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.

Let there be light – Light Viking

by Su-anEvents, Guest Post, Wedding, Weddings August 14, 2015November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

This is a guest post by Darcia from Light Viking.

Special events are magical…. Surrounded by loved ones, dressed up to the nines, with lovely food and drinks to enjoy.

It’s important for your venue to provide a fantastic setting to ensure yours and your guests’ comfort – from our experience, Old Forest School – Vintage Venue are most definitely one of those venues. Being set on a historical school site offers so many options not often available at large gatherings – for example, having a pool to swim in, tennis courts, a cricket pitch – good golly – such fun!

For us personally, our favourite aspects of Old Forest School aside from the delightful hosts, are their gorgeous barn, the seriously cool touches of authentic vintage to be found dotted about the venue, and the strands of festoon lights draped romantically across the party areas. The latter of which brings us to our favourite discussion – event lighting.

Event lighting sounds very grand, but unless you are looking for something akin to a big stage production, many whimsical and gorgeous lighting touches can be added to your party without breaking the budget. Here are 3 ways to light up your event…

1. Fairy Lights – there are seemingly a gazillion fairy light options available these days… and many ways that the humble fairy light can transform an area. An extremely simple DIY is a jar with a strand of the battery operated seed lights woven through marbles or glass beads, offering a sparkly little glow for table settings or pathways. They could also be suspended from above, placed on shelves – you are limited only by your imagination with these quick and easy little wonders.

This amazing table setting was created by Tricia Saroya, North America. And whilst it is insanely gorgeous, if you deconstruct the elements, it is completely achievable should you desire – just be sure to practice before the big day…. And allow plenty of time to create!

2. Candles – so versatile, and by putting them into vintage jars (or any jars for that matter) you can keep mess and danger to a minimum. Battery operated candles are available too, and can be quite difficult to tell from a real one.

A very easy DIY, as seen here, is simply candles, jars, a holder (could be a basket, a wire basket, a wooden crate – there are many potential options), some pretty blooms, and a place to display your creations. Sand in the bottom of the jars helps to stabilise the candles, and will also catch any wayward wax if you are using real candles. If you use some scented candles, you will also add another dimension – essential oil candles can set the mood perfectly.

3. Include a budget for a Lighting Stylist to transform your event. A lighting stylist will have a variety of lighting elements on hand, and many will have styling packages available, including hire, setup and deconstructing after the event. Hiring a Lighting Stylist will eliminate the need for you to source, purchase and set up your lighting, and give you quite a bit of bang for your buck, because a lighting stylist is, by very definition, someone who lives and breathes beautiful lighting scenarios. Additionally, they will quite often be incredibly creative, assuring you of a unique and bespoke style for your event. From the beautifully basic, to the out of control gorgeous, the right lighting stylist will be sure to meet your requirements and budget with a serious touch of fancy and bling.

So, if you are a DIY kinda person, or prefer to have your lighting dreams brought to life by a professional, there are endless lighting options available. Be sure to check what your venue offers in terms of “additional lighting” they may also be able to recommend a Lighting Stylist if you choose to go that route – word of mouth is often the very best reference.

Most importantly, when all is said and done, your event is about you and your loved ones enjoying one another’s company, and creating memories to be cherished forever more.

About Light Viking: Established in 2013, Light Viking is a Bay of Plenty company who manufacture Vintage Style Marquee Lights, and provide Lighting Styling services. They have a variety of decorative lighting options for hire.

Old Forest School on the telly

by Su-anEvents, Wedding April 22, 2015November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Old Forest School made its prime time television debut on Tuesday 22nd April 2015 on TV3.

One handsome bachelor, 4 bubbly bachelorettes, a game of tennis, some “burger people” aka the amazing Tag Burger, some delicious sugary treats in Tippy and a very romantic surprise in the Little Barn, with Tiki Tane performing. It all made for a magical group “date” with Art.

Thank you so much to the fab folk at Tourism Bay of Plenty for asking us to be involved. We are very proud to have had the opportunity to showcase the best of what the Bay of Plenty has to offer to the rest of New Zealand.

You can watch the episode with Old Forest School at http://www.tv3.co.nz/THE-BACHELOR-NZ-Season-1-Ep-11/tabid/3692/articleID/111328/MCat/4352/Default.aspx until the 18th May 2015.

A huge, big thank you to everyone who helped out to make the “date” such a hit.

Courtney Horwood Photography

Old Forest School Wedding Venue Featured In Blogs, Newspapers and Magazines

by Su-anEvents, Wedding, Weddings September 20, 2014November 17, 2017Comments are Disabled

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.

Old Forest School, Vintage Venue at the Tauranga Wedding Show 2014

by Su-anWedding, Weddings May 26, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

For the second year in a row Old Forest School, Vintage Venue exhibited at the Tauranga Wedding Show.

