Roce Ceremony Melbourne – Rachel & Matt’s Pre-Wedding Celebration
Rachel & Matt’s Roce Ceremony at Murrumbeena Bowling Club: A Joyful Mangalorean Tradition in Melbourne
Rachel and Matt’s Roce ceremony was a vibrant celebration of culture, faith, and family — the perfect prelude to their wedding. As a Melbourne wedding photographer specialising in Indian wedding photography, days like this truly stand out. The entire event was filled with warmth, colour, tradition and a whole lot of playful fun, making it one of the most memorable ceremonies to document.
What Is the Roce Ceremony?
The Indian Roce ceremony is a cherished pre-wedding ritual among Mangalorean Catholics. Rooted in the Konkani word “Ros” meaning juice, this tradition involves anointing the bride and groom with a mixture of coconut milk and oil. Symbolising purification and blessings, it marks the transition from single life to married life. Traditionally accompanied by prayers, singing, family blessings, and a shared meal, today’s celebrations often include joyful twists — especially the playful drenching of the couple by loved ones.
A Bright Sunny Day at Murrumbeena Bowling Club
The ceremony took place at the Murrumbeena Bowling Club, a relaxed and welcoming Melbourne wedding venue that provided the perfect backdrop for such a meaningful cultural event. Under a sunny, cloudless sky, family and friends gathered outdoors, ready to celebrate, laugh, and take part in this beautiful Indian Catholic tradition.
Before the festivities began, we captured a portrait session with Rachel and Matt on the leafy grounds of the venue. These portraits highlighted not just their quiet connection, but also their stunning traditional outfits — Rachel in a vibrant lehenga choli and Matt in a classic kurta pajama — both glowing with pre-wedding excitement.
A Celebration Filled With Love, Music & Coconut Milk
As the ceremony began, music, laughter and Konkani songs filled the air. Surrounded by the people who love them most, Rachel and Matt received blessings, prayers, and the first gentle anointing of coconut milk and oil. What started as a calm and emotional ritual quickly transformed — as Roce ceremonies often do — into a joyful, cheeky drenching of the couple.
Family members and friends joined in, splashing coconut milk, sharing playful moments, and showering Rachel and Matt with love and laughter. It was messy, meaningful, and full of energy — the perfect combination for unforgettable candid imagery and exactly the kind of celebration that makes Indian wedding photography so rich and expressive.
A Community Coming Together
The atmosphere was electric. Everyone — parents, siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, best friends — came ready to celebrate. The Roce became a true community moment, one where cultural heritage, joy, and togetherness took centre stage. Documenting these interactions, blessings, and spontaneous expressions of love is what makes photographing multicultural Melbourne weddings so rewarding.
Why This Roce Ceremony Was So Special
From the sunshine to the colours to the heartfelt traditions, Rachel and Matt’s Roce was a beautiful tribute to their Mangalorean Catholic heritage. Their connection, their families’ warmth, and the spirit of the day created images full of emotion, culture, and authenticity — the kind of moments that define powerful Melbourne wedding photography.
Planning a Traditional Indian Wedding Ceremony in Melbourne?
Whether it’s a Roce, Haldi, Sangeet, Mehendi or a full wedding day celebration, having an experienced Indian wedding photographer ensures every cultural detail and meaningful moment is preserved with care. Melbourne offers incredible venues and community spaces for multicultural weddings, and events like Rachel and Matt’s show how beautifully tradition can come to life here.
SPECIAL MENTION- TO GUS OUR GORGEOUS TEAM MEMBER FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THESE INCREDIBLY HEARTFELT MOMENTS
