Aaron + Jordan | Red Barn Wedding

Summer 2019

So many pretty details and pretty things... loved checking out this gorgeous wedding at a venue that’s also close to our hearts! Thanks for sharing J + A, x

Our love story began...

Before we were even born! Aaron’s aunty is my mum’s best friend and we grew up with the odd family event together. It wasn’t until the Matamata College After Ball, where every good love story starts, that I saw Aaron in a ‘new light’. At one point, Aaron was even my part time boss when we briefly worked together at The Radio Network in Hamilton. But, long story short, almost seven years later we finally started dating. Aaron claims that there had always been ‘a flame’ between us… with us, the cliche ‘all good things take time’ is certainly the case.

Tell us about the proposal...

After a dubious boat ride from the Bali mainland to Gili Meno island, a quaint island across from Gili T, Aaron suggested we go for a walk at sunset. I had felt queasy from the boat ride over so it took a bit of convincing before I agreed to the walk- little did I know, I had almost ruined my own proposal! After venturing along the shoreline, Aaron started going on about having a weird heart tremor and could I feel his heart to check it out for him. As soon as I touched his shirt I could feel the engagement ring in his chest pocket, I pulled it out to see what it was, then quickly put it back in before bursting into tears. It was a huge surprise and the immediate love bubble an engagement throws you into is such an incredibly special feeling. We upgraded from the bintangs after this!

Tell us about your venue and why you chose it?

We looked at a few venues in the Waikato region, and also at home in Waiuku (where my family is from). We wanted somewhere that had a relaxed atmosphere, was scenic and had everything in one place. The bucolic and intimate setting of The Red Barn was simply perfect. It also meant that the bridal party had a fabulous location to stay at and relax on the day, The Rocks, which is less than a few minutes from the venue.

Where did you find your inspiration for your wedding day?

I avoided Pinterest throughout the whole process as to not overwhelm myself! Instagram became a digital scrapbook and helped with ideas. We have so many incredible vendors in New Zealand too so following their pages and blogs helps with ideas- it helps to have time and not rush decision making with styles and purchases.

Do you have any tips for other engaged couples?

Trust your gut and remember why you’re getting married. Everyone’s going to have opinions but remembering, at the end of the day, that it’s about you celebrating the love you have for each other and officially becoming a team is more special than any of the frills you can add on to the day! Aaron backed out of going to Wedding Expos when there was a Llama hire option on display… so choose those wisely if you’re going to go together!

Hire this look with our gold cutlery & speckled dinner plates — *Hire this look with our* *gold cutlery* & *speckled dinner plates*

What were the highlights on the day?

Witnessing our family and loved ones smiling and having a great time. It didn’t take long until the sangria and chilled beverages became the fuel of the party! There is also something innately humbling about being surrounding by all of the people you love and celebrating with them. Seeing our guests enjoying the lawn games and sangria, as well as the speeches, were all highlights too!