Poet’s Lane wedding photos: Annie and Johnson hold each other on a brick path among ferns and autumn leaves, Dandenong Ranges
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Real mountain wedding · Sherbrooke, Melbourne

Poet’s Lane Wedding Photos: Annie & Johnson

Poet's Lane · Sherbrooke VIC · Melbourne

Garden Wedding · Mountain Wedding · Rainforest Wedding · Region: VIC - Dandenong Ranges · City: Melbourne · Venue: Poet's Lane

Orange petals flying down the aisle, a white bridge under a blazing autumn oak and a clear umbrella held over a kiss in the mountain mist. Annie and Johnson’s Poet’s Lane wedding in Sherbrooke was a late morning garden ceremony in the Dandenong Ranges, with fallen leaves carpeting every path, family hugs in a glass sunroom and a reception to follow with all their favourite people. We loved every damp, golden minute.

The gallery
Two wedding bands on Annie and Johnson's gold script invitation beside an engraved wooden ring box for their mountain wedding
Johnson fastening his shirt cuffs by a sheer curtained window as he gets ready at Poet's Lane
Johnson laughing with a loose pink floral tie as a groomsman in a lilac bow tie grins beside him in the Dandenong Ranges
Close detail of Johnson's blue checked suit sleeves, crisp white double cuffs and silver brick-shaped cufflinks
Johnson in his blue checked suit straightening a bearded groomsman's lilac bow tie on a Dandenong Ranges wedding morning
Johnson leaning against a sofa by the window in a blue checked suit and pink floral tie before his rainforest wedding
Johnson and two groomsmen in blue suits under a golden autumn tree in the gardens at Poet's Lane, Sherbrooke
Johnson and his groomsmen tipping their heads back with laughter beneath yellow leaves in a mountain garden
Johnson arm in arm with a groomsman in a lilac bow tie on a leafy garden path in the Dandenong Ranges
Johnson and a groomsman sharing a big laughing hug on a path through the gardens strewn with fallen autumn leaves
Johnson pointing at himself with a cheeky grin beside a tall bearded groomsman among leafy shrubs at the mountain venue
Johnson and a bearded groomsman shaking hands and laughing below a golden tree in the gardens at Poet's Lane in Sherbrooke
Annie and two bridesmaids in matching pink floral robes raising champagne flutes and laughing by sheer white curtains
Annie seated by the window spreading the soft tulle skirt of her floral lace wedding gown
Annie lifting her tulle skirt and beaming as she walks down a sunny driveway with two bridesmaids in blush
Annie laughing between her two bridesmaids in blush on a leaf-covered path beside a tall hedge
Annie and her bridesmaids in blush gowns smiling together on a path carpeted with brown autumn leaves
Annie and a bridesmaid in blush with their arms around each other in a doorway framed by sheer curtains
A bridesmaid kissing the top of Annie's head as Annie squeezes her eyes shut with laughter
Annie hugging a blonde bridesmaid cheek to cheek in front of glowing sheer white curtains
Annie standing beside a blonde bridesmaid in blush, both smiling softly in the window light
Annie holding the edge of a sheer curtain and gazing out the window in her floral lace gown
Annie standing between her dad in a purple paisley tie and a loved one in a blush wrap by the window
Her dad kissing Annie's hand while a loved one in a blush wrap smiles beside them
Annie straightening her dad's purple paisley tie as he beams down at her before their Dandenong Ranges ceremony
Annie hugging a loved one in a blush wrap and brown floral lace dress beside a vase of white flowers
Annie standing between a woman in a navy sequin dress and a loved one in a blush wrap
Two loved ones kissing Annie on both cheeks at once while she squeezes her eyes shut with joy
Annie and two loved ones bursting into laughter by the window just after the double cheek kiss
Annie with her dad and family lined up by the curtained window on the morning of her Dandenong Ranges wedding
Johnson and his two groomsmen waiting beside the flower-wrapped white garden gazebo at Poet's Lane Receptions
Smiling guests in coats seated on white chairs among fallen leaves, with tree ferns behind the garden ceremony
Guests in warm coats and a red tartan jacket smiling from their seats with rainforest tree ferns rising behind them
Wide view of the garden ceremony under tall trees and festoon lights at Poet's Lane in the Dandenong Ranges
A bridesmaid in blush walking across the circular brick courtyard under orange autumn leaves and tree ferns
A bridesmaid in blush holding her posy beside a green iron arch on a carpet of orange leaves in the gardens
Annie crossing the white timber bridge on her dad's arm between tree ferns under a blazing autumn oak at Poet's Lane
Annie and her dad walking up the red carpet aisle over fallen leaves towards the white gazebo at this mountain garden wedding
Johnson smiling at the gazebo as Annie and her dad reach the end of the aisle at their rainforest ceremony
Annie hugging a loved one in a burgundy coat at the gazebo steps of Poet's Lane in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests standing to film and clap among white chairs and autumn leaves at the rainforest garden ceremony
The celebrant in a navy wrap dress speaking into a microphone beside clipped hedges in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson standing in the white gazebo with their groomsmen and bridesmaids at Poet's Lane, Sherbrooke
Two groomsmen in blue checked suits and lilac bow ties watching the rainforest ceremony, one grinning and one visibly moved
