The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

144. Poderi Crisci, Waiheke Island Wedding with Bride Katie Russell

The Kiwi Wedding Podcast

Show Notes

This week, I’m joined by Katie, who shares the story of her timeless Italian-inspired Waiheke wedding at Poderi Crisci. From a mountain-top proposal in Queenstown to planning from London, it’s such a beautiful conversation about creating a wedding that felt elegant, relaxed, and completely true to them.

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.

We chat about: 💜 Meeting at an Otago uni party dressed as a cat and an astronaut 💜 A surprise helicopter proposal on Vanguard Peak in Queenstown 💜 Planning a New Zealand wedding while living in London 💜 Having to completely pivot venues after a tragic fire 💜 Falling in love with the Italian feel of Poderi Crisci on Waiheke Island 💜 Why guest experience, food, wine, and live music were their biggest priorities 💜 Choosing a timeless and elegant wedding style over trends 💜 Finding her dream dress with Kenny & Harlow after planning to shop overseas 💜 Designing a second party dress in Turkey during their travels 💜 Keeping their guest list to 85 people and navigating the challenges of narrowing it down 💜 Having her sister marry them and writing personalised vows 💜 The little wedding details that felt stressful at the time but didn’t matter on the day

…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: @podericrisci Photographer: @jonnyscottphoto Celebrant: @leoniesimecelebrant On-the-day Coordinator: Madeleine Corbett - @theislandcollection Florals: @wildflowerwaiheke Entertainment: @twomanychiefsband Hire: @lucyseventhire Cake: @lilithwaiheke Bridal Dress & Veil: @kennyandharlowbridal Makeup: @katesolleymakeup Hair: @boutiquebride Tan: @esperanza_nz Groom’s Suit & Groomsmen Suits: @rembrandt1946 Bridesmaids Dresses: @shonajoy

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 →