On a crisp June day in Melbourne, surrounded by candlelight, velvet hues, and splendid heritage architecture, Shona and Bradley celebrated a winter wedding that was as timeless as it was wildly joyful.
Their celebration unfolded across three iconic locations—St Mary’s Catholic Church, the leafy serenity of St Kilda Botanical Gardens, and the chandelier-lit grandeur of Quat Quatta.
But before the vows, before the velvet, before the backflips on the dance floor—it all started with a dent in a Silverado.
“It Started With a Dent in a Silverado”
Shona describes their love story as “a small-town rom-com,” and honestly, we couldn’t script it better.
“Bradley’s dad and my mum’s partner at the time were long-term friends with a shared love of cars,” Shona explains. “Mum’s partner owned the local panel-beaters, and Bradley brought his Silverado in for a repair.”
Over a few after-hours hangouts, the idea sparked in Shona’s mums partners mind: what if these two daschund-loving people were meant for each other? And so he began his mission to play matchmaker.
“We both weren’t interested at first… until he refused to finish the repairs unless we had one dinner together,” Shona laughs. “So we did—and of course, he was spot on.”
Wedding Day Q&A
What was your dancefloor anthem?
“Our incredible reception band read the room and ran with it—Carla, Ricky, Kenny and Matt [SoulHouse] were amazing! The dancefloor was PACKED the whole night long.”
Favourite outfit moment?
“My gown from Champery Couture—it had a detachable skirt, sleeves, and the most stunning mantilla veil. It was perfect for my style, the church, and the venue.”
If you could relive one part of the day?
“Walking down the aisle with my niece and nephew, best friend and sisters—toward the man of my dreams, surrounded by everyone we love.”
A Winter Wedding That Embraced the Season
Held on the 14th June, the couple leaned fully into the romance of winter. Their aesthetic was inspired by “vintage European elegance, moody colours, and the warmth of crackling fireplaces.”
“We didn’t want to fight the season—we wanted to honour it,” says Shona.
Every detail, from the velvety florals by Proud Designs to the rich tones of the stationery by Events Personalised, carried through the mood: opulent, intentional, deeply personal.
Why Quat Quatta Was “The One” – The Melbourne Wedding Venue that Ticked All the Boxes
As a self-confessed “type-A bride,” Shona approached wedding planning with clarity and vision. She knew she needed a venue that balanced beauty with flexibility—and Quat Quatta delivered.
“We visited eight venues, but I just kept coming back to Quat Quatta. I actually visited four times before booking!” she shares.
Set in a Victorian mansion in Ripponlea, the venue’s sweeping staircase, grand hall, and manicured gardens checked every box.
“Not only was it visually stunning, but the team was so welcoming, professional, and accommodating of all our wishes. I felt confident every step of the way—and that meant everything.”
With 105 guests, the venue felt intimate yet elegant—a perfect match for their moody winter styling.
Quat Quatta, set in a stately Victorian mansion in Ripponlea, offers:
- Heritage architecture with European charm
- Flexible, detail-oriented staff
- Perfect sizing for weddings up to 160 guests
- Iconic garden and staircase photo spots
- A reputation for delicious food and polished service (I can vouch for this, even the suppliers get incredible meals!)
- Enquire for your wedding at Quat Quatta here
A Ceremony Steeped in Architecture & Emotion
Shona and Bradley chose St Mary’s Catholic Church in St Kilda East for their ceremony, with its soaring ceilings and sacred atmosphere.
One of their most emotional moments?
“Walking out of the church as husband and wife. That photo still gives me chills.” Shona explained.
A Reception That Brought the House Down
When we say this was a party—we mean it.
Backflips. Splits. A moon boot stomping guest. The dancefloor was electric from the first song to the last.
“It was perfectly wild! Bradley even nailed our first dance lift with no practice! That was a gorgeous surprise. It felt like the most joyful chaos, surrounded by everyone we love.”
Live music by Soul House set the tone, with powerhouse vocals from Carla Troiano, saxophone magic from Justin Kenny Hall, and the kind of live set that makes your heart race.
The Wedding Look: Classic Meets Custom
Shona wore a custom Champery Couture gown with layers of detachable drama: skirt, sleeves, and a cathedral-length mantilla veil.
It felt regal in the church, ethereal in the gardens, and romantic beneath the chandeliers at Quat Quatta.
Her hair was styled by Monique Ringeri Bridal, and makeup was done by Makeup by Sezz (bride + mums) and Sarah Hardy MUA (bridesmaids). The result? A timeless, glowy look that worked with every backdrop and camera angle.
The Photos: Candid, Romantic, and So Very Them
As a wedding photographer, this one is hard to summarise—so I won’t. I’ll let Shona speak:
“The editorial style is just perfect—not too boho or over-corrected, which we really didn’t want. We also love the relaxed, moody, natural shots that just flowed so well in the moment and really captured the feelings.
“We’re so happy with the candid moments captured with Brad’s dad Manny and our beloved grandparents. Those are the photos we’ll cherish forever.”
One favourite moment?
“Walking out of the church as newlyweds… that was a pinch-me moment.”
How They Knew Emma Was the Right Photographer
I asked Shona & Bradley how they knew that I was the right photographer for them, and what Shona said had me literally tearing up as I read it. It’s safe to say that moments like these, knowing I’ve had such an impact on how a couples day has gone, that truly fulfil me.
Here’s what Shona and Bradley had to say:
“I followed Emma on Instagram for yearsssss! I could tell by watching her stories how she works and got a snippet of her personality which was a nice little insight into who we’d be sharing this important role with.
When it was time to lock someone in, I reached out to a few people that were recommended to me, but ultimately I was still drawn to Emma.
We had a chat on the phone and I just knew straight away she was the right person for this role—and I am so glad that we did!
She really gets it.
She’s incredibly helpful, efficient and we had so many comments on how fantastic Emma and Keranda [from Kaptured by Keranda] were by guests, family, our bridal party etc. They truly understood Brad’s reluctance to get posey and forced photos and took that on board so well.
From what we’ve seen so far in our sneak peeks, I’m simply blown away with what has been captured—our photos perfectly depict us and we couldn’t have wished for a better photographer.”
Advice for Other Couples?
“Stay true to what you want—and don’t stop searching until you find people who get that. Your unicorn vendors are out there, and they’re worth the hunt.”
And would they do it all again?
“In a heartbeat. Exactly the same.”
The Dream Team Behind the Day
Of course none of this would have been possible without the incredible team of wedding vendors that put their all in to give Shona and Bradley the wedding day they had been dreaming of.
- Photography: Emma Hawkins
- Content Creator: Kaptured by Keranda
- Venue: Quat Quatta
- Florist: Proud Designs
- Dress & Veil: Champery Couture
- Hair: Monique Ringeri Bridal
- Makeup: Makeup by Sezz + Sarah Hardy MUA
- Reception Band & Live Saxophone: Soul House
- Cake: Sweet Bakes Co
- Stationery: Events Personalised
- Audio Guest Book: Off The Hook
- Bonbonniere: Sugared Almond Boutique
- Groom’s Suit: Black Tie Classic
- Jewellery: Burlington Jewellery, Maison du Ciel
Dreaming of a Winter Wedding in Melbourne?
Shona & Bradley’s day proves that intentional styling, heart-first planning, and an all-star vendor team will never go out of style.
And if you’re dreaming of a winter wedding with warmth, elegance, and a whole lot of joy—I’d love to capture it for you.
Let’s chat → or explore more galleries below.
With love,
Emma x
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.
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