The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

This week, I’m joined by Caren, who shares her full wedding journey, from how she and her husband first met, right through to their summer wedding in Mangawhai earlier this yearWe chat about:💜 A pre-dating apps meet-cute, and finding their way back to each other over the years💜 A low-key, intimate proposal at home and being engaged through some huge life milestones💜 Planning a wedding on family property in Mangawhai and what that really involves behind the scenes💜 Choosing what to prioritise in their budget, and what they’d absolutely invest in again💜 Working with a wedding planner and why it made the whole experience so much more enjoyable💜 Personal touches throughout the day, from music and cocktails to handmade pottery guest favours💜 Including their children in the ceremony and navigating the day as parents…and so much more!Let me know what you think of this episode!You can check out photos from Caren and Matiu’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠Follow Lydia ⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠ Find all C & M’s amazing vendors:Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto Content Curator: @contentbycurateWedding Planner: @withlove.weddingsandevents Celebrant: @withlove.weddingsandevents Dress: @trishpeng Suit: @t.beggtailoring Jewellery: @thediamondshop Hair: @hareandhunter Makeup: @katesolleymakeup Florals: @wildly.madly.deeply Catering: @whiskcateringnz Caker: @thecakeconz_Musicians: @goldmansax_  @stanbicknell Marquee, Furniture & Tableware: @willowlane_eventsLinen: @tble__linen__hireStationery & Signage: @thesignerynzAV: @techqnzCeramic Side Plates: @oops_collectiveAlso featured on Together Journal

This week, I’m joined by Lisa from With Love Weddings and Events, who planned a beautifully relaxed marquee wedding on family property in Karaka. Lisa shares both sides of the story – what it was like as a bride navigating last-minute changes and what she’s learned from years as a planner and celebrant in the industry.We chat about:💜 Meeting at university, years of friendship and the “eight-hour coffee date” that changed everything💜 A fairy-light-filled backyard proposal that completely caught her off guard💜 Losing their original Cambridge venue to pandemic restrictions and replanning a whole new wedding in 12 weeks💜 Why catering was a non-negotiable and how great food shapes your guests’ entire experience💜 The power of a day-of coordinator, especially for marquee and private property weddings💜 Guest list boundaries, COVID caps and using milestone events as a guide for who makes the cut💜 The DIY florals story she would not repeat, and why she’d leave centrepieces to the pros next time💜 Lisa’s journey into weddings: Villa Maria, becoming a celebrant, then taking the leap into full-service planning💜 What it actually looks like to work with With Love from enquiry through to pack down💜 Styling trends she is loving, from texture and draping to moody palettes and candlelit dinners, and why “timeless” is overrated…and so much more!Let me know what you think of this episode!You can check out photos from Lisa and Nathan’s marquee wedding over on Instagram, as well as some of With Love’s work - and make sure you are following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more from this day and other New Zealand love stories.Find all L & N’s amazing vendors:Photographer: @aaronsamiVideographer: @ayshandhamishCaterer: @whiskcateringnzMarquee & Furniture Hire: @twelve_tablesTableware: @royallaboratorieLinen: @tble__linen__hireBouquets & Buttonholes: @frankieandfloraStationery / Signage: @thesignerynzMakeup: @claudialouismarieHair Stylist: @hannstech_hairBand: Kid RadioCake: @justjessboujeebakeryDress: @mwlbride from @felicitysbridalnzTans: @epsomspraytan

