Adam & Rob’s coastal wedding at The Continental Sorrento brought Mediterranean elegance together with a generous dose of fun. The ceremony, reception and after-party all unfolded within the historic venue on the Mornington Peninsula, allowing the day to flow without the need for travel between sites.
From a swipe to a proposal
The couple met through a dating app while both happened to be in Sorrento—Rob visiting for a friend’s hen weekend and Adam vacationing nearby. A shared photo sparked a conversation that stretched from Saturday night into Sunday, laying the groundwork for a romance that would soon lead to a proposal.
Proposal in Sorrento
Rob spent months planning the surprise, choosing Sorrento for its personal resonance with Adam, who had long cited the town as inspiration for his favourite song, Tina Arena’s “Sorrento Moon.” In August 2024, the pair arrived at a beach club for an afternoon swim. Unaware of the plan, Adam was relaxed and scrolling on his phone when Rob, seated beside him, began a quiet discussion about the beauty of the coastline before dropping to one knee.
The moment caught Adam off guard; he initially thought it was another of Rob’s theatrical jokes. Once the reality set in, the couple exchanged a heartfelt “yes,” marking the start of a day filled with carefully curated details.
A Mediterranean-styled celebration
Rob and Adam invited their parents to join them during the getting-ready moments, a choice they said added intimacy and allowed the families to share quiet time before the festivities. Both men wore custom suits from Couture Menswear—crisp white dinner jackets for the ceremony and later black-patterned party jackets adorned with hand-woven Swarovski crystals shaped like cobblestones, a subtle nod to their love of Italy’s winding streets.
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The Continental Sorrento’s Old Grand Ballroom hosted the ceremony, while the terrace overlooking the ocean served as the cocktail area. The venue’s ability to house the ceremony, reception and after-party under one roof helped maintain a seamless, relaxed atmosphere that matched the couple’s Mediterranean theme.
Styling partner Poppy Culture supplied natural florals, greenery and Mediterranean fruits such as lemons and olives, creating a setting that felt both sophisticated and laid-back. The décor blended fresh flowers with fruit-filled bowls, providing colour and a sense of abundance throughout the space.
As an acoustic version of “Sorrento Moon” played, the couple walked down the aisle separately, each escorted by a parent. Their Godmothers, Lesley and Maria, served as ring bearers, adding another layer of personal significance to the ceremony.
Celebrating Love Live
Guests were treated to a surprise performance by the original singer of “Jackie,” who appeared live to perform the song. The unexpected appearance sparked a lively sing-along, turning a familiar wedding staple into a memorable highlight.
By weaving personal symbols, like the dog Prince’s cardboard cut-out and custom crystal lapels, into every element, the couple turned a formal celebration into a lived narrative. Guests could see their story reflected in the décor, making the day feel less like a production and more like a shared experience.
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After the vows, celebrant Tori blended warmth, humor and emotion, guiding the couple through a ceremony that felt genuine rather than scripted. The pair exited to Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love,” setting an upbeat tone for the afternoon.
During cocktail hour, a wedding cake was made fresh in front of guests, adding to the interactive nature of the celebration. The live cake-making turned the dessert into another moment of delight.
Personal Touches Abound
The wedding’s personal touches extended beyond the ceremony and into the smallest details, reflecting the couple’s love for travel, family, and their dog, Prince. A life-size cardboard cut-out of Prince stood near the cocktail area, greeting guests as they arrived. The couple also incorporated the dog into their stationery, with Prince’s image appearing on cocktail napkins and a welcome sign. For a playful nod to their shared history, they set up an “Off The Hook” phone where guests could leave voice messages for the newlyweds, while personalised matches in a cigarette tower offered a subtle reminder of their love for Italy’s coastal charm.
Photographer Ben from These Wild Eyes documented the wedding with an eye for candid moments and natural light, delivering images that felt authentic rather than staged. The couple had envisioned raw, unfiltered photos with a vintage film-like quality, and Ben’s work exceeded their expectations. His ability to blend seamlessly into the day allowed guests to relax and enjoy the celebration without feeling self-conscious. The resulting photographs captured not just the couple’s joy but also the lively atmosphere, from spontaneous dances to quiet, intimate exchanges.
The day concluded with a first dance to Grant Nelson’s Big Room Vocal Mix of “Fade” by Solu Music feat. Kimblee, a choice that balanced emotion with energy. The song’s soulful vocals and uplifting beat mirrored the couple’s relationship, romantic yet dynamic, sentimental without being overly serious. As they danced, guests joined them on the floor, marking the transition from ceremony to celebration with movement and joy.
