108. Chantecler Gardens Wedding with Bride Ainsley Henry, Founder of Floralcentric

Today on the podcast I’m joined by the lovely Ainsley, florist, wedding vendor and recent bride. You might know her from Floralcentric or have seen her stunning Queenstown wedding featured on the cover of Together Journal. She shares the real behind-the-scenes of planning her own wedding while working in the industry, plus her top flower tips and trends for couples currently planning.

🎟️ Tickets for The Kiwi Wedding Podcast LIVE Event (August 31st in Auckland) are ⁠⁠on sale now⁠⁠! We’ll have delicious treats, champagne towers, goodie bags, and an incredible lineup of speakers, including makeup artist Kate Solley, dress designer Trish Peng, and Astrid Braid wedding planner from PS. I Love You. Brides, couples, and vendors alike - come along for a beautiful morning.

⁠⁠⁠GRAB YOUR TICKET FOR THE KIWI WEDDING PODCAST LIVE! ⁠⁠

We chat about:

💜 Ainsley shares how she and Josh met overseas on their OEs in London with a little matchmaking help from Josh’s cousin (and her future maid of honour).

💜 Their beautiful Queenstown wedding took place at her grandparents’ garden property, a sentimental spot and the ultimate floral backdrop.

💜 Hear the romantic proposal story set at a secluded Raglan cabin.

💜 She opens up about planning paralysis as a vendor surrounded by too much inspo and how working with Claire Donaldson helped bring her vision together.

💜 Ainsley shares why photography and videography were their biggest priorities and her strong recommendation not to skip the video. 

💜 Two stunning custom Brooke Tyson dresses, the fun of a second outfit, and choosing fashion that suits your vibe. 

💜 From relaxed hens in Hawke’s Bay to a fun pool party the next day, Ainsley spills all the details on the lead up and full week of celebrations. 

💜 As a florist, Ainsley shares loads of tips, from where to start with flower planning to how to maximise your budget and what’s trending (hello Calla Lilies and petite bouquets). 

💜 Plus, we get the story of how Floralcentric began, from London freelancing to a COVID-era mother-daughter studio dream.

...and so much more!

If you’re a bride-to-be navigating inspo overload or wondering how to make your florals feel personal and impactful, this one’s full of helpful gems.

Follow Ainsley:

⁠@floralcentric⁠

Below you can find the handles for all A & J’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠

Vendors:

Location: ⁠@chanteclergardens⁠

Photographer: ⁠@stephanandnakita ⁠

Videographer: ⁠@flatrocfilms⁠ 

Dresses & Veil: ⁠@brooketysonritual⁠

Groom’s Suit: ⁠@workingstylenz⁠ 

Bride’s Shoes: ⁠@nicole.rebstock⁠ 

Bride’s Party Shoes: ⁠@zara⁠ 

Bride’s Bag: ⁠@georgiajaybags⁠ 

Bride’s Rings: ⁠@naveyaandsloanejewellery⁠ 

Bride’s