The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Lydia Rachel
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  • Updated Weekly

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. 19h ago

    148. Nocton Woolshed Wedding with Groom Liam Richmond-Connolly

    This week, I’m joined by Liam, who shares the story of his beautiful wedding to his husband Calvin at Nocton Woolshed in Clevedon.   After meeting during the COVID lockdown era and later moving to Sydney together, Liam and Calvin planned a wedding that felt completely true to them. Relaxed, intentional, emotional, and focused on the people they love most.   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.    We chat about: 💜 Meeting online during lockdowns and building a relationship across borders 💜 A private proposal at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong 💜 Planning a New Zealand wedding while living in Sydney 💜 Creating a wedding day that moved away from traditional expectations 💜 Walking down the aisle together and including their mums in such a meaningful way 💜 Choosing Nocton Woolshed and creating an organic, relaxed atmosphere 💜 Guest list challenges, budgeting, and planning a wedding with 120 guests 💜 Their walk-and-fork style food experience and why they skipped a formal sit-down dinner 💜 Balancing personalities, finances, and wedding priorities as a couple 💜 The importance of taking quiet moments together throughout the day 💜 Helpful advice for couples planning weddings that truly reflect them   ...and so much more!   Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Venue: @noctonwoolshed Celebrant: @natashabowen4u Photographer: @robinson_studiios Food: @roamfoodcaravan Drinks Caravan: @littledoozycaravanbar Accommodation: @doubletreekaraka Private Shuttle: @yournzdriver_akl Bus Transport: Howick and Eastern Buses  Lighting: @stylelightingco DJ: @thedjdifference Suits: @barkersclothing Dresses: @billy_j_bridal Hair: @messybun_nz Makeup: @samanthacraig_aboutmakeup & @beautybysophienz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min

  2. Jun 1

    147. La Maison Clevedon Wedding with Bride Caitlin Covich

    This week, I’m joined by Caitlin, who shares the story of her beautiful marquee wedding at La Maison in Auckland. After 11 years together, a surprise proposal, and a venue change just 12 months before the big day, Caitlin and Danny created a wedding that was thoughtful, personal, and completely true to them.   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.    We chat about: 💜 How a lecture theatre crush turned into a wedding day 14 years later 💜 Why guest experience was one of their biggest priorities when planning 💜 Creating a wedding timeline that allowed them to spend more time with their guests 💜 The importance of good service, great food, plenty of drinks, and an epic dance floor 💜 Planning a marquee wedding and bringing a touch of Europe to New Zealand 💜 Wedding dress shopping, finding the perfect gown, and why Caitlin wishes she'd packed a second dress 💜 Why uneven bridal party numbers don't matter 💜 Navigating a tricky guest list and making decisions around children at the wedding 💜 The unique details that made their day unforgettable, including a surprise ring bearer, champagne sabrage, welcome shots, and late-night cheeseburgers 💜 Why a multi-day wedding celebration was one of the best decisions they made 💜 Managing a wedding budget realistically and avoiding unnecessary stress 💜 The benefits of a longer engagement and enjoying the fiancé season 💜 Planning a European honeymoon and avoiding the post-wedding blues 💜 Caitlin's best advice for couples currently planning their wedding   ...and so much more!   Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Photographer: @idophotographynz Venue: @la.maison.clevedon Videography: @flatrocfilms Dress: @heracouture Makeup: @katesolleymakeup Hair: @boutiquebride  Groom's Suit: @t.beggtailoring Bridesmaids: @becandbridge Groomsmen: @barkersclothing  Rings: @aureafinejewellery Flowers: @graceandflora.nz Marquee & Furniture: @flockevents and @willowlane_events Stationery: @paperdarlingnz Coordinator: @soulboundnz Celebrant: @marriedbygeorgiamay    Episode mentioned with link to budgeting spreadsheet: Episode 37 with Bride Hannah Duder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min

