The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

What do you do when your wedding venue suddenly becomes completely inaccessible just days before your wedding?

This week I’m chatting with Chandni about a wedding story that really proves you can plan all you like, but sometimes you just have to roll with it.

Chandni and her partner had planned two wedding celebrations, including an outdoor wedding in Whangamatā. But when the weather took a dramatic turn just days before the big day, everything had to change. What followed involved some very quick decision-making, a few unexpected venues, incredible friends and vendors, and one particularly wild solution involving a helicopter...

And somehow, despite all of that, they ended up having two really special days.

We chat about:
💜 How Chandni and her husband met, and the sweet proposal that caught her completely by surprise
💜 Planning multiple wedding celebrations, and the lead-up including a trip to India to find their wedding outfits
💜 Creating a wedding centred around good food, great drinks, music and a relaxed atmosphere
💜 The moment their carefully planned Whangamatā wedding suddenly became impossible
💜 The scramble to find new venues and completely rework their plans in just a couple of days
💜 The vendors who went above and beyond when their entire wedding plan was suddenly turned upside down
💜 Turning a friend's backyard into their ceremony space, before transforming a bar into their reception
💜 How they managed to stay present and enjoy the wedding when almost everything around them was changing
💜 The things they chose to let go of, and why the wedding they ended up with was still so special
💜 Chandni's biggest takeaway from the experience, and her advice for couples planning their own wedding

…and so much more!

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: @aliceandrephoto + @jesseandjessieweddings
On-the-day Coordinator: @eightyeightevents_ + @dreamevents_nz
Florals: @floralcentric
Ceremony Location: @brads.warehouse + Private Property
Reception Location: normataps
Marquee: @raj_tent_club_nz
Chairs: @lucyseventhire
Tables: @flagship_events
Makeup: @ssarika.makeupartist
Hair: @glammedbysilvia
Catering & Beverages: @whiskcateringnz
Cake: @olivejaycakes
DJ: @privatebybt
Dress: @hayesbridal
Suit: @workingstylenz
Engagement Ring: @naveyaandsloanejewellery
Follow Chandni: @__chandnipatel

THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE:

We’ve just wrapped our Auckland LIVE event, and I’m still coming down from it! It was such an amazing afternoon; everything came together so well, and I’ve had so many lovely messages from couples and vendors who came along about how helpful, fun and valuable they found it.

Now it’s Christchurch’s turn!

I’m bringing The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE to The Welder on Sunday 27th September, with an afternoon of wedding advice, inspiration, Q&A, drinks, goodie bags and plenty of opportunities to meet other couples and wedding vendors.

I’ll be joined by:
💜 Kate Holmes from Soirée
💜 Kasia Stanicich, makeup artist & educator
💜 Sarah Borrell from Amour Weddings
💜 Jess Brooker from Flock Events

Christchurch tickets are still available:
https://events.humanitix.com/the-kiwi-wedding-podcast-christchurch-in-person-event-at-the-welder

If you enjoyed this episode, I would absolutely love it if you could take a moment to rate and review The Kiwi Wedding Podcast. It means so much and helps other couples find the podcast too!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer, you can find me at lydiarachel.com or on Instagram @lydiarachelphotography

JOIN THE PODCAST COMMUNITY:
💜 Join our Facebook Community – Connect with other Kiwi couples, ask questions, and share recommendations.
💌 Sign up to The Love Letter – Get fortnightly wedding inspiration, podcast updates, and be the first to hear about upcoming live event announcements.
📸 Follow us on Instagram – @thekiwiweddingpodcast for photos from our podcast guests' weddings, episode highlights, planning advice, and inspiration from the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE:
The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE is coming to Auckland and Christchurch soon!

Join me for an afternoon of wedding inspiration, honest conversations and advice from some incredible experts in the New Zealand wedding industry. There’ll be a live panel discussion, beautiful vendors, goodie bags and plenty of opportunities to connect with other people planning their weddings.

AUCKLAND | Sunday 13 September
NOW SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist for Glasshouse Morningside with an incredible lineup of wedding experts.

CHRISTCHURCH | Sunday 27 September
Tickets are selling fast for our first-ever Christchurch event at The Welder!

Tickets and all the event details are linked below. We'd love to see you there!

