Dean & Danielle's Hawthorn Den Gore Wedding

On Saturday Dean & Danielle got married in the gardens at Hawthorn Den just outside of Gore surrounded by their families and friends. The whole day was relaxed and fun, which didn't surprise me as Danielle has to be one of my most organised, laidback brides ever!

Everyone looked incredible, the guys very dapper in navy, that dusty blue of the bridesmaids gowns and Danielle's dress...utter perfection! Dean had the biggest smile on his face all day, stoked to have married his soulmate Danielle.

It was an absolute pleasure be a part of Mr & Mrs Willson's special day! Dean & Danielle's families and friends made us feel so welcomed, we got to shoot our first wedding of the decade at our very favourite venue (we might be slightly biased seeing as Matt and I got married there ourselves!) and the day ran so smoothly with not a drop of rain in sight - which was a total bonus given the way the weather has been in Southland!

I spent the morning with Danielle and the ladies at Hokonui B&B, where they got ready in style, pampered by their awesome hair and makeup team; Claire and Jen.

Matt meanwhile hung out with the guys at Croydon Lodge just down the road where there wasn't a makeup brush or bouquet in sight, but instead a pair of sheep socks and a few beverages! It looks like the guys had a pretty chilled out morning preparing for the day. Dean didn't even look too nervous!

Danielle arrived to Hawthorn Den in style before walking down the garden with her very proud Mum, Kirsten.

Dean and Danielle's ceremony was complete with bagpipes, a balloon release and officiated by the wonderful Janine Byars.

The colours of this bridal party ensemble are one of my favourites EVER! Navy suits, brown leather shoes, dusty blue gowns and lace tops for the junior bridesmaids that matched the colour of Danielle's gorgeous wedding dress.

Congratulations friends!

A special thank you to bridesmaid Amy for taking this shot for us with the newlyweds!

Dean and Danielle had their wedding reception in the Gore Town & Country Stadium, which looked nothing like a stadium and more of a wedding wonderland.

You can't get a much grander entrance to your reception than bagpipes!

Speeches were heartwarming and hilarious. And then it was time to cut the wedding cake...

Dean and Danielle had their first dance and the dancefloor was soon packed with guests getting their boogie on!

Matt and I wish you all the happiness in your marriage Dean and Danielle. Thank you for trusting us to document this very special day for you. We had so much fun! I hope these photos hold all the wonderful memories of your first day of marriage for you. x

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DRESS: Brides by Donna Rae  |  DRESS ALTERATIONS: Abby at Forty Nine Notches  |  MAKE-UP: Jen Duffy  |  HAIR: Claire Wohlers  |  FLOWERS: Debie Dickie-Lee  |  CELEBRANT: Janine Byars  |  CEREMONY VENUE: Hawthorn Den Inn  |  CATERING: Food Affair  |  RECEPTION VENUE: Gore Town & Country Club  |  CAKE: Jessica Wood  |  BAGPIPES: Doug McWhirter  |  MUSIC: Dene Allen |  RECEPTION DECOR: Plants Plus.