Talk about great luck. Dana and Dan’s wedding at The Merribee on the 8th of March started with a few nervous glances at the clouds, but Mother Nature quickly got with the program. The rain held off, and instead, that gorgeous golden autumn light poured through the trees, making The Merribee gardens absolutely glow.

These two nailed their classic/formal meets French provincial garden vibes with ease. Their approach was relaxed elegance with colourful flowers adding just the right amount of pop against The Merribee’s natural beauty.

I loved how Dana and Dan kept their wedding party super meaningful. Dana’s twin sister Chelsea stood beside her as her only bridesmaid, while Dan flipped the script by having his sister Lauren as his best woman. This whole “keeping it in the family” approach just highlighted how tight-knit they all are.

One of the best things about a Merribee wedding? The place basically decorates itself. Those gardens are already stunning, and watching them transform as the afternoon light shifted was like seeing a slow-motion nature show. The shadows stretched longer, the light got softer, and the photos just kept getting better.

When dinner rolled around, everyone gathered at two long tables set up under the crepe myrtles. There’s something magical about eating outdoors as the day winds down at The Merribee – fancy enough to feel special but relaxed enough that everyone could kick back and enjoy themselves.

What makes The Merribee work so well for weddings isn’t just that it’s pretty (though it definitely is). It’s how the place creates this perfect backdrop for real moments between people who matter. Dana and Dan’s day was thoughtfully pulled together but never felt stiff or staged.

Thank you Dana and Dan, I loved every second of being part of your big day!