Donkeys wedding venue Tauranga

Guest Blog – Kelly Scawin – Floral Designer – Hand-Picked Flower Company

My husband and I were lucky enough to book Old Forest School for our wedding in 2016. It ticked all the boxes for us as we had friends and family coming from all over the world and we really wanted to bring them together in style. Old Forest School offered us the outdoor setting we …

Europe inspired wedding venue Tauranga

Weddings trends from Europe for 2016 and 2017

It’s June 2016, and we’re on an exciting journey around Europe, exploring what’s set to trend in the world of weddings for 2016 and 2017. With an eye for style and a passion for all things beautiful, we’re scouting the latest in dresses, florals, styling, and props that are catching attention across Europe’s trendiest spots.

Our travels have taken us to London, where we’re soaking up inspiration from the vibrant displays lining Oxford Street and the eclectic Camden Markets. Each shop window offers a new vision—whether it’s a stunning dress that sets the tone for a modern bride, an inventive floral arrangement, or props that bring personality and creativity to wedding décor. London’s stylish storefronts have been a treasure trove of ideas, and every corner reveals something fresh and inspiring.

But our inspiration doesn’t stop with the boutiques and markets. We’re also captivated by the lively street art and the music of international buskers, whose art brings a unique flair to the city’s streets. These creative expressions have sparked endless ideas for weaving an artistic, bohemian spirit into wedding styling and design. From the urban energy of street murals to the soulful music drifting through London’s neighborhoods, we’re discovering inspiration at every turn, capturing the essence of what’s new, exciting, and beautifully unexpected for the weddings to come.

These posts will be updated frequently so stay tuned. You can also check out our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook for more.

A taste of what’s to come, check out this awesome terrarium light installation and paper cone and butterfly dress from the High Street in Kensington.

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NZ Weddings OFS

New Zealand Weddings Magazine visits OFS

Vintage wedding venue Old Forest School was super proud host the team from New Zealand Weddings magazine during their Bay of Plenty styled shoot. If you want to see more get yourself a copy of the Spring 2015 issue of New Zealand Weddings Magazine. There’s some great content inside for anyone planning a wedding, like, what’s new in the world of weddings, some real wedding inspiration, lots and lots of fashion and makeup ideas and plenty more.

NZ Weddings OFS

The team of New Zealand Weddings Magazine captured some beautiful images in a number of places at Old Forest School. Inside the Schoolhouse, outside the Tin Shed, under the Sycamore tree and in the Big Barn. Casey from The Heirloom as usual did an splendid job of the styling and flowers to make the Big Barn look amazing. Michaela used her amazing calligraphy skills to write some inspiring and beautiful phrases, you can see more of her work at www.mchaelamcbridecalligraphy.com. Rose aka Little Miss Rose, shared some tips for capturing beautiful images in an outdoor setting on page 162. Even Holly got in on the act, sharing one of her fabulous recipes “Sweet Berry Pie Jars”which features on page 138.

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It was a really fun day and we look forward to having New Zealand Weddings magazine visit us again. As everyone knows, one trip to Old Forest School is never enough.

Photography for the magazine shot at Old Forest School by Carolyn Haslett Photography.

Woman’s Day wedding venue

Old Forest School Wedding in the NZ Woman’s Weekly

One of the beautiful couples who celebrated their wedding at Old Forest School featured in the NZ Woman’s Weekly this week.

Old Forest School Matt and Emily

“In the middle of a forest of native trees, Emily married her love Matt at Old Forest School, Pongakawa.  Accompanied by their two year old daughter Sophie.  The couple, who have friends in common but had never crossed paths, finally met in a Mount Maunganui bar in 2009 and it was love at first sight !  Their ceremony was held at the historic schoolhouse, where guests perched on school pews and congregated near the hopscotch court afterwards to play cricket, handball, tennis and other childhood games.  The reception was in a double marquee near the Redwood Stables which had the perfect dance floor.  The table decorations were lovingly arranged by Emily’s mum, Jackie Middleton and her friends, Mary, Helen and Debbie.”

Here’ s a photo of Matt and Emily at Old Forest School.

 

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Old Forest School Perspectives Wedding

Perspectives Wedding Photo of the Year Competition

Congratulations to one of the fantastic couples who got married at Old Forest School, they’ve won the Perspectives Wedding Photo of the Year Competition.

Here’s the photo that won…

Old Forest School Perspectives Wedding

You can see more about this at  Perspectives Photo + Cinema’s facebook page.

This is how the Perspectives Wedding Photo of the Year Competition worked…

“Vote for your favourite image from our 2013/14 wedding season, by hitting ‘like’ or leaving a comment.  The couple with the most votes will win a framed fine art print of their photo. Voting closes 5pm Sunday 13th July.”

Sarah and Nathan’s photo received more than 1,100 likes (votes) and had more than 500 comments.

And here’s how Perspecives announced it…

“Introducing our winner….s! The race came down to the wire, and was so close to call. So coming in first equal is Dimce & Ivana and Sarah & Nathan… and also Courtney & Shane with an impressive amount of votes. So all three of you will be getting a framed print from us  Because we love you.”

Here’s a photo of Sarah and Nathan (the winning couple) straight after their gorgeous ceremony at Old Forest School.

old forest school wedding venue N&S

lovelock wedding

Lovelock Lane at wedding venue

Old Forest School (wedding venue) has recently set up a Lovelock wall. Couples getting married at Old Forest School can place an engraved padlock on the wall and then toss the key into the adjacent forest.