EVENT TICKETS:
🎟️ Auckland
🎟️ Christchurch

Hannah Hart is back on The Kiwi Wedding Podcast, but this time she’s joining me not only as a vendor but a bride!

You might know Hannah as the founder of Dear Brides, New Zealand’s first wedding content creation company, as well as Dear Community, Dear Future and Seven Content Studio.

Hannah and I actually go way back to our days living in London and working as nannies, so it was very special to catch up with her and hear all about her recent wedding.

Hannah and her husband kept their relationship completely private online, and their intimate wedding was the ultimate hard launch. A beautiful, intimate celebration at The Hotel Britomart, and a day that was incredibly intentional and personal to them.

We chat about:
💜 Why Hannah kept her entire relationship offline and chose her elopement as the ultimate hard launch
💜 The surprise proposal, complete with a “creepy guy” in a raincoat who was actually her brother-in-law filming it
💜 Creating a wedding for just 20 guests that still felt completely personal and incredibly considered
💜 Her fashion-forward burgundy wedding aesthetic, including a paint-swatch seating plan and camcorder footage of their dating story
💜 Why Hannah is such a strong advocate for first looks and how they can completely change the flow of your wedding day
💜 The elaborate wedding run sheet she created, and why she thinks couples should work on their timeline with their photographer
💜 Where she spent her money, where she saved, and why she thinks you shouldn’t compromise on the vendors you really want
💜 Why a weekday or winter wedding could be one of the smartest decisions you make when planning on a budget
💜 Hannah’s surprisingly important advice for changing your name after getting married, including the one piece of paperwork she wishes she’d ordered straight away
💜 An update on Dear Brides, from international weddings to building a carefully trained team of content creators and growing the business beyond New Zealand

…and so much more!

Follow Hannah: @hannahkoumakis

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: @thehotelbritomart
Content Creation: @dearbridesnz
Photographer: @hopepattersonweddings
Stylist: @tablelook
Florals: @alittlebit.floral
Celebrant: Ben Matthewson
Drapery: @lalumiere_nz
Food Stylist: @lamesa.host
Cake: @ignatura.nz
Rings: @fifthavenuediamondexperts
Bride’s Dress: @jessicacouture.akl
Hair & Makeup: @penton.andco
Tan: @Bronzed_akl
Nails: @nailtime.nz
Groom’s Suit: @rembrandt1946

Also, recently featured in Together Journal.

If you enjoyed this episode, I would absolutely love it if you could take a moment to rate and review The Kiwi Wedding Podcast. It means so much and helps other couples find the podcast too!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer, you can find me at lydiarachel.com or on Instagram @lydiarachelphotography

JOIN THE PODCAST COMMUNITY:
💜 Join our Facebook Community – Connect with other Kiwi couples, ask questions, and share recommendations.
💌 Sign up to The Love Letter – Get fortnightly wedding inspiration, podcast updates, and be the first to hear about upcoming live event announcements.
📸 Follow us on Instagram – @thekiwiweddingpodcast for photos from our podcast guests' weddings, episode highlights, planning advice, and inspiration from the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE:
The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE is coming to Auckland and Christchurch this September!

Join me for an afternoon of wedding inspiration, honest conversations and advice from some incredible experts in the New Zealand wedding industry. There’ll be a live panel discussion, beautiful vendors, goodie bags and plenty of opportunities to connect with other people planning their weddings.

AUCKLAND | Sunday 13 September
Limited tickets remaining! Join me at Glasshouse Morningside with an incredible lineup of wedding experts.

CHRISTCHURCH | Sunday 27 September
Tickets are selling fast for our first-ever Christchurch event at The Welder!

Tickets and all the event details are linked below. We'd love to see you there!

WIN a double pass to the event of your choice over on Instagram along with a full set of Milou beauty products, a Forget Me Not wedding planner and guest book, and a pair of Zoe and Morgan earrings. Enter to win before 3 Sep 2026.

EVENT TICKETS:
🎟️ Auckland
🎟️ Christchurch

Today I'm chatting with Georgia about her beautiful Waiheke Island wedding at Tantalus Estate. An architect and self-confessed perfectionist, Georgia shares the story behind a day that was thoughtfully designed around the things that mattered most to them, while reminding us not to lose sight of what a wedding is really all about.

