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.

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.

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: @kerynsweeneyphotographer

Signage: @byyb___

Reception Venue: @edisonsnz

Dress: @lulujacksonbridal

Second Dress: @dominique_healy

Grooms Attire: @porterjames

Grooms Shoes: @organichandloom

Engagement Ring: @rosepickk

Grooms Ring: @steineratelier

Bridal Bag: @lovejamesstore

Food: @nobiggie.food

Cake: @olivejaycakes

Wedding Planner (Diary): @madeoftomorrow

Ice Cream: @duckislandicecream

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.

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: @⁠wilshrimpton⁠

Let me know what you think of this episode!

You can check out photos from this wedding and more over at @thekiwiweddingpodcast and follow Lydia @lydiarachelphoto

Vendors: 

Venue: @ayrburnnz 

Dress: @trishpeng 

Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto 

Videographer: @flatrocfilms 

DJ: @sweetmixkids 

Suit: @t.beggtailoring

Florals: @flowerroomqueenstown

Rings: @thediamondshop

Hair: @emmafrances.salon

Makeup: @olivia.jane.jenner

Draping: @qtweddinghire

Heli: @thehelicopterline

Accommodation: @millbrookresort

Hire: @majorandminorhire

Signage: @thesignerynz

Candles: @revelandlight

Content: @nosyparker__ 

Honeymoon: @yasawaislandresort

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.

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.

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: @_reverieweddings

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:

Photographer: @amanda_thomas_photography

Dress: @natalierosebridal

Cake: @kcakedessert

Hair: @boutiquebride

Makeup: @katesolleymakeup

Champagne Tower: @champagnetowers_nz

Content: @dearbridesnz

Venue: @mantells_

Florals: @printandpetal

Celebrant & Coordinator: @celebrant_georgia

Rolls Royces: @yourssincerely.co.nz

Musician: @magdalenaviolina

DJ: @dj_lenski

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I’m joined by Hebah, a bride and makeup artist who created the most beautiful blend of Fijian Indian, Islamic and Kiwi wedding traditions. Her day felt deeply rooted in culture, but also fresh, personal and very “them.”

We chat about:

💜 Meeting Reyan through family friends and navigating a long-distance relationship between Auckland and the States 

💜 Approaching marriage with intention within their faith, and how that shaped their journey 

💜 Planning an intimate-by-cultural-standards wedding with 110 guests 

💜 Choosing a dry hire venue and what that actually looks like behind the scenes 

💜 Their Islamic nikah ceremony, including the floral partition and separate seating 

💜 Creating a full mocktail hour so they could properly spend time with guests 

💜 Custom designing her dream traditional wedding dress with a wholesaler in Pakistan 

💜 Styling sage green across the bridal party and close family 

💜 The emotional first look with her parents 

💜 What she would do differently, and the small things she’s made peace with 

💜 Hebah’s best makeup advice for brides, from skincare timelines to why trials really matter

… and so much more!

Follow Hebah: @makeupbyhebah_

Let me know what you think of this episode!

If you’d like to see photos from Hebah’s day, make sure you’re following @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto where I’ll be sharing more from this beautiful celebration.

Vendors:

Venue: @hedgesestate

Photography & Videography: @thehpcollective
Cake: @shugarcoat__
Stationery & Signage: @brushletterco

Bride's Outfit: Custom-made in Pakistan

Florals: @smithiestheplantsmith
Makeup: @makeupbyhebah_

Food: @chaahat_indian_cuisine, @indiansweetsnzl 

Hair: @shergillbeauty

Also featured on Together Journal.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I’m joined by Robyn Munro, a bridal hair specialist with decades of experience in the wedding world. We dive into everything from what actually happens at a hair trial to how to create a calm, joyful wedding morning without the stress. If you’re planning your day right now, this one is packed with practical advice.

