A winter city wedding


Sharlien and Chris are the perfect modern couple. Inner city dwellers with a gorgeous French bulldog, they knew it was time to take the next step in their love story—and they wanted it to be completely and unapologetically them.


These two believe in living life on their own terms, and their wedding was a masterclass in doing traditions your way. Sharlien LOVES purple (yes, all caps necessary), so the entire wedding was purple-themed—from her stunning gown and fluffy winter coat, to the flowers, to their furbaby’s tuxedo. Chris chose timeless black and white to let his soulmate shine, and the best man made sure to keep the vibe going with a velvet plum jacket that matched the maid of honour. The result? Pure sartorial elegance.


They chose the iconic Captain Melville Historic Hotel for its moody bluestone walls, great vibes, and amazing service—and then kept it fun by walking the city streets in the bright winter sunshine to get there separately. That’s the joy of modern weddings: you get to pick the parts you love, throw out what doesn’t fit, and create a day that feels all yours.


Sharlien’s purple dress deserved its own spotlight, and we had so much fun capturing the final touches with her maid of honour. Chris, meanwhile, made sure his suit was camera-ready (as if it wouldn’t be!) while their Frenchie supervised with plenty of wiggles, showing how excited she was to be the ring bearer. Excitement buzzed in the air as they prepared to walk towards forever.

Sequential photos of bridesmaids in purple sparkly dresses laughing and smiling together in preparation room.
Two people get ready for a formal event, with one helping style the other's hair while wearing elegant evening attire.
Wedding party members help each other put on corsages and accessories while getting ready in formal attire.
A person in a lavender tulle gown admires their reflection in a dressing room mirror while getting ready.
A person in a sparkly purple dress and pink fluffy jacket twirls while dancing.
A smiling person in a purple evening gown poses with sparkly jewelry at a formal event.
Close-up macro photography of deep pink rose petals with soft focus and romantic lighting.
Elegant wedding invitation cards and decorative elements arranged with floral details in vintage sepia tones.
A series of candid shots showing a groom in formal attire with a black bowtie and white dress shirt.
Four indoor bridal portraits showcasing a purple gown and vibrant burgundy and white floral bouquet.
A sequence of sepia-toned images showing a person in a dark suit and beard looking down at their hands.
Six close-up portraits of French Bulldogs showing their adorable wrinkled faces and expressive features.
Multiple close-up shots showing a Beagle puppy playing with an interactive toy or puzzle in a room.
Wedding rings rest on a deep purple silk fabric creating an elegant detail shot.
A sequence of wedding photos showing a couple in formal attire with purple and pink floral bouquets in a white room.
A wedding party member in formal attire walks together in the hallway holding a colorful bouquet.
A sequence of photos shows a person in a dark suit offering flowers to someone wearing a light pink formal dress.
A series of photos showing a dance sequence between two people at a formal event, one in a pink dress and one in black.
Burgundy lace dress and navy embellished top worn by two people in a casual setting against a decorated wall.
People walking on a busy street past Ted's Cameras and JB HiFi storefronts in an urban setting.


Stepping into the candlelit Captain Melville felt like walking into magic. Friends had gone all out and transformed the space with candelabras wrapped in purple blooms, fairy lights twinkling across the walls and aisle, and a floral hoop that framed the moment perfectly.


When Sharlien entered on her father’s arm, the whole room gasped, none more so than her Groom—then they laughed with delight as their Frenchie trotted forward, rings in tow, and quickly stole the show during the ceremony. Petals, laughter, and happy tears filled the air as they sealed their promises with a kiss.