We chat about:
💜 A friendship that turned into an eight-year love story
💜 An unforgettable proposal on a remote Greek island
💜 Planning a Waiheke Island wedding in just eight months
💜 Creating a wedding that felt personal, thoughtful and true to them
💜 Prioritising incredible food, music and a great experience for their guests
💜 Finding the perfect simple, sculptural wedding dress
💜 Creating two distinct looks and moods throughout the day
💜 A calm wedding morning, despite five bridesmaids and an early start
💜 Navigating wedding budgets and those unexpected last-minute costs
💜 The one small detail Georgia wishes she'd checked before walking down the aisle
💜 Why letting go of perfection can make the whole experience more enjoyable
💜 Heading straight to Bali for a surprise honeymoon

…and so much more!

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: @tantalusestate
Planner: Michelle @waihekeislandweddings
Celebrant: @marriedbyria
Florals: @floralcentric
Photographer: @sapphirestudios___
Videographer: @flatrocfilms
Hair: @hair_by_vvn
Makeup: @rae_makeup
Band/DJ: @nathan.haines
Linen: @tble__linen__hire
Prop Hire: @royallaboratorie
Signage: @paperdarlingnz
Bride Rings: @naveyaandsloanejewellery
Groom Ring: @krooljewels
Suit: @porterjames
Dress: @kyhabride
Shoes: @prada
Party Outfit: @lovejamesstore
Bridesmaids: @paris__georgia

If you enjoyed this episode, I would absolutely love it if you could take a moment to rate and review The Kiwi Wedding Podcast. It means so much and helps other couples find the podcast too!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer, you can find me at lydiarachel.com or on Instagram @lydiarachelphoto

JOIN THE PODCAST COMMUNITY:
💜 Join our Facebook Community – Connect with other Kiwi couples, ask questions, and share recommendations.
💌 Sign up to The Love Letter – Get fortnightly wedding inspiration, podcast updates, and be the first to hear about upcoming live event announcements.
📸 Follow us on Instagram – @thekiwiweddingpodcast for photos from our podcast guests' weddings, episode highlights, planning advice, and inspiration from the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE:
The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE is coming to Auckland and Christchurch this September! Come and join us for an intimate afternoon of wedding inspiration, expert advice, beautiful brands and community.

🎟️ Auckland: Sunday 13 September at Glasshouse Morningside
🎟️ Christchurch: Sunday 27 September at The Welder

Tickets and all the event details are linked below. We'd love to see you there!

And keep an eye on our Instagram because, with the help of some amazing brands, we'll have a giveaway coming up soon too. The details are still being finalised, so make sure you're following along so you don't miss your chance to enter.

EVENT TICKETS:
🎟️ Auckland
🎟️ Christchurch

Today I'm chatting with bride Brianna about her beautiful Auckland city wedding to her husband Tom. From their ceremony at Administrator House to a surprise marching band leading their guests to a restaurant reception at Gilt. Creating a day that felt true to them, prioritising what mattered most and having a whole lot of fun along the way.

We chat about:
💜 How Brianna and Tom met at university in Otago and their surprise proposal in Puglia, Italy
💜 Finding a venue that aligned with their love of incredible food and entertaining
💜 Choosing their top priorities and using them to guide their wedding budget and decisions
💜 Finding the right wedding dress and buying her Danielle Frankel gown online
💜 Navigating a guest list and narrowing it down from an initial list of 250
💜 Creating surprise-and-delight moments, including a raffle for their wedding witnesses and a surprise marching band
💜 Why trusting your vendors and letting them do what they do best can make wedding planning so much easier
💜 Skipping traditions that don't feel like you and creating a day that truly reflects you as a couple
💜 Avoiding the post-wedding blues by having something else exciting to look forward to
💜 Brianna's advice for couples currently planning their weddings

…and so much more!

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: @loversbyrubyjayne
Videographer: @ben.journee
Bride’s Dress: @daniellefrankelbride
Alterations: @wendytomworkshop
Groom’s Outfit: @cranebrothers
Rings + Watch: @partridgejewellers
Florals: @floralcentric
Stylist: Claire Donaldson @onelovelydaystyling
Design/Stationery/Matchboxes/Napkins: @briannakirkham (Bride) - napkins available to order if anyone is interested.
Bridesmaids: @bernadetteantwerp
@harris_tapper
@rubytakessnaps
@staud.clothing
Venues: @administratorhouse (now closed) + @giltbrasserie
Hire: @flockevents
Makeup: @beautybyblairgamblin
Hair: @jarahmclaren

If you've enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a rating or review and share it with someone who's currently planning a wedding. It really helps more couples discover the podcast.