The show was even bigger and better than last year, with more exhibitors and guests. There was a bunch of familiar faces and some new and interesting first time exhibitors. A number of company’s that had been at Old Forest School over the summer were exhibiting, like The Big Smoke BBQ Co., Rosie’s Wildflowers, Honeysuckle Rose, Food by Design, Juz Catering, Global Cuisine, Quinn & Katie, Heirloom, Addictive DJ’s, Debbie Hunt, Peter Duncan, Tauranga Party Hire, Captureit NZ.

Once again our stand featured some of our favorite rustic and vintage props, like our wooden ladder, beaten up crates, old school chairs, vintage books and glass jars. We displayed a number of photos from our recent season using some clipboards, this idea was a huge hit with lots of admiring comments. Little Miss Rose was there too capturing some great shots of our (and some of her friend’s) stands, look out on the Little Miss Rose facebook page for some of her great photos.

The Tauranga Wedding Show gave us the opportunity to meet lots of couples from Tauranga, other parts of the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and all over the North Island. It’s exciting to hear about their plans, what they’ve already sorted out and what’s left to organize. There were just over 1000 visitors through the show on the day, a a great deal of credit needs to go to the orgsaniser of the event. Every year they do a fantastic job coordinating, marketing and running the show.

It’s a full on weekend setting up and taking down the stand, but every time we attend a show it makes us look forward even more to the next one. Bring on the Tauarnga Wedding Show 2015.

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.

Wedding Venue in Homestyle Magazine

by Su-anEvents, Photography, Wedding, Weddings March 27, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

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.”

Tauranga Wedding Venue in Viva – Festival Weddings

by Su-anWedding, Weddings March 26, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Old Forest School, our charming wedding venue nestled near Tauranga, was thrilled to be featured in the Viva section of the NZ Herald on March 26, 2014, in an article highlighting the growing trend of festival-style weddings. The piece captured the essence of what we offer here: a boutique, bohemian experience designed for couples seeking something a little different, complete with on-site glamping and playful touches like lawn games for guests to enjoy.

Festival weddings are all about creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed, joyful, and unique—a departure from the more traditional, formal wedding day. Su-an McMahon, owner of Old Forest School, shared her thoughts in the article, explaining how this style of wedding has become a significant part of what makes our venue so popular.

“It’s what we firmly believed in when setting up Old Forest School,” Su-an explains. “We saw that the traditional wedding venue market was already well-served, and we wanted to offer something fresh, something that would break the mould.”

This style appeals to a new generation of couples, many of whom are now paying for their own weddings and are looking for a way to make their day feel personal and memorable. Festival-style weddings allow them to create an entire experience for friends and family, who often travel from all over the world to be with them. It’s no longer just about the ceremony; it’s about making lasting memories together, with room for spontaneity, connection, and all the fun elements that make the day truly theirs.

You can read the full article here.

Old Forest School featured on Paper & Lace

by Su-anWedding, Weddings September 24, 2013November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Sometimes, life has a way of introducing us to the most extraordinary people in the most unexpected ways. This is exactly how we feel about meeting the incredible Jax from Paper & Lace.

As a brand-new wedding venue back then, we approached everything with an open mind and a heart full of hope. The plan was simple: ask a lot, expect nothing, and appreciate whatever comes your way. With this approach, I sent a small introduction about Old Forest School to Jax, whose wedding blog, Paper & Lace, was a favorite among brides and wedding enthusiasts. It was a bit of a long shot, and I knew that if Jax even glanced at our story or took a peek at the photos I attached, it would already be a win in my book.

Imagine my surprise when Jax replied! It wasn’t just a polite acknowledgment, either—she wanted to know more. She asked for additional details and even requested more photos. I was over the moon, thinking maybe, just maybe, she might share a little note or mention us somewhere. But Jax went above and beyond. She wrote an entire blog post dedicated solely to Old Forest School, highlighting our story, our vision, and the charm of our venue in a way that captured our heart and soul.

The excitement that rippled through Old Forest School when her words went live was indescribable. To see our story brought to life on a platform like Paper & Lace was a dream come true. Jax’s words didn’t just describe us—they made us feel seen, understood, and celebrated. Her support helped bring Old Forest School into the spotlight, reaching couples who connected deeply with our vision. It was a moment of pure joy, a testament to the kindness of people who go out of their way to uplift others, and it’s one of those memories we’ll always cherish.

Enquiries and Facebook connections swelled. Still, many months later we are getting enquiries from lovely brides who have seen us on Paper and Lace.

Jax has the most delicious way with words, a literary feast. And here she was writing all about us….

http://paperandlace.com/2013/05/21/to-cool-for-school-the-ultimate-bay-of-plenty-wedding-venue/

So just when we recovered from the thrill of that post, BOOM, she hits us with another !! This time all about the styled shoot we did with Casey from The Heirloom….

http://paperandlace.com/2013/06/24/the-school-of-love-a-styled-shoot-worth-cutting-class-for/

We hope that one day Jax finds her way wandering up near the Bay of Plenty so we can let her loose here and repay in mountains the love and promotional gold she so kindly sent our way.

Head on over, see what I mean about the language she uses, she is like the Nigella of wedding blogs !!