James & Jade’s Old Forest School Wedding

Words by Kristy Kyi / Images by Lucy Rice
August 11, 2016

If you’re a bit of a romantic, James and Jade’s Old Forest School wedding by Lucy Rice Photography will be right up your street. The pair said “I do” beneath a beautiful old sycamore tree in the grounds of a lovingly restored early 20th century school in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty.

Hailing from New Zealand and the UK and now living in Melbourne, James and Jade had quite a decision to make on where to tie the knot. Their choice, close to the area where Jade grew up, could not have been more suited to their laid-back, bohemian style.

Jess from Honeysuckle Rose brought Jade’s vision of a room full of lush blooms to life. “Jess is the most talented florist ever. She well and truly delivered! She understood from the get go exactly what I was trying to do – I had all the ideas in my head that no one else understood and she just did!” Hired props from The Heirloom completed the look, together with table runners created by the bride.

Being foodies, an impressive feast for their guests was at the top of Jade and James’ wedding wish list. On the recommendation of a friend, they decided on El Mono Loco. Jade says, “Bridget was so easy to communicate and work with. She worked with us to make the perfect menu that suited our budget and ideas. The food they cooked was insane! So much flavour and generous portions.”

She also gives a special shout out to her family who helped with the lead-up to the big day as well as the aftermath. “We could not have made it happen without their help… mostly my mum! She was beyond amazing; she looked after our son and made it possible for him to be a part of our day which was so special to us.”

boho bride with flower crown Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice
hanging dried flowers
Rustic wedding at New Zealand’s Old Forest School – photography by Lucy Rice
Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice timber doorway wedding backdrop glass drink dispensers Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice
geometric terrarium
geometric terrarium
Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice boho bride with pastel bouquet flower girl with parasol boho bride with pastel bouquet
Having given birth to little Theo 9 months before the wedding, Jade was hesitant to commit to a dress. “My friend and I went to the Rue de Seine trunk show just 6 weeks after I had Theo so I was no way in the right shape to try let alone buy anything. I was lucky enough to meet the beautiful ladies from Rue de Seine and they talked me into trying a couple of dresses on. So, nursing bra and all, I squeezed into 3 gorgeous gowns and fell in love with one of them, the Halo gown.”
Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice New Zealand wedding celebrant Sarah Lockwood
Jade and James gave their celebrant, Sarah Lockwood, a big thumbs up. “She was so sweet and we really felt immediately calmed when we met her. She was so perfect for us.”
Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rue de Seine Halo Gown Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice
Choosing a photographer from afar wasn’t easy, but Jade and James were thrilled with Lucy Rice. “We could not recommend Lucy enough. There’s something about the beautiful candid shots and lighting that Lucy creates that really made us fall in love with her work. Plus she has the cutest baby!”
Rue de Seine Halo Gown boho bride and bridesmaids boho bride and bridesmaids Rue de Seine Halo Gown bridesmaid separates Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rue de Seine Halo Gown grazing table Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice Rustic wedding at New Zealand's Old Forest School - photography by Lucy Rice

Credits

Images Lucy Rice | Bride's Dress Rue de Seine | Groom's Suit Daniel Hechter | Hair Adoux Hair | Makeup Chrissie Callard | Celebrant Sarah Lockwood | Reception Venue Old Forest School | Flowers Honeysuckle Rose | Catering El Mono Loco | Bridesmaid skirts Seed Heritage | Bridesmaid tops ASOS |


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