As always, if you're looking for a wedding photographer who captures timeless, joy-filled images, I'd love to hear from you. You can find me at lydiarachel.com or on Instagram @lydiarachelphoto

JOIN THE PODCAST COMMUNITY:
💜 Join our Facebook Community – Connect with other Kiwi couples, ask questions, and share recommendations.
💌 Sign up to The Love Letter – Get fortnightly wedding inspiration, podcast updates, and be the first to hear about upcoming live event announcements.
📸 Follow us on Instagram – @thekiwiweddingpodcast for photos from our podcast guests' weddings, episode highlights, planning advice, and inspiration from the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎟️ The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE

Join us for an afternoon of expert advice, honest conversations and wedding inspiration.
📍 Auckland — Sunday 13 September
📍 Christchurch — Sunday 27 September

Georgette will also be joining me on the panel at our Auckland event at Glasshouse Morningside, alongside some other brilliant wedding experts.

🎫 Get your tickets here:
Auckland
Christchurch

In this episode, I chat with Georgette about her colourful, completely personal Lake Tarawera wedding and everything that went into creating a day that felt unmistakably like her and Raj.

We chat about:
💜 How the boy next door became Georgette’s husband
💜 Why they chose her family’s Lake Tarawera property and built their wedding venue from scratch
💜 The White Lotus meets Royal Hawaiian inspiration behind the styling
💜 Designing 900 metres of custom fabric featuring leopards, pearls, monkeys and her engagement ring
💜 Finding her dream dress with Natalie Rose and the importance of feeling confident while wedding dress shopping
💜 How buying vintage furniture, lamps and glasses saved money and made the wedding more unique
💜 The hilarious process of hiring an Etsy witch and burying a sausage for good weather
💜 The moment of advice before walking down the aisle that helped Georgette truly take in the day
💜 The one thing she wishes she’d done differently, and the wedding details she wishes she hadn’t worried about
💜 Why post-wedding blues hit her harder than she expected, and her advice for couples in the aftermath

…and so much more!

Follow Georgette:
@styledbygeorgettepollock

Listen to my previous chat with Georgette on episode 118.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Private Property, Lake Tarawera
Photographer: @danellebohane
Videographer: @ben.journee
Content Creator: @bethiepetts101
Bride’s Dresses: @natalierosebridal
Groom’s Outfit: @cranebrothers
Rings + Necklace: @partridgejewellers
Bracelets: @cartier
Boys’ Brooch: @graemethomson_jewellery
Bride’s Shoes: @jimmychoo
Florals: @michelecoomeyfloral
Stylist: @onelovelydaystyling
Stationery & Signage: @inkertinker.nz
Bridesmaids: @loveshackfancy
Groomsmen: @cranebrothers @frankcaseysuithire
Celebrant, MC & Singer: @aaronbloomfieldcelebrant
Hire: @flockevents @royallaboratorie @georgestreetlinen
Marquee: @flagship_events
Draping: @lalumiere_nz
Entertainment: @epicsaxguynz @shaun_preston
Catering: @blankcanvascatering
Bar Staff: @craftbarplus
Cake: @spongedrop
Makeup: @katesolleymakeup
Bride’s Hair: @brentlawler
Bridesmaids’ Hair: @boutiquebride
Bridesmaids’ Jewellery: @swarovski
Registry + RSVPs: Canva website and @paperlesspost

If you've enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a rating or review and share it with someone who's currently planning a wedding. It really helps more couples discover the podcast.

As always, if you're looking for a wedding photographer who captures timeless, joy-filled images, I'd love to hear from you. You can find me at lydiarachel.com or on Instagram @lydiarachelphoto

JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE:
💜 Join our Facebook Community – Connect with other Kiwi couples, ask questions, and share recommendations.
💌 Sign up to The Love Letter – Get fortnightly wedding inspiration, podcast updates, and be the first to hear about upcoming live event announcements.
📸 Follow us on Instagram – @thekiwiweddingpodcast for photos from our podcast guests' weddings, episode highlights, planning advice, and inspiration from the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.