This week, I’m joined by hairstylist and bride Sherrie from Messy Bun, who shares the story of her beautiful autumn wedding at Winehouse in Queenstown.

 

After being together for 12 years, Sherrie and her husband planned a wedding that felt completely true to them, bringing together their favourite people for a three-day celebration in one of New Zealand’s most stunning destinations. As someone who has spent years helping brides get ready on their wedding mornings, Sherrie also shares what it was like experiencing it all from the other side.

 

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:

💜 Their sweet proposal story in Matakana after 10 years together
💜 Why they chose Queenstown and fell in love with Winehouse
💜 Planning a wedding while working in the wedding industry
💜 Why having a wedding planner was one of the best investments they made
💜 Creating an incredible guest experience and making everyone feel looked after
💜 Finding her dream dress and the confidence journey that came with it
💜 The highlights of their wedding weekend and helicopter photos on Cecil Peak
💜 Navigating timelines, daylight savings and the realities of wedding budgets
💜 Experiencing post-wedding blues after such an incredible celebration
💜 Sherrie's advice for creating a calm, joyful wedding morning and choosing the right vendors

 

...and so much more!

 

Let me know what you think of this episode!

 

Follow Sherrie here: @messybun_nz

 

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 & Videographer: @esmeandlogan

Venue: @winehousenz

Planning & Styling: @withlove.weddingsandevents

Florals: @rubylou.floraldesign

Content Curation: @nicolablackwellphotography

Hair Stylist: @boutiquebride

Makeup Artist: @samhartsam

Extra Friends Makeup Artist: @makeup_bymindy

Bridal Gown: @astrabridal

Alterations: @isew4ualterations

Furniture Hire: @trulyyours_events

Stationery & Signage: @thesignerynz

DJ: @mountainbeatsdjco

Runner Hire: @theprettypropshop

Welcome Mirror: @qtweddinghire

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I’m joined by wedding photographer Ash Muir, who shares the story of her incredibly stylish and joy-filled wedding day at Longfords Lake Ōkāreka.

 

After spending years photographing weddings herself, Ash opens up about the pressure of planning your own wedding when you work in the industry, staying true to your style instead of trends, and creating a day that genuinely felt like 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:

💜 The reality of planning a wedding when you’ve seen hundreds of other weddings

💜 Designing a wedding inspired by their own home and personal style

💜 Her custom Brooke Tyson dress and iconic green second outfit

💜 What’s actually worth spending money on vs where they saved

💜 Why she thinks couples need to stop trying to make their wedding “timeless”

💜 Why coordinators are completely underrated

💜 The challenge of not changing your mind every weekend when you work in weddings

💜 The pressure of people expecting your wedding to be “amazing” when you’re a wedding photographer

💜 How they turned the entire day into one big party with alfresco dining, cocktails, and an afterparty until 6am

💜 The moments from the day that mattered far more than aesthetics

 

...and so much more!

 

Let me know what you think of this episode!

 

Follow Ash here: @ashmuirphoto

 

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: @evoquefilms___

Dress + Green Veil: @brooketysonritual

Venue & Coordination: @longfordsnz

Styling: @withsophie__

Makeup: @gabriellehoughtonn @gabriellehoughtonmakeup

Hair: @dededaph

Catering: @creameatery

Cake: @chrissycakes

Bread & Butter Installation: @rosesdiningtable

Florals: @asterandbloom

Linen/Draping: @tble__linen__hire

Cocktails: @mrpicklesnz served by @blumedarling

DJ: @epicsaxguynz

Veil + Jewellery: @lovejamesstore

Marquee + Glassware: @andysmarquee_and_partyhire

Plates: @royallaboratorie

Engagement Ring: @cocoflorencenz

Second Dress: @acler

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.