Umbrellas Europe inspired wedding venue Tauranga

Wedding ideas we’ve spotted in Europe

by Su-anWedding, Weddings July 12, 2016November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

We might not be at our wedding venue right now, but weddings are still very much on our minds. Over the past few weeks we’ve been travelling around Europe (New Zealand’s winter 2016). While we’ve been here we have been keeping our eyes out for some trends, ideas and inspiration for weddings back home in New Zealand. So here’s a just a few we have seen…

Lovelocks are huge.

Every city we visit there are plenty of Lovelocks. They are been locked onto bridges, fences, structures surrounding trees and old monuments. Here’s just a really small sample of some of the ones we’ve spotted.

Big word shapes.

There have been numerous 3D words made from various substrates appear all over the place too. They have been covered in street art, like the one in Sopron or grass, like the one in Budapest. They are heaps of fun and make a really BIG statement. How fabulous would it be to have your names or initials that your guests could intact with, decorate or use as a backdrop for photographs on your wedding day.

Having fun hanging stuff.

We’ve see a couple of really cute ideas to add some colour and fun by hanging things up. Like the colourful, bright umbrellas we stumbled upon in Split or the vintage lampshades hanging from some trees in London. They both instantly add a little bit of brightness and whimsy to any setting.

Stay tuned for more ideas and inspiration we spot in Europe over the coming weeks.

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

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

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.