Joel & Aimee | Hawthorn Den Gore Wedding

I still remember Aimee's very first email to me with her excitement about being newly engaged; her soulmate had just asked her to spend the rest of her life with him! Aimee also mentioned in that first email how she loved every new blog post I shared and had begun going back through the archives reading past wedding blogs too! This was about when I realised we'd just found a new #heidihortoncouple! 😍

It was a few months after our first email contact that we were able to meet Joel and Aimee though as they live in Sydney. They pretty much planned their Southland wedding from there, all while Aimee was busy completing her PhD too! But Aimee was well organised and as you will see from the photos, she thought of everything.

On Saturday Joel and Aimee married in front of their family & friends at Hawthorn Den, beginning a new chapter of life together and we loved being there to document it all! The weather...well it's Southland, so we got almost four seasons in one day - but that didn't stop the celebrations one bit. Hawthorn Den looked amazing! Every last detail was gorgeous. The stars of the show, Joel and Aimee - well their smiles say it all. Congratulations friends! x

Aimee and Joel wrote their own vows, which had me teary at the ceremony!

Time to get into that gorgeous Morilee by Madeline Gardener wedding gown...

While Aimee got ready at the Hawthorn Den cottage, Joel spent his morning at the family home.

Joel and Aimee opted for a first look - seeing each other before the later ceremony. And as far as first looks goes their's was incredibly sweet!

As we finished up portraits blue skies filled the valley just in time for their garden ceremony. Joel and Aimee were married by Shane, a family friend who actually many moons ago used to babysit Joel! 

Hawthorn Den's new reception barn was looking incredible for it's debut! Joel and Aimee were Jan's first ever wedding in the barn. The atmosphere was fabulous with the crackling fireplace and banquet style tables for the guests.

The evening was cosy, filled with laughter and plenty of toasts.

Food extraordinaire Jude Taylor did all the catering! ​😋

And in lieu of a first dance Joel & Aimee opted for a game...the shoe game! If you're not familiar with this fun game, it's where the couple sit back to back with one shoe in each hand (one their own, the other their partner's) and they're asked a series of questions, answering by holding up the appropriate person's shoe. Questions include; who made the first move, who wear the pants in the relationship, who's the tidiest...and so on.

Jude Taylor also created this beautiful wedding cake, which was cut by the newlyweds and followed by a stunning looking dessert!

Fun fact: Joel and Aimee were our 60th wedding couple! Made even more memorable by being back at our favourite venue; where we got married ourselves back in 2011. 

To the new Mr & Mrs Walsh, thank you so much for sharing your incredible first day of marriage with us! We loved being a part of this wedding journey with you and we've gained wonderful friends in the process. I hope your day was everything you dreamed of and we know the future holds beautiful adventures for you.x

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DRESS: A Morilee by Madeline Gardener design from Perfect Day Bridal Sydney  |  MAKE-UP & HAIR: Jenna & Clare from The Sanctuary Beauty & Hair  |  FLOWERS: Conna Mitchell  |  CELEBRANT: Shane Kelly  |  JEWELLERY: Michael Hill + Staghead Designs (groom's ring)   |  VENUE: Hawthorn Den Inn, Gore  |  CATERING & CAKE: Jude Taylor (Taylor Made Cakes)  |  MUSIC: Matt from Nightlife DJs  |  OTHER DETAILS: Inkberry Calligraphy (vow booklets) + Peg Creative (ring box, caketopper & guestbook) + Paris & Pine (signs, glassware) + Zacari  Food Co (cookie favours).