Two bridesmaids in blush holding posies on the gazebo steps during the garden wedding, one touching her cheek
Her dad and a loved one in a burgundy coat smiling in the front row with tree ferns behind
Annie and Johnson holding hands under the festoon-lit gazebo, seen through an iron arch at Poet's Lane in Sherbrooke
Annie leaning into Johnson with laughter as they hold hands under the white gazebo at their Dandenong Ranges mountain wedding
Johnson grinning at Annie as they hold hands beside white flowers on the gazebo in the rainforest garden
Annie resting her head on Johnson's shoulder, eyes closed and laughing, during the garden ceremony
Older guests in the front row beaming among drifts of fallen leaves in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson kissing in the white gazebo as the bridal party claps at Poet's Lane Receptions
Annie and Johnson standing together in the gazebo beaming as a married couple in the mountain gardens
Her dad smiling in the front row beside a loved one holding a bouquet, with tree ferns and a cottage behind
Front row guests applauding the newlyweds from white chairs among autumn leaves at Poet's Lane in Sherbrooke
Annie and Johnson seated at the gazebo signing table with the celebrant and two attendants in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson seated at a timber table in the garden gazebo with their full bridal party behind
Johnson kissing Annie's cheek at the signing table as the groomsmen and bridesmaids smile, with the gardens behind
Every guest gathered in the leafy aisle with Annie and Johnson under tall trees at Poet's Lane in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie, Johnson and all their guests waving their arms in the air at the end of the garden ceremony
Guests throwing orange petals as Annie and Johnson walk back down the red carpet at Poet's Lane
Orange petals flying over Annie and Johnson as they laugh their way along the mountain garden aisle
Annie and Johnson pausing mid aisle to smile at each other beside a watercolour mountain welcome sign
Annie and Johnson with their celebrant in the glass-walled sunroom at Poet's Lane in Sherbrooke after the garden ceremony
Annie and Johnson serving tea from an orange tray to two seated guests in a bright Dandenong Ranges sunroom
Her dad and a loved one sipping tea served by Annie and Johnson in the sunroom of the mountain venue
Two guests laughing as they sip tea on a cushioned bench by sunroom windows overlooking the gardens
Annie and Johnson with two older guests on the paved courtyard among tree ferns and a lamp post at Poet's Lane, Sherbrooke
A family group of six on the brick courtyard under an orange autumn branch in the rainforest gardens
Annie and Johnson with her dad and a loved one in a burgundy coat beside tree ferns in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson with family in navy, teal and orange outfits on the courtyard at Poet's Lane Receptions
A family group of eight lined up on the circular brick paving below autumn leaves at the mountain garden wedding
Annie and Johnson with a loved one in a plaid scarf beside towering tree ferns at Poet's Lane in Sherbrooke
Annie and Johnson with her dad and family on the courtyard pavers at their Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding
Annie holding her bouquet beside Johnson and family in the sunroom of the rainforest venue next to a potted tree
The bridal party lined up on the white bridge beneath orange leaves and tree ferns at Poet's Lane
Bridesmaids leaning in to laugh with Annie as the groomsmen grin on the bridge at the Dandenong Ranges garden wedding
A bouquet held above Johnson's head as he poses with Annie and the bridesmaids among rainforest tree ferns
Bridesmaids raising their posies high as Johnson kisses Annie among tree ferns at Poet's Lane in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and her bridesmaids in blush smiling together under giant tree fern fronds at the rainforest garden wedding
Annie and her bridesmaids kicking up their heels on the brick path through the tree ferns at Poet's Lane, Sherbrooke
Annie hugged tight by both bridesmaids, heads together, with autumn colour glowing in the Dandenong Ranges gardens
Johnson and his groomsmen pretending to bite the bouquets as Annie laughs among the rainforest greenery
Annie and Johnson with their groomsmen among ferns and fallen leaves on a mountain garden path
Annie and Johnson standing small on the brick path beneath towering tree ferns at Poet's Lane in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson kissing on a fern-lined brick path during their rainforest garden portraits
Annie laughing in Johnson's arms with her pink and red bouquet among autumn foliage and ferns in the gardens
Johnson smiling at Annie over her shoulder during their garden portraits among autumn leaves at Poet's Lane
Annie and Johnson holding each other on a brick path framed by autumn leaves and white blooms on a rainforest walk
Annie and Johnson face to face and laughing in a close embrace among golden autumn leaves in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson standing on the brick path between towering tree ferns at Poet's Lane Receptions
Annie and Johnson under a clear umbrella in light rain as mountain mist drifts past a row of tall conifers
Johnson and Annie kissing beneath a rain-speckled clear umbrella with misty trees behind in the Dandenong Ranges
Annie and Johnson holding each other under a clear umbrella and a spreading branch on a misty mountain lawn
The wedding story

