Some weddings stay with you because of how they felt.

Anna and Monique’s wedding at The Merribee was one of those days — warm, generous, and full of movement in every sense of the word.

It was spring. The sun was shining. And there was an ease to the day that came from two people being completely sure of one another.

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A Ceremony Set Among the Gardens

They chose a ceremony location tucked between the sculpted gardens — a pathway that felt intimate and grounded, framed by greenery and softened by light. It was a beautiful choice. Not grand or performative, but thoughtful and personal.

Surrounded by their closest friends and siblings, Anna and Monique exchanged vows with a quiet confidence that needed no embellishment. The kind of ceremony where laughter and emotion sit comfortably side by side.

The light filtered gently through the gardens, and everything slowed just enough to let the moment land.

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Style That Felt True to Them

Anna wore a dress by Alison Davis from Marry Me Bridal — elegant, fluid, and perfectly suited to the setting. Monique chose a custom cream suit by Lillian Khallouf, sharp and timeless, with a softness that felt completely her.

Together, they looked incredible — not styled for effect, but dressed in a way that felt honest and intentional.

Florals by Gypsy Carmen added warmth and texture throughout the day, while Samantha Lee’s makeup kept things natural and luminous, letting Anna and Monique feel like themselves.

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Portraits, Presence, and Finding the Rhythm

We explored the gardens for portraits as the afternoon unfolded, moving gently through the property and letting moments emerge rather than forcing them.

Monique was a little nervous at first — something she admitted openly — but as the day went on, that nervousness softened into ease. By the time the light began to shift toward evening, the two of them had fully settled into the rhythm of the day.

We stepped out again at sunset, finding quieter pockets of light and space. Those moments felt unhurried and calm — just enough time to breathe before heading back to the celebration.

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A First Dance to Remember

Anna is a dancer, and their first dance was something truly special.

Graceful, expressive, and beautifully choreographed, it felt less like a performance and more like a shared language between the two of them. One of those moments where the room seems to fade away and you’re reminded that weddings, at their best, are simply about connection.

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Celebrating Without Holding Back

As the evening unfolded, the energy lifted.

The dancefloor filled. Shoes came off. Laughter got louder. Anna and Monique partied the night away, surrounded by the people who know them best — the kind of celebration that feels earned, joyful, and completely unselfconscious.

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Photographing Weddings at The Merribee

I’ve photographed many weddings at The Merribee over the years, and days like this highlight how beautifully the venue holds space for all kinds of love stories — big and small, quiet and exuberant.

If you’re planning your own wedding here, you can see more celebrations I’ve photographed — and read more about my approach — in my guide to photographing weddings at The Merribee.

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Anna and Monique, thank you for the warmth you brought to the day, and for letting it unfold exactly as it needed to. It was a joy to photograph — and one that still lingers.