In today’s episode, I'm sharing my chat with beautiful Clara, recent bride and wedding dress designer, we love to hear both perspectives!

A few things we cover:

💜 Clara met her husband Tom on Tinder and they instantly clicked. He proposed with a sweet, well-planned surprise involving a seaplane, a beach, and a heartfelt speech.

💜 They chose the Tree Church for its beauty and flexibility, especially being able to bring their own alcohol. Despite the early finish time, they loved the relaxed vibe.

💜 Clara made her own wedding dress, drawing inspiration from the venue. She even designed it on a flight home and collaborated with a friend to create a second reception dress.

💜 Her top planning priorities were the venue and photography. She was a "PowerPoint bride" with spreadsheets, Pinterest boards, and cost comparisons for each location.

💜 She took the week off before the wedding to stay calm and present, started the wedding day with a peaceful solo walk, and loved the speeches and time with Tom the most.

💜 Clara runs Clara Bridal, designing bespoke wedding dresses as well as a core collection. She works with local and remote clients and offers a seamless custom process.

💜 Her biggest advice for brides is to trust your instincts, avoid getting overwhelmed by too much inspiration, and remember the day is about you and your person.

...and so much more!

Below you can find the handles for all C & T’s vendors. Be sure to check out some of their photos on IG at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ + give us a follow.

Vendors:

Photography: @sapphirestudios___

Dress: @clara__bridal

Second Dress: Clara + @re_______studio

Suit: @rembrandt1946

Bridesmaids Dresses: @clara__bridal⁠

Makeup: @tiveshni

Coordinator: @willowlane_events

Cake: @babybuckbaking

Catering: @3forksnz

Venue: @treechurchandgardens

Rings: @naveyaandsloanejewellery

Earrings: @capelliaboutique

Flowers: @chloelefleur

Clara’s Planning Spreadsheet

In today’s episode, I'm sharing my lovely chat with Chloe, a recent bride, married at Stoneridge Estate in Queenstown.

A few things we cover:

💜 Getting engaged in the most Gossip Girl-worthy way (yes, at the top of the Empire State Building 😍).

💜 Choosing a destination wedding in Queenstown and why Stoneridge was the perfect venue.

💜 Getting a custom Brooke Tyson Ritual wedding dress made and changing up her look with a beautiful scarf.

💜 DIY stationery and signage: the rewarding (and time-consuming) process.

💜 Navigating wedding planning as a young couple, including budgeting and guest list challenges.

💜 Honouring Samoan culture with a traditional Siva performance.

💜 Overcoming comparison, social media pressure, and finding peace in authenticity.

💜 Honeymooning in Bali and moving overseas right after the wedding.

...and so much more!

Below you can find the handles for all C & D’s vendors. Be sure to check out some of their photos on IG at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ + give us a follow.

Vendors:

Photographer: @pattersonimage

Dress, Veil & Scarf: @brooketysonritual

Venue: @stoneridgeestate

Florals: @flowerroomqueenstown

Celebrant: Dan Ackermann

DJ: @mountainbeatsdjco

Cake: @sophieroseannacakes

Stationery & Signage: @chlotusa

Bride’s Rings: @zoeandmorgan

Groom’s Ring: @michaelhillj

Earrings: @cami.citrine

Bride’s Shoes: @novoshoes

Makeup: @olivia.jane.jenner

Hair: @tussockhairandmakeup

Grooms & Groomsmen Suits: @rembrandt1946

Bridesmiads: @rubytakessnaps + @peppermayo

Also featured:

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Zoe and Morgan