How’s this for a story of boy meets girl? Colombian Melissa was waitressing when Ross rocked in to her restaurant, keen to hone his Spanish. Each time she served his table they shared a sneaky Spanish exchange, and as he paid the bill, Ross asked Melissa if she had a boyfriend. Her response, “it’s complicated”, sparked hope for this charmer, and the rest, as they say, is history. Their Spanish-inspired Sorrento wedding was bursting with colour, fun and flair, captured by the talent that is Eric Ronald.

“Don’t think about it too much,” they say. “We gave ourselves three months between getting engaged and married. It can be done, and the limited time frame makes you a very efficient decision maker.” Not to mention swiftly culling the venue list. The Baths were up for grabs and met their chilled and coastal criteria, while Ross’s folks’ private garden in Portsea made for the perfect ceremony spot.  Their party of 94 enjoyed a lengthy, three-course feast at The Baths, where everything was went smoothly, was scrumptious and served with a smile.

With little time to spare, Ross and Melissa put full faith stylist Tori Allen Events – the one woman wonder behind all of their decorations, settings and incredible florals. With one such gorgeous bloom tucked into her tresses, this boho bride donned a custom-made French lace gown and silk slip. And she did insist on taking care of one special wedding day detail – organising a Mariachi band to crash the ceremony once they’d made it official. “It felt like a real celebration once they started playing,” they say. “Everyone loved it, and it was very unexpected.”

Photography: Eric Ronald | Bride’s dress: local dressmaker | Bridesmaids dresses: Free People | Groom’s suit: Travellers Apparel | Groom’s shoes: Mario Fagnini | Rings: Desiderata | Styling/flowers: Tori Allen Events | Hair/makeup: DIY | Ceremony venue: groom’s parents’ private garden | Celebrant: Elisa Westein Weddings | Reception venue/catering: The Baths | Cake: friends of the bride | Entertainment: Gin Remedy Band | Stationery/invitations: DIY | Prop hire: Peninsula Party Hire