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

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