The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 Laura Mohi Ryan, founder of Wild Pilates, and recent bride. We're chatting all about her somewhat unconventional wedding-planning journey.Laura and her husband Liam had been together for 14 years. Instead of planning a big wedding straight away, they ended up doing something that suited them perfectly, an epic Indonesian elopement on Sumba Island, just the two of them, plus a photographer and videographer who flew over from Bali.We chat about:

This week, I'm joined by Tess and Hayley, the founders behind Slay My Day, a brand-new, all-in-one platform built to make wedding planning easier for couples and more transparent, inclusive, and accessible for vendors across Aotearoa.Between them (and co-founder Carla), they bring years of experience across digital marketing, tourism, elopements, photography, and hands-on wedding work. After seeing first-hand how overwhelming planning can be, and how limited or expensive existing directories often are, they decided to build something better.We chat about:

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

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: @thekiwiweddingpodcastFollow Lydia: @lydiarachelphotoENTER the giveaway: https://lydiarachel.com/wedding-giveawayListen 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.creativesFlorals - @wildly.madly.deeplyCake/treats - @ignatura.nzTogether Journal - @togetherjournalCandles - @thesandcandlesnzChampagne Towers - @champagnetowers_nzUncommon Wines - @wearetheuncommon_nzElta Ego - @elta_egoDaeli Electrolytes - @drinkdaeliBetty Bars - @goodbettycoThe Revelry - @therevelry_Dermalogica - @dermalogicanzSkintopia - @skintopianzThe Facialist - @thefacialist_Nomu - @nomumatcha_Blak Bridesmaids - @blakbridesmaidsNuzest - @nuzestRadix - @radixnutritionMelitta - @melittaskinSkinsmiths - @caci_nz @skinsmithsSlay My Day - @slaymyday.nzPhotographer - @brijanacatoweddings Content - @your.momentsnzTrish Peng - @trishpeng @trish.pengKate Solley - @katesolleymakeupAstrid 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 HEREThis is something I've never done before, and I'm so excited to finally share all the details with you.

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 yearWe chat about:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:  

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:  

In this episode, I chat with Libby about her relaxed Arrowtown wedding. Their day was the perfect mix of meaning, simplicity, and autumn beauty. If you're planning an intimate celebration that still feels special and elevated, you'll love this episode.We chat about:

In this episode, I'm chatting with the brilliant stylist Georgette all about colour analysis, body shape styling, and feeling genuinely confident in what you wear. We also dive into her own wedding planning journey, from finding a dress that made her feel beautiful, and the mindset shifts that are helping her plan a day that feels like her.We chat about:

On today's episode, I'm chatting with Kelsey all about her Central Otago wedding. From the planning process to how the day unfolded, what she learned along the way, and some honest reflections on what really mattered most.We chat about: 

This week, I'm chatting with recent bride Tamera, who shares the story of her and Josh's beautiful villa wedding.Tamera opens up about the highs, the hiccups, and the lessons learned along the way. From bridal party challenges to trusting her vendors and creating a day that truly felt like them.We chat about: 

In this episode of The Kiwi Wedding Podcast, I chat with Aamina from Layaz Jewellery about creating meaningful, bespoke pieces that are as personal as the love stories behind them. We explore her journey from teaching to launching her own jewellery brand, her favourite gemstones, and the timeless luxury she brings to every design.We chat about: 

In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel, a florist from Wānaka (with the team at @thegreenroomflowerco), who shares the story of her stunning Lake Ōhau Lodge wedding to her best friend, Marshall. After years of friendship, their relationship turned into love, and their wedding was the perfect mix of heartfelt, fun, and completely true to them.We chat about: 

Thinking about a destination wedding, or just love hearing the real, unfiltered stories? In this episode, I chat with entrepreneur & influencer Iyia Liu about her Bali wedding, and trust me, it's a good one. From hilarious moments to honest budget chats, this is such a fun listen.We chat about: 

No matter what kind of wedding you're planning, this episode is full of wisdom you'll want to hear. I'm joined by Lucy Burke, Managing Director of Lucy's Event Hire, who grew her business from a DIY project at home to one of New Zealand's leading wedding and event hire companies. With 10 years of experience and hundreds of weddings behind her, Lucy knows exactly what goes into creating a celebration that feels seamless and unforgettable.We chat about: 

Today I'm joined by Grace, who shares her and Robbie's wedding at Vanderosa Farms in Leigh, a stunning hilltop venue with sweeping ocean views. We chat about: 

Today I'm joined by Emma - florist, wedding vendor and recent bride, who shares her relaxed and personal Queenstown wedding. From planning a simple lakeside ceremony to creating her own florals, Emma's story is full of practical advice and thoughtful inspiration for couples wanting to keep things stress-free and true to themselves.

