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.

 

Winners OFS Rotorua wedding show

Old Forest School at Hitched – The Rotorua Wedding Show

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.

OFS Hitched

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….

Rose with Rotorua Wedding Show Award