In this episode, I chat with the lovely Abby, a recent bride and wedding vendor who shares an honest, funny and super relatable look at planning her wedding while juggling two kids, and working in the industry herself. We chat about: π How Abby and Storm met working in radio and the adorable proposal followed by a bit of chaos. π Planning when youβre in the wedding industry and why picking a venue was the hardest part. π Juggling wedding planning with two little ones, car seats, nannies and a...
Jul 14, 2025β’1 hr 15 minβ’Season 3Ep. 104
In this episode, I chat with the lovely Liv Clarke about her sweet supermarket romance with Leighton, their surprise Fiji proposal, and how they pulled off a fun, relaxed Tree Church wedding that truly felt like them. π From grocery checkouts to saying βI doββ¦ the sweet way Liv and Leightonβs story began. π How a group trip to Fiji turned into the ultimate surprise proposal. π Why they secretly planned a small wedding and a surprise engagement party for 150. π How Liv found her dream Trish P...
Jul 07, 2025β’33 minβ’Season 3Ep. 103
In this episode, Iβm chatting with the lovely Johanna about how she planned her warm and rustic wedding at Church Road Winery, stayed organised, and made the most of every moment with her friends and family. π How they matched on Tinder and ended up getting married on the same date as their very first kiss. π Picking a venue that ticked every box, including that all-important wet weather option. π Their practical approach to setting a budget and doing lots of beautiful DIY touches. π How Joh...
Jun 30, 2025β’46 minβ’Season 3Ep. 102
In this episode, I sat down with the creative soulmates behind one of the coolest bridal boutiques in Aotearoa, Lauren and Jacque from LVR. These two are fashion lovers, besties, and the brains behind a bridal space thatβs anything but traditional. We chatted all about how their love for design (and each other!) turned into a one-of-a-kind wedding dress destination for modern, stylish brides. We chat about: π How Lauren and Jacque went from Massey fashion grads to launching a bridal brand that ...
Jun 23, 2025β’37 minβ’Season 3Ep. 101
In this special bonus episode, itβs just me - no guest, just your host, Lydia answering all your questions! I'm chatting about the podcast, my photography business, and all things weddings. From how it all began, to episode recommendations and some surprises coming up. π Why I started the podcast and how itβs grown to 100+ episodes π How I choose podcast guests π My journey into wedding photography and how Iβd describe my style π Tips on choosing the right photographer and how to be a dream ...
Jun 22, 2025β’51 min
Weβve hit a big milestone - episode 100 of The Kiwi Wedding Podcast. Whether youβve been here since the early days or recently discovered the show, thank you for listening. Itβs been such a privilege to share real wedding stories, advice, and inspiration with youβ¦ Cheers to the next 100! To celebrate this episode, Iβm joined by someone extra special, my lovely friend Kristie. I had the honour of photographing her Nelson wedding, and in this conversation, she shares how she and her husband planne...
Jun 16, 2025β’49 minβ’Season 3Ep. 100
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by wedding planning, todayβs episode is exactly what you need. I chat with the lovely and incredibly down-to-earth Julz from Dream Events - a wedding planner, on-the-day coordinator, and all-round calming presence in the chaos that can be planning a wedding. Julz brings a wealth of practical experience and heartfelt advice to the table, whether you're just getting started or need support pulling everything together on the day. Her range of services is designed to ...
Jun 09, 2025β’41 minβ’Season 3Ep. 99
In this episode, Iβm joined by Johnelle, recently married and also a celebrant, MC, and on-the-day coordinator at I Do Ceremonies. She shares her honest and thoughtful perspective on both planning her own wedding and working behind the scenes at dozens of others. A few things we cover: π Reconnecting with her now-husband years after high school, and how their relationship shaped the way they planned their day. π How they created a day that was so them, complete with Kiwi cricket, flower crown ...
Jun 02, 2025β’1 hr 28 minβ’Season 3Ep. 98
In todayβs episode, I'm sharing my chat with beautiful Clara, recent bride and wedding dress designer, we love to hear both perspectives! A few things we cover: π Clara met her husband Tom on Tinder and they instantly clicked. He proposed with a sweet, well-planned surprise involving a seaplane, a beach, and a heartfelt speech. π They chose the Tree Church for its beauty and flexibility, especially being able to bring their own alcohol. Despite the early finish time, they loved the relaxed vib...
May 26, 2025β’39 minβ’Season 3Ep. 97
In todayβs episode, I'm sharing my lovely chat with Chloe, a recent bride, married at Stoneridge Estate in Queenstown. A few things we cover: π Getting engaged in the most Gossip Girl-worthy way (yes, at the top of the Empire State Building π). π Choosing a destination wedding in Queenstown and why Stoneridge was the perfect venue. π Getting a custom Brooke Tyson Ritual wedding dress made and changing up her look with a beautiful scarf. π DIY stationery and signage: the rewarding (and time-...
