laughter, dancing, lights and greenery in the background, and Emma captured all of that beautifully.”

Looking back through the gallery, what she loves most is seeing everyone’s happiness reflected back.

“So many beautiful smiles.”

And perhaps one of the most impressive achievements of the day?

“I love that Emma captured all the photos with the people we mentioned earlier and somehow, no closed eyes! Everyone looking great in photos!”

A wedding miracle if there ever was one.

A Dance Floor Powered by Fireball and Spicy Margaritas

If there was ever a recipe for a packed dance floor, this might be it: Persians and Margaritas.

The signature drink of the night was a Spicy Margarita and there’s no denying that Persians love to dance. The guest who stood out to me most was Mahyar’s dad who was having so much fun he even tried to dance through the meal breaks.

The song that had everyone rushing to the dance floor?

“Fireball by Pitbull.”

Need I say more?

Advice From Manoushak & Mahyar

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming at times, but Manoushak’s advice is refreshingly simple.

“Just relax, focus on having fun, and make the most of your big day.”

After all, that’s exactly what they did.

And if given the chance to do it all over again?

“To be honest, no! I’m super happy with everything.”

When a day is filled with family, incredible food, dancing, laughter and the people you love most, that’s probably the best review a wedding could receive.