LAST CHANCE to enter to win your wedding photography, enter by midnight 17th Jan 2026:

ENTER HERE

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Trish Peng, bridal designer, business owner, and one of the most recognisable names in the New Zealand wedding industry. Trish shares her journey not only as a bride, but as someone who lives and breathes weddings every single day.

We chat about:

💜 A full-circle love story involving a 21st birthday, Fashion Week, and a very well-timed dating-app reconnection

💜 A surprise proposal complete with a picnic at the Auckland Domain

💜 Planning a Queenstown wedding while running a busy business

💜 Designing four wedding dresses for her own day, including a first look dress and a party mini

💜 Managing expectations and pressure as a designer bride

💜 Guest list rules, budget realities, and why your wedding isn’t a family reunion

💜 The importance of carving out time with your partner on the wedding day

💜 Life after the wedding and avoiding post-wedding blues

💜 Building a global bridal brand, going viral on TikTok, and growing a business over 11+ years

💜 Dress shopping advice every bride needs to hear, from timelines to try-ons and trusting your gut

💜 Current bridal trends, minis, basque waists, and choosing a dress that truly feels like you

…and so much more!

Follow Trish: @trishpeng

Let me know what you think of this episode!

If you’d like to see photos from Trish’s wedding day and get inspired by the incredible vendors involved, check them out and give them some love over on @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto 🤍

Find all T & T’s amazing vendors:

Location: Private Estate - Colpo Di Fulmine in Queenstown

Bride's Gowns: Custom @trishpeng

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: @t.beggtailoring

Bridesmaids Dresses: Custom⁠ ⁠@trishpeng⁠

Wedding Planner & Stylist: @onefinedayweddings

Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto

Videographer: @cameronandalannah

Florals: @michelecoomeyfloral

Furniture: @hayleythehirer (now part of Flock Events)

Lighting, Draping & Chandeliers: @lalumiere_nz

Candle Installation: @revelandlight

Hair: @boutiquebride 

Makeup: @katesolleymakeup

Diamonds & Rings: @thediamondshop

Cars: Volkswagen for the bridal party

Ford Mustang: @muzz_and_molly

Cake: @sophieroseannacakes

Event Stationery: @papierhqevents

Invitation Design: @brandedstudioco

Invitation Printing: @paperlust.co

Marquee: @trulyyours_events

Singer & Pianist: @shaun_preston

Champagne: Moet

Espresso Martinis: @batchedcocktails

DJ: @jupiterproject

Celebrant: @michaelgoudie

Bridal Muse Budgeting Template

Also featured on:

Trish Peng Online

Jonny Scott

One Fine Day

Wedding Style

Surprise! Popping into your feeds today with a bonus episode, a recording from our live in-person event back in August 2025.

This includes my conversations with makeup artist Kate Solley, bridal designer Trish Peng and wedding planner Astrid from PS. I Love You and Forever Starts Now. Also, some of the Q&A we had with all of them.

I hope this episode gives you a taste of what a TKWP live event is like, and I look forward to planning more in 2026.

Follow the Podcast: @thekiwiweddingpodcast

Follow Lydia: @lydiarachelphoto

ENTER the giveaway: https://lydiarachel.com/wedding-giveaway

Listen to Kate’s full episode here, episode 105.

See photos from the event HERE.

Huge thank you to all our event sponsors and supporting vendors. I could not have pulled off this event without you!

Venue - @tada.creatives

Florals - @wildly.madly.deeply

Cake/treats - @ignatura.nz

Together Journal - @togetherjournal

Candles - @thesandcandlesnz

Champagne Towers - @champagnetowers_nz

Uncommon Wines - @wearetheuncommon_nz

Elta Ego - @elta_ego

Daeli Electrolytes - @drinkdaeli

Betty Bars - @goodbettyco

The Revelry - @therevelry_

Dermalogica - @dermalogicanz

Skintopia - @skintopianz

The Facialist - @thefacialist_

Nomu - @nomumatcha_

Blak Bridesmaids - @blakbridesmaids

Nuzest - @nuzest

Radix - @radixnutrition

Melitta - @melittaskin

Skinsmiths - @caci_nz @skinsmiths

Slay My Day - @slaymyday.nz

Photographer - @brijanacatoweddings 

Content - @your.momentsnz

Trish Peng - @trishpeng @trish.peng

Kate Solley - @katesolleymakeup

Astrid Braid - @psiloveyoueventsnz & @foreverstartsnow_

Linen - @tble__linen__hire

This week, I’m popping into your feed with a little bonus episode to share something very special I’ve been planning.

