Congratulations are in order for Aussie couple Ryan and Jacqueline who got married last November, 2024, in a manner that can only be described as exquisitely chic. The couple’s laidback sensibilities were translated into a masterpiece of timeless elegance thanks to the help of wedding planner Mills + Franks.
The gorgeous gardens at The Merribee in New South Wales served as the backdrop for the occasion, where sprawling gardens were outfitted with banquet tables, fairy lights, and relaxed outdoor seating. Given the bride’s vision of an “intimate, elegant dinner soirée, it’s safe to say that it was executed perfectly, down to the finest detail.
Their nuptials are proof that garden parties–which can often be fodder for wedding trends–are a classic option for a luxurious, low-key setting. Dive into their festivities below:
Despite starting their relationship in the “friend zone” during university, the two eventually hit it off thanks to Ryan’s perseverance. He invited her on weekend trips to the South Coast of NSW where he would teach her surfing, skateboarding, and snorkeling. “[He] asked me out three times before I said yes!” she says.
After eight years of dating, the two got engaged during a romantic holiday in New Zealand. “On top of the mountain on our last ski run of the day, we were completely alone. Surrounded by beautiful snow and sky, he got down on one knee and proposed,” Jacqueline shares.
Hosting weddings in Australia is always a good idea, what with the scenery, vineyards and estates, and luxury accommodations. This is why Jacqueline and Ryan did not venture far, despite initially wanting a destination wedding.
“[We] didn’t want our friends and family to have to travel far, so The Merribee was the perfect venue to transport everyone to the French Countryside without having to leave the country,” Jacqueline explains.
Tracing its history as far back as the 1820s, The Merribee has a legacy of cultivating flora through its collection of botanical gardens. There are several themed gardens with different French inspirations and historical references. Seasonal flowers bloom and spread their scents in the air, creating a truly immersive experience for guests.
Ryan and Jacqueline chose a fabulous time to get married as the sunny weather perfectly illuminated The Merribee grounds. As the sun set, the outdoor ceremony transformed into a garden party twinkling with fairy lights and cocktails abound, giving off a stylish energy that takes a page from a Scott Fitzgerald novel.
Jacqueline wanted the celebration to capture their love and appreciation for their family and friends. She says that the lights contributed a lot to creating that atmosphere: “As soon as I saw the venue, I had a clear vision of lots of tiny fairy lights dancing across the sky over the courtyard giving the feeling of a magical night under the stars.”
“Black tie optional” was the dress code to give their guests sartorial freedom. All the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen suits were custom-made by Tuong Tailor in Vietnam.
As for the couple, they opted for crisp, clean classics. Jacqueline looked ravishing in a corset-inspired custom dress by Corston Couture, which featured a romantic off-shoulder design and a ruched neckline, flowing gently in the back as a short train. For a trendy yet tasteful twist, she clutched a bouquet of orchids and amaranth flowers.
Ryan, on the other hand, came in an elegant black tuxedo, whose jacket he shed during the reception for a more casual outfit. Throughout the day, people started putting on sunglasses, adding to the relaxed and joyful ambiance of the party.
“We wanted a long cocktail hour (think European summer holiday in the countryside) where everyone could unwind from the ceremony and really enjoy exploring the gardens,” says Jacqueline.
True enough, the crowd eased into the festivities after the ceremony with drinks in hand, choosing from the fabulous seafood spread of oysters, sashimi, prawns, and canapés all from Rabbit & Co catering. A unique flourish was the personalized notes that hung from the trees, which doubled as a seating chart.
Ryan also had a hand in curating the energy by rounding up a game of cricket on the grass oval. “Everyone absolutely loved it! If they weren’t playing, they were having a good time watching,” shares Jacqueline.
Maintaining a familial atmosphere while aesthetically elevating the space was a challenge that the decor achieved. “We wanted the reception to feel comfortable and intimate, as if we were hosting a dinner at our house,” Jacqueline shares.
As for the rest of the outdoor space, she explains, “I wanted the florals to match the surroundings and blend in like they were already a part of the garden.” As a result, dinner tables were covered with mirrors, candles, name decals, seasonal fruit, wine bottles, and crystal glasses, all evoking a classy dinner party.
Beyond the venue, what struck the couple most about their wedding were all the special moments–from their best friend administering their vows, singing happy birthday to their guests, to the crowd joining them for their first dance.
As a nod to their relationship, the dinner menu was inspired by Asian-fusion homestyle cooking–”a combination of our favourite dishes that Ryan would cook for me at home.” One crowd favorite was the late-night noodle bar where guests could get a bowl of ramen noodles to satisfy their cravings and keep dancing.
Instead of a guest book, a camcorder was used by one of the bridesmaids to document the special day. There are plenty of memories that the couple looks forward to reminiscing soon. Hats off to Jacqueline and Ryan on their new chapter and for hosting an impeccable fête that placed love at the center!
Vendors and Supplier List:
Wedding & Event Planner @millsfranks
Florals & Styling @piaandjade
Venue @themerribee
Photography/Videography @georgiaburnsweddings
Furnishings @socoeventhire
Catering @rabbitandcocaterers
Beverage / Sommelier @your.p.s
Musician @oberonlane
Celebrant @marriedbyadam
Fairy Lights @millsfranks
Photobooth @openbooths
Gelato Cart @bumpyrdcatering
Hair @uf.styles
Makeup @yenmakeup_
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