Épisodes

  • 141. Private Property Marquee Wedding with Bride Amelia Laity

    141. Private Property Marquee Wedding with Bride Amelia Laity
    Apr 20 2026

    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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    39 min
  • 140. Rippon Wedding with Bride Renee Marett

    140. Rippon Wedding with Bride Renee Marett
    Apr 13 2026

    I’ve teamed up with ⁠Tauranga Weddings⁠ to give away a double pass to their brand new Italian-inspired event, ⁠That’s Amore⁠. Head to ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ on Instagram to enter, and you can find tickets and all the ⁠details here⁠.

    This week, I’m joined by Renee, who takes us inside her stunning Wanaka wedding at Rippon, from a full circle proposal at the venue itself to a beautifully simple black and white vision that let the landscape do the talking.

    We chat about:

    💜 Getting engaged and married in the same place and why it made the moment even more special

    💜 Planning a wedding with a short turnaround and what that actually felt like behind the scenes

    💜 Choosing your top priorities and why photo + video were non negotiables

    💜 DJ vs band and how they made the call, plus why it was one of their best decisions

    💜 Wedding dress shopping solo and trusting your own opinion

    💜 Keeping the bridal party small and the day feeling intimate

    💜 Guest list decisions and why they chose not to overthink it

    💜 A perfectly timed run sheet that got everyone on the dance floor early

    💜 Cutting the cake straight after the ceremony and why it worked so well

    💜 Honest reflections on budget, spending, and letting go of the spreadsheet

    💜 Why not everything has to go to plan and why your guests won’t even notice

    …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: @ripponhall

    Photography: @amour.weddings_

    Celebrant: @caitlinmarett

    Catering: @raspberrycreek

    Video: @flatrocfilms

    Furniture: @trulyyours_events + @majorandminorhire

    Flowers: @flowerroomqueenstown

    Dress: @paperswanbride @kyhastudios

    Suit: @sergios.menswear

    Cake: @whiterabbitcakesnz

    Music: @mountainbeatsdjco

    Makeup: @alarnataylor_hair_mua + @paigeshipstonemakeup

    Hair: @sarahlouisehair.bridal

    Steaming: @wanakapristinesteaming

    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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    42 min
  • 139. The McCallum Residence Wedding with Bride Paige Wiggins

    139. The McCallum Residence Wedding with Bride Paige Wiggins
    Apr 6 2026
    I’ve teamed up with Tauranga Weddings to give away a double pass to their brand new Italian-inspired event, That’s Amore. Head to @thekiwiweddingpodcast on Instagram to enter, and you can find tickets and all the details here. This week, I’m joined by Paige to chat about her stunning McCallum Residence wedding, and the whirlwind journey from almost eloping in Italy to planning a full wedding in just a few months. We chat about: 💜 Almost eloping overseas and the moment everything changed 💜 Planning a wedding in just four and a half months (and why it actually worked) 💜 Choosing The McCallum Residence and creating a full weekend experience 💜 Budget expectations and the reality of investing in a full weekend wedding 💜 Guest experience vs what actually matters on the day 💜 The value of a wedding planner (and why Paige would do it again in a heartbeat) 💜 Making quick decisions and avoiding second guessing 💜 Wedding outfits, custom details and working with the right vendors 💜 Staying present on the day and not getting caught up in everything 💜 What she would do differently (and what she wouldn’t change at all) …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: @kerynsweeneyphotographer Videographer: @greyareaproduction Planning & Styling: @withlove.weddingsandevents Venue: @themccallumresidence Catering: @whiskcateringnz Marquee: @twelve_tables Lighting & Draping: @lalumiere_nz Florals: @ruthfionafloral Furniture: @flockevents Stationery & Signage: @broganscottstudio Hair Stylist: @boutiquebride Makeup Artist: @beautybyblairgamblin Content Curation: @your.momentsnz Tableware: @royallaboratorie Linen: @tble__linen__hire Candles: @revelandlight Musicians: @leegraymusic Illustrator: @esther.illustration Gown and Custom Mini: @trishpeng Suit: @t.beggtailoring Rings: @culetjewellery Shoes: @gucci & @harloau Earrings: @ameliegeorgebridal Tennis Bracelet: @fifthavenuediamondexperts Bridesmaid Dresses: @becandbridge 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. 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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • 138. Niki's Resort, Italy Destination Wedding with Bride Melissa Mawdsley

    138. Niki's Resort, Italy Destination Wedding with Bride Melissa Mawdsley
    Mar 30 2026

    This week, I’m joined by Melissa, and we dive into her incredible destination wedding in Italy, and bringing all their favourite people together for a three-day celebration.


