The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Lydia Rachel
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A podcast for New Zealand brides and grooms to hear first-hand wedding stories, tips from vendors, and wedding planning advice. Created by Auckland Wedding Photographer Lydia Rachel @lydiarachelphoto

  1. 22H AGO

    135. Winehouse Wedding with Bride Charlotte Cummings

    Sponsored by ABC Insurance and KiwiSaver. Book a meeting with Brayden for a no pressure, no cost chat and make sure to say The Kiwi Wedding podcast sent you. This week, I’m joined by Charlotte to chat about her beautiful winter wedding in Queenstown and the story behind how it all came together. We chat about:
 💜 Meeting online after Jack returned to New Zealand from the UK just before the borders closed 💜 Their Paris proposal with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background  💜 Choosing Queenstown because it was a special spot and the first place they ever travelled together 💜 Planning a destination-style wedding within New Zealand and trusting their venue after only viewing it online 💜 Prioritising great food, drinks and a fun experience for their guests 💜 Charlotte’s bridal experience with the amazing Natalie Rose Bridal and customising her Eva Lendel gown 💜 Jack wearing a kilt and how it suited the winter Queenstown setting perfectly 💜 The very shocking lead-up after a car accident on the way to the airport just days before the wedding 💜 Keeping the morning relaxed with Ferg Baker platters and a chilled getting-ready vibe 💜 Wedding budget realities and focusing spending on what mattered most …and so much more! Let me know what you think of this episode! If you’d like to see more from this wedding day, make sure you check out the photos and follow along at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ and ⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠. Vendors: Venue: @winehousenz Photographer: @ashmuirphoto Florals: @flowerroomqueenstown Makeup: @olivia.jane.jenner Hair: @sarahlouisehair.bridal Dress: @natalierosebridal @evalendel Cake: @sophieroseannacakes Celebrant: Soph @marriedbyfriends Signage/Stationery: @studio_fern Grooms/Groomsmen outfits: Kintail House  Jeweller: @erikawatsonjewellery DJ + Saxophone: @mountainbeatsdjco Shoes: Manolo Blahnik via @designer.wardrobe.marketplace Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving.

    40 min

  2. MAR 2

    134. Mantells Mt Eden Wedding with Bride Latasha Mens, Founder of Reverie Weddings

    Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠⁠⁠⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately. This week, I’m joined by Latasha, and we dive into her beautifully curated wedding at Mantells Mount Eden. Plus, the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of planning it. We chat about: 💜 Meeting while she was waitressing and making sure she was the one looking after his table 💜 Celebrating their engagement at the exact table where they first met 💜 Choosing Mantells Mount Eden as their one-and-only venue viewing 💜 Creating a luxe but intimate day with 68 of their closest people. Her very clear vision: vintage Italian, old money, lilacs and periwinkle tones  💜 Why guest experience and flow were top priorities (and how they nailed it) 💜 The bridal journey with Natalie from Natalie Rose Bridal, and why the whole dress experience matters 💜 Violinist ceremony moments, a champagne tower, and a dance floor that absolutely went off 💜 The mental load of wedding planning, and why Latasha found it surprisingly isolating 💜 Budget breakdowns (including the often-forgotten “bridal costs”) 💜 Honeymooning in Fiji straight after the wedding 💜 How planning her own wedding inspired her to launch Reverie Weddings, a planning and support service for modern couples …and so much more! Follow Latasha and her new business: @_reverieweddings Let me know what you think of this episode! If you’d like to see more from this wedding day, make sure you check out the photos and follow along at @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto. Vendors: Photographer: @amanda_thomas_photography Dress: @natalierosebridal Cake: @kcakedessert Hair: @boutiquebride Makeup: @katesolleymakeup Champagne Tower: @champagnetowers_nz Content: @dearbridesnz Venue: @mantells_ Florals: @printandpetal Celebrant & Coordinator: @celebrant_georgia Rolls Royces: @yourssincerely.co.nz Musician: @magdalenaviolina DJ: @dj_lenski

    45 min

  3. FEB 23

    133. Hedges Estate Wedding with Bride Hebah Bahadur, Founder of Makeup by Hebah

    This week, I’m joined by Hebah, a bride and makeup artist who created the most beautiful blend of Fijian Indian, Islamic and Kiwi wedding traditions. Her day felt deeply rooted in culture, but also fresh, personal and very “them.” We chat about: 💜 Meeting Reyan through family friends and navigating a long-distance relationship between Auckland and the States  💜 Approaching marriage with intention within their faith, and how that shaped their journey  💜 Planning an intimate-by-cultural-standards wedding with 110 guests  💜 Choosing a dry hire venue and what that actually looks like behind the scenes  💜 Their Islamic nikah ceremony, including the floral partition and separate seating  💜 Creating a full mocktail hour so they could properly spend time with guests  💜 Custom designing her dream traditional wedding dress with a wholesaler in Pakistan  💜 Styling sage green across the bridal party and close family  💜 The emotional first look with her parents  💜 What she would do differently, and the small things she’s made peace with  💜 Hebah’s best makeup advice for brides, from skincare timelines to why trials really matter … and so much more! Follow Hebah: @makeupbyhebah_ Let me know what you think of this episode! If you’d like to see photos from Hebah’s day, make sure you’re following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto where I’ll be sharing more from this beautiful celebration. Vendors: Venue: @hedgesestate Photography & Videography: @thehpcollectiveCake: @shugarcoat__Stationery & Signage: @brushletterco Bride's Outfit: Custom-made in Pakistan Florals: @smithiestheplantsmithMakeup: @makeupbyhebah_ Food: @chaahat_indian_cuisine, @indiansweetsnzl  Hair: @shergillbeauty Also featured on Together Journal. Join ⁠⁠⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠⁠⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately.