  3. May 25

    146. Private Property Marquee Wedding with Bride Viarni Torr

    This week, I’m joined by Viarni, who shares the story of her beautiful private property wedding in Mount Maunganui. From a summer romance at a local Mount bar to a proposal in Bali and a relaxed garden party wedding at home, this one is personal, thoughtful and full of helpful planning advice.   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.    We chat about:  💜 Moving back to Mount Maunganui for love 💜 A proposal in Ubud, Bali, surrounded by nature 💜 Planning a wedding on the property they had spent years creating together 💜 Creating a relaxed garden party feel at home 💜 Working in the wedding industry and how that shaped the planning process 💜 Her custom buttery-toned wedding dress made by her best friend, the incredibly talented Lulu Jackson 💜 Doing her own flowers and leaning on creative friends and family 💜 The importance of delegating and being organised in the lead-up 💜 The speeches, fireworks and dance floor moments that stood out most 💜 Why comparison can make wedding planning feel more stressful than it needs to be   …and so much more!    Let me know what you think of this episode!   Follow Viarni and the Lucy’s Event Hire team here: @viarni.torr @goodplace____ @lucyseventhire   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Photographer: @loversbyrubyjayne Reel + Content Creation: @theaisle___ Marquee + Furniture: @lucyseventhire Wedding dress: @lulujacksonbridal Bridesmaids dresses: @lulujacksonbridal Brides shoes: @stuartweitzman Groomsmen: @asos @drmartensnewzealand Brides Jewels: @cocoflorencenz + @studiozjewels Wedding Bands: @mayojewellery Glassware + Crockery: @royallaboratorie Oysters + Dinner Caterers: @nobiggie.food Makeup: @nkdmakeup @sophie.garth Cake: @sweetheart.caker Venue: V&P’s home @goodplace____ Grazing Table + Hair: Bride & Bridesmaids Styling + Florals: Bride See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  4. May 18

    145. Matakana Tipi Marquee Wedding with Bride Jasmin Palmer

    This week, I’m joined by Jasmin, who shares the story of her tipi marquee wedding on her parents’ property in Matakana, right between the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.   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.    We chat about:  💜 How Jasmin and Matt met at work and the gymnastics connection that started it all 💜 Their off-grid Kaikōura proposal with river crossings, no reception, and a very special love bubble 💜 Planning a tipi marquee wedding on her parents’ Matakana property 💜 Creating a romantic, muted colour palette that accidentally connected back to her grandmother’s wedding 💜 Why guest experience was one of Jasmin’s biggest priorities 💜 Planning an outdoor wedding right between the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle 💜 What happened when their ceremony space was underwater and the marquee site turned to mud 💜 The last-minute pivots, community help, and weather plans that helped save the day 💜 Why having a day-of coordinator made such a huge difference 💜 The reality of budgeting for a marquee wedding and the extra costs that can come with weather contingencies 💜 Wedding content overwhelm and trying not to compare your day to everything you see online 💜 Ending the night with nostalgic music on the dance floor   …and so much more!    Let me know what you think of this episode!   Follow Jasmin and the With Love Weddings and Events team at @withlove.weddingsandevents   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Tipi: @gypsyandcoevents Photography/Videography: @gregcampbell.photo Day of Coordination: @withlove.weddingsandevents Florals: @rubylou.floraldesign Hair: @messybun_nz Makeup: @danifroudemakeup Lighting: @stylelightingco  Furniture Hire: @flockevents Tableware Hire: @carltonmatakana Decor Hire: @theprettypropshop  Brides Dress: @jessicacouture.akl Celebrant: @aaronbloomfieldcelebrant See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  5. May 11

    144. Poderi Crisci, Waiheke Island Wedding with Bride Katie Russell

    This week, I’m joined by Katie, who shares the story of her timeless Italian-inspired Waiheke wedding at Poderi Crisci. From a mountain-top proposal in Queenstown to planning from London, it’s such a beautiful conversation about creating a wedding that felt elegant, relaxed, and completely true to them.   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.    We chat about:  💜 Meeting at an Otago uni party dressed as a cat and an astronaut 💜 A surprise helicopter proposal on Vanguard Peak in Queenstown 💜 Planning a New Zealand wedding while living in London 💜 Having to completely pivot venues after a tragic fire 💜 Falling in love with the Italian feel of Poderi Crisci on Waiheke Island 💜 Why guest experience, food, wine, and live music were their biggest priorities 💜 Choosing a timeless and elegant wedding style over trends 💜 Finding her dream dress with Kenny & Harlow after planning to shop overseas 💜 Designing a second party dress in Turkey during their travels 💜 Keeping their guest list to 85 people and navigating the challenges of narrowing it down 💜 Having her sister marry them and writing personalised vows 💜 The little wedding details that felt stressful at the time but didn’t matter on the day   …and so much more!    Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Venue & Catering: @podericrisci Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto Celebrant: @leoniesimecelebrant On-the-day Coordinator: Madeleine Corbett - @theislandcollection Florals: @wildflowerwaiheke  Entertainment: @twomanychiefsband Hire: @lucyseventhire Cake: @lilithwaiheke Bridal Dress & Veil: @kennyandharlowbridal Makeup: @katesolleymakeup Hair: @boutiquebride Tan: @esperanza_nz Groom’s Suit & Groomsmen Suits: @rembrandt1946 Bridesmaids Dresses: @shonajoy     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  6. May 4