May 19, 2025β’46 minβ’Season 3Ep. 96
In todayβs episode, Iβm chatting with the lovely Steph. Recent bride and the founder of Bridal Fusion , where she offers a beautiful collection of bridal dresses, veils, accessories, and traditional Asian wedding attire. Follow Steph: β @bridalfusionbystephβ β Stephβs Wedding Budget & Forecast Template In this episode, she shares her own love story, how she and her husband Nick blended their Kiwi, Chinese, Vietnamese, and British cultures on their big day, and how wedding planning inspired he...
May 12, 2025β’47 minβ’Season 3Ep. 95
In todayβs episode, I'm chatting with Lana about her gorgeous Southland wedding! A few things we cover: π Meeting her husband at a friend's wedding, where they were both in the bridal party. π Her vision for a wedding that was fun, modern, and timeless. π Choosing to celebrate their big day on the family farm, a spot that was significant to them and allowed their guests to stay on-site. π How their friends and family rallied to get the property looking amazing for their day. π The couple's ...
May 05, 2025β’1 hr 4 minβ’Season 3Ep. 94
In todayβs episode, I'm chatting with the lovely Greta about her gorgeous Hawkeβs Bay wedding, and itβs such a good story! Greta shares how she and her husband Sam met at ballroom dancing when they were teenagers, their surprise proposal after twelve years together, and the journey of planning a beautiful alfresco-style wedding, with a few wild weather curveballs thrown in! A few things we cover: π Planning a wedding at a private winery in Hawkeβs Bay after dreaming of a wedding in Italy. π DI...
Apr 28, 2025β’59 minβ’Season 3Ep. 93
On todayβs episode Iβm chatting with the lovely Kirsten. All about her wedding(s) in 2019 and her business Amplified Cosmetica. A few things we cover: π Meeting as teenagers through mutual friends at a wine festival. π Starting out in a long-distance relationship, chasing their career goals, moving to Australia together, travelling and then moving home to be close to family. π Navigating some terminal diagnoses on both sides of the family, the heartbreak and grief that comes alongside that, a...
Apr 21, 2025β’1 hr 6 minβ’Season 3Ep. 92
On todayβs episode I share my chat with the gorgeous Rebecca, all about her love story and destination wedding in Bali. A few things we cover: π Meeting online, going away on their travels and then reconnecting at the right time. π A surprise trip to Cairns, a helicopter ride and a beautiful proposal in the middle of the ocean. π Starting her research straight away and immediately deciding to use a wedding planner. π Comparing NZ venues, along with their guest list and budget, to an overseas...
Apr 14, 2025β’49 minβ’Season 3Ep. 91
The beautiful Kaitlyn joins us on the podcast today! Recent bride, married at Te Miro Woolshed. A few things we cover: π Knowing each other for years and then going from friends to something more. π Starting their family together and navigating parenthood before marriage. π A surprise proposal in a beautiful spot, being heavily pregnant and including a toddler mid-tantrum. π Prioritising capturing memories and having delicious food. π Dress shopping with an idea in mind of what she wanted a...
Apr 07, 2025β’34 minβ’Season 3Ep. 90
Lovely Georgia joins us on the podcast today! Recent bride, owner of Something Special Events , and Co-host of Your Wedding Besties Podcast . A few things we cover: π Meeting at a high-school McDonalds job and getting engaged in America. π The hunt for a venue in the Wellington/Wairarapa area and why Rose and Smith ending up ticking all their boxes. π Gaining inspiration from an influencerβs wedding style and ending up getting a similar dress. π The struggle of choosing bridal party when you...
Mar 31, 2025β’56 minβ’Season 3Ep. 89
Recent bride Tyler, founder of New & Nui joins us on the podcast today! A few things we cover: π A dating app match and a surprise proposal that she unknowingly organised part of. π Prioritising the overall look and style, as well as the party (food and alcohol), which contributed to deciding on their venue. π Convincing her parents to let them get married on their farm and all the pros and cons of a full build-from-scratch marquee wedding. π Starting on their parenthood journey alongsid...
Mar 24, 2025β’42 minβ’Season 3Ep. 88
Recent bride Cat joins us on the podcast today! Married at the beautiful Black Walnut Venue, she shares her wisdom. A few things we cover: π A friend set-up, uni party days in Dunedin and how they found each other amongst it all. π A beautiful candlelit proposal, preluded with a few sneaky suspicions from Cat. π Finding their perfect βhype-womanβ photographer to make things fun and relaxed as a couple that doesnβt particularly enjoy being in front of the camera. π Lulu Jackson working her ma...
Mar 17, 2025β’41 minβ’Season 3Ep. 87
The lovely Maia joins us on the podcast today. Married at Woodlands Estate in the Waikato, she shares her experience. A few things we cover: π Their meet-cute over a burrito purchase. π A first date that lasted a whole day, dress-up party included. π A beautiful sunset proposal which took her completely by surprise. π A very special engagement ring from Courtney Marama. π The process of finding exactly the right venue. π Deciding to have a big bridal party with people representing many era...
