Rachel & Joe | Hawthorne Gardens Invercargill Wedding

Since they booked us as their wedding photographers a year or so ago, we've come to know Rachel & Joe well. So on Friday when they said 'I do' it was like watching good friends get married and we couldn't be happier for them! 

It was a beautiful warm day apart from the few spots of rain during the ceremony. But no amount of rain was going to dampen the Crosswell/Wilson celebrations! Their whole day was filled with fun, laughter and copious amounts of Double Brown. Rachel & Joe chose the beautiful Hawthorne Gardens in Invercargill for their ceremony. This was my first time shooting there and the expansive gardens blew me away, not to mention that the hosts Heather & Ian, were so welcoming and friendly! 

Rachel spent the morning at home, where the girls were getting ready for the day. Everything & everyone was looking gorgeous!

Rachel had so many special details included in their day. Incorporating elements from passed loved ones is something I adore - having those who can't be there included in some way. A brooch and pearls were added to the bouquet - each from Rachel's nana & Joe's gran. Rachel also had the cool idea of incorporating Joe's favourite choice of top - the flannel shirt - into the detail photos!

Amanda Payne & Kendyl Tuilagi worked hair and makeup magic. And how cute are the girl's robes!?!

​Rachel looked incredible in her Sophia Tolli designer gown from Brides by Donna Rae. The dusty rose belt was the perfect finishing touch!

Meanwhile over at the guy's house it was all about the personalised briefs and hip flasks!

Joe looked handsome in navy and the guys rocked the waistcoat look!

Rachel was bagpiped down the aisle by her passed Pop's bagpipes, restored especially for the wedding.

Sharyn Payne had prepared a beautiful ceremony as she always does! Filled with laughter and love.

Officially Mr & Mrs Crosswell! Guests relaxed around the outdoor bar at Hawthorne Gardens while the bridal party took off for some photo fun.

I swear the bridal party had me doing more laughing than actual photographing.😂What an awesome, great-looking crew to spend the afternoon with!

Joe & Rachel - you absolute stunners! This wee corner of the garden at Hawthorne reminded me of something straight out of a fairytale. Joe & Rachel totally trusted me, although I'm sure they were wondering where the heck I was taking them off the track here!

It was about at this moment that Joe reminded me of the deal we'd made many months back at their engagement session. For every time I asked him to kiss Rach for a photo, I owed him a can of beer - Double Brown naturally. So as I asked Joe to lean in for a kiss in the garden, Joe said I was getting up to about half a box of beer now. 😆 I'm guessing in a few weeks time Rachel is going to be excited about their wedding album, and Joe is going to be waiting for my delivery of the beers!

Rachel & Joe's friends and family cheered them into the room at the Ascot Park Hotel!

Speeches were said (including many great stories, a tonne of jokes and a few heartfelt tears). The beautiful wedding cake was cut. And then it was time to party & dance!

Cough. Spot the photographer getting in on the photo action! ​😜

The Yardmen band got the party into full swing on the dance floor, beginning with Rachel & Joe's first dance to "Slice of Heaven".

Rachel & Joe, thank you for choosing us as your photographers! It has been incredible getting to know you both over the course of your wedding journey. It was a privilege to document your beautiful day and I know the future is full of fun adventures for you both!

I hope you enjoy reliving your beautiful day through the blog. I can't wait to show you all the photos soon! Thanks heaps for being awesome, thank you to your families for being so welcoming & thanks to your wicked bridal party for providing the jokes & laughs all afternoon! x


The awesome wedding creatives...
Ceremony venue: Hawthorne Gardens // Wedding Dress: Brides by Donna Rae // Bridesmaid dresses: Refined Rig // Suits: Hallensteins // Makeup: Kendyl Tuilagi Makeup Artist // Hair: Amanda Payne // Beauty: Southern TAN // Jewellery: Michael Hill // Flowers: Rachel Reed Floral Design // Celebrant: Sharyn Payne // Catering: Make n Bake // Cake: Erin Wilson // Reception venue: Ascot Park Hotel // Band: The Yardmen // Wedding invitations: Peg & Pencil Studio // Geranium balloons: Marquee & Party Hire