Gardens House Wedding Photos
The 1854 Director’s residence inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, with its own lawn, balcony and marquee
Gardens House is the two-storey Victorian residence built in 1854 for the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, off Birdwood Avenue in South Yarra. William Guilfoyle, the Gardens’ second director, lived here and set the planting style that still surrounds it. The house keeps a private garden and lawn within the larger Gardens, a second-floor balcony over the lawn, entertaining rooms that open into one another, and the Garden Marquee for dinner and dancing. The nearest gates are Oak Lawn Gate and Observatory Gate.
Frances and Tim married on the lawn at Gardens House, then held their reception at The Terrace. Between the two, they made portraits in the Gardens, at the Temple of the Winds and on Morell Bridge, and took a punt across the Ornamental Lake near sunset. The gallery shows their day from preparations through the evening reception.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at Gardens House
The house and its lawn give a ceremony a clear heritage setting. Frances and Tim's portraits then move through the Gardens to the lake and across Morell Bridge, so their gallery shows more than the ceremony site alone. Allow time for that walk between the vows and reception at The Terrace.