When the dress is this good, you don’t just go out to dinner—you throw a party.
Laura spotted the dress—the Rachel Gilbert Francesca Star Gown—one day and instantly knew: it wasn’t just a dress.
It needed a moment.
A grand entrance.
A reason to gather every person they loved in one room.
So she turned to Dan, her high school sweetheart of eleven years, and said: I need something REALLY special to wear this to.
And so, they got engaged.
Cue: a night full of sparkle, Greek dancing, heartfelt speeches and just the right amount of chaos—in the best possible way.
A Luxurious Engagement Party That Looked (and Felt) Like a Wedding
Held at Pepe’s Italian and Liquor in the heart of Melbourne, Laura and Dan’s engagement party was anything but understated.
From the very first moment guests walked in, they were convinced they were attending a surprise wedding.
Candlelight, vintage cocktails, incredible Italian food, Greek dancing that turned the whole room into a dance floor—it had all the ingredients of a wedding day… minus the vows.
But what made this night truly unforgettable were the people. Speeches from both their mums brought everyone to tears.
Laura and Dan shared their own words with each other, raw and real, reminding everyone that this was what it’s all about.
Not just the big wedding day, but the moments in between—the celebration of love, right now.
Why Pepe’s Italian & Liquor is Melbourne’s Best Kept Wedding Secret
Tucked behind a bold red door on Russell Street, Pepe’s Italian and Liquor is the kind of place that transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast.
Think romantic checkerboard floors, old-world interiors, Campari signs glowing above the bar, and vintage glassware clinking under low lighting.
It’s intimate and moody in all the right ways—whether you’re planning a stylish rehearsal dinner, an engagement celebration or a full Italian-inspired wedding.
The food? Unbelievable.
The vibes? Even better.
For couples wanting a romantic wedding venue that feels like an Italian dinner party in the middle of Melbourne—Pepe’s is a no-brainer.
With four different event spaces to choose from and both sit-down and cocktail-style food packages available, Pepe’s suits events ranging from intimate dinner parties to 110 (seated) to 200 (cocktail) guest weddings.
Love: Loud and Unapologetically Fun
Laura and Dan didn’t wait until their wedding day to celebrate. They created something meaningful, extravagant, and full of personality right from the beginning.
And that’s what I love most about documenting days like this—people doing things their own way, throwing the rule book out, and saying “yes” to love in all its forms.
So whether you’re planning a romantic Italian wedding, a big loud engagement party, or something entirely your own—this is your permission slip to make it special. Make it you.
And if you need the perfect venue? Let me say it again: Pepe’s Italian wedding is the one.
Contact Pepe’s Italian & Liquor
Venue Address: 275–285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 9663 7994
Email: reservations@pepesitalian.com.au
Website: https://pepesitalian.com.au
Google Maps:
Opening Hours:
Looking for a perfect pre-wedding date night? Their restaurant takes bookings!
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm – late
- Monday: Open for private functions
For private bookings and events, request a function package or set up a tour through their events enquiry page.
Thinking of Doing Something Just as Unforgettable?
Let’s capture it the way it felt. Whether you’re planning an engagement party with flair, a wedding full of emotion, or something that breaks all the rules—get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
Enquire here: www.emma-hawkins.com/contact
(more photos from Laura & Dan’s engagement below, keep scrolling!)
About Emma
I’m Emma, a wedding and elopement photographer based in Melbourne and travelling worldwide. My approach is calm and intentional—I work with couples who want their day to feel as beautiful as it looks, without pressure or performative moments.
Photography, for me, is about more than capturing a day. It’s about giving you space to be present in it.
I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each couple the attention and care they deserve.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re after, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s capture the wedding photos you’ve always dreamed of! Get in touch today.
As promised, view more of Laura & Dan’s epic engagement party photos below.
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