    1h 11m

  4. FEB 16

    132. Robyn Munro - Bridal Hair Stylist, Founder of Robyn Munro Hair

    This week, I’m joined by Robyn Munro, a bridal hair specialist with decades of experience in the wedding world. We dive into everything from what actually happens at a hair trial to how to create a calm, joyful wedding morning without the stress. If you’re planning your day right now, this one is packed with practical advice. We chat about: 💜 How Robyn carved out a niche in bridal hair (and why not every hairdresser wants to do weddings) 💜 What a hair trial is really for: testing products, curl patterns, timing, and the overall plan 💜 Whether you should book hair and makeup trials on the same day 💜 Wedding morning flow and why strict run sheets can sometimes create more stress than calm 💜 Booking a hair + makeup team vs booking separately, and the pros and cons of both 💜 Pre-wedding hair prep, from scalp health to colour placement and timing your cut 💜 Busting the “dirty hair is better” myth (and why clean, dry hair is usually best) 💜 Current wedding hair trends: softer, bigger waves, sleeker updos, and half-up half-down having a moment 💜 How to choose a hairstyle that suits your dress, venue, vibe, face shape, and the NZ weather 💜 Budget expectations for bridal hair and what actually influences pricing, from experience to travel and time …and so much more! Let me know what you think of this episode. Follow Robyn: @robynmunrohair If you loved this conversation, go check out the photos and follow along at @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more real NZ wedding inspiration. Join ⁠⁠⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠⁠⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately.

    53 min

  5. FEB 9

    131. Glasshouse Morningside Wedding with Bride Kelly Meharg

    Join ⁠⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately. This week, I’m joined by Kelly, who shares the full story of planning a wedding that felt completely true to her and her husband, from a modern meet-cute to a fun, personality-filled celebration in Auckland. Kelly talks openly about what mattered most to them when planning their day, how they made decisions without getting swept up in wedding “shoulds”, and why guest experience was always the priority. This episode is packed with honest reflections, practical advice, and plenty of moments that will make you laugh and nod along. We chat about: 💜 How Kelly and Mike met and the New York proposal, where Mike waited until the moment felt right 💜 Choosing The Glasshouse as their venue and why being weather-proof in NZ was non-negotiable 💜 Planning a cocktail-style wedding with no sit-down dinner, and focusing on great food, drinks, and music 💜 Kelly’s dress shopping experience at Hera Couture, including a very memorable fire alarm moment 💜 The mental load of wedding planning alongside work and real life 💜 Bridesmaids dresses, decision fatigue, and what Kelly would do differently next time 💜 Making the day feel personal with thoughtful details like a custom newspaper, handwritten notes for guests, and fun favours 💜 Budgeting honestly, what they chose to prioritise, and why photo and video mattered so much to them 💜 Letting go of perfection, trusting your vendors, and remembering you’re the guest of honour, not the host …and so much more! Let me know what you think of this episode. You can check out photos from Kelly’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Lydia ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠  Find all K & M’s amazing vendors: Location: @glasshouse.nz Dress: @heracouture  Photography: @ashmuirphoto Videographer: @flatrocfilms Flowers: @floralcentric Hair: @jules_armishaw_makeupstyling Makeup: @katesmithmakeup Candle Installation: @revelandlight Crane Machine: @kiwikrane Band: @velvettonesnz Kelly's Wedding Featured on Capsule Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

    46 min

  6. FEB 2

    130. French Bay Yacht Club Wedding with Bride Libby Davison, Celebrant & MC, Founder of Love on the Run & Manager of View 14 Accommodation

