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