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:

💜 How she and her husband first met at uni in Dunedin (and how he spent a while in the friend zone)

💜 The Coromandel proposal that didn’t go quite to plan… complete with a handmade “Will you marry me?” box of chocolates and a power cut right after saying “yes”

💜 Finding her dream dress in Melbourne after struggling to find anything unique in NZ

💜 Planning a marquee wedding at Royalburn Station, and the surprise way they ended up booking the venue

💜 How they kept their guest list intimate and why wedding planning “is not for people pleasers”

💜 The moody, slightly rainy wedding day, including private vows and heli photos on the Remarkables

💜 Honest talk about budget and what caught them by surprise

💜 The best advice she’d give to couples in the planning stage, including how to handle opinions from family and friends

💜 Kelsey’s refreshing approach to health and body image as a bride, and her work as a dietitian and co-founder of The Friendly Food Co

...and so much more!

🎧 It’s a relaxed, honest chat full of helpful takeaways and stories every couple will relate to. I’d love to hear what you think of this one!

Follow Kelsey:

@lifeof_kelsey@thefriendlyfood_co

Below you can find the handles for all K & D’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Vendors:

Photographer: @emily_adamson

Dress: Custom @thesposagroupaustralia

Second Dress: @meshki

Hair/Makeup: @road_to_beauty_nz

Shoes: @foreversoles

Florals: @bespokeweddingsandevents

Wedding Planners: @alexandrakatecreative

Celebrant: @yourbigdayqt

MC: @sarahmcdonald_weddings

Venue: @royalburn_station

@royalburn_events

Catering: @queenstowncateringnz

Cake: @weeping.willow.cakes

Stationery/Signage: @hstudio.co

Marquee + Hire: @trulyyours_events

@styledepotnz

Entertainment: @robertglenmusic

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:

💜 How she and Josh went from co-workers who didn’t speak to soulmates (and the night out that changed everything)

💜 Their vineyard proposal story in Martinborough

💜 Why she chose to hold their wedding at a private villa and how she made it work logistically

💜 The “old money” inspired styling and the personal touches behind her colour palette

💜 How hiring a coordinator (George & Co) completely changed her wedding experience

💜 The story behind her custom Paper Swan gown and her advice for wedding dress shopping

💜 Navigating changing friendships and what to keep in mind when choosing bridesmaids

💜 Planning a smooth wedding-day timeline to spend more time with guests

💜 Her honest take on budget blowouts, wedding week prep, and the moments she’ll never forget

💜 The tips she wishes every bride knew, from makeup trials to planning around your cycle and letting go of control

...and so much more!

🎧 It’s such a warm, candid chat full of practical advice and real, relatable moments. Let me know what you think of this episode!

Below you can find the handles for all T & J’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Vendors:

Photography: @pappedyouphotography

Content Creation: @nosyparker__

Coordination: @georgeandcoevents

Florals: @thistle_avenue

Hair & Makeup: @jaymiejarvis.makeupartist @daynamaree.hair from @duo_styling

Food: @thecraftedandco

Signage: @eversoprettyevents

Venue: Private property

Dress: @paperswanbride

Ceremony Musician: @vividstrings

DJ + Music: @poksmusic

Celebrant: @forever.knot

Bridal Rings: @thediamondshop

Furniture Hire: @thevintagepartynz

Thank you to @nuzest for supporting this episode.

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:

💜 How Aamina went from aspiring lawyer and teacher to launching Layaz Jewellery and sharing a family legacy

💜 The process of designing bespoke pieces tailored to a client’s story, style, and personality

💜 Tips for choosing engagement rings and wedding bands that suit your lifestyle and long-term investment goals

💜 Aamina’s love of coloured gemstones, sapphires, and creating heirloom-quality jewellery

💜 Insights on lab-grown diamonds versus natural gemstones and why legacy matters in fine jewellery

💜 Creative ways couples have added personal touches to their rings, from engravings to incorporating heirloom gold

💜 The future of Layaz, including Dare to Dazzle by Layaz, and expansion to the USA

...and so much more!

🎧 Whether you’re dreaming about your engagement ring or just love hearing the stories behind meaningful jewellery, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and beautiful insights from Aamina.

Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Aamina:

@heyitsaamina_

@layazjewellery

@daretodazzle.layaz