Show Notes
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: 💜 How Kelly and Mike met and the New York proposal, where Mike waited until the moment felt right 💜 Choosing The Glasshouse as their venue and why being weather-proof in NZ was non-negotiable 💜 Planning a cocktail-style wedding with no sit-down dinner, and focusing on great food, drinks, and music 💜 Kelly’s dress shopping experience at Hera Couture, including a very memorable fire alarm moment 💜 The mental load of wedding planning alongside work and real life 💜 Bridesmaids dresses, decision fatigue, and what Kelly would do differently next time 💜 Making the day feel personal with thoughtful details like a custom newspaper, handwritten notes for guests, and fun favours 💜 Budgeting honestly, what they chose to prioritise, and why photo and video mattered so much to them 💜 Letting go of perfection, trusting your vendors, and remembering you’re the guest of honour, not the host
…and so much more!
Let me know what you think of this episode.
You can check out photos from Kelly’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following @thekiwiweddingpodcast Follow Lydia @lydiarachelphoto
Find all K & M’s amazing vendors: Location: @glasshouse.nz Dress: @heracouture Photography: @ashmuirphoto Videographer: @flatrocfilms Flowers: @floralcentric Hair: @jules_armishaw_makeupstyling Makeup: @katesmithmakeup Candle Installation: @revelandlight Crane Machine: @kiwikrane Band: @velvettonesnz
Kelly's Wedding Featured on Capsule Wedding Dress Shopping Experience See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from The Kiwi Wedding Podcast
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.
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.
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.
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.
What happens when you stop worrying about what a wedding is supposed to look like and create something completely your own?