The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Planning a wedding from the other side of the world is no small feat, especially when you’re also moving countries just weeks before the big day.   This week I’m chatting with Lorin about her beautiful Hawke’s Bay wedding at The Old Church, planning from the UK, keeping things simple, and the decisions that helped their wedding day feel relaxed and run smoothly.   We chat about: 💜 Planning a wedding from overseas and moving back to NZ just seven weeks before the wedding 💜 Finding her Jenny Yoo wedding dress in London and the realities of getting it altered and home 💜 Having a first look and doing all of their wedding photos before the ceremony 💜 Why this ended up being one of their favourite decisions of the day 💜 Choosing a bridal party and creating a guest list of around 80 people 💜 An unexpected situation with one of their wedding vendors just weeks before the wedding 💜 Planning a wedding while working full-time and how her partner helped take some of the pressure off 💜 Why having a wedding coordinator on the day made such a huge difference 💜 Keeping wedding costs under control and questioning whether you really need all the little extras 💜 Why you shouldn’t feel like you have to copy what everyone else is doing 💜 Their advice for couples planning a wedding right now   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors:Venue + Food: The Old Church @ortonshawkesbay Florals: @botanical.lane Photographer: @nataliemcnally_ Makeup: @micki_makeupetc Cake: @cakecollectivenz   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.

What happens when you stop worrying about what a wedding is supposed to look like and create something completely your own?   This week I’m chatting with Lydia, founder of We Are The Whimsy, about her Wairarapa wedding, planning a beautiful day on a tight budget, and the creative decisions that made it so personal.   We chat about: 💜 Planning a wedding on a $15,000 budget 💜 Finding creative alternatives to traditional wedding suppliers 💜 Choosing a wedding dress outside of a bridal boutique 💜 Growing flowers (or trying to) for your own wedding 💜 Creating a wedding around things you genuinely love 💜 The pressure of Instagram and endless wedding inspiration 💜 Her unique pay-what-you-like pottery shop 💜 The reality of DIY weddings: money vs time and effort 💜 Post-wedding blues and what happened to all those flowers 💜 How her wedding led to the creation of We Are The Whimsy 💜 The rise of drapery and creating more beautiful spaces 💜 Why couples are moving away from “what a wedding should look like” 💜 Creating a wedding that feels like you   …and so much more!   Follow Lydia: @wearethewhimsy   Wedding Vendors:Photographer: @lightbynika Content: @bylarissadeanacarlson Bouquets: @lavendermagicnz Giant florals: @ventana.art.space Floral support: @the_gladstone_grower Celebrant: @wendymorrisoncelebrant Venue: The Watermill Bakery Food: The Watermill Bakery & @rose_and_smith Hair & Makeup: Bride’s Friend Dress: @_aje_     THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE CHRISTCHURCH:   The next LIVE event is happening Sunday 27 September at The Welder in Christchurch.   Come along for an afternoon of wedding inspiration, treats, drinks, an amazing panel and a chance to meet other couples and wedding vendors.   Podcast listeners can use code MYSTERY for a secret discount on tickets.   GET YOUR TICKETS   I’ll be joined by: 💜 Kate Holmes from Soirée💜 Kasia Stanicich, makeup artist & educator💜 Sarah Borrell from Amour Weddings💜 Jess Brooker from Flock Events   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.

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.