We chat about:

💜 How Robyn carved out a niche in bridal hair (and why not every hairdresser wants to do weddings)

💜 What a hair trial is really for: testing products, curl patterns, timing, and the overall plan

💜 Whether you should book hair and makeup trials on the same day

💜 Wedding morning flow and why strict run sheets can sometimes create more stress than calm

💜 Booking a hair + makeup team vs booking separately, and the pros and cons of both

💜 Pre-wedding hair prep, from scalp health to colour placement and timing your cut

💜 Busting the “dirty hair is better” myth (and why clean, dry hair is usually best)

💜 Current wedding hair trends: softer, bigger waves, sleeker updos, and half-up half-down having a moment

💜 How to choose a hairstyle that suits your dress, venue, vibe, face shape, and the NZ weather

💜 Budget expectations for bridal hair and what actually influences pricing, from experience to travel and time

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode.

Follow Robyn: @robynmunrohair

If you loved this conversation, go check out the photos and follow along at @thekiwiweddingpodcast and @lydiarachelphoto for more real NZ wedding inspiration.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Kelly, who shares the full story of planning a wedding that felt completely true to her and her husband, from a modern meet-cute to a fun, personality-filled celebration in Auckland.

Kelly talks openly about what mattered most to them when planning their day, how they made decisions without getting swept up in wedding “shoulds”, and why guest experience was always the priority. This episode is packed with honest reflections, practical advice, and plenty of moments that will make you laugh and nod along.

We chat about:

💜 How Kelly and Mike met and the New York proposal, where Mike waited until the moment felt right

💜 Choosing The Glasshouse as their venue and why being weather-proof in NZ was non-negotiable

💜 Planning a cocktail-style wedding with no sit-down dinner, and focusing on great food, drinks, and music

💜 Kelly’s dress shopping experience at Hera Couture, including a very memorable fire alarm moment

💜 The mental load of wedding planning alongside work and real life

💜 Bridesmaids dresses, decision fatigue, and what Kelly would do differently next time

💜 Making the day feel personal with thoughtful details like a custom newspaper, handwritten notes for guests, and fun favours

💜 Budgeting honestly, what they chose to prioritise, and why photo and video mattered so much to them

💜 Letting go of perfection, trusting your vendors, and remembering you’re the guest of honour, not the host

…and so much more!

Let me know what you think of this episode.

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

Follow Lydia ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Find all K & M’s amazing vendors:

Location: @glasshouse.nz

Dress: @heracouture 

Photography: @ashmuirphoto

Videographer: @flatrocfilms

Flowers: @floralcentric

Hair: @jules_armishaw_makeupstyling

Makeup: @katesmithmakeup

Candle Installation: @revelandlight

Crane Machine: @kiwikrane

Band: @velvettonesnz

Kelly's Wedding Featured on Capsule

Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Libby, a celebrant, founder of Love on the Run Weddings, and all-round straight-talker when it comes to weddings. Libby shares her own wedding experience alongside what she’s learned working in the industry, with plenty of honest, practical advice for couples who want a day that feels relaxed, personal, and genuinely enjoyable.

We chat about:

💜 Libby’s own wedding day, including a bright, fun DIY approach and choosing what actually mattered to them

💜 Why photography and videography were non-negotiables, and why some things are worth spending properly on

💜 Letting go of the pressure for your wedding to be “the best day of your life” and why that mindset can actually ruin the experience

💜 Guest experience in a real, practical way, from plus ones to weather plans and comfort

💜 A clear explanation of what a registry wedding in New Zealand looks like now, including the rules, restrictions, and why many couples are surprised when they start researching it

💜 Libby’s business, Love on the Run, and how it offers a more flexible, affordable registry-style ceremony without all the usual limitations

💜 Why your wedding is not a performance, you can’t fail, and sometimes the moments that don’t go to plan end up being the best ones

…and so much more!

Follow Libby:

@loveandlibertynz

@loveontherun_weddings

@view14_house

Let me know what you think of this episode!

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

Follow Lydia ⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠ 

Find all L & B’s amazing vendors:

Photo & Video: @chris_turner_weddings

Celebrant: @marriedbybex

Dress & Veil: @harriettfalvey

Makeup: @rachelmackwood

Hair: Mackenzie Hair Coromandel

Venue: French Bay Yacht Club

Furniture: @flockevents

Catering: @drifterspizza

Cake: @zi__sweet (currently closed)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.