The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Lydia Rachel

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. 2d ago

    158. Lake Tarawera, Private Property Wedding with Bride Georgette Pollock-Johnston, Colour Analyst & Stylist

    🎟️ 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   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.

  2. Aug 10

    157. Mudbrick Waiheke Wedding with Bride Audrey Prasanto

    🎟️ The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE   Earlybird tickets are on sale now!   Join us for an afternoon of expert advice, honest conversations and wedding inspiration. 📍 Auckland — Sunday 13 September📍 Christchurch — Sunday 27 September   🎫 Get your tickets here: Auckland Christchurch   In this episode, I chat with Audrey about her beautiful autumn wedding at Mudbrick on Waiheke Island, from booking the venue before they were officially engaged to planning a celebration that was very different from what they originally imagined.   We chat about: 💜 The sweet story of how Audrey and her husband went from friends to getting engaged 💜 Why they booked their wedding venue before the proposal even happened 💜 How their intimate wedding plans evolved into something much bigger 💜 Why the venue and photographer were always going to be Audrey’s top priorities 💜 The unexpected way she found her Trish Peng wedding dress 💜 The thoughtful details she used to bring her Chinese heritage into the day 💜 Why they chose moss over traditional wedding florals 💜 What Audrey learned about choosing the right wedding vendors 💜 What she would change if she could plan the wedding all over again 💜 Her honest advice for couples currently planning their own wedding   …and so much more!   Follow Audrey: @audreyalychaa   Wedding Vendors: Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto Rings: @austenandblakeanz  Venue: @mudbrick_weddings Dress Designer: @trishpeng Hair & Makeup: @thepeach_club Nails: @dudleys.nailbar Stationery: @blu.designstudio Suit Designer: @barkersclothing Florist: @willowandsagebotanics Stylist: @vnillaevents Celebrant: @jacquelinenairn DJ: @goldmansax_ Cake Maker: @ignatura.nz Accessories: @kitte_au & @ameliegeorgebridal Shoes: @magdabutrym Wedding Party Outfit: @hardingegeorgia Getting ready Outfit: @zambesisince79 Content Creator: @contentbycurate Rental/Decor: @silkandsorcery & @theislandcollection   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.

  3. Aug 3

    156. Black Walnut Venue Wedding with Bride Michelle Vedder

    🎟️ The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE   Earlybird tickets are on sale now!   Join us for an afternoon of expert advice, honest conversations and wedding inspiration. 📍 Auckland — Sunday 13 September📍 Christchurch — Sunday 27 September   Earlybird tickets are available for a limited time before prices increase.   🎫 Get your tickets here: Auckland Christchurch   This week on The Kiwi Wedding Podcast, I’m joined by Michelle to chat about her beautiful Tauranga wedding to her husband Joel, after almost ten years together.   We chat about: 💜 Michelle and Joel’s story, from meeting as teenagers to getting married a decade later 💜 Why they chose a long engagement and didn’t feel the need to rush into wedding planning 💜 Their intimate ceremony at Black Walnut followed by a reception on private property 💜 How they approached their wedding budget and decided what was most important to invest in 💜 Finding her dream KWH Bridal wedding outfit secondhand on Stillwhite 💜 Choosing a bridal party made up of the people who had been part of their relationship from the beginning 💜 Navigating a smaller guest list and staying true to who they genuinely wanted there 💜 Why they chose a Thursday wedding and some of the practical decisions they made along the way 💜 Creating a really personal ceremony, including handwritten vows and special ways of involving family 💜 Why Michelle wishes she’d built more breathing room into the wedding day timeline 💜 The importance of having someone else keeping things on track so you can actually be present   …and so much more!   Follow Michelle: @michellesummervedder @inneryoustudio   Wedding Vendors: Photographer: @brodiemcdowellweddings Content Creator: @_sundayservicebykm Venue: @blackwalnutvenue Reception Location: Private Property Dress: @kwhbridal via @stillwhite Marquee: @stretch_tents Makeup: @taylamiddletonn Catering: @thehomegrownkit Celebrant: @olearywendy   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.

