Erin and Achappas beautiful courtyard celebration at The Village Grae in Kew.
There’s something quietly magical about small weddings. Especially ones that make you feel like family, a space that feels like your own back garden, personal, intimate, thoughtful and full of life!! This piece is all about the magic of a Wine Bar Wedding in Melbourne.
When E&A reached out and told me of their plans to have their ceremony at the Victorian Marriage registry, then a cocktail style reception at The Village Grae, I was like YES PLEASE!!! This beautiful spot all covered in ivy, friendly faces, no rushed timelines, and of course delicious wine!!
This is the kind of spot where the music drifts through an open doorway, glasses clink gently, and your favourite people gather close enough to hear the laughter. This is a space that feels less like an event and more like a beautiful gathering of people in a backgarden.
That’s exactly the feeling you get at The Village Grae.
A Hidden magic Wine Bar in Kew
Tucked into a charming little corner of Willsmere Road, The Village Grae lives inside a beautiful brick building shrowded in ivy with “Est. 1921” stamped proudly above the door.
And honestly… you can feel that history the moment you step inside.
Over the last century, this space has worn many hats — once a family home, then a series of much-loved local businesses. Each one leaving its own fingerprints on the place. Conversations, celebrations, quiet catch-ups over wine… the walls have seen a lot of life.
Today, The Village Grae continues that tradition as a warm and welcoming neighbourhood wine bar, where locals wander in for a glass, a chat, and that cosy “everyone knows everyone” feeling.
It’s the kind of place where you immediately relax your shoulders.
And that’s exactly why it makes such a beautiful setting for a intimate wedding in a wine bar.
On behalf or Mark & Franco (the owners) I asked them about their space and this is what they said.
‘We recognised the unique nature of the spaces. From first glance, the building wrapped in green ivy, then beautiful light filled courtyard with adjacent step down garden and adjoining bar and the intimate mood filled front room. They can be two seperate spaces or one large space with the ability to create a boutique intimate feel.
Particularly with weddings, we offer a personal next level superior sense of good old fashioned hospitality, coupled with bespoke event finger food options.
The Village Grae has already hosted some memorable events, including weddings and engagements. Being run by Franco and Mark who are 40 plus year hospitality professionals, every event is unique, reflecting the personality of the event holders.”
Speeches are always the best part of a wedding as you learn things about the couple that you didn’t know in spite of working so closely with them in the lead up to the big day”.
I met with Mark & Franco at E&A’s wedding and they are just the loveliest, the type of people who know you on first name basis and always checking what you need, you feel like part of something special.
Why Wine Bar Weddings in Melbourne Are Having a Moment
I am finding more and more couples are stepping away from traditional wedding venues or choosing to shake them up, couples are wanting personal touches, things that feel more like them.
A Melbourne wine bar wedding brings something incredibly special to the table — intimacy.
Some couples don’t chase being on display, they don’t want to feel rushed, they want more intimate rooms, and a wedding that feels like they can reach every guest to chat and mingle.
Think about:
• candlelit tables
• incredible food and wine
• relaxed conversation
• laughter that fills the whole room
It’s the kind of wedding where guests settle in, stay a little longer, and feel genuinely part of the celebration. And honestly? It feels a lot like hosting the most beautiful dinner party of your life.
A Wedding That Feels Like a Backyard Celebration
One of the loveliest things about celebrating at The Village Grae is how welcoming it feels. When I first entered to warm smiles and beautiful staff more than eager to help me out and show me around. The first thing Mark and Franco said was ‘do you need a glass of water or something stronger’ haha! This was so lovely! Normally by the time the photography team get to any space after running around all hot a sweaty, the first thing is water, bathroom break and a snack!! Too much info??
The space at The Village Grae is set up so elegantly. The front of the wine bar is beautiful intimate restaurant style, where you can envision birthdays, first dates, anniversaries, those moments big and small of all varieties. It’s the type of place where you tell the owners your news and they will beam with joy over it. As someone who is thousands of miles away from family, places like these give you a sense of belonging. The middle section and the courtyard, you can see being filled with families running around on weekends, catching up with friends.
Anyway more on the magic of a Wine Bar Wedding in Melbourne….
The Village Grae is the type of intimate wedding space where you can feel the:
• long hugs
• spontaneous speeches
• kids running around
• couples actually getting time to sit down and eat
It’s relaxed.
Unpretentious.
And deeply meaningful.
The Charm of Willsmere Village and Wine Bar Wedding in Melbourne
The Village Grae also sits in one of Kew’s most charming pockets — Willsmere Village.
Back in the 1840s this part of Melbourne was farmland. Today it’s a leafy neighbourhood filled with heritage buildings, cosy shopfronts, and a strong sense of community.
You’ll find locals walking their dogs, stopping for coffee, and greeting each other by name.
That village atmosphere carries straight into The Village Grae — making it feel less like hiring a venue and more like borrowing a beautiful local space to celebrate something special.
The Beauty of Keeping It Small
There’s a quiet shift happening in the wedding world.
Couples are choosing connection, they want to make sure they talk to everyone who came. Couples want to have a meaningful conversations, hug everyone and be in the moment. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels warm, relaxed and genuinely joyful; then The Village Grae might just be your perfect little spot.
Couples are inviting the people who truly matter Instead of filling a room with hundreds of people. The best kind of backyard party…Only with beautiful wine, incredible food, and a little piece of Melbourne history surrounding you.
When weddings feel this personal, the photos — the memories — become something truly special. And really, what more could you want
Wine bar Wedding in Melbourne, sometimes the best weddings aren’t the biggest ones.
They’re the ones where everyone fits around the table.
And the love fills the whole room. That’s the magic of a Wine Bar Wedding in Melbourne
VENDOR LIST
Venue – The Village Grae
Photogrpaher – Liminal Wonderland
Brides dress – Bec and Bridge
Suit – Peter Jackson
Florist – Miss Fleuri
Hair and Makeup – Tonic
About the Author
Jennifer MacDonald at Liminal Wonderland loves anything sci-fi and re runs of Gilmore girls. Loves baking and Champagne. Jennifer spends her free time hanging out with her husband and toddler that keeps her active. Jennifer is a wedding photographer that travels between Melbourne and Scotland. She specialises in capturing artistic portraits paired with unique storytelling. I am an LGBTQI+ Supporter and love all kinds weddings no matter the love the story.
check out this other post for inspo https://liminalwonderland.com/melbourne-city-wedding/
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