To celebrate summer and over a decade of photographing weddings, I’m giving one couple the chance to win their full wedding photography package with me, Lydia Rachel Photography.

ENTER HERE

This is something I’ve never done before, and I’m so excited to finally share all the details with you.

💜 We chat about:

• What’s included in the wedding photography giveaway
• Who this giveaway is perfect for (and a few important eligibility details)
• How and where to enter
• Key dates, including when entries close and when the winner will be announced

If you’re recently engaged, in the early stages of planning, or know someone who would love this, make sure you listen in and head to the entry form.

ENTER HERE

Follow:@lydiarachelphoto@thekiwiweddingpodcast

Keep an eye on Instagram for updates, reminders, and the winner announcement.

This week, I’m joined by Caren, who shares her full wedding journey, from how she and her husband first met, right through to their summer wedding in Mangawhai earlier this year

We chat about:

💜 A pre-dating apps meet-cute, and finding their way back to each other over the years

💜 A low-key, intimate proposal at home and being engaged through some huge life milestones

💜 Planning a wedding on family property in Mangawhai and what that really involves behind the scenes

💜 Choosing what to prioritise in their budget, and what they’d absolutely invest in again

💜 Working with a wedding planner and why it made the whole experience so much more enjoyable

💜 Personal touches throughout the day, from music and cocktails to handmade pottery guest favours

💜 Including their children in the ceremony and navigating the day as parents

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode!

You can check out photos from Caren and Matiu’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠

Follow Lydia ⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠ 

Find all C & M’s amazing vendors:

Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto 

Content Curator: @contentbycurate

Wedding Planner: @withlove.weddingsandevents 

Celebrant: @withlove.weddingsandevents 

Dress: @trishpeng 

Suit: @t.beggtailoring 

Jewellery: @thediamondshop 

Hair: @hareandhunter 

Makeup: @katesolleymakeup 

Florals: @wildly.madly.deeply 

Catering: @whiskcateringnz 

Caker: @thecakeconz_

Musicians: @goldmansax_  @stanbicknell 

Marquee, Furniture & Tableware: @willowlane_events

Linen: @tble__linen__hire

Stationery & Signage: @thesignerynz

AV: @techqnz

Ceramic Side Plates: @oops_collective

Also featured on Together Journal

This week, I’m joined by Lisa from With Love Weddings and Events, who planned a beautifully relaxed marquee wedding on family property in Karaka. 

Lisa shares both sides of the story – what it was like as a bride navigating last-minute changes and what she’s learned from years as a planner and celebrant in the industry.

We chat about:

💜 Meeting at university, years of friendship and the “eight-hour coffee date” that changed everything

💜 A fairy-light-filled backyard proposal that completely caught her off guard

💜 Losing their original Cambridge venue to pandemic restrictions and replanning a whole new wedding in 12 weeks

💜 Why catering was a non-negotiable and how great food shapes your guests’ entire experience

💜 The power of a day-of coordinator, especially for marquee and private property weddings

💜 Guest list boundaries, COVID caps and using milestone events as a guide for who makes the cut

💜 The DIY florals story she would not repeat, and why she’d leave centrepieces to the pros next time

💜 Lisa’s journey into weddings: Villa Maria, becoming a celebrant, then taking the leap into full-service planning

💜 What it actually looks like to work with With Love from enquiry through to pack down

💜 Styling trends she is loving, from texture and draping to moody palettes and candlelit dinners, and why “timeless” is overrated

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode!

You can check out photos from Lisa and Nathan’s marquee wedding over on Instagram, as well as some of With Love’s work - and make sure you are following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more from this day and other New Zealand love stories.

Find all L & N’s amazing vendors:

Photographer: @aaronsami

Videographer: @ayshandhamish

Caterer: @whiskcateringnz

Marquee & Furniture Hire: @twelve_tables

Tableware: @royallaboratorie

Linen: @tble__linen__hire

Bouquets & Buttonholes: @frankieandflora

Stationery / Signage: @thesignerynz

Makeup: @claudialouismarie

Hair Stylist: @hannstech_hair

Band: Kid Radio

Cake: @justjessboujeebakery

Dress: @mwlbride from @felicitysbridalnz

Tans: @epsomspraytan

This week, I’m joined by Emily, who works behind the scenes at Little Wolf Catering and brings such a unique industry perspective to her own wedding day. 