  4. Jul 27

    155. Ātaahua Estate Wedding with Bride Holly Nigro

    🎟️ The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE   Earlybird tickets are on sale now!   Join us for an afternoon of expert advice, honest conversations and wedding inspiration. 📍 Auckland — Sunday 13 September📍 Christchurch — Sunday 27 September   Earlybird tickets are available for a limited time before prices increase.   🎫 Get your tickets here: Auckland Christchurch   Today I'm joined by Holly, who shares the story behind her effortlessly stylish wedding to Luke at the beautiful Ātaahua Estate in the Bay of Plenty. From planning a wedding while living overseas to creating an intimate guest experience and trusting her incredible team of vendors, Holly shares so much honest advice that I know you will love.   We chat about: 💜 Planning a New Zealand wedding while living overseas 💜 Why she almost didn't want flowers, a wedding cake... or many wedding traditions at all 💜 Creating an unforgettable guest experience with a cocktail-style dinner 💜 Designing a custom wedding dress with Lulu Jackson 💜 The reality of budgeting for a modern New Zealand wedding 💜 Decision fatigue, post-wedding blues & what no one talks about after the wedding 💜 Why trusting your creative vendors led to the best result 💜 The giant tiramisu "wedding cake" that everyone couldn't stop talking about   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors: Photographer: @bonniemcevoyphotography Videographer: @valophotocinema Venue: @ataahuaestate Planning & Styling: @withlove.weddingsandevents Marquee, Lighting & Dance Floor: @twelve_tables Florals: @asterandbloom Furniture Hire: @flockevents Catering: @tasteandtalentnz Musicians: @zap_entertainmentnz & @helencorrymusic Hair & Makeup: @desireeostermanmakeup & @gabe.mua Bridal Gown: @lulujacksonbridal Linen: @tble__linen__hire Caker: @spongedrop Silver Coupes: @willowlane_events Stationery Design: @____hollynigroni Stationery Printing: @hstudio.co AV: @edwardssoundsystems Celebrant: @aceremonyforyou   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.

  5. Jul 20

    154. Private Property Queenstown Marquee Wedding with Bride Harriet Brownlie, Founder of Studio Augusta

    This week, I'm joined by Harriet to chat through her beautiful Queenstown wedding. From planning a marquee wedding on private property to launching her wedding stationery business, Studio Augusta.   We chat about: 💜 Meeting at university, navigating periods of long-distance before getting engaged while living in England 💜 Planning a marquee wedding on private property and what that really involves 💜 Their biggest wedding priorities and where they chose to invest their budget 💜 DIY projects, from hand-illustrated stationery to a custom-built bar, handmade reception dress and styling details 💜 Why an on-the-day coordinator was one of the best investments they made 💜 Wedding budget realities, unexpected costs and what they would do differently 💜 Why lowering your expectations (in the best way) can actually make your wedding day even more enjoyable 💜 Navigating post-wedding blues and finding joy in looking back on the memories 💜 How Harriet turned her love of art into her wedding stationery business, Studio Augusta   …and so much more!   Follow Harriet & Studio Augusta: @_studioaugusta   Wedding Vendors: Photography & Videography: @greyareaproduction On The Day Coordinator: @alexandrakatecreative Stationery: @_studioaugusta Marquee: @flagship_events Florist: @flowerroomqueenstown Celebrant: @emily_oleary_celebrant Ceremony Location: @thurlbydomain Reception Location: Private Property  Furniture: @flockevents Dress: @kyhabride Makeup: @natalie_perks_makeup_hair Hair: @beautifulbridalhair Brides Rings: @monarc_jewellery Live Music: @la.social Suit Hire: @mrdavismenswear Additional Lighting: @visualeventsqueenstown Catering: @doublethymecatering   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   BE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE EVENTS: 💜 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.

