Wedding Shoot -

Capture Iconic Moments at Old Forest School: The Must-Have Photo Spots for Every Couple

by Su-anWedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings November 7, 2024November 7, 2024Comments are Disabled

Old Forest School isn’t just one of the best wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ—it’s a collection of iconic spots that make every wedding unforgettable. Our venue’s historic charm, lush gardens, and unique features create the perfect backdrop for photos that you and your guests will cherish forever. From Stanley the Stag in the …

New Outdoor Ceremony Spot

by Su-anWedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings November 17, 2017November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Not wanting to be outshone by the addition of The Fernery, the beloved outdoor ceremony spot at Old Forest School has received its own charming upgrade. Gone are the old doors and wall, replaced with a stunning new arch crafted from reclaimed timber and tin, giving the space a fresh yet timeless look that perfectly …

Read more “New Outdoor Ceremony Spot”

New Zealand Weddings Magazine visits OFS

by Su-anPhotography, Wedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings November 5, 2015November 17, 2017Comments are Disabled

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.

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.

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.

Old Forest School Wedding in the NZ Woman’s Weekly

by Su-anPhotography, Wedding Shoot, Weddings July 14, 2014July 14, 2014Comments are Disabled

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

“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.

Perspectives Wedding Photo of the Year Competition

by Su-anEvents, Photography, Wedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings July 14, 2014July 14, 2014Comments are Disabled

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…

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.

Lovelock Lane at wedding venue

by Su-anEvents, Photography, Wedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings May 2, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

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.

Old Forest School at Hitched – The Rotorua Wedding Show

by Su-anWedding, Wedding Shoot, Weddings September 21, 2013November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

After the panic of Tauranga Wedding Show, I was feeling a little more seasoned for Hitched – The Rotorua Wedding Show. Peter Duncan, organizer of the show is pretty damn good at making even the most neurotic exhibitor feel like an absolute super star so perhaps that had a little something to do with it.

So the ever faithful Honda was packed to the rafters (I know, it doesn’t have rafters but you get the idea). Somewhere in between a school desk, globe, some pretty cool kites, a trike and a mountain of flowers was my trusty assistant Miss Rose. Off we headed over the hills to Rotorua.

How delighted was I to find that the super awesome Peter Duncan had upgraded us to a fantastic corner site, YES !! How delighted was the big guy to find we were opposite a wedding cake stand and down the aisle from the magic macaroon lady, mmmm. Rose was eyeing up Rotorua photographer Rich John’s work going up and figuring out how she could wiggle her way over there to meet him.

On the morning of the show (keep reading this is where it gets very exciting) the Mayor of Rotorua, Kevin Winters, goes around each and every exhibit. Talks to the stall holders, looks around their stand and judges the prestigious award for The Most Outstanding Exhibit. Well blow me down with a feather, we won, Old Forest School – Vintage Venue was judged Most Outstanding Exhibit of the 2013 Rotorua Wedding Show. We were presented with a very fancy trophy and a very big bottle of champagne. Excited, me, well if jumping up and down doing little claps means I was excited well yes, somewhat.

Another amazing day, meeting truly amazing people.

The highlight of the big guys day was helping the lovely lady on the wedding cake stand ease the pressure of taking home all that extra cake, gosh he really is so helpful….

Tauranga wedding venue Tiffany Curtis photography styled shoot

by Su-anPhotography, Wedding, Wedding Shoot September 20, 2013November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

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/