Some wedding days feel like a perfectly paced dinner party that is effortless, intimate, and full of warmth. Brontë and Shaun’s wedding at Pepe’s Italian & Liquor was exactly that. A modern love story told through movement, laughter, family, and a deep appreciation for being fully present.
From a gold sequined dress to a city-wide mini date adventure, this day was never about tradition for tradition’s sake. It was about connection and celebrating love sotto il Cielo d’Italia (read on to find out what Brontë meant when she said this).
Their Story
“We first met over 11 years ago — Brontë the friendly barista, Shaun the snobby customer ordering a layered piccolo with honey… always five minutes before close.”
At the time, there were no sparks. Just coffee, politeness, and years of occasional Instagram birthday messages. A decade later, Brontë reached out when she was eyeing a move back home. Shaun thought it was just two old coffee mates catching up.
Brontë drove two hours, wearing a cute dress and a red lip, for that ‘coffee’. Then… nothing.
“Three months later, I called him out — ‘You ghosted me!’” Brontë laughs. Shaun’s reply? “What? We had a coffee?”
That second coffee changed everything. Less than two months later, they were hiking through the Dolomites.
“Our forever began sotto il cielo d’Italia — under the Italian sky.”
The proposal came quietly, by a campfire in the Yarra Valley, with Shaun down on one knee holding his grandmother’s ring. “I said yes without even seeing the ring,” Brontë says. “We spent the night in our little love bubble by the fire.”
The Vision
“A love soirée under the Italian sun.”
Brontë and Shaun wanted their wedding to feel like a summer party in Italy — relaxed, beautiful, and deeply connected.
“Less tradition and wedding fuss, more moments of meaningful connection,” Brontë explains. “We wanted guests to feel incredible, but more importantly, we wanted to protect the experience for ourselves and the people we love.”
Why Pepe’s Italian & Liquor
“We stepped inside Pepe’s Parlour and instantly fell in love.”
From the colour palette and textures to the glass rooftop flooding the space with light, Pepe’s offered everything they were searching for.
“One room with different spaces — the bar, seated dining, and the patio — it meant we didn’t need to overthink styling or florals. Pepe’s already encapsulated the mood we wanted.”
And of course, the food sealed the deal. “Italian party vibes and incredible food — it allowed us to focus on making memories, not managing details.”
If you’re thinking of hosting your wedding at Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, do I have the resources you need! Click here to read the full venue guide that will give you all the info you need before booking The Parlour or Pepe’s Dining Room for your wedding or engagement party.
A Wedding Day Started with a Series of Mini Dates
The day began exactly how Brontë and Shaun wanted — together.
“We spent the morning walking around Melbourne for coffee and croissants. It felt calm, intimate, and perfect.”
Instead of traditional portraits, they planned a series of mini dates across the city.
“We wanted less posing and more moments we could recreate,” Brontë says.
Champagne in the gardens.
A tram ride to Anita Gelato.
Whisky and prosecco at Bijou Wine Bar.
Espresso and spaghetti at Pellegrini’s.
A red MG sports car in a laneway.
Aperol Spritz at Pepe’s before guests arrived.
“This adventure felt like us: joyful and spontaneous”
A Ceremony Surrounded by Family
One of the most meaningful choices of the day was asking Brontë’s mum to be their celebrant.
“She was hands down the best decision we made,” Brontë says. “Executed to perfection and something we’ll treasure forever.”
Guests stood in a circle around Brontë and Shaun, drinks in hand.
“We wanted to be married surrounded by our people, not standing in front of them.”
They even welcomed guests before the ceremony began. “People arrived asking, ‘Did we miss it?!’ It created such lightness and connection.”
Shaun’s mum carried the rings. Both dads signed as witnesses. “It felt so right.”
The Moments That Matter Most
“Waking up and realising it wasn’t raining.”
After a week of Melbourne deluge, the sun arrived and stayed.
Their first dance — unplanned, imperfect, and full of laughter — became a highlight. “I definitely executed the dip poorly,” Brontë laughs, “but no one could tell because we were having so much fun.”
Vintage camcorders captured their first look. “Watching it back now makes us teary every time.”
The Photography Experience
“We had a very unique vision, and Emma was so open to bringing it to life.”
Brontë was clear from the beginning that candid, in-the-moment storytelling mattered most.
“What we love most are our mini date night photos. They feel real. They feel like us.”
Sunlight streaming through Pepe’s rooftop, movement on the dance floor, clinking glasses; every frame feels alive.
Advice for Other Couples
“Get the getting ready photos.
Get the videographer.
Wear the flats if you’re walking a lot, trust me!”
And above all: “Take moments of stillness on the night to really take it all in.”
Dance Floor Energy
First dance: That’s How Strong My Love Is — Otis Redding.
From jazz and vintage romance to Sweet Caroline, country hits, Taylor Swift, ABBA, and The Killers, the dance floor was alive all night long.
“Good beats only. All genres. So much joy.”
Vendors
This day came together with an incredible team:
• Photographer: Emma Hawkins Photography
• Venue: Pepe’s Italian & Liquor
• Makeup: Madeleine Goldsmith Bridal
• Suit: The Gentry Menswear
• Dress: Rachel Gilbert
• Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bride
• Band: Orlando Combo
• Cake: Melbourne Cake Studio
Final Thoughts
“I would relive the entire day again if I could,” Brontë says. “It was all magical.”
And truly, it was. A wedding that felt like a love letter to presence, family, and a modern romance told with soul.
If you’re wanting to learn more about having your wedding at Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, I have a full venue guide that breaks down everything you need to know before booking. Check it out by clicking here.
Planning a Wedding at Pepe’s Italian? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Let’s bring your Italian wedding dreams to life in Melbourne.
Whether it’s editorial portraits in the Parlour or golden hour cocktails in the courtyard, I’m here to capture your love story the way it felt.
Ready to explore dates or see sample timelines?
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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