‘Love Blooms Here’ at The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026
Designed by Jason Hodges
Constructed by Semken Landscaping
In a breathtaking union of love and nature, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2026 will host a spectacular wedding ceremony set within an enchanting show garden. Nestled in the heart of Carlton Gardens, guests will be welcomed into an intimate, storybook setting—one that feels lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Framing the scene with timeless grandeur, the historic Royal Exhibition Building stands proudly in the background.
This one-of-a-kind celebration seamlessly blends the elegance of a formal wedding with the natural artistry of Australia’s premier garden showcase. It’s a moment where horticultural beauty and heartfelt vows come together in perfect harmony.
‘Love Blooms Here’ will feature:
Australian Bamstone Bluestone, a classic natural stone chosen for its enduring strength—symbolising the couple’s lifelong commitment.
Towering white-flowered Crepe Myrtles, hand-selected from Established Tree Transplanters, anchoring the four corners of the garden with grace and stature.
A romantic white floral arch, draped in flowing fabric and adorned with seasonal blooms specially grown by Ball Australia, forming the ceremonial centrepiece.
Soft florals from Plant Growers Australia, flowing seamlessly through the garden beds in a dreamy, romantic colour palette.
Vibrant hedging and lush greenery from Warners Nurseries, enclosing the garden and enhancing the sense of stepping into another world.
Perfectly clipped Buxus Balls from Buxus Balls of Berry, adding sculptural form and timeless structure to the garden’s design.
A pristine central space of turf from Lilydale Instant Lawn, creating the perfect foundation for the ceremony seating and ensuring comfort, and a flawless finish underfoot.
A pair of solid bronze Brolgas by Willie Wildlife Sculptures, captured mid-dance—their iconic courtship ritual symbolising lifelong love and devotion.
Elegant mood lighting by Gardens at Night, casting a soft, romantic glow to complete the magical atmosphere.
The real-life love story behind ‘Love Blooms Here’
On the Wednesday evening of the show, ‘Love Blooms Here’ will transform from a showcase garden into the setting for a real‑life love story. Dean and Tayla will exchange their vows in front of their closest family and friends, surrounded by the beauty and artistry of the garden created especially for this moment.
For Dean, the location holds special significance. Having built many of the gardens at the Show over his 22 years with Semken Landscaping, celebrating their wedding in a place so deeply intertwined with his history adds a truly unique personal touch — a moment that feels beautifully full‑circle in the best possible way.
The garden’s name, Love Blooms Here, carries a deeply personal meaning for the couple. Dean and Tayla are parents to a young daughter named Bloom — a name that beautifully reflects both their growing family and the floral artistry that surrounds them. It’s a heartfelt nod to the idea that love, like a garden, grows, unfolds, and flourishes over time.