Today I'm joined by Gemma, who shares how she and Josh planned their beautiful, uniquely-them celebration: a private family ceremony on a hilltop, then a relaxed reception at their family beach property in Taupō Bay. All pulled together in six months while working full-time and parenting their four-year-old.

Today on the podcast I'm joined by the lovely Ainsley, florist, wedding vendor and recent bride. You might know her from Floralcentric or have seen her stunning Queenstown wedding featured on the cover of Together Journal. She shares the real behind-the-scenes of planning her own wedding while working in the industry, plus her top flower tips and trends for couples currently planning.

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Natalie Rose from Natalie Rose Bridal. You might know her iconic “Pink Palace” boutique on Parnell Road, Auckland, or have seen some of her gorgeous brides featured in past episodes. Natalie is known for her beautifully structured gowns, honest advice, and the unforgettable experience she creates for every bride who walks through her door.This was a special one- my first-ever in-person podcast recording, right in Natalie's boutique. We dive into her journey from a childhood filled with pride in her mum's dressmaking skills, to a career in finance, and then making the bold (and chaotic) leap to open her own bridal shop during the middle of a pandemic.We chat about:

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by the radiant Anika-Skye, a makeup artist, owner of Skye Beauty and newlywed who planned a beautiful wedding at Black Walnut in Tauranga. From meeting her now-husband as teenagers to creating Pinterest boards and Canva slideshows to bring her vision to life, Anika shares practical tips and thoughtful insights from her wedding planning journey.We chat about:

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly warm and talented makeup artist Kate Solley. With 18 years in the industry, including 10 years at MAC Cosmetics, Kate brings so much experience, wisdom, and calm to every wedding morning.Whether you're a makeup lover or someone who barely wears mascara, this episode is packed with practical, stress-free advice you'll actually want to follow.We chat about:

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: 

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. 

In this episode, I'm 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.

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 that's 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:

In this special bonus episode, it's 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.

We've hit a big milestone - episode 100 of The Kiwi Wedding Podcast. Whether you've been here since the early days or recently discovered the show, thank you for listening. It's been such a privilege to share real wedding stories, advice, and inspiration with you… Cheers to the next 100!To celebrate this episode, I'm 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 planned their gorgeous day on a realistic budget, while still making space for creativity, personality, and connection.We chat about: 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by wedding planning, today's 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 support couples at any stage of the planning journey - from timeline creation and vendor sourcing to set-up, pack-down, and full planning.In this episode, we cover:

In this episode, I'm 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:

In today's 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:

In today's episode, I'm sharing my lovely chat with Chloe, a recent bride, married at Stoneridge Estate in Queenstown.A few things we cover:

In today's episode, I'm 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: ⁠@bridalfusionbysteph⁠⁠Steph's Wedding Budget & Forecast TemplateIn 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 her to start her own bridal business!Steph takes us behind the scenes of her rustic, nature-inspired wedding at Flaxmere House and shares some super practical advice, from managing cultural expectations to tracking your wedding budget like an absolute boss (hello, Excel spreadsheets!). She also spills her best wedding planning tips, the trends she's loving right now, and what it's really like starting a small business alongside a full-time job.In this episode, we chat about:

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Lana about her gorgeous Southland wedding!A few things we cover:

In today's episode, I'm chatting with the lovely Greta about her gorgeous Hawke's Bay wedding, and it's 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:

On today's episode I'm chatting with the lovely Kirsten. All about her wedding(s) in 2019 and her business Amplified Cosmetica.A few things we cover:

On today's episode I share my chat with the gorgeous Rebecca, all about her love story and destination wedding in Bali.A few things we cover:

The beautiful Kaitlyn joins us on the podcast today! Recent bride, married at Te Miro Woolshed.A few things we cover:

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:

Recent bride Tyler, founder of New & Nui joins us on the podcast today!A few things we cover:

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:

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: