For Sarah and Joel, their decision to marry at BoxGrove in Bathurst, NSW had as much to do with the people as the place. "... what stood out the most for us was the connection that we had with the team at BoxGrove. Kayla and Melissa made sure our day ran perfectly and were so easy to communicate with throughout our wedding planning process", said Sarah.

Given weddings are notoriously stressful, stories like this are particularly heartwarming to hear. And the celebration itself? We'll let these incredible pics by photographer Kristie Carrick do all the talking.

Scroll down to see more of Sarah and Joel's big day at one of our most loved NSW barn wedding venues. 

How did you and Joel meet? We always knew of each other through mutual friends and family but we kicked it off on a night out and exchanged numbers, the rest is history. 

The proposal: It definitely was a surprise. Joel booked a weekend away for my "birthday" little did I know it was also for our engagement. After plenty of pretend proposal's throughout our relationship even on the day of as we took a walk along the beach, he finally proposed on our balcony at Cupitt's Estate. 

The venue: Our wedding venue was BoxGrove Bathurst. Our venue stood apart from other venues that we looked at as it had the country feel that we wanted along with a touch of luxury. We loved that we had so many options for the different parts of our special day! There are two ceremony locations and the option to have your reception inside or outside.

However, what stood out the most for us was the connection that we had with the team at BoxGrove. Kayla and Melissa made sure our day ran perfectly and were so easy to communicate with throughout our wedding planning process. The venue is absolutely stunning and still six months later we have people telling us how amazing BoxGrove is. 

The vibe: A day filled with love, laughter and plenty of good food and dancing. Our wedding had lots of whites and greens with touches of blue!

Traditions (adopted, adapted or ditched): I loved having my first look with my Dad it was such a special moment for us! He even shed a few tears. I also had a first look with my three brothers which is a memory I will cherish forever. 

I did not have a bouquet toss I actually dedicated my bouquet to my mother through our speech at our reception that Joel and I said together.

Half way through our first dance I separated from Joel and danced with my Father, Joel danced with his Mother and my Mum and Joel's Dad danced together, just the six of us on the dance floor, it was such a special moment. Then the rest of our guests joined us on the dance floor. After our first dance song we made sure we had a banger on next to get the party started. 

Hit (or near) miss: Our Cocktail Hour was by far one of our major hits! We had amazing cocktails, great food and music.

Near miss was the torrential rain we had the week leading up to the wedding and the morning of. We were so lucky to have our wedding outside with no rain ruining any of our plans but boy was it close.

I'll always remember... Looking around the room and seeing all of our favourite people together celebrating our love. 

The outfit/s: My wedding dress was the first dress I ever tried on and the only dress I had saved online. I did go and try on many other dresses but always new my dress was the one for me. Joel always knew he wanted black suits as they are timeless and classy. We both felt a million bucks on our wedding day. 

Soundtrack: Aisle song: "Feels Like Home", by Edwina Hayes. Signing song: "Beyond", by Leon Bridges and Luke Combs. Exit song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", by Marvin Gaye. Reception entrance: "Saving Up", by Dom Dolla. Cake cutting: "Simply The Best", by Billianne
First dance: "Forever After All", by Luke Combs. Party starter: "Valerie", by Amy Winehouse.

Words of wisdom: Enjoy the lead up and embrace all the highs and lows of wedding planning as the day itself goes in the blink of an eye.

The future: Continuing to create memories together and starting our own family. 

CREDITS: Photos Kristie Carrick // Video Timbrel Films // Venue BoxGrove // Celebrant Victoria Eustace // Florist Blooms by Kayla // Catering and cake Bev's Catering // Planning and styling BoxGrove // Stationery Creative Birds Stationery // Signage Signed With Love // Bridal gown Kyha Studios // Accessories By Charlotte // Bridesmaid dresses Shona Joy // Bridesmaid gifts M.A.C and Ayla and Oak // Robes Piyama // Suits and ties Peter Jackson // Rings Michael Arthur // Hair Kayla Goss Bridal // Makeup Christina Santangelo // Music Seb Thomas Music.