Emily and her husband Leo were married at the Glasshouse in Morningside back in 2021, and in this episode, she shares the story of planning a beautiful, food-focused celebration during the rollercoaster that was the pandemic era.

We chat about:

💜 Meeting through mutual friends in 2018 and getting engaged on top of the Pinnacles

💜 Planning a six-month wedding while working in the industry and already knowing which vendors she trusted

💜 Choosing the Glasshouse Morningside and why it was perfect for an April wedding

💜 Putting food and guest experience at the very top of their priorities

💜 Creating her custom dress with Kenny and Harlow and Leo’s custom Crane Brothers tux

💜 Skipping the bridal party and spending the morning surrounded by friends instead

💜 How the timing of the day felt and why the morning dragged more than expected

💜 Navigating a wedding during lockdowns and ending up with a beautiful 70-person celebration

💜 Her biggest tips from both a bride and a catering insider

💜 Why people really do remember the food, service, and overall guest experience

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode!

Head to Instagram to check out some photos from Emily and Leo’s wedding and follow @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more real wedding stories.

Find all E & L’s amazing vendors:

Venue: @glasshouse.nz

Photographer: @jesseandjessieweddings

Celebrant: Celebrant Sandy 

Entertainment: @kidku

Hire: @foliohire

Florals: @floralstylistco

Catering + Beverages: @littlewolfweddings

Cake: @bluebellscakery

Stationery: @justmytype_nz

Dress: @kennyandharlowbridal

Suit: @cranebrothers @cranebrothers_occasions

Rings: @diamondsonrichmond 

Shoes: @mi_piaci

Makeup + Hair: @danifroudemakeup

This week, I’m joined by Jane, who planned the most beautiful, relaxed celebration split between two stunning coastal spots in Leigh and Omaha. 

From a mountaintop proposal in Queenstown to a wedding day filled with ocean views, meaningful details, and a relaxed, genuine vibe, Jane shares how she and Tom created a day that felt completely true to them.

We chat about:

💜 Meeting at local touch rugby and instantly hitting it off

💜 Their surprise engagement on the Remarkables during a hunting trip

💜 Hosting a two-part celebration with a private beachside signing and a paddock ceremony overlooking the ocean

💜 Keeping their wedding budget down by calling in help from family and friends

💜 Why “less is best” became their guiding mantra for styling and planning

💜 Her buttery silk ceremony dress, Maggie Marilyn party dress, and relaxed bridal styling

💜 The joy of having all their favourite people in one place

💜 How they created a party that went all night with gin carts, limoncello shots, a champagne tower and an incredible live band

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode!

If you want to see photos from Jane and Tom’s beautiful day, make sure you’re following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto. 

Vendor credits are below - go show them some love!

Hair: @boutiquebrideMakeup: @shonastevensonmakeup at @littletakatustudioPhotographer: @brijanacatoweddingsDress: Christchurch BridalParty Dress: @maggiemarilynBridesmaids dresses: @shonajoyMusic: Black & Gold (find via @betterbandco)

This week, I’m joined by Tania, a recent bride and on-the-day wedding coordinator at Eighty Eight Events. She and her husband planned a beautifully intentional celebration at Six One Five Matakana.

From high-school sweethearts to a proposal that unfolded right at home, Tania’s story is full of honesty and the kind of grounded perspective couples need to hear.

We chat about:

💜 Navigating 12+ years together, moving through life stages, and finally getting engaged

💜 Choosing priorities like good food, good drinks, and good company

💜 Balancing family input, traditions, and their own priorities

💜 Finding a dress that felt timeless, comfortable, and true to her

💜 Their calm, present wedding day and how she managed to stay grounded

💜 What a wedding coordinator really does behind the scenes and why it’s worth considering one

💜 The realities of planning a DIY wedding while working full-time

… and so much more!

Follow Tania at @eightyeightevents_ on Instagram.

Let me know what you think of this episode!

