An intentional, romantic wedding by the river.
There are some love stories that feel slow, steady and deeply intentional from the very beginning, and Selina and Shaun’s is exactly that.
From a riverside proposal to a candlelit dinner party celebration in Melbourne, their day was warm, intimate and filled with meaning.
The Love Story
Selina and Shaun met in country NSW in early 2021 while working on a solar farm. They noticed each other straight away, but it wasn’t until mid-2022, after months of staying in touch across different towns and projects, that they went on their first official date.
“It felt intentional and thoughtful,” Selina shares. “He chose a table by the fire so I would be warm, as it was the middle of winter and I’m an FNQ gal.”
They were engaged in their new hometown beside the river they love. After time apart (Shaun working away and Selina travelling to the US) their first day reunited felt both ordinary and extraordinary all at once.
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On the way to dinner for a belated anniversary celebration, Shaun suggested stopping by the river. A woman offered to take their photo, and moments later he was down on one knee. He had secretly organised a photographer to capture the proposal and a small engagement shoot.
That evening’s dinner was a beautiful homage to their very first date: intimate, thoughtful, and completely them.
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The Wedding Day
Selina’s favourite moment wasn’t grand or dramatic. It was waking up beside Shaun, sharing a quiet coffee, and exchanging private vows just the two of them. A gentle commitment to do life together.
Shaun’s favourite moment? Standing face to face at the aisle, seeing Selina so happy, wrapped up in their own little bubble.
Another deeply meaningful moment was when two of Selina’s closest friends of over twenty years placed her veil. She had placed one of theirs ten years earlier. Now, standing together again, with another friend preparing for her own wedding, it felt full circle. Chills!
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The Inspiration
The inspiration began with the dress: The Blake Gown by Jenny Yoo; timeless and romantic.
From that moment, Selina and Shaun knew they wanted the entire day to feel intentional and uncomplicated. No forced theme. No box-ticking. Just a feeling: warm, romantic, calm & intimate.
With the help of Carolyn from Said Studio, that feeling was translated beautifully through colour, texture and form. Rather than recreating a Pinterest board, they created an atmosphere.
With just 30 of their closest people, the wedding naturally became an intimate dinner party: a long table, meaningful details, and a sense of presence.
The Florals
Florals were brought to life by SoFlower, introduced through Said Studio.
Selina hadn’t originally planned on carrying a bouquet. Traditional circular styles didn’t feel like 'her'. Through conversations about the overall styling, a new idea emerged: a sculptural clutch-style bouquet, almost like a bouquet purse.
“I struggled to fully articulate what I was imagining, but somehow Carolyn and Sof understood immediately.”
The result was effortless, intentional and completely aligned with the day—it's one of Selina’s favourite details.
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The Venue
The celebration was held at Pepe's Italian and Liquor in the heart of Melbourne's CBD—the perfect setting for their long-table dinner party vision.
The atmosphere felt like gathering your favourite people into one room and simply being present together.
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The Jewellery
Selina chose to wear just one piece of jewellery: our Esme Irregular Pearl Studs.
“I knew early on that I wanted pearls. Something timeless that could feel like an heirloom rather than a trend.”
What drew her to the Esme pearls was their irregularity. Their organic shape felt more personal than perfectly matched pearls; understated yet special. Elegant, without feeling overdone.
“They felt considered, personal, and exactly right for the day.”
The Photographer
The day was beautifully captured by Lilli Smith, preserving the softness and intimacy that defined every moment.
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Would she change anything from the day?
“Nothing. It was the best day of our lives, start to finish.”
And truly, that says it all.
VENDORS
Earrings: Esme Irregular Pearl Studs
Dress: Jenny Yoo
Photography: Lilli Smith
Flowers: SoFlower
Planner: Said Studio Events
Venue: Pepe's Italian and Liquor, Melbourne
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