This week, I’m joined by Emily, who works behind the scenes at Little Wolf Catering and brings such a unique industry perspective to her own wedding day. Emily and her husband Leo were married at the Glasshouse in Morningside back in 2021, and in this episode, she shares the story of planning a beautiful, food-focused celebration during the rollercoaster that was the pandemic era.We chat about:💜 Meeting through mutual friends in 2018 and getting engaged on top of the Pinnacles💜 Planning a six-month wedding while working in the industry and already knowing which vendors she trusted💜 Choosing the Glasshouse Morningside and why it was perfect for an April wedding💜 Putting food and guest experience at the very top of their priorities💜 Creating her custom dress with Kenny and Harlow and Leo’s custom Crane Brothers tux💜 Skipping the bridal party and spending the morning surrounded by friends instead💜 How the timing of the day felt and why the morning dragged more than expected💜 Navigating a wedding during lockdowns and ending up with a beautiful 70-person celebration💜 Her biggest tips from both a bride and a catering insider💜 Why people really do remember the food, service, and overall guest experience…and so much more!Let me know what you think of this episode!Head to Instagram to check out some photos from Emily and Leo’s wedding and follow @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more real wedding stories.Find all E & L’s amazing vendors:Venue: @glasshouse.nzPhotographer: @jesseandjessieweddingsCelebrant: Celebrant Sandy Entertainment: @kidkuHire: @foliohireFlorals: @floralstylistcoCatering + Beverages: @littlewolfweddingsCake: @bluebellscakeryStationery: @justmytype_nzDress: @kennyandharlowbridalSuit: @cranebrothers @cranebrothers_occasionsRings: @diamondsonrichmond Shoes: @mi_piaciMakeup + Hair: @danifroudemakeup

This week, I’m joined by Jane, who planned the most beautiful, relaxed celebration split between two stunning coastal spots in Leigh and Omaha. From a mountaintop proposal in Queenstown to a wedding day filled with ocean views, meaningful details, and a relaxed, genuine vibe, Jane shares how she and Tom created a day that felt completely true to them.We chat about:💜 Meeting at local touch rugby and instantly hitting it off💜 Their surprise engagement on the Remarkables during a hunting trip💜 Hosting a two-part celebration with a private beachside signing and a paddock ceremony overlooking the ocean💜 Keeping their wedding budget down by calling in help from family and friends💜 Why “less is best” became their guiding mantra for styling and planning💜 Her buttery silk ceremony dress, Maggie Marilyn party dress, and relaxed bridal styling💜 The joy of having all their favourite people in one place💜 How they created a party that went all night with gin carts, limoncello shots, a champagne tower and an incredible live band…and so much more!Let me know what you think of this episode!If you want to see photos from Jane and Tom’s beautiful day, make sure you’re following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto. Vendor credits are below - go show them some love!Hair: @boutiquebrideMakeup: @shonastevensonmakeup at @littletakatustudioPhotographer: @brijanacatoweddingsDress: Christchurch BridalParty Dress: @maggiemarilynBridesmaids dresses: @shonajoyMusic: Black & Gold (find via @betterbandco)

This week, I’m joined by Tania, a recent bride and on-the-day wedding coordinator at Eighty Eight Events. She and her husband planned a beautifully intentional celebration at Six One Five Matakana. From high-school sweethearts to a proposal that unfolded right at home, Tania’s story is full of honesty and the kind of grounded perspective couples need to hear.We chat about:💜 Navigating 12+ years together, moving through life stages, and finally getting engaged💜 Choosing priorities like good food, good drinks, and good company💜 Balancing family input, traditions, and their own priorities💜 Finding a dress that felt timeless, comfortable, and true to her💜 Their calm, present wedding day and how she managed to stay grounded💜 What a wedding coordinator really does behind the scenes and why it’s worth considering one💜 The realities of planning a DIY wedding while working full-time… and so much more!Follow Tania at @eightyeightevents_ on Instagram.Let me know what you think of this episode!If you want to check out photos from this wedding and see more behind the scenes, head to @thekiwiweddingpodcast and follow Lydia at @lydiarachelphotoVendors:Catering: @sourcekitchennzCake: @from__sugarCelebrant: @jimsweddingsDay of Coordinator: @dreamevents_nzFlorals: @floralcentricFurniture: @lowercasehireHair & Makeup: @fionawright__Lion Dancers: @tungtekliondanceMarquees & Umbrellas: @raj_tent_club_nzPhotography: @jesseandjessieweddingsVenue: @sixonefive_matakana