Some wedding days feel like a quiet reward.

Dana and Dan’s wedding at The Merribee began with a few cautious glances toward the sky. The kind you give clouds when rain has been threatening all morning. But as guests arrived and the day began to unfold, the weather softened. The rain stayed away. And in its place came that warm, golden autumn light that filters gently through the trees and makes everything feel calmer than it was moments before.

It was one of those afternoons where the venue seemed to exhale — and everyone followed suit.

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Thoughtful, Relaxed, and Effortlessly Elegant

Dana and Dan struck a beautiful balance with their day. There was a sense of classic formality to it, softened by French provincial garden energy and a relaxed approach that never felt overdone. Colourful florals added warmth and contrast against The Merribee’s natural textures, letting the setting speak without overwhelming it.

One of the most meaningful choices they made was keeping their wedding party close and intentional. Dana’s twin sister, Chelsea, stood beside her as her only bridesmaid, while Dan had his sister Lauren as his best woman. It felt less like a “line-up” and more like a reflection of who mattered most — a quiet nod to family and connection that set the tone for the day.

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Letting The Merribee Do What It Does Best

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings at The Merribee is that it doesn’t need much help.

As the afternoon unfolded, the gardens shifted almost imperceptibly — shadows stretching, light softening, colours deepening. It’s a place that rewards patience. The longer you let the day breathe, the more it gives back.

Portraits were unhurried and easy. Dana and Dan moved naturally together, comfortable in the space and in each other’s company. Nothing felt staged. Just two people fully present in the middle of a day they’d clearly put a lot of thought into.

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Long Tables, Open Air, and a Soft Landing into Evening

As evening approached, guests gathered around two long tables set beneath the crepe myrtles. There’s something quietly special about outdoor dining at The Merribee — refined enough to feel celebratory, relaxed enough that conversation flows without effort.

The light lingered just long enough. The air cooled. Glasses clinked. The day gently shifted gears.

What stood out most wasn’t any single moment, but the overall feeling — a wedding that felt considered without being rigid, elegant without being precious. A celebration built around people, not performance.

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Photographing Weddings at The Merribee

I’ve photographed many weddings at The Merribee over the years, and days like Dana and Dan’s are a reminder of why it continues to stay with me. The space, the pace, and the way it allows moments to unfold naturally make it a beautiful place to document real connection.

If you’re planning a wedding here, you can see more celebrations I’ve photographed — and read about my approach — in my The Merribee wedding photographer guide.

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Dana and Dan, thank you for trusting me to be part of such a meaningful day. It was a genuine pleasure to photograph — one of those weddings that lingers long after you’ve packed the camera away.

“Scott is a true artist and captured our day at Merribee perfectly. He made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and caught so many special moments without us even noticing he was there.” – Dana and Dan.