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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.

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

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

Old Forest School Wedding in the NZ Woman’s Weekly

by Su-anPhotography, Wedding Shoot, Weddings July 14, 2014July 14, 2014Comments are Disabled

One of the beautiful couples who celebrated their wedding at Old Forest School featured in the NZ Woman’s Weekly this week.

“In the middle of a forest of native trees, Emily married her love Matt at Old Forest School, Pongakawa. Accompanied by their two year old daughter Sophie. The couple, who have friends in common but had never crossed paths, finally met in a Mount Maunganui bar in 2009 and it was love at first sight ! Their ceremony was held at the historic schoolhouse, where guests perched on school pews and congregated near the hopscotch court afterwards to play cricket, handball, tennis and other childhood games. The reception was in a double marquee near the Redwood Stables which had the perfect dance floor. The table decorations were lovingly arranged by Emily’s mum, Jackie Middleton and her friends, Mary, Helen and Debbie.”

Here’ s a photo of Matt and Emily at Old Forest School.

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.

Old Forest School, Vintage Venue at the Tauranga Wedding Show 2014

by Su-anWedding, Weddings May 26, 2014November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

For the second year in a row Old Forest School, Vintage Venue exhibited at the Tauranga Wedding Show.

The show was even bigger and better than last year, with more exhibitors and guests. There was a bunch of familiar faces and some new and interesting first time exhibitors. A number of company’s that had been at Old Forest School over the summer were exhibiting, like The Big Smoke BBQ Co., Rosie’s Wildflowers, Honeysuckle Rose, Food by Design, Juz Catering, Global Cuisine, Quinn & Katie, Heirloom, Addictive DJ’s, Debbie Hunt, Peter Duncan, Tauranga Party Hire, Captureit NZ.

Once again our stand featured some of our favorite rustic and vintage props, like our wooden ladder, beaten up crates, old school chairs, vintage books and glass jars. We displayed a number of photos from our recent season using some clipboards, this idea was a huge hit with lots of admiring comments. Little Miss Rose was there too capturing some great shots of our (and some of her friend’s) stands, look out on the Little Miss Rose facebook page for some of her great photos.

The Tauranga Wedding Show gave us the opportunity to meet lots of couples from Tauranga, other parts of the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and all over the North Island. It’s exciting to hear about their plans, what they’ve already sorted out and what’s left to organize. There were just over 1000 visitors through the show on the day, a a great deal of credit needs to go to the orgsaniser of the event. Every year they do a fantastic job coordinating, marketing and running the show.

It’s a full on weekend setting up and taking down the stand, but every time we attend a show it makes us look forward even more to the next one. Bring on the Tauarnga Wedding Show 2015.

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

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 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….

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.

A unique wedding venue and a unique photographer.

by Su-anPhotography September 20, 2013November 5, 2024Comments are Disabled

Many of you will have met our Rose, the 12 year old resident of Old Forest School. A unique wedding venue needs a unique photographer and she very much fits the bill!

Rose LOVES to take photos, she also loves watching others take photos. Just happens we have a lot of photographers popping by which is pretty super for her. She also has the loan of a whizzy camera at the moment which she is loving. Her images have even got her a role as second camera for a wedding next year ! She is bursting with pride and excitement. Nothing comes close to the thrill she gets reading comments people post on FB about her work. Too cool that this little girl so casually talks about wedding photography heavyweights like Claire from Wildwood, Maree Wilkinson etc as her friends.

Rose hopes to work with film for ever and a day, movies being the ultimate goal. We think she’s doing just great already. Anyone planning on getting Peter Jackson to do a little something at Old Forest School ? We occasionally post her photos on Facebook but been promising to pop more on a blog post so here goes…..for you our lovely Rose xoxoxo