Wanting to host their “I dos” on a property along Sydney’s South Coast (where Sheree and Matt also own their own cabin), this duo knew right away Merribee would be a perfect fit for them. The gardens, the manicured hedges, the rustic barn and the heritage cottage was everything the couple wanted – not too formal, scenic and a relaxing space for their family/friends to stay over the weekend. With Love Weddings shares all the stunning snaps from the day.

About the Dresses

For the ceremony and reception, Sheree wore a white lace, long sleeve, backless dress with a long train and bell cuff sleeve detailing by & For Love, purchased from Your Art Bridal. “Your Art Bridal gave me the most amazing bridal dress experience,” Sheree shares. “When I tried the dress on it was everything I was looking for. Timeless, feminine, comfortable and relaxed. I kept it simple with nude shoes, a sheer long veil and classic jewel style earrings from Ruby & Sage.” To compliment the groomsmen’s olive linen suits from Suit Supply, Sheree’s bridesmaids looked incredible wearing oyster Shona Joy dresses in styles of their choosing. “The light neutral colour of the dresses complimented the groomsmen’s suits allowing the flowers to pop against them,” explains Sheree.

Merribee Garden Ceremony

Sheree and Matt had their ceremony in Merribee’s secret garden amongst large hedges, crepe myrtles and 100 of their family and friends. “We wrote our own vows and exchanged them to each other in front of an arbour of beautiful flowers created by our florist Aisle of Eden which matched my bouquet,” remembers Sheree. “Our celebrant Priscilla Kent made our ceremony simple, intimate and personalised and we were so happy to be able to share that moment with all our guests with no restrictions to numbers at the time.” After the formalities, guests got to enjoy lawn games and cocktails as a lead into the reception.

DIY Details

Being quite the creative couple, Matt and Sheree had plenty of DIY details which added a personal touch to their day. “Matt did the writing for a lot of the signage, I made the favours (a practical but novelty gift to reflect the pandemic – hand sanitiser with essential oils) and we made a gin gimlet and garden lovers cocktail using rosemary and lavender from Merribee’s garden,” says Sheree. As a surprise wedding gift, Sheree even commissioned one of Matt’s friends who is a Luthier to make a personalised guitar! The couple’s friends also helped out with a few of their own projects – a friend designed their stationary while Matt’s mum dehydrated lemons and limes.

Merribee Barn Reception

A slight change in scenery for their reception, dinner and speeches were held in Merribee’s rustic barn. Think long timber tables decorated with flowers, candles, festoon lights and foliage hanging above, creating a warm intimate vibe. Sheree describes this part of the night, “Delicious share plates of food with flowing boutique wines and champagne, followed by dancing on the outdoor dancefloor under the stars.”

A Shout-out to Their Vendors

“We loved and would recommend all our vendors and really think they helped make the day so amazing,” says Sheree. “With all the changing restrictions throughout the year because of COVID they were all so flexible and accommodating and communicated to put my mind at ease, assuring me the day would be amazing no matter what.”