  6. Jul 13

    153. The Flaxmill Wedding with Bride Carina Pickworth

    Carina joins me on the podcast to share the story of her beautiful wedding at The Flaxmill and creating a day that felt deeply personal, joy-filled, and centred on what mattered most to them.   We chat about: 💜 Meeting at church and falling in love 💜 A surprise proposal in Akaroa 💜 Finding the perfect Canterbury wedding venue 💜 Planning with intention and focusing on what mattered most 💜 Navigating guest lists, budgets, and wedding priorities 💜 Choosing to invest in the experience of the day and their honeymoon 💜 Avoiding comparison and creating a wedding that felt true to them 💜 Their favourite moments from the day 💜 Practical advice for creating a calm, meaningful wedding day   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors: Venue: @theflaxmill  Photography & Videography: @lucaswinters.co  Florals: @hi.honey__flowers  Makeup: @sophiafitzgeraldmakeup Hair: @stylingwithmya  DJ: @notdr.andreh Hire: @littlehirecomp  Rings: @fourwordsnz  Dress: @jennyyoonyc  Second Dress: @laberalabel  Bride’s Shoes: @charleskeithofficial  Suit: @industrieclothing  Groom’s Shirt: @porterjames  Groom’s Shoes: @drmarternsofficial    Also featured on Together Journal.   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   Stay Connected: 💜 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.

  7. Jul 6

    152. Hawke's Bay Private Property Wedding with Bride Rikke Morgan

    This week, I'm joined by Rikke to chat all about her stunning Hawke's Bay wedding. It's a conversation full of thoughtful ideas, honest reflections, and practical advice for anyone planning a wedding that's true to who they are.   We chat about:💜 Meeting by chance at a Sydney dress-up party and the proposal that followed years later in Wyoming 💜 Why getting married on her family farm always felt like the right choice 💜 Planning a destination wedding from Sydney and making a whole weekend of celebrations 💜 Finding the dress that instantly felt like "the one" 💜 Including family in meaningful ways throughout the day 💜 Navigating the guest list and going over budget without regrets 💜 The pressure of endless wedding inspiration and how to know when enough is enough 💜 Why she wouldn't change a single thing about her wedding day 💜 The honeymoon that was the perfect way to soak it all in 💜 Her biggest piece of advice for couples planning their own wedding   …and so much more!   If you're planning your wedding and looking for a supportive place to ask questions, get advice, and connect with other Kiwi couples and wedding vendors, come and join our private Kiwi Wedding Podcast Facebook community. We'd love to have you!   Follow Rikke:Instagram: @rikkesspacestylist   Wedding Vendors: Photography: @loversbyrubyjayne Florals: @handsinthedirt_ Marquee: @flagship_events Glassware: @socialhirenz Furniture: @flockevents Band: @mydadsmixtape Catering + Coordination: @ortonshawkesbay Stationery: @windmillpress Dress: @maison_margot_official from @lovemariebridalboutique Suit: @pjohnsonweddings Wedding Planner (Journal): @forgetmenot_journals @forgetmenot_weddings   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   Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.    Follow ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jun 29

    151. Glendhu Station Wedding with Bride Georgie Grant

    💜 Join The Kiwi Wedding Podcast Community! 💜   I'm so excited to have launched our brand new Facebook group. A supportive space where engaged couples and wedding professionals can connect, ask questions, share advice, and celebrate weddings in Aotearoa. Whether you're planning your wedding or you're part of the wedding industry, we'd love to have you! Join via the link below.   Join the Facebook Community.   This week, I'm joined by bride Georgie, who shares the story of her beautiful wedding at Glendhu Station in Wānaka.   We chat about:💜 Meeting on a dance floor, breaking up, and finding their way back to each other 💜 Planning a colourful wedding that truly reflected them as a couple 💜 Wedding dress shopping in Sydney and overcoming dress regret 💜 The emotional experience of planning a wedding after losing her dad 💜 Choosing vendors who made the day completely stress-free 💜 Announcing their surprise pregnancy during the wedding reception 💜 Honest conversations around what they spent on their wedding 💜 Why hiring a wedding coordinator was one of the best decisions they made 💜 Avoiding comparison on social media and trusting your own vision 💜 Georgie's biggest pieces of advice for engaged couples   …and so much more!   Vendors: Venue: @glendhustation Coordinator: @somethingborrowedeventsnz Catering: @aspiringcatering Florals: @flore.studios Wedding Dress: @blanchebridal Bridesmaids Dresses: @billy_j_bridal Photographer: @honeylens.weddings Videographer: @harrisonslatterymedia Content Creation: @nosyparker__ Glassware: @majorandminorhire Band: @la.social Makeup: @shannongalemakeup Hair: @ingrid.hairmakeup Cake: Family Friend   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.   Thanks for listening, and I'll see you next Tuesday for another episode of The Kiwi Wedding Podcast!   Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.    Follow ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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