At Old Forest School, our Lovelock Lane is one of the most treasured spots on the property, holding lovelocks that tell stories of romance, promises, and forever bonds. On their wedding day, each couple is invited to attach a lock to our beautiful Lovelock Lane fence, a tradition that has grown into a beloved moment for everyone who chooses to marry here. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that represents the start of their journey together—a tangible reminder of the promises made on this special day, nestled within the enchanting landscape of our venue.

Every lock added to Lovelock Lane brings its own story, unique to the couple who placed it, yet forever connected to all those who came before and those yet to come. Some couples personalize their locks with names, dates, or small engravings that capture the essence of their love, creating a collective tapestry of cherished memories along the fence. It’s touching to see this space evolve season by season, with each lock adding its own sparkle and significance.

For many couples, returning to Old Forest School to revisit their lock is a heartwarming tradition, giving them a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come since that first promise. Lovelock Lane is more than a wedding day ritual; it’s a place of continuity, a place where love stories are anchored and celebrated long after the ceremony ends. And as the sun filters through the trees, casting a gentle glow on the locks, it’s a reminder of the countless love stories we’re honored to host, each leaving a lasting mark on our historic grounds.

 

Home style magazine OFS

Wedding Venue in Homestyle Magazine

 

Old Forest School was honored to be featured in the April/May 2014 issue of Homestyle Magazine. Spanning eight beautiful pages, the feature showcases our Tauranga wedding venue in all its historic charm, with photos capturing the rich history and unique atmosphere that make our space so special. The Homestyle team thoughtfully wove our story into each image, beautifully blending our vintage aesthetic with heartfelt moments from real weddings held on our grounds.

The article not only highlighted the character of Old Forest School but also delved into the essence of what we offer—a place where couples can celebrate in a setting that feels timeless, intimate, and wonderfully personal. From the lovingly restored buildings to the enchanting Lovelock Lane, every corner of the property was thoughtfully photographed to reflect the warmth and magic that make Old Forest School a favorite among couples.

We’re deeply touched by the way Homestyle captured our story, truly understanding our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences within this historical setting. It’s a piece we’re immensely proud of, and we’re thrilled to share this little slice of our world with readers. Here’s a short excerpt from the feature, but to see the full story and photos that bring it all to life, be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine.

The story of our Wedding Venue

“A long time ago, in a quaint little country village in the middle of the Bay of Plenty, a magical country school was built on a site surrounded by redwoods. Crafted by a combination of local talent and community spirit, the school, hall and headmaster’s house were enjoyed by everyone in the community. Drive up the long-winding driveway today and you will be greeted by a beautiful homestead reminiscent of something out of a vintage fairy tale book. Now restored to all of its antique glory Old Forest School has opened its doors to the public as a wedding venue and lodge.”

Homestyle Mag wedding venue

Misty magic at wedding venue trees

A unique wedding venue and a unique photographer.

Many of you will have met our Rose, the 12 year old resident of Old Forest School. A unique wedding venue needs a unique photographer and she very much fits the bill!

Rose LOVES to take photos, she also loves watching others take photos. Just happens we have a lot of photographers popping by which is pretty super for her. She also has the loan of a whizzy camera at the moment which she is loving. Her images have even got her a role as second camera for a wedding next year ! She is bursting with pride and excitement. Nothing comes close to the thrill she gets reading comments people post on FB about her work. Too cool that this little girl so casually talks about wedding photography heavyweights like Claire from Wildwood, Maree Wilkinson etc as her friends.

Rose hopes to work with film for ever and a day, movies being the ultimate goal. We think she’s doing just great already. Anyone planning on getting Peter Jackson to do a little something at Old Forest School ? We occasionally post her photos on Facebook but been promising to pop more on a blog post so here goes…..for you our lovely Rose xoxoxo

Old Forest School mist trees

 

Old Forest School mist

 

Old Forest School mist tree

Floral inspiration wedding venue

Tauranga wedding venue Tiffany Curtis photography styled shoot

Tiffany Curtis Photography Styled Shoot at Old Forest School Tauranga Wedding Venue. I first met the awesome Tiffany Curtis in a phone call, “can we use your beautiful vintage wedding venue for a styled shoot?”

Having been part of styled shoots before we swiftly jumped at the opportunity !

It’s always so neat and exciting to see these artists in full flight creating their magic on film.  What’s with wedding photographers …. they are always so darn lovely !

Tiffany and her crew came down from Auckland a week ago, the Bay of Plenty turning on its rainiest day (we’ve since had words, the weather and I).  Tucked away in her wagon was a beautiful and brave model, some truly stunning flowers from Roses Florist in Mt Eden and a selection of the most romantic and dreamy dresses from La Robe in Parnell.

Miss Rose of Old Forest School was lucky to be allowed to follow them around, capturing a few shots of her own.  Being a keen photographer she’s always on the look out for opportunities.

Tiffany made great use of the multitude of spaces inside and when the weather was kind outside they went too.

Before Tiffany left she grabbed this lovely photo of Roses new lamb, Button, born that very morning.  Isn’t she so cute !

We are so over the moon with all the images, can’t wait to get them onto our website.

http://www.tiffanycurtis.co.nz/

http://www.rosesflorist.co.nz/

http://www.alarobe.com/

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