Weddings trends from Europe for 2016 and 2017

by Su-anPhotography, Weddings June 6, 2016November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

It’s June 2016, and we’re on an exciting journey around Europe, exploring what’s set to trend in the world of weddings for 2016 and 2017. With an eye for style and a passion for all things beautiful, we’re scouting the latest in dresses, florals, styling, and props that are catching attention across Europe’s trendiest spots.

Our travels have taken us to London, where we’re soaking up inspiration from the vibrant displays lining Oxford Street and the eclectic Camden Markets. Each shop window offers a new vision—whether it’s a stunning dress that sets the tone for a modern bride, an inventive floral arrangement, or props that bring personality and creativity to wedding décor. London’s stylish storefronts have been a treasure trove of ideas, and every corner reveals something fresh and inspiring.

But our inspiration doesn’t stop with the boutiques and markets. We’re also captivated by the lively street art and the music of international buskers, whose art brings a unique flair to the city’s streets. These creative expressions have sparked endless ideas for weaving an artistic, bohemian spirit into wedding styling and design. From the urban energy of street murals to the soulful music drifting through London’s neighborhoods, we’re discovering inspiration at every turn, capturing the essence of what’s new, exciting, and beautifully unexpected for the weddings to come.

These posts will be updated frequently so stay tuned. You can also check out our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook for more.

A taste of what’s to come, check out this awesome terrarium light installation and paper cone and butterfly dress from the High Street in Kensington.

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.

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.

How to pick the right entertainment for your event venue

by Su-anEvents March 6, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

This guest post is written by Brendan from 11degrees Entertainment about choosing entertainment for your event venue.

When choosing entertainment for your function the first hurdle you need to overcome is budget. After all the other expenses (catering, venue etc…) “How much have I got left to spend on entertainment?”

I think where possible get a band because live music is always better but when you are on a limited budget DJ’s are less expensive than bands, can fit into smaller spaces, play more variety, don’t take breaks and, volume wise are easily controlled. There are however a fair few DJ’s out there and their quality is varied on many levels.

With the introduction of iTunes and similar music content providers accessibility to music has become more available and cost effective than the historical alternatives.

So with events this has given rise to your “backyard” DJ or the bride’s brother’s best friend’s mate’s play list on his iPhone providing the unmanaged and uncharted tapestry for your celebration…. you can imagine what happens next?

If that doesn’t paint a clear enough picture, have you ever been to a function where there was a jukebox? Hopefully I’m beginning to make my point.

Like all forms of art music is a very personal and everybody has their own idea of what is “Good” and “Danceable”. Let’s not forget an under powered home theatre sound system that’s going to struggle with the volume output required for a party without distortion or the system blowing up!

Oh let’s now add alcohol… you now have a recipe for a challenging night and chaos on the dance floor.

Professional DJ’s have an important role to play so don’t underestimate their value when it comes to music choice, equipment supply and crowd control.

DJ’s will charge per hour with generally a minimum of 3 hrs. Some will provide their own gear while others won’t and do they have backups should equipment fail?

Some will not play requests or talk to the audience so make sure you know what you’re getting. You also have every right to inform them of your dress code for the event. T Shirt and jeans won’t work for a formal function or it may be themed so they should be too!

If they are cheap it’s likely that they are inexperienced or some of the boxes above aren’t ticked.

As with all purchases “Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware”… Ask questions so you are not surprised on the night.

Hopefully I have offered some insights for your next event so you make the right choice not the cheapest one so plan ahead.

Remember, good food will satisfy short term but your entertainment will be remembered for years!

You can get in touch with Brendan at:

Phone +64 (0)9 445 2561 (you may need to leave a message!)

Mobile +64 (0)21 797 417 (answered straight away or within an hour)

Email brendon@11degrees.com (the best way to give details of your event)

11degrees Entertainment Ltd

http://www.11degrees.com

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 !!

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….