A Neon-Lit Engagement Shoot at Welcome to Thornbury

You know those shoots where everything just clicks? This one at Welcome to Thornbury in Melbourne was one of those rare gems: perfect mix of fun, nostalgia, and pure connection. From the first frame, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your typical engagement session.

When Paige + Andre booked me for their wedding on Halloween, I had to say yes. So, can you imagine my delight when they asked me to take some engagement photos for them?

We started out on the gritty Melbourne streets just outside the venue. Graffiti-covered walls, a bit of urban chaos, and that late afternoon light made for a backdrop that felt raw and effortlessly cool… exactly the kind of setting that suits a couple who wanted something different. Nothing overly posed, nothing forced, just them being themselves.

But the real heart of this shoot was inside Welcome to Thornbury’s arcade. The venue is packed with vintage games and arcades, neon signs, and retro charm, and it turned out to be the perfect playground for their story. I handed them $50 in tokens and just let the night unfold. They shot hoops on the basketball machine, battled it out in air hockey, and got way too competitive over the two-person shooter games. Surrounded by glowing neon and arcade sounds, they slipped right into their element, laughing, goofing around, and totally forgetting about the camera.

There’s something magical about watching a couple interact in a space that feels nostalgic and playful, but also deeply personal and unique. The arcade lights cast this dreamy, colorful glow that added a cinematic feel to the photos. It wasn’t just visually fun, it felt like a date night captured in stills. The neon lighting, the hum of games, the joy on their faces… it all worked together to create something truly special.

After grabbing a bite to each from the food trucks, we wrapped the session in the photo booth, of course. Squeezed into the tiny space, they shared kisses, silly faces, and those sweet, unscripted moments that make you smile without even trying. It was the perfect ending to a shoot that felt more like documenting a night out than directing a traditional engagement session.

If you’re dreaming of an engagement shoot that breaks away from the soft and staged norm—think neon signs, arcade games, urban textures, and real, candid moments—Welcome to Thornbury is a seriously cool option. And if you’re into photos that feel like you, not a Pinterest board? This is your sign.

View Paige + Andre’s full gallery here.

If you’d like to chat more about weddings or a bloody cool engagement session, you can contact me right here.