Aimee and Matthew said "I do" surrounded by their loved ones at the The Red Barn. Their wedding day was filled with love, laughter, and fun, with these photos capturing a glimpse into the heartfelt moments that made their celebration so unforgettable.
Aimee looked stunning in Eastbourne by Forget Me Knot, a Mikado satin A-line gown featuring an exposed boning Basque waist bodice and a striking leg split, perfect for celebrating and dancing the night away. She completed her bridal look with our Sophia veil, a fingertip length veil finished with delicate pearl and bead edging.
We hope you enjoy reliving the highlights of their special day. Congratulations, Aimee and Matthew!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
The first thing that stood out to me with this gown was the corset and Basque waist. I thought it was so classy and beautiful. The skirt with the slit also made me so excited. I loved the idea that I could look like a princess with a puffy skirt but also stick my leg out like a total baddie! Also… pockets. What can I say? Every girl's dream.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
When it came to the search for the perfect dress, I feel I was a little different to the brides I had seen online. I had truly NO CLUE what I wanted, what would look good on me, or where I should even start with a wedding dress. I was so nervous, but none of that mattered as soon as I met Rochelle.
Rochelle guided me, my mum, and my bridesmaids through the process so well. She helped us pick out so many options and knew exactly how to help me narrow them down to find the perfect one. Even when I came to pick up my dress, she remembered me and made me feel so special.
You can tell she truly loves what she does and is so, so good at it.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Matthew and I met when we were both in Year 10 at high school (14 years old!) Only babies!!
We became best friends before we became anything else and eventually started dating one year after high school ended. All our friends and family were just glad we had both finally admitted our crushes.
We dated for three pretty awesome years, and then one day Matthew suggested we go to Raglan. I was in a terrible mood and didn’t want to go. But he dragged me out there, and lo and behold, he proposed. He surprised me with my best friend, who had come all the way to video the proposal and take pictures afterwards. It was so sweet and is one of my favourite memories ever.
What was your favourite part of the day?
In terms of the wedding, I had never really had a “best day of my life” before. But truly, everything about that day was perfect.
One of my favourite memories of the day was right after our ceremony and group photos. There was a moment where everyone walked to the cocktail area, and Matthew and I had our first moments alone together as a married couple. I showed him how I could attach my wedding dress to my wrist for optimal dancing, and we just hugged and talked.
Another favourite moment has to be the dance party that happened after dinner. Seeing our friends and family (young and old) busting out their moves was truly a highlight.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The wedding day as a whole. Let me tell you, I was a nervous wreck the WHOLE DAY leading up to the wedding. All my candid getting ready photos are of me, legs hugged to my chest, eating dry crackers and dissociating.
All that changed as soon as I saw Matthew waiting for me at the end of the aisle. All of a sudden, I couldn’t think of a single reason to be nervous. I knew I was making the very best decision of my life.
After the ceremony, we went off for bridal party photos and canapés. It was so nice to spend the first few hours of marriage with each other and our best friends. When it came to the reception, I always said I would be a bride who would NEVER forget to eat at her wedding. But I was so "high" on how great the day had been that Matthew and I just walked around to each table while everyone was eating and spoke to everyone. It was so lovely to get that individual time with all our loved ones.
We did our first dance to Pointless by Lewis Capaldi in front of a giant outdoor fireplace at the Red Barn venue. It was so magical. At the end of the day, one of our friends drove us back to our Airbnb to the tunes of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
My biggest advice for brides would be to feel your feelings throughout the whole day. Specific memories of the day may go by super fast, and it may all become a big blur, but you will look back on your wedding day and remember all the feelings you felt.
I remember how anxious I was. I remember how peaceful I felt when I saw Matthew. I remember how high on life and thankful I felt, looking at all my loved ones in one spot on one day.
Don’t think anything you're feeling is wrong or bad. It’s all beautiful, and it all makes the day exactly what it’s supposed to be.
