We love a couple that really commits to their venue. Take Lucy and Tom, who were married at an old school in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Dropped off by bus (at the bus stop, of course), guests played schoolyard faves hopscotch and gutterball before taking a trip down memory lane with the arrival of Mr. Whippy. A school bell even rang to mark the end of the wedding. A+ for effort.

Captured by Rambo Estrada and held at Old Forest School (one of our fave NZ wedding venues) this is one of our all-time fave weddings – for good reason, you’ll soon see.

The styling and flowers were next level (kudos to On My Hand) but our favourite part were the customised denim jackets Lucy made for her bridesmaids and the fact the groomsmen went and got matching tattoos.

Tell us about how you met and the proposal?

THE MEET – We met 11 years ago on the first day of design school. We had a few classes together, including photography, we spent a lot of time hanging out in the darkroom developing films and photographs. We became pretty inseparable and have been together ever since.

THE PROPOSAL – It was the middle of winter and Tom hired a gorgeous cottage on the hillside overlooking Apollo Bay in Victoria, Australia. We spent the weekend rugged up, drinking red wine and eating cheese in front of a fire. He proposed right there in front of the fire, it was very natural and such a beautiful weekend.

What DIY projects did you do accomplish for the wedding?

We did fair bit of DIY for our wedding. We designed all of our stationery, I designed and made our little maps which we printed on fabric and wrapped around our invites. We made a website with all of our info and where we could update our guests.

I hand painted my leather jacket and patched my maid of honour’s jacket. I also sourced and hand wove old tennis racquets which came in handy for a groom and groomsmen vs. bride and bridesmaids tennis match during the day!

What was your theme/inspiration/vibe for your wedding?

We wanted a really relaxed day for our guests and for them to have fun. Our venue was an old 1930’s school. It has a lovely, vintage schoolyard vibe to it so we ran with that. I couldn’t help myself but to mix in lots of fresh flowers and some other vintage, bohemian style pieces.

We had lots of schoolyard games for our guests to play – tennis, badminton, petanque, hopscotch and old school gutterball – it was awesome seeing our guests having fun and making the most of these throughout the day. Most of our guests arrived on a bus which really added to the school feel. The school bell rang at the end of the night when it was time to board the bus.

What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?

Keep talking to each other. We found that it was best to keep communicating and sharing the load otherwise it can all feel very overwhelming! And don’t get a puppy four weeks before the wedding like we did haha. 

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage is a million little things that you do for one another each and every day. It’s finding love, strength and support in each other and making sure home is wherever we are.

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

Rolling up with ‘Greensleeves’ playing in the Mr Whippy van is pretty up there with the favourite part of the day. Our guests had no idea and the ice creams were a hit – I think nearly everyone was walking around with an ice cream!

Tell us any funny stories that surrounded your wedding?

Tom and his groomsmen went out and got matching tattoos before the wedding. The tattoo is of two bottles cheers-ing (can be seen on one grooms-mens ankle).

How did you find your venue and was the process difficult for you?

Venue was great. Susan is an excellent communicator and works hard to help you plan your day. She is great at offering advice and info on local suppliers etc.

Ceremony song?

Soja “Gone Today” (acoustic version).

First dance song?

Ed Sheeran and Passenger live cover of “No Diggity“. 

CREDITS Photos Rambo Estrada // Flowers and styling On My Hand // Ceremony and reception Old Forest School // Catering Big Smoke BBQ and Mr Whippy // Prop hire Louisiana Lucy // Bridal gown Rue de Seine // Bridesmaid dresses Grana // Grooms outfit Bond & Co (waistcoat) and Scotch & Soda (shirt) // Groomsmen outfits Hallensteins and Industrie // Rings Baby Anything and Showcase Jewellers // Grooms shoes Overland // Ties Scotch & Soda and Asos // Brides shoes Jeffrey Campbell for Free People // Jewellery Baby Anything and Sarah & Sebastian // Cake DIY // Stationery Lucy Lear // Hair and makeup Fiona Clare Beauty // Music 5 o’clock Shadow and Figure 8 // Celebrant Heidi Seal // Transport Rosies Wildflowers Morris Minor.