Our Poet’s Lane wedding photos: a bridge walk under an autumn oak, petal confetti and an umbrella in the mist

Getting ready at Poet’s Lane and at home · A bridge walk to the garden gazebo · Petal confetti among fallen leaves · Family groups in the sunroom and courtyard · Tree-fern portraits · An umbrella in the mist

Read the full story

Gold leaves and cufflinks

Johnson got ready at Poet’s Lane early in the morning, and we started with the rings resting on the invitation beside a little engraved wooden box. He and a groomsman laughed as they wrestled with their collars by the window, then Johnson fastened his cufflinks on a blue checked suit and gave us a relaxed, sideways smile. Outside, a big tree had turned gold and dropped its leaves across the lawn, so we took the groomsmen straight out into it. Autumn light through yellow leaves warms skin beautifully, and a hug between Johnson and a groomsman proved it.

Blush tulle in the sun

Annie got ready with family at home before joining Johnson at the venue. We found her gathering a skirt of soft tulle and floral lace, then walking down a sunny driveway with her bridesmaids in blush behind her, lifting her hem and laughing. In the garden the three of them squeezed together, and inside, in front of sheer white curtains, Annie and a bridesmaid hugged and giggled. Sheer curtains are the best diffuser there is: they turn harsh morning sun into soft, even light, so we shot straight towards them and let the room glow.

Kisses on both cheeks

Then the family moments. Annie stood between an older couple for a portrait by the window, and straightened her dad’s purple paisley tie while he beamed down at her. A loved one wrapped her in a long hug. Our favourite frame of the morning came next: two loved ones kissing Annie on both cheeks at once while she squeezed her eyes shut with joy, and the laughter that followed. We keep the camera up through moments like these, because the reaction a second later is often better than the pose.

Across the white bridge

The garden ceremony was set for eleven, with white chairs among drifts of fallen leaves and a red carpet running up to the white gazebo. Guests wrapped up in coats and scarves, Johnson waited at the front with his groomsmen, and a bridesmaid walked in over a carpet of orange leaves. Then Annie crossed the white timber bridge on her dad’s arm, under an oak in full autumn colour, and the two of them walked up the red carpet together. We stood back among the tree ferns for that bridge frame, so the leaves and rails framed them.

