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. 1d ago

    169. Muriwai Estate Wedding with Bride Anda Ionescu

    This week I’m chatting with Anda about her beautiful wedding at Muriwai Estate, bringing family and friends from around the world together to celebrate their love in New Zealand, followed by celebrations in Romania.    We chat about:💜 Their love story, from meeting while travelling in Barcelona to navigating nearly two years of long-distance💜 Their proposal in Dubai and finding the perfect venue at Muriwai Estate💜 Planning a wedding in New Zealand while living in Romania💜 Creating an Italian-inspired outdoor wedding with personal and unique details💜 Finding her wedding dress after trying 30-40 dresses💜 Why having a wedding coordinator was invaluable on the day💜 Their Italian pizza stand, vintage convertible and fun guest experiences💜 The differences between Romanian and New Zealand wedding traditions💜 What Anda wishes she'd done differently with videography💜 Budgeting for unexpected wedding expenses and why she recommends adding 40%💜 Creating custom wedding bands and making your wedding truly your own  …and so much more!   Follow Anda: @andamihaelaa @adelinnemarlenne   Wedding Vendors:Hair: @glammedbysilvia Makeup: @makeup_withsam Nails: @luizebeauty_ Photography: @bydarii.photo Videography: @hollowandco Coordination: @wildly.madly.deeply Stationery: @goldiecreativestudio Venue: @muriwai_estate Rings: @colinbartlett Furniture & Lights: @lucyseventhire Draping: @silkandsorcery Food: @littlewolfweddings Cake: @kcake.co.nz Flowers: @sydrenz Dress: @lanovia.bridal Jewellery: @steven_khalil Rental car: @excaliburcars.nz Wood-fired Pizza: @slaps.nz   Pakistani wedding: Location: @sofitelaucklandviaductharbour Henna: @henna_by_sadaf_2021   Anda’s Brand: @adelinnemarlenne   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. 📱 Follow us on Tiktok - See more episode highlights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 26

    168. Hahei Beach Resort Wedding with Bride Jordan Oppert

    This week I’m chatting with Jordan about her beautiful beachside wedding at Hahei Beach Resort in the Coromandel, and how navigating grief changed her perspective on what really matters when planning a wedding.   We chat about: 💜 Their small-town love story and a backyard proposal with their puppy💜 How grief and joy can co-exist when planning a wedding without a parent💜 Creating a relaxed, cocktail-style wedding by the beach 💜 Finding her dream dress at Trish Peng and overcoming nerves around wedding dress shopping💜 Bringing together 100+ guests for a weekend of celebrations in the Coromandel💜An unexpected wedding planning setback and how they navigated it💜 Their wedding budget, and why cocktail-style weddings aren’t always cheaper💜 Why hiring a wedding coordinator was one of the best decisions they made💜 Their favourite moments, including sunset photos overlooking the celebrations💜 Jordan’s advice to step back, soak it all in and appreciate the people who show up for you   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors:Dress: @trishpeng Photographer: @jacksonbrightweddings Venue: @haheibeachresort Bridesmaids: @blakbridesmaids Makeup: @staceybanfieldmakeup Co-ordination: @coromandelweddings Marquee/Furniture: @lucyseventhire Celebrant: @chelseagracecelebrant DJ: @honestmattnz Rings: @loveinajewel Suit: @barkersclothing @roddandgun Hair: @itsmoniquecadigan Florals: @blackdogflowersnz Videographer: @sideline_studiosnz Catering: @roamfoodcaravan Cake: @lilyvalleycakery Bar Service: @vintageeventscompany   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. 📱 Follow us on Tiktok - See more episode highlights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 19