If you want to check out photos from this wedding and see more behind the scenes, head to @thekiwiweddingpodcast and follow Lydia at @lydiarachelphoto

Vendors:

Catering: @sourcekitchennz

Cake: @from__sugar

Celebrant: @jimsweddings

Day of Coordinator: @dreamevents_nz

Florals: @floralcentric

Furniture: @lowercasehire

Hair & Makeup: @fionawright__

Lion Dancers: @tungtekliondance

Marquees & Umbrellas: @raj_tent_club_nz

Photography: @jesseandjessieweddings

Venue: @sixonefive_matakana

This week, I’m joined by Michele, who planned a relaxed, intimate celebration for her special day. Michele and her husband chose Wild Canvas in Waitomo for a small glamping-style wedding with just their mums and two close couples.

We chat about:  

💜 A surprise proposal hidden inside a birthday card at Falls Retreat

💜 Choosing their date 02.04.24 and what it symbolised

💜 Planning a micro-wedding at Wild Canvas and keeping the guest list and the budget, tiny

💜 How an all-in package made everything low-stress and simple

💜 Walking down the aisle five minutes after getting dressed, and forgetting her bouquet

💜 Finding the one at Madison Rose Bridal on her first appointment

💜 Sharing their pregnancy news with their mums on the wedding day

💜 The vintage plane flyover that felt like fate

💜 Heading straight into a European honeymoon

💜 Why there were no post-wedding blues, just post-holiday ones

💜 Her business, The Perfect Match, and sourcing affordable, sustainable wedding accessories

...and so much more!

Follow The Perfect Match: @theperfectmatchnz

🎧 Let me know what you think of this episode!

Below you can find the handles for all M & D’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto ⁠⁠

Vendors:

Photographer: @courtneyhorwood_photo

Venue: @wildcanvas.nz

Celebrant: @suzannehoare

Hair & Makeup: @_kayleighcreates (now closed)

Flowers: @mossandconz

Cake: @birdie_x_bakes

Dress: @madisonrose.bridal

Accessories & Confetti: @theperfectmatchnz

Brides Rings: @fourwordsnz

Buy Glowguard SPF 50+ by Melitta Skin. Use code: KWP15 for 15% off.

You might remember Brogan Scott from Episode 21, where she joined me as a vendor to chat all things stationery and design. This time, she’s back on the podcast as a bride, sharing all about her and Josh’s vibrant, inner-city Auckland celebration at Old Government House and Grand Harbour Restaurant.

We chat about:  

💜 A breakfast-in-bed proposal and why getting engaged in the morning is the best idea

💜 Finding her vintage wedding dress and creating a custom veil to match

💜 Choosing a restaurant reception for its fun, intimate atmosphere (and incredible food!)

💜 Surprising guests with a live brass band leading everyone through the city

💜 Planning their entire wedding while running a busy studio

💜 The realities of being both a wedding vendor and a bride

💜 Pulling together styling and stationery just three weeks before the big day

💜 Her creative collaborations with other NZ wedding vendors and friends

💜 How they kept the day feeling authentic, playful, and stress-free

💜 Brogan’s honest advice for couples planning a wedding that feels true to you

...and so much more!

Follow Brogan: @broganscottstudio

🎧 Let me know what you think of this episode!

🎧 Listen to Brogan on Episode 21

🎧 Listen to “Forever Friend by The James Hunt Appreciation Club” song 

🎧 Brogan and Josh featured in Vogue

Below you can find the handles for all B & J’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠@lydiarachelphoto ⁠

Vendors:

Photographer: @kerynsweeneyphotographer

Styling, Design & Stationery: @broganscottstudio

On-the-day Coordinator: @withlove.weddingsandevents

Florals: @floralcentric

Wedding Dress: @lovejamesstore

Wedding Dress rework & Overskirt: @brooketysonritual

Custom Kilt: @re_______studio

Content Creator: @theaisle___

Veil: @harriettfalvey

Custom Shoes: @rebeofficial

Make Up Artist: @rae_makeup

Hair Stylist: @hair_by_vvn

Flower Girls Dresses: @tinydancerwellington

Procession Band: @thesaxobros

Reception Lighting: @torch____

Celebrant: @jameshunt.studio

Reception Table Linen: @tble__linen__hire

Ceremony Table Linen: @nicksfabrics

Engagement Rings: @sebbrown

DJ: @drlovesdiscos