Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)

Danielle + Meng’s wedding story

It was a privilege to tell the wedding story of Danielle and Meng, held at The Ascot House in Melbourne, Victoria. This was a very special wedding for me as Danielle met me when she was a bridesmaid at a wedding in France.

  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne

When I arrived at Danielle’s family home where she grew up, the house was buzzing with activity. A steady hum from the hairdryer filled the lounge and a scent of a home cooked meal came from the kitchen. Usually there’s a tension and an air of anxiety on the morning of the wedding. In Danielle’s house, I only heard laughter and could feel the excitement from everyone including Chocko, the family dog. While her mum was being looked after by the make-up artist, her dad was in the kitchen preparing lunch and Danielle was being her merry self chatting to them.

  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne

Over at Meng’s family home, I was surprised to see that it was a very calm affair as well! When I followed Meng to photograph him and his best man getting ready, I met his grandmother. She was absolutely beaming with a grin that went from ear to ear. Every time I looked over to her, the expression of pride and joy of seeing her grandchildren grown up was priceless!

  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne

The Ascot House is a stunning heritage house just a short distance from the heart of Melbourne. The house was built in 1860 and has been very well preserved. As one of the most sought after wedding venues in Melbourne, Danielle and Meng could not have picked a better place to share their commitment to each other in front of their loved ones.

The wedding at The Ascot House saw a cultural fusion of a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony indoors and the marriage ceremony out in the lush gardens. Danielle and Meng had planned a modern and contemporary Melbourne wedding with elegance and an acknowledgement to their heritage. One of the greatest moments was witnessing Meng’s grandmother and mother smiling and discussing Danielle’s qua with pride. A qua is a traditional Chinese dress. Meng’s grandmother passed it to his mother on her wedding day and today it would be Danielle’s turn to inherit the qua. The dress has been in the family for 80 years. What a privilege it was to witness a family heirloom being handed over to the next generation!

  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)

As the afternoon’s golden sunlight bathed the guests in the garden, I could sense a sadness from Danielle’s dad. Danielle and her dad have a close relationship and it was time for his little girl to walk down the aisle. Throughout the wedding ceremony, Danielle’s radiant smile beamed as bright as the sun. With some quiet I do’s, a quick peck and the newlyweds were presented to the cheers of their family and friends. The celebrations carried through to the reception where stories and laughter were in endless supply. I felt a twinge in my heart as Danielle’s dad shed a tear during his speech. Needless to say, my camera’s eyepiece was a bit wet at that point. It was also a joy to see the true meaning of being young at heart as Meng’s grandmother taught everyone a dance move or two!

  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng at Ascot House, Melbourne | Photography by Evoke Eternity (www.evokeeternity)
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne
  • Danielle and Meng Wedding at Ascot House, Melbourne

As all good things must come to an end, Danielle and Meng were whisked away into the night at the beginning of a new chapter of their lives. I wish Danielle and Meng the very best and much love on their new adventures.


Whether you’re planning a wedding in Melbourne, or anywhere in the world, contact us to tell your wedding story.