    We chat about:

    💜 Meeting online and eventually moving from New Zealand to the UK together

    💜 A surprise proposal in Spain overlooking the ocean

    💜 Choosing Italy as the perfect fit for their wedding

    💜 Accidentally finding their dream venue and instantly knowing it was the one

    💜 Planning a destination wedding with 70 guests travelling from all over the world

    💜 Why guest experience was their number one priority

    💜 Creating a three-day celebration with welcome drinks and a post-wedding event

    💜 The realities of planning from overseas and leaning on vendor recommendations

    💜 Budgeting for a destination wedding and what that looked like across multiple days

    💜 Letting go of control and staying true to what they actually wanted


    …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 & Cake: @nikisresort

    Photographer: @luisaapanui

    Florals: @form_floraldesign

    Celebrant: @amelia_mcknight_celebrant

    Content: @bridediariesuk

    Makeup: @paigeshipstonemakeup

    Hair: @hairtowedbytina

    Music: @partysaxdj

    Bride's Dress: @grace_loves_lace

    Brides Second Dress: @_aje_

    Bridesmaid's Dresses: @billy_j_bridal

    Brides Shoe's: @jimmychoo

    Rings: @thediamondshop (engagement ring) & @diamondsfactorynewzealand (both wedding bands)

    Grooms Suit: Custom Suit from @editsuits

    Grooms Shoes: @loakeshoemakers


    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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    37 min
  • 137. Whangamatā Private Property + Edisons Wedding with Bride Kalani Cooney

    137. Whangamatā Private Property + Edisons Wedding with Bride Kalani Cooney
    Mar 23 2026
    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 Kalani, and we chat about her beautifully relaxed, heartfelt wedding in Whangamatā, and the intentional way they approached the whole day.We chat about:💜 Meeting at 20 through mutual friends and never leaving each other’s side since 💜 A thoughtful scavenger hunt proposal, with letters retracing their relationship 💜 Planning their entire wedding before officially getting engaged (and having the ring sit on top of the fridge) 💜 Choosing to get married locally, including getting ready at her nana’s house for sentimental reasons 💜 Letting the day feel “warm” and focusing on the overall vibe rather than getting caught up in tiny details 💜 Why photography was a non-negotiable, and choosing their date around their photographer’s availability 💜 Skipping a bridal party and doing the day in a way that felt true to them as a couple 💜 Navigating the guest list (including having 17 kids there!) and trusting their gut over obligation 💜 Creating a day full of meaningful, personal touches, from DIY elements to designing her own wedding signage 💜 Highlights from the day, including beachside cocktail hour, speeches, and a packed dance floor…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: @kerynsweeneyphotographerSignage: @byyb___Reception Venue: @edisonsnzDress: @lulujacksonbridalSecond Dress: @dominique_healyGrooms Attire: @porterjamesGrooms Shoes: @organichandloomEngagement Ring: @rosepickkGrooms Ring: @steineratelierBridal Bag: @lovejamesstoreFood: @nobiggie.foodCake: @olivejaycakesWedding Planner (Diary): @madeoftomorrowIce Cream: @duckislandicecreamJoin ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    35 min
  • 136. Ayrburn Wedding with Bride Wilhelmina O'Keeffe

    136. Ayrburn Wedding with Bride Wilhelmina O'Keeffe
    Mar 16 2026
    This week, I’m joined by Wilhelmina, and we chat about her incredible Queenstown wedding to Ben, from an Instagram follow and a whirlwind international love story, to a Cape Town proposal and a seriously unforgettable celebration at Ayrburn.We chat about: 💜 Writing a very specific list of the qualities she hoped to find in a partner, and how Ben ended up ticking every box 💜 A whirlwind early relationship that included long distance, a third date at the Taj Mahal, and time in Paris during the Rugby World Cup 💜 Their Cape Town proposal on a windswept lookout while road-tripping in a classic convertible 💜 Choosing a destination-style wedding in Queenstown and falling in love with Ayrburn as their venue 💜 Designing the day around guest experience, music, atmosphere, and a proper afterparty that went until 4am 💜 The styling vision for the day, including candlelit tables, aerial draping, and making the reception space feel truly their own 💜 Wedding fashion with Trish Peng, including a stunning veil, second dress, sparkly mini, and Ben’s party outfit change 💜 Flying by helicopter to Cecil Peak after the ceremony for photos and a quiet moment together 💜 What she learned from planning a wedding before and the things she intentionally didn’t stress about this time 💜 Advice for couples on choosing vendors, managing the budget, and remembering the day is ultimately about the two of you…and so much more!Follow Wilhelmina here: @⁠wilshrimpton⁠Let me know what you think of this episode!You can check out photos from this wedding and more over at @thekiwiweddingpodcast and follow Lydia @lydiarachelphotoVendors: Venue: @ayrburnnz Dress: @trishpeng Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto Videographer: @flatrocfilms DJ: @sweetmixkids Suit: @t.beggtailoringFlorals: @flowerroomqueenstownRings: @thediamondshopHair: @emmafrances.salonMakeup: @olivia.jane.jennerDraping: @qtweddinghireHeli: @thehelicopterlineAccommodation: @millbrookresortHire: @majorandminorhireSignage: @thesignerynzCandles: @revelandlightContent: @nosyparker__ Honeymoon: @yasawaislandresortJoin ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    47 min
  • 135. Winehouse Wedding with Bride Charlotte Cummings

    135. Winehouse Wedding with Bride Charlotte Cummings
    Mar 9 2026

    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.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    40 min
  • 134. Mantells Mt Eden Wedding with Bride Latasha Mens, Founder of Reverie Weddings

    134. Mantells Mt Eden Wedding with Bride Latasha Mens, Founder of Reverie Weddings
    Mar 2 2026
    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: @_reverieweddingsLet 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_photographyDress: @natalierosebridalCake: @kcakedessertHair: @boutiquebrideMakeup: @katesolleymakeupChampagne Tower: @champagnetowers_nzContent: @dearbridesnzVenue: @mantells_Florals: @printandpetalCelebrant & Coordinator: @celebrant_georgiaRolls Royces: @yourssincerely.co.nzMusician: @magdalenaviolinaDJ: @dj_lenskiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    45 min