The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

137. Whangamatā Private Property + Edisons Wedding with Bride Kalani Cooney

The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Show Notes

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.

More from The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Oct 19, 2026

This week I’m chatting with Lucy about her beautiful European-inspired wedding at Trent’s Estate Vineyard in Christchurch, from a surprise proposal in Paris to all the thoughtful details that made the day her own.

Oct 12, 2026

This week I’m chatting with Caity about her destination wedding in Hawke’s Bay, travelling over from Australia to celebrate with their favourite people and make the most of everything New Zealand has to offer.

Oct 5, 2026

This week I’m chatting with Maddi about her beautiful May wedding at Markovina, from a surprise Waiheke proposal to planning a 170-person wedding in just under seven months.

Sep 28, 2026

Planning a wedding from the other side of the world is no small feat, especially when you’re also moving countries just weeks before the big day.

Sep 21, 2026

What happens when you stop worrying about what a wedding is supposed to look like and create something completely your own?

See all episodes →