The coppers arrive at wedding venue

by Su-anAnimals, Wedding, Weddings November 8, 2015November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

We’ve had some new guests arrive at our wedding venue; The Coppers. A quartet of beautiful Red Shaver Hens, that have been named because of their colour (copper brown) and the fact they look a little like a detective on a fresh crime scene. Incriminating looks, ponderous expressions and some accusational neck thrusting.

Holly has named them because her love of British crime shows.

We have Barnaby from Midsomer Murders.

Lestrade from Sherlock Holmes.

Lewis from the show by the same name.

And one for the true aficionado of British crime drama, Gene Genie from Life On Mars.

The Coppers have just started laying eggs for us, those clever girls. So they now have a brand new sign on the gate of the chicken coop.

Look at for them next time you visit Old Forest School, they might be on their beat (free ranging).

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 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.

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.