    Join ⁠THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL⁠, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately. This week, I’m joined by Libby, a celebrant, founder of Love on the Run Weddings, and all-round straight-talker when it comes to weddings. Libby shares her own wedding experience alongside what she’s learned working in the industry, with plenty of honest, practical advice for couples who want a day that feels relaxed, personal, and genuinely enjoyable. We chat about: 💜 Libby’s own wedding day, including a bright, fun DIY approach and choosing what actually mattered to them 💜 Why photography and videography were non-negotiables, and why some things are worth spending properly on 💜 Letting go of the pressure for your wedding to be “the best day of your life” and why that mindset can actually ruin the experience 💜 Guest experience in a real, practical way, from plus ones to weather plans and comfort 💜 A clear explanation of what a registry wedding in New Zealand looks like now, including the rules, restrictions, and why many couples are surprised when they start researching it 💜 Libby’s business, Love on the Run, and how it offers a more flexible, affordable registry-style ceremony without all the usual limitations 💜 Why your wedding is not a performance, you can’t fail, and sometimes the moments that don’t go to plan end up being the best ones …and so much more! Follow Libby: @loveandlibertynz @loveontherun_weddings @view14_house Let me know what you think of this episode! You can check out photos from Libby’s wedding and businesses over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠⁠⁠ Follow Lydia ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠  Find all L & B’s amazing vendors: Photo & Video: @chris_turner_weddings Celebrant: @marriedbybex Dress & Veil: @harriettfalvey Makeup: @rachelmackwood Hair: Mackenzie Hair Coromandel Venue: French Bay Yacht Club Furniture: @flockevents Catering: @drifterspizza Cake: @zi__sweet (currently closed)

    1h 13m

  7. JAN 26

    129. Sumba Destination Elopement with Bride Laura Mohi Ryan

    Join THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately. This week, I’m joined by Laura Mohi Ryan, founder of Wild Pilates, and recent bride. We’re chatting all about her somewhat unconventional wedding-planning journey. Laura and her husband Liam had been together for 14 years. Instead of planning a big wedding straight away, they ended up doing something that suited them perfectly, an epic Indonesian elopement on Sumba Island, just the two of them, plus a photographer and videographer who flew over from Bali. We chat about: 💜 How Laura and Liam met, and the Italy proposal that totally shocked her (in the best way) 💜 Why they stayed engaged for a couple of years and how that shaped their wedding choices 💜 The “write your list separately” exercise that helped them figure out what actually mattered 💜 Deciding to elope, not inviting anyone, and why they didn’t tell family and friends until afterwards 💜 What their wedding day looked like on Sumba Island, from ocean swims to vows on the sand 💜 Finding her dream two-piece outfit at LVR Bridal, plus the veil moment she didn’t see coming 💜 Doing her own hair and makeup, and the one thing she recommends if you have to DIY it 💜 The best way to tell friends and family afterwards (and why a few sneak peek photos helped) 💜 Budgeting for an elopement without it quietly turning into the cost of a small wedding anyway 💜 Laura’s advice for couples planning right now, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed 💜 A little intro to Wild Pilates and her healthy, realistic approach to feeling good in your body leading up to a wedding …and so much more! Follow Laura: @wildpilates @lauramohiryan  Let me know what you think of this episode! You can check out photos from Laura and Liam’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠⁠ Follow Lydia ⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠  Find all L & L’s amazing vendors: Location, Celebrant & Catering: @thesanubari Photographer: @imanperdana  Videographer:  @alokjosaphat  Bride’s Outfit: @lvr_bridal  Bride’s Shoes: @paris__georgia  Groom’s Outfit: @porterjamessports  Groom’s Shoes: @drmartensnewzealand  Rings: @colinbartlett  Makeup & Hair: Bride @lauramohiryan Pre-wedding makeup lesson: @katesolleymakeup Also featured on Together Journal.

    52 min

  8. JAN 19

    128. Haley & Tess, Co-founders of Slay My Day

    This week, I’m joined by Tess and Hayley, the founders behind Slay My Day, a brand-new, all-in-one platform built to make wedding planning easier for couples and more transparent, inclusive, and accessible for vendors across Aotearoa. Between them (and co-founder Carla), they bring years of experience across digital marketing, tourism, elopements, photography, and hands-on wedding work. After seeing first-hand how overwhelming planning can be, and how limited or expensive existing directories often are, they decided to build something better. We chat about: 💜 How Slay My Day came to life and the gaps it’s designed to fill 💜 Why wedding planning can feel so overwhelming, and how having everything in one place helps 💜 Supporting couples to plan their day their way, without pressure or outdated expectations 💜 What makes Slay My Day different from traditional wedding directories 💜 The vendor dashboard, analytics, and why transparency matters 💜 Regional searching and helping couples find the right vendors at the right time 💜 The upcoming recycle marketplace and the importance of sustainability in weddings 💜 Current wedding trends, from smaller, more personal celebrations to doing things differently 💜 Advice for couples planning their wedding right now 💜 Their big-picture vision for the future of weddings and events in New Zealand …and so much more! Follow Slay My Day:  Online: slaymyday.com On Instagram: @slaymyday.nz Let me know what you think of this episode! Follow on IG: ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ and ⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠ 🤍

    34 min
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About

A podcast for New Zealand brides and grooms to hear first-hand wedding stories, tips from vendors, and wedding planning advice. Created by Auckland Wedding Photographer Lydia Rachel @lydiarachelphoto

Information

  • Creator
    Lydia Rachel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lydia Rachel
  • Show Website
    The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

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