Mar 10, 2025β’1 hr 1 minβ’Season 3Ep. 86
The lovely Hilary joins us on the podcast today to chat about having two weddings and planning from across the world in London. A few things we cover: π Meeting on a dating app in London, not thinking it would go anywhere initially and then becoming inseparable. π A lovely surprise proposal at the beach on a visit back home. π The overwhelm of starting to wedding plan and how the start and the end are most intense! π Not knowing where to go with vision and styling, and how choosing their ven...
Mar 03, 2025β’47 minβ’Season 3Ep. 85
Recent bride and gorgeous human, Laura joins us on the podcast today! This is one of those big, juicy ones you will get a lot out of! A few things we cover: π Growing up in the same town but only meeting when they had both moved abroad to London. π The doubt she would ever get married and would just be the βcool Auntyββ¦ until Sam changed everything. π The tragic passing of Lauraβs Mum and how she navigated many moments of wedding planning alongside that grief. π A very special proposal momen...
Feb 24, 2025β’1 hr 50 minβ’Season 3Ep. 84
Lovely Melinda joins us on the podcast today to chat about her love story and wedding celebration at Δtaahua. A few things we cover: π Meeting through mutual friends, flatting together, navigating breakups simultaneously and eventually becoming more than friends. π A very special mountaintop proposal with a bizarre coincidence. π Creating her dream dress with a close family friend and the memorable process of that journey. π Choosing bridesmaids from different eras in her life and how having...
Feb 17, 2025β’33 minβ’Season 3Ep. 83
The beautiful, talented Jade joins us on the podcast today. Recent bride, and wedding vendor herself being a makeup artist and hairdresser. An absolutely stunning Rippon wedding in Wanaka. A few things we cover: π Meeting at a young age and growing up together. π A beach weekend away and a very sweet proposal and celebration with family afterwards. π Having a traditional Iraqi wedding with 200 people before planning their Kiwi destination wedding in Wanaka. π Why they decided on a destinatio...
Feb 10, 2025β’41 minβ’Season 3Ep. 82
The beautiful Grace joins us on the podcast today. Recently married at Papamoa's newest wedding venue: Te Tumu Estate. A few things we cover: π Crossing paths as kids, becoming best friends during uni and then falling in love. π Not expecting a proposal when she did and how her partner and friends coordinated (and captured) the perfect moment. π A focus on their guests, food and a good party. π Not getting too caught up in frivolous or expensive decor and details, and focusing their budget o...
Feb 03, 2025β’42 minβ’Season 3Ep. 81
I had a beautiful chat with Jessica-Belle on the podcast today. Recent bride, married at Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay. Editor and writer of For All Seasons . A few things we cover: π Meeting young, a NYE kiss and then reconnecting later. π A romantic proposal in France followed by multiple extra proposals. π Living in London, a trip home to NZ where they celebrated their engagement party and kicked off wedding planning right away. π Getting married on paper in London, with a beautiful, intimat...
Jan 27, 2025β’43 minβ’Season 3Ep. 80
A lovely chat with Emma on the podcast today. Recent bride, married at Mantells Mt Eden. We hear all about her experience and advice. A few things we cover: π Meeting through mutual friends and then a beautiful at-home proposal. π Falling in love with Mantells and the ease of using a venue where you donβt have to bring everything in. π Not necessarily getting βthe feelsβ or emotion you see in movies while dress shopping but finding the right one a Hera Couture and falling in love with it. π ...
Jan 20, 2025β’23 minβ’Season 3Ep. 79
The lovely Renee joins us on the podcast today. Recent bride, and beauty therapist. We hear all about her experience and some amazing pre-wedding skin tips too! A few things we cover: π Meeting online and doing long-distance initially. π A delightful surprise at-home proposal. π Being set on her dream venue, and securing it alongside some other dream vendors she knew she wanted. π Having her super-talented maid-of-honour make her dresses as well as the bridesmaids. π Connections, family and...
Jan 13, 2025β’31 minβ’Season 3Ep. 78
The lovely Taryn joins us on the podcast today. Recent bride, and wedding vendor herself being a hairdresser and bridal stylist. A few things we cover: π Not being someone who dreamed about a wedding day and how they planned things a little differently. π Meeting in their younger years, and a relationship that has stood the test of time. π Deciding not to have a photographer or videographer and opting for a content creator instead. π Choosing a local dressmaker to create her dream dress. π ...
Jan 06, 2025β’1 hr 4 minβ’Season 3Ep. 77
Surprise! Popping in to your feeds today with a bonus episode, a recording from our live in-person event back in November. This includes my conversations with wedding planner and celebrant Lisa Langsford from With Love Weddings and Events , makeup artist Gabrielle Houghton , and Bridal Designers Fritz and Sarah . Also, some of the Q&A we had with all of them. I hope this gives you a taste of what TKWP live event is like, and I look forward to planning a few more in 2025. Come and tell me you...
Dec 25, 2024β’55 min
