Blake & Melanie’s DIY Wedding at Merribee House

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by John Benavente
January 16, 2017

If we had to dream up the most romantic circumstances for a proposal, it’d go a little something like Melanie and Blake’s story. Blake popped the question whilst bathing in a hot spring in Japan surrounded by cherry blossoms and the majestic Alps. Just to top it off, snow started to fall – we couldn’t have orchestrated it better ourselves!

Tying the knot back home in Australia with John Benavente behind the camera, the pair chose the beautiful Merribee House on the NSW South Coast to put together a day that reflected their love of adventure. “When we got to Merribee it was love at first sight,” Melanie tells us. “The gardens were stunning and the fact there were different types of gardens around the grounds, each with their own charm and beauty just won us over straight away.”

Their eclectic collection of souvenirs, coupled with vintage inspired florals, Persian rugs and fairy lights resulted in a boho meets botanical vibe and having had plenty of experience throwing events, Melanie (a marketing manager) planned and styled the whole shebang, with plenty of help from family and friends on the DIY front.

If the pair had any advice for others planning a wedding, it would be this: “Go with your gut. If you know what you want, don’t waste time looking at every option because you think you have to. It’s your day and it’s really only about you and your partner. Do what you want!”

DIY boho floral wedding arbour DIY boho floral wedding arbour
The bride herself was responsible for the gorgeous botanical arch and it was one of her fave details of the day (ours too!) Change of vocation perhaps?
DIY boho floral wedding arbour
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House – photography by John Benavente
DIY pastel wedding bunting Rue de Seine wedding dress
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House – photography by John Benavente
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House – photography by John Benavente
Rue de Seine real bride Rue de Seine real bride
Rue De Seine never fail to impress and Melanie’s stunning off the shoulder number fit like a glove. This DIY goddess did her own hair and makeup (and bouquet!) and we love her laid-back bridal style.
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente colourful wedding confetti
Photographer John Benavente sure knows how to capture a moment and as per usual, we love his vibrant, fun and emotion-filled shots, just as much as Melanie and Blake did!
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House – photography by John Benavente
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House – photography by John Benavente
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente hanging flowers in bottles
Talk about DIY! Aside from the bride and groom’s own efforts, family and friends were all too happy to pitch in, with everything from the invitations to the bunting, the cocktails, flower arrangements, favours and even the music - being friends with multiple DJ’s doesn’t hurt!
crafty photobooth backdrop Rue de Seine bride boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente
rustic grazing spread
rustic grazing platter
modern wedding canapes
Rather than a traditional sit-down meal, fresh, modern, cocktail-style fare was dished up by Garnish Creative Catering and allowed guests to mingle and enjoy the grounds.
boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente boho DIY wedding at Merribee House - photography by John Benavente

Credits

Images John Benavente | Bride's Dress Rue de Seine | Groom's Suit InStitchu | Celebrant Nina De Borde | Catering Garnish Creative Catering | Venue Merribee House | Flowers & Styling DIY |


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