Intimate Wedding at Poet’s Lane Receptions, Sherbrooke - Melbourne Wedding
Poet’s Lane at this time of year is amazing (to be honest it’s amazing all times of the year), but I love the colder months when the Dandenongs feel cozy and intimate for a wedding. The outdoor spaces are so lush and green, while the indoor spaces are warm and cozy once the sun goes down and the temperature starts to drop. So many nooks to take photos here too which I loved.
With Winter Solstice being the shortest day of the year for sunlight and in the middle of a Melbourne winter you would be expecting this to be a pretty grey and cold day, but in typical Melbourne fashion, it was a gorgeous and sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. Days like this are a prime example of why having a focus on when the sunset will be helps shape how your day will be in regards to photography. With the sunset at just after 5pm, and being in the depths of the Dandenongs, the sunlight escapes quickly and knowing this we moved our portrait session to before the ceremony and just after the first look.
Doing this around 3.00pm is perfect for some golden light and not being blasted with midday light or it being blue hour just after the ceremony. Doing your wedding timeline like this allows you not to be rushed after your ceremony for portraits and you can soak up all the excitement of just being married, then ease into your family portraits.
Chris & Jen had their list of family photo combos ready to go so we were able to fly through this part of the day without missing a group. These are some of the most important photos of the day as in many circumstances people don’t have professional photos with lots of their nearest and dearest.
This is how our run sheet looked for day, with plenty of space in between so if we were running behind or needed an extra couple of minutes we were not on a military-style deadline. There are always a few curveballs so having this flexibility is key -
Chris getting ready - 12.00-1.00PM
Jennifer getting ready - 1.30-2.30PM
First Look - 2.45PM
Portraits - 3.00-3.30PM
Guest arrival - 3.30PM
Ceremony - 4.00 - 4.30PM
Family Portraits - 5.00PM
Reception - 6.00-9.00PM
Poet’s Lane is also a part of some amazing venues in the Dandenong Ranges for weddings. Similar venues that might be perfect for you if Poet’s Lane is the vibe, but are unavailable could be Tatra Receptions. Tatra Receptions has a very similar lush and green backdrop with a similar outdoor gazebo setup and indoor chapel option if the weather is poor. Here is a blog from Hollie & Nick that I previously photographed at Tatra Receptions. Gorgeous with the small amphitheatre that you can do an amazing first look at. The other beautiful venue that you could go to is Lyrebird Falls; again with great indoor wet weather options and lush greenery if the weather is lovely at any time of the year.
The gazebo ceremony space at Poet's Lane Receptions offers a charming and intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of nature. Nestled within lush, meticulously maintained gardens, the white wooden gazebo is tastefully adorned with delicate greenery and seasonal floral arrangements, creating a timeless and elegant backdrop that enhances every moment. Its open sides allow soft natural light to gently filter through, enriching the romantic atmosphere while also providing practical shelter from light rain or gentle breezes. This quaint yet sturdy structure comfortably accommodates your guests, ensuring everyone has a clear and unobstructed view of the ceremony. The tranquil garden surroundings contribute to a serene, organic vibe, making it perfect for couples who desire a classic, intimate, yet relaxed outdoor wedding experience.
The indoor reception space at Poet’s Lane presents a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for celebrating a wedding. The room features rich timber floors and exposed beams that give it a rustic charm, seamlessly blending with the natural greenery that peeks through the windows. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the intimate feel, while the large wooden doors open onto lush gardens, allowing for a natural flow between indoors and outdoors. The space is spacious yet cosy, ideal for accommodating guests comfortably while keeping the celebration feeling personal and connected.
Chris and Jennifer’s wedding cake was as stunning as the venue itself. They chose a beautifully crafted tiered cake adorned with delicate piped flowers that echoed the floral arrangements throughout the space. Each layer was expertly iced with a smooth, modern finish, highlighting the simplicity and elegance of the design. Alongside the cake stood an assortment of cupcakes, each individually decorated with intricate piping, adding variety and charm to the dessert table. The cupcakes not only matched the cake’s aesthetic but also offered guests a chance to enjoy personalised flavours, showcasing a thoughtful balance of style and taste.
Together, the indoor reception space at Poet’s Lane and the exquisite cake and cupcakes created a harmonious setting that enhanced the joy and celebration of Chris and Jennifer’s special day. The combination of natural beauty, craftsmanship, and attention to detail made the reception one to remember.
Above are some of my favourite 35mm and Medium Format photos from the day. I was able to use a few different cameras which create different results that I love. The medium format images are amazing high detail with the film look, while a lot of the 35mm photos are grainy and give that nostalgic feel that I adore. All the film was processed and scanned by Ikigai Film Lab in Williamstown. The best in the business as far as I’m concerned. Ultimate professionals.
It’s great to have a few moments towards the end of the night to take some portraits too. Here we were able to stay in the nice warm chapel and take some lovely moody portraits with Jen & Chris. Having this chapel at Poet’s Lane is so great incase of it being wet, windy and cold outside on your wedding day. Loved how this portrait turned out.
This is such a nice way to end the night with my wedding couples, say thanks and cruise on out back home to start the sneak peek edits that they’ll get in the next 24 hours.