    167. Trent's Estate Vineyard Wedding with Bride Lucy Toohey

    This week I’m chatting with Lucy about her beautiful European-inspired wedding at Trent’s Estate Vineyard in Christchurch, from a surprise proposal in Paris to all the thoughtful details that made the day her own.    We chat about: 💜 Their love story, from meeting at the gym to getting engaged in Paris💜 Finding the perfect venue at Trent’s Estate and how their wedding aesthetic fell into place💜 Customising her dream wedding dress and having a second outfit made for the reception💜 The personal details that made their day unique, including handwritten notes, custom napkins and little keepsakes for guests💜 Planning a 125-person wedding and navigating the realities of wedding budgets💜 Why photography, videography, music and guest experience were top priorities💜 The emotional first looks with her dad, brothers and bridesmaids, and Alex’s reaction as she walked down the aisle💜 Creating a memorable reception with a raspberry cake, tiramisu and an outdoor dance floor💜 Why having an on-the-day coordinator made such a difference💜 Her advice for staying organised, enjoying the planning process and making the most of your wedding day💜 Navigating the post-wedding blues and settling into married life   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors:Venue: @trentsvineyard Coordinator: @soireestudio___ Photography: @sophieisabellaphoto Videography: @gordyduff_ Content Coordinator: @eyespy.content Dress: @bridesofmerivale Makeup: @staceybanfieldmakeup Hair: @laurenmaynardstyling Cake + Tiramisu: @fulltimetart Florals: @eden.florist Suit: @workingstylenz Doggy: @lifeoffrankie24 Drapery: @littlehirecomp Furniture: @loulahire Backdrop + Glassware: @flockevents Band, DJ + Sax: @benleeshow Cocktail Bar: @parttimetenders Wedding Website: @zola   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. 📱 Follow us on Tiktok - See more episode highlights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Oct 12

    166. Kōtare Estate Wedding with Bride Caity Betteridge

    This week I’m chatting with Caity about her destination wedding in Hawke’s Bay, travelling over from Australia to celebrate with their favourite people and make the most of everything New Zealand has to offer.   We chat about: 💜 Their surprise 10-year anniversary proposal overlooking Sydney Harbour💜 Choosing Hawke’s Bay and planning a wedding from overseas💜 Finding her dream wedding dress with Australian designer KYHA💜 Why they chose a cocktail-style reception over a traditional sit-down dinner💜 The realities of wedding budgets and managing expectations around costs💜 Learning to trust your vendors and their recommendations💜 Having a giant tiramisu instead of a traditional wedding cake💜 Navigating pre-wedding nerves and why saying your vows can become a favourite moment💜 Dealing with the post-wedding blues and making time to soak it all in💜 Why your wedding should reflect you as a couple rather than getting caught up in trends or what you see online   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors:Photography: @jesseandjessieweddings Venue: @kotare.estate Dress: @kyhabride Catering: @mitziandtwinn Planning, Styling & Hire: @flockevents Florist: @sniffffff__ Marquee: @lucyseventhire MUA: @megan.makeup_artist @josie_brenstrum_mua Hair: @robynmunrohair @gracienisbet Shoes: @tonybianco Suit: @lamilago Celebrant: Lisa Todd Video: @florenceandfriends.studio Glassware: @social.eventhire Stationery: @kamacreative.au DJ: @goldmansax_   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. 📱 Follow us on Tiktok - See more episode highlights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Oct 5

    165. Markovina Wedding with Bride Maddi Samuels

    This week I’m chatting with Maddi about her beautiful May wedding at Markovina, from a surprise Waiheke proposal to planning a 170-person wedding in just under seven months.   We chat about: 💜 Her surprise Waiheke proposal, complete with candles, an ocean view and family and friends hiding nearby 💜 Planning a 170-person wedding with a short seven-month engagement 💜 Choosing Markovina as their venue and why having the ceremony and reception in one place was important 💜 Creating a wedding that felt fun, relaxed and easy, with as much time as possible spent with their favourite people 💜 Deciding what was actually worth spending money on, including photography and videography 💜 Finding her dream Trish Peng dress and why she ended up choosing something completely different from what she originally imagined 💜 The challenge of creating a guest list when you have big families, lots of friends and parents who want to invite their people too 💜 Their decision to see each other for the first time walking down the aisle, rather than doing a first look 💜 Why they chose to have their grandparents as flower girls 💜 The difference between experiencing the wedding as the bride and as the groom 💜 Her advice to focus on the marriage rather than getting caught up in the small details of the wedding   …and so much more!   Wedding Vendors:Photography & Videography: @hollowandco Venue + Food: @markovina_vineyard_estate Hair & Makeup: @beautybysophienz Dress & Veil: @trishpeng Suit: @montagiocustomtailoring Bridesmaid Dresses: @billy_j_bridal Groomsmen Suits: @connor_clothing Stationery/Signage: @maddisonstudios_ Cake: @cakesbyangie_nz Rings: @austenandblakeanz @sutcliffejewellery Accessories: @gucci   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. 📱 Follow us on Tiktok - See more episode highlights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 28

    164. The Old Church, Ortons Hawkes Bay Wedding with Bride Lorin Cook

    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.

  7. Sep 21

    163. The Watermill Bakery, Wairarapa Wedding with Bride Lydia Jameson, Founder of We Are The Whimsy

    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.

  8. Sep 14

    162. Brad's Warehouse, Private Property & Norma Taps Auckland Wedding with Bride Chandni Patel

    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.

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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