    143. Queenstown Elopement with Bride Emma Swanepoel

    This week, I’m joined by Emma, who shares the story of her intimate Queenstown elopement, and why it was the perfect choice for their love story.   We chat about:  💜A beach proposal with a very excited dog and a ring box nearly lost in the sand 💜 Planning a wedding from Adelaide and navigating big decisions from afar 💜 Feeling overwhelmed by endless inspiration and how they found clarity 💜 Exploring multiple wedding ideas before choosing a Queenstown elopement 💜 Why an all-inclusive elopement package made the whole process easier 💜 Letting go of people pleasing and focusing on what actually mattered 💜 Keeping their guest list to just 13 people and making it meaningful 💜 Dress regret, comfort, and what she would do differently 💜 Helicopter photos on the Remarkables and creating a truly unique experience 💜 Choosing a relaxed dinner party over a traditional reception 💜 Their full budget breakdown and keeping the day under 20K 💜 Post-wedding blues and the reality of a honeymoon that didn’t go to plan   …and so much more!    Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Suit: @ignitionformen Dress: @madilanebridal @luvbridal Photographer: @carlamitchellphotography Elopement Planner: @queenstownelopementsnz Celebrant: @tess.kelly_celebrant   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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  7. Apr 27

    142. Kauri Bay Wedding with Bride Ella Clinton

    This week, I’m joined by Ella, who shares the story of her incredibly memorable wedding day, from a chaotic proposal journey in South Africa to getting married in the middle of a cyclone at Kauri Bay.   We chat about:  💜 A proposal that didn’t go to plan and why letting go of expectations made it even more meaningful💜 Planning a wedding in under a year and locking in key vendors quickly💜 Navigating years of long distance and starting married life that way💜 Decision fatigue and how to block out the noise of constant wedding content💜 Keeping your wedding intimate and intentional with your guest list💜 Budgeting realistically and where to prioritise your spend💜 Leaning on your friends and family to help bring the day together💜 What to do when the weather completely changes your plans💜 Pivoting to plan B early and making the most of a wet weather option💜 Letting go of control and embracing what the day actually becomes   …and so much more!    Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Episode Mentioned: 24: Omaha Wedding with Bride Siobhan Knox    Vendors: Dress: @natalierosebridal Photographer: @idophotographynz  Hair: @rougeandscout Flowers: @two_girls_farm DJ: @nzdjcollective Celebrant: @natashabowen4u Cake: @clairessecretkitchen Videographer: @lits.media   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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 15m

  8. Apr 20

    141. Private Property Marquee Wedding with Bride Amelia Laity

    This week, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares the story of her and Jack’s incredible marquee wedding in Mangawhai, set on private property with nearly 200 guests, beautiful styling, and a day that didn’t exactly go to plan but ended up being even better because of it.   We chat about:  💜 How they met and why you shouldn’t write off a bad first date 💜 A dreamy Fiji proposal, featuring a stray cat named Chris 💜 Planning a marquee wedding from scratch on private property 💜 What it’s really like hosting a wedding with nearly 200 guests 💜 Why great food, drinks, and guest experience were top priorities 💜 The reality of things not going to plan, rain, humidity, and last minute changes 💜 Pivoting the ceremony on the day and embracing the chaos 💜 Dress shopping with Hera Couture and finding something that actually fits and flatters 💜 The magic of having all your favourite people in one place 💜 Letting go of the small details and focusing on what actually matters   …and so much more!   Follow Amelia (Melie): @melies_kitchen   Let me know what you think of this episode!   If you’d like to see more from this wedding, check out the photos over on Instagram and make sure you’re following ⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ for more real weddings and inspiration.   Vendors: Photographer: @kerynsweeneyphotographer On the Day Coordinator: @sophpol Dress: @heracouture Second Dress: @lovejamesstore & @re_______studio Suit: @workingstylenz Flowers: @handsinthedirt_ Food: @sourcekitchennz Hire & Marquee: @lucyseventhire Drinks: @drinkalba @moabeer & @eurovintage_nz Makeup: @rae_makeup Hair: @penton.andco  Cake: @mor__bakery Stationery: @broganscottstudio Rings: @thevillagegoldsmith Venue: Private Property Celebrant: @nzcelebrant   Get tickets to ⁠That’s Amore⁠ this Thursday (23 April 2026) in Papamoa. See you there!   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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 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
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lydia Rachel
  • Show Website
    The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

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