The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

126. Mangawhai Wedding with Bride Caren Freeman

The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Show Notes

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

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 →