Neon wine glass and beer signs illuminate a rustic wooden wall with decorative floral vines and string lights.
Dark moody glass jar illuminated by sparkly light against textured metallic background.
A multi-frame photo strip view of pink roses illuminated against a dark background.
A series of healthcare workers demonstrating proper medical procedures in a clinical training setting.
Pink cherry blossoms cascade down a dark brick wall in a moody interior setting.
Wedding reception place settings with delicate folded napkins and elegant purple floral centerpieces on wooden tables.
People sitting on an outdoor patio engaging in casual conversation.
A silver vintage style birdcage sits on a stand with flowers against a backdrop of orange autumn leaves.
Person in a dark jacket and burgundy dress relaxing on a deck during an overcast day.
Group of people seated in a casual outdoor setting having conversation together.
Artistic wall decor with stylized text and decorative lighting elements in a dimly lit ambiance creates a cozy atmosphere.
Candid sequence of two friends taking selfies together while laughing outdoors in black outfits.
A burgundy-dressed guest dances with a sleepy dog wearing purple at an evening event.
Two people in formal attire share a candid moment against a brick wall adorned with floral decorations.
A couple in formal attire stands on rustic wooden stairs with decorative greenery on the banister.
People enjoying a crowded nightclub event with dark lighting and festive atmosphere.
A sequence of photos showing someone with a dark beard against a brick wall with green foliage in the upper corner.
Wedding celebration at rustic venue with wood paneling and purple floral decorations.
Wedding couple shares romantic moments together at rustic venue with wood walls and floral decorations.
Wedding ceremony taking place in front of exposed brick wall with floral arrangements inside a church.

After the ceremony, we strolled the city streets at twilight. Melbourne was alive with lights and energy, the perfect backdrop for photos filled with laughter, romance, and more than a little bit of cheekiness. The boys hammed it up, the girls cheered them on, and then things quieted down as the couple took a moment together under the glow of passing trams.


Back at Captain Melville, the celebrations truly began. Their first dance started as a graceful waltz and ended as a full-blown techno party starter—the perfect symbol of who they are as a couple. Speeches were heartfelt, the cake (handcrafted by a talented friend) was delicious, and the bouquet toss was fought for with gusto. The night ended with laughter, dancing, and the joy of knowing they had done their wedding their way—surrounded by love, friendship, and fun.

A dimly lit restaurant exterior with glowing pink neon signs and ambient lighting creates a warm evening atmosphere.
Wedding party in burgundy dresses and black tuxedos poses together with pink floral bouquets at night.
Collage strip showing diverse indoor venue spaces illuminated by fluorescent lighting and architectural details.
Wedding party members in formal attire gather outdoors at night holding floral bouquets.
A couple in wedding attire sits together on benches at night with city lights in the background.
Wedding party members walk along illuminated glass windows at night in formal burgundy and black attire.
Wedding party in burgundy dresses and dark suits walk together during golden hour on an urban street.
Wedding party members pose and laugh together outside a modern building at dusk.
Multiple figures stand near tree trunks outside a building with warm lighting and vintage-style lampposts in the evening.
Three figures in formal attire walk together on a dimly lit city street at night.
Romantic wedding party poses with vibrant floral bouquets against a dreamy bokeh background at dusk.
Couple dances dramatically in formal attire against dark wall with dramatic lighting.
A couple in formal attire poses in a dark setting with purple accent lighting and dramatic shadows.
A dark montage of surveillance camera footage showing people in low light conditions at what appears to be building entrances.
Bride in lavender gown and groom in black suit share a candid moment during their wedding reception.
A stylish couple wields glowing lightsabers in a dimly lit urban setting.
Person in a patterned blue and white blouse dances at an indoor event.
People enjoying drinks and conversation at a dimly lit social gathering with purple lighting.
A group dances together during a wedding reception in a dimly lit rustic venue with brick walls.
People dancing together at a reception in a dimly lit event space with decorative lighting and rustic decor.


Sharlien and Chris proved that weddings don’t have to follow a script. They can be playful, stylish, heartfelt, and completely unique. Whether that means a purple gown, a city stroll, or a dance floor that flips from romance to rave—it’s your story to tell.


Ready to create a wedding day that feels just like you? Let’s make it happen. Get in touch with us at Curves and Lace Photography—because you deserve a wedding that’s as fun, unique, and unforgettable as your love.