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.

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 !!

Wedding Venue Win in the Te Puke Times

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

Taking home the Rotorua Wedding Show award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in 2013 was a moment of pure joy and validation for us. Our whole team was glowing, and it felt like the Old Forest School house itself stood a little taller with pride when we placed that trophy in its new home. This award was more than a win—it represented the long journey we’ve taken with this beloved schoolhouse, a journey filled with hard work, vision, and an unbreakable bond to preserve its charm and history. Looking back, I’m so grateful that we stayed the course together.

The excitement didn’t stop with the award. Our local newspaper, the Te Puke Times, saw fit to share our accomplishment with the community, publishing a wonderful article all about Old Forest School and our success at the show. Their words celebrated not just our venue but also the significance of breathing new life into a piece of New Zealand’s rural history that was nearly forgotten. This schoolhouse, once facing the risk of becoming just another memory, was now being recognized and cherished.

Following the article, we had so many local families and friends stop by to see the trophy firsthand, proudly displayed in the old schoolhouse. People were curious to know more about this little gem in Pongakawa, eager to see a piece of the Bay of Plenty’s past thriving again in the present.

Special thanks go to Pauline Carney, editor of the Te Puke Times, who has been a steadfast supporter of ours, helping to promote our community events and reunions and sharing our journey with the wider public. Pauline’s enthusiasm and dedication to the local community have helped Old Forest School become a cherished spot, connecting past and present generations. From all of us at Old Forest School—thank you, Pauline, for believing in our dream and helping us celebrate this special piece of history.

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….

Old Forest School at the Tauranga Wedding Show

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

Eekkkk, immediate state of panic, feeling like one of those fainting goats on YouTube, actually am I breathing ? Yes, good, those were some of my first thoughts when Rochelle from The Tauranga Wedding show contacted me back in April 2013. She had heard through the age old grape vine about Old Forest School – Vintage Wedding Venue, knew we were about to enter the BOP wedding market as a new venue and as I later found out, quite rightly, NEEDED to be at the show.

Wow, five years of chugging away on this somewhat huge project I had to think seriously about getting my big girl shoes on and take this vision to the most critical audience so far, our future clients. Check, still breathing, yes, on we went. I can’t tell you the number of sleepless nights I had worrying about our little stand, what it would look like, would it represent the essence of a little country school in the middle of a forest. We were not a swanky posh wedding venue, we had a humble, honest country style offering. How was it going to go down.

Well I’m delighted to say that I look back so fondly at that day, you guys LOVED us !! You loved our differences ! You ‘got’ us and you started visiting and booking to have your wedding at Old Forest School and you keep coming. Overnight our Facebook likes swelled from 100 (mostly our patient friends and family wondering if it was safe to come for a holiday or if they would be roped into doing some painting) to 200. Today, a mere five months later and we have nearly 700 of you amazing people supporting Old Forest School. Feeling very loved xxx

The show was also an incredible networking event. I met so many amazing people who are part of the wedding scene in the Bay of Plenty. You are truly blessed to have so many great choices for celebrating a wonderful day. When you choose us our heart swells and I’m feeling less and less like a fainting goat and more like a special part of an incredible community.