141. Private Property Marquee Wedding with Bride Amelia Laity

This week, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares the story of her and Jack’s incredible marquee wedding in Mangawhai, set on private property with nearly 200 guests, beautiful styling, and a day that didn’t exactly go to plan but ended up being even better because of it.   We chat about:  💜 How they met and why you shouldn’t write off a bad first date 💜 A dreamy Fiji proposal, featuring a stray cat named Chris 💜 Planning a marquee wedding from scratch on private property 💜 What it’s really like hosting a wedding with nearly 200 guests 💜 Why great food, drinks, and guest experience were top priorities 💜 The reality of things not going to plan, rain, humidity, and last minute changes 💜 Pivoting the ceremony on the day and embracing the chaos 💜 Dress shopping with Hera Couture and finding something that actually fits and flatters 💜 The magic of having all your favourite people in one place 💜 Letting go of the small details and focusing on what actually matters   …and so much more!   Follow Amelia (Melie): @melies_kitchen   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: Photographer: @kerynsweeneyphotographer On the Day Coordinator: @sophpol Dress: @heracouture Second Dress: @lovejamesstore & @re_______studio Suit: @workingstylenz Flowers: @handsinthedirt_ Food: @sourcekitchennz Hire & Marquee: @lucyseventhire Drinks: @drinkalba @moabeer & @eurovintage_nz Makeup: @rae_makeup Hair: @penton.andco  Cake: @mor__bakery Stationery: @broganscottstudio Rings: @thevillagegoldsmith Venue: Private Property Celebrant: @nzcelebrant   Get tickets to ⁠That’s Amore⁠ this Thursday (23 April 2026) in Papamoa. See you there!   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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.