Secret garden {Melani & Matt}

On that gorgeous summer morning I spent with Melani & Matt for thier Hyde Park engagement shoot, they shared with me how much they love English vegetation and gardens, so it made their choice of venue perfect. Barnsley House is a beautiful country house in the Cotswolds, with gardens designed by the world famous Rosemary Verey, lovingly tended by head gardener Richard Gatenby and his team. Their Barnesley House wedding was my idea of breathtaking….intimate, informal, personal, with the tradition of the English country setting, and another gorgeous Indian Summer September day.

Melani & Matt planned their wedding from Melbourne, with one visit last winter, and their attention to detail came through. They chose their very closest friends and family to join them and went out of their way to make everyone feel special, epitomised by the cards and chocolates that were placed in each of their guest’s rooms. They embraced the essence of the location, using herb pots for their table settings, and keeping the theme with greens and whites. Flowers by Passion created the most beautiful florals that we have come to anticipate from them.

The wonderful thing about this day was the balance between the elegance and romance of the ceremony and the homely, personal nature of the reception. From the wedding breakfast in the Potager restaurant to the Hendrick’s G’n’T bar at the Temple, Melani and Matt were celebrated, and shared precious time with their loved ones.

The strongest memory I will keep from this day is how incredibly happy these two are to be together. As we walked around the gardens drenched in afternoon light, their smiles beamed, their eyes sparkled, and I felt so alive just looking at them. Melani & Matt, it has been such an absolute joy for Jake and I to get to know you a little and to witness this time in your lives. Thank you, thank you.

Melani & Matt’s Barnsley House Wedding Team:
Venue: Barnsley House
Melani’s dress: Justin Alexander
Melani’s details: Earrings by Samantha Wills,  Bracelet and and headpiece by Raffaele Ciuca
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Vicky Turner & Make-up by Katie Aldridge
The bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers: Flowers by Passion
Matt’s suit: Neal & Palmer, London
Matt’s details: Shirt by Turnbull & Asser, London, waistcoat by Favourbrook, London, Tie by Turnball & Asser, Cufflinks by Lanvin
Stationary: Deciduous Press, Minted
The cake: Baby Cakes, Bath
Wedding Photography: Ria Mishaal Photography
Music : Freddie & the Freeloaders (band), and John Slater (accordion player)