Take a little bit of Rome in the heart of Melbourne, add a touch of old school romance and you have ‘Italia’, a shoot designed by Cate O’Connor of Dancing & Dessert and captured by Ali Bailey.

This shoot is packed with inspiration for couples planning a spring or summer wedding who are wanting to keep things simple but elegant. Cate explains, “Growing up in Melbourne I’ve always been surrounded by Italian culture, everything from the food, language and style, and I wanted to pay homage to that whilst mixing it with fresh and modern elements.”

With its mosaic tiles, brass fittings and white panelled walls, Fargo and Co is the epitome of modern Italian and provided the backdrop for an elegant wedding luncheon styled with the addition of props by Harry the Hirer, fresh summer florals and citrus by Stems From Her and stationery from Beacon Lane.

Bucking the naked cake trend, Mad About Cakes created a crisp white masterpiece with delicate icing decoration, complementing the bright, contemporary style of the shoot.

Dressed by The Bridal Atelier, bride’s first look – a fitted lace gown – is the perfect combination of traditional and modern, matched by makeup in neutral tones by Jéda Vu Makeup Artistry. The groom sports a suit in an understated green hue from Formal Red, and is coiffured by Beef’s Barbers.

The couple then change into something more fun to roam the streets, stopping at Melbourne institutions Pelligrini’s and Gelateria Primavera for some intimate celebrations.