Laughter at the gazebo

At the gazebo steps Annie turned to hug a loved one before taking her place beside Johnson. The celebrant spoke from under the trees, a groomsman stood shoulder to shoulder with Johnson, and the bridesmaids watched from the steps with their posies. Festoon lights hung through the branches above the whole scene. At one point Johnson and Annie leaned into each other laughing, her head on his shoulder, and in the front row two older guests grinned among the leaves. When they turned to the guests as a married couple, everyone clapped.

Orange petals and a crowd

The register was signed at a little table inside the gazebo with the bridal party gathered behind, and Johnson sneaked in a kiss on Annie’s cheek. Then we brought every guest into the aisle for one big group photo, framed by tall trees and the autumn canopy. For the walk back, guests lined the red carpet and threw handfuls of orange petals, which matched the fallen leaves perfectly. Our confetti tip: walk slowly and look at each other, not the ground, and we will shoot a fast burst from the end of the aisle.

Family in the sunroom

After the ceremony the family came together in a glass-walled sunroom, bright and dry, with plants hanging from the beams. Annie and Johnson posed with their celebrant, then sat with family among the cushions, all smiles. Outside, the family groups lined up on the paved courtyard among tree ferns, old lamp posts and a branch of orange leaves overhead. A glassed-in room like this is a gift on a cool day in the hills: soft light from three sides, no wind and no wet shoes for anyone.

Bouquets among the tree ferns

The bridal party lined up along the white bridge, then followed us into the tree ferns, where the brick path disappears under giant fronds. The bridesmaids kicked up their heels, and the groomsmen held the bouquets up to their faces and pretended to take a bite. Our Poet’s Lane wedding photos then turned quiet: Annie and Johnson standing small on the brick path with ferns towering overhead, then close, face to face and laughing. Tree ferns filter the light into soft green shade, which is ideal for portraits on a grey autumn day.

An umbrella in the mist

Then the weather moved in. Mist rolled across a lawn lined with tall, dark conifers, and a light rain started to fall. We handed Annie and Johnson a clear umbrella and they stepped out onto the grass under a spreading branch, holding each other while raindrops caught the light around them. Mist is one of our favourite things in the Dandenong Ranges: it softens the background into layers of grey and makes the couple the only sharp thing in the frame. It was the perfect end to a golden autumn day.

Photographer's venue notes

Poet’s Lane, Sherbrooke: a late morning gazebo ceremony, fallen autumn leaves and portraits in the mist

Read the venue notes

From the bridge to the sunroom

Johnson got ready on the property while Annie came in from home, so our morning began in the gardens with the groomsmen under a golden tree. The ceremony sat at the white gazebo, with Annie arriving over the timber bridge and up a red carpet laid across fallen leaves. Once the register was signed, family moved into the glass walled sunroom for tea and photos, then out onto the circular brick courtyard among the tree ferns. Portraits took us along the fern lined brick paths and onto the lawn before the reception in the dining room.

Autumn colour, then mist

This was autumn at its richest. Leaves had already dropped across the lawn, the aisle and the paths, so the ground became a carpet of orange and brown that matched the petals guests threw. A late morning start gave us bright, even light under the canopy, and the coats and scarves in the front rows told the story of a cool day. By portrait time the sky had closed in, mist drifted past the tall conifers and a light rain began. Rather than hurry inside, we used it, and the grey layers behind them set the mood for the end of the gallery.

Spots that worked for Annie and Johnson

The white bridge under the oak was the standout, first for Annie and her dad and later for the whole bridal party lined along its rails. The brick paths beneath giant tree fern fronds gave soft green shade that suited a grey day, and standing the couple small in the frame showed just how tall the ferns are. For family groups the courtyard pavers stayed tidy and dry, with an orange branch hanging overhead. Our final frames came on the misty lawn under a spreading branch, where raindrops caught the light against the dark trees.

Planning for a cool hills day

Pack a couple of clear umbrellas in the car, even if the forecast looks kind; Annie and Johnson’s came out right as the weather turned and gave us some of our favourite portraits. Keep a dry, bright room close to the ceremony for family groups, because the sunroom let older guests sit, sip tea and stay warm while we worked through the list. And suggest guests dress for the garden, with flat shoes for leaf covered paths and a warm layer for standing outside between the ceremony and the meal.

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