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One Fine Day Wedding Fair in Melbourne

by Su-anWedding, Weddings March 20, 2018November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

In early March 2018, some of the Old Forest School team had the pleasure of attending the vibrant One Fine Day Wedding Fair in Melbourne. This inspiring event, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, offered two full days packed with wedding magic and creativity from some of Melbourne’s finest wedding vendors and suppliers. From florists and …

Famous musos at Old Forest School

by Su-anWedding, Weddings January 19, 2017November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

At Old Forest School, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to welcome some seriously talented musical artists to our grounds. From intimate wedding performances to appearances for reality TV shows on TV3, our venue has played host to a diverse range of musicians who have added their own unique energy to our special place.

Among the artists who have graced Old Forest School are:

Tiki Tane – Known for his soulful blend of reggae and acoustic sounds, Tiki’s performances are always memorable, bringing a heartfelt vibe that resonates with every guest.
Stu Larsen – With his folk-inspired melodies and wanderer’s spirit, Stu’s music has brought a touch of warmth and storytelling to our venue, making each performance feel deeply personal.
MC OJ and Rhythm Slave – These legends add an upbeat and energetic twist, getting everyone into the groove with their lively beats and engaging stage presence.
Luke Wilson – A crowd-pleaser known for his rich vocals and powerful guitar work, Luke has created some unforgettable moments for our guests.
Joseph & Maia – This duo’s harmonies and indie-folk style fit perfectly with the rustic charm of Old Forest School, adding a beautifully intimate touch to any event.

These talented musicians have become part of the Old Forest School story, each performance leaving an impression on our guests and making our venue a true gathering place for creativity and celebration. We’re honored to have had them here and look forward to welcoming many more artists who will add to the vibrant musical legacy of Old Forest School.

Food truck Europe inspired wedding venue Tauranga

Fabulous food trucks in Europe

by Su-anWedding, Weddings June 25, 2016November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Food trucks seem to be popping up everywhere you go in Europe these days, each one as charming and unique as the last. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a vibrant new approach to food culture that’s definitely here to stay. There’s something incredibly inviting about a passionate foodie serving up delicious, creative dishes from a small, specialty truck, often crafted with as much personality as the food itself.

If you’re planning a wedding with a relaxed, fun vibe, a food truck can be the perfect addition. Not only does it add a laid-back feel, but it also offers a memorable experience for guests. Imagine a cozy setup with gourmet food being served right out of a truck! The variety of food trucks available today is amazing, covering everything from traditional paella to artisanal hamburgers, decadent cupcakes, nostalgic Mr. Whippy ice cream, L.A.-inspired Mexican dishes, vibrant Peruvian flavors, and just about anything else you can dream up.

The hardest part might be narrowing down which truck (or trucks, if you just can’t decide!) to go with. The possibilities are endless, letting you tailor the food to reflect your unique tastes and add a flavorful twist to your celebration. Here’s a little roundup of some standout food trucks we’ve spotted recently in London, Edinburgh, and Split, each offering its own special charm and culinary delights. Whether you’re after something classic, adventurous, or even a bit quirky, there’s a food truck out there ready to make your wedding unforgettable.

And if you want to take it to a whole new level, how about a food canal boat serving coffee and sweet treats. We found this little treasure on the edge of the canal in Edinburgh. Simply delightful!

Groom’s Wedding song for his bride

by Su-anWedding, Weddings April 28, 2016November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Adam McLean had a truly romantic idea up his sleeve for his wedding day. To surprise his soon-to-be wife, Cayley, he decided to write and record a song just for her, a heartfelt gift that would capture their love in a way words alone couldn’t. The couple celebrated their wedding at Old Forest School on December 29, 2015, and Adam’s plan added an unforgettable touch to their special day.

Looking for some serious romantic inspiration? Adam’s song, shared with everyone during the speeches, was nothing short of magical. As the video played, guests watched his heartfelt performance, and the room filled with smiles, laughter, and even a few happy tears. Cayley was completely taken by surprise, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion and love in Adam’s song.

The video became an instant hit among the guests, creating a moment of shared joy that everyone would remember. For Cayley, it was a once-in-a-lifetime surprise that made her wedding day even more extraordinary. Adam’s thoughtful gesture reminds us all of the power of music and the impact of a simple, genuine act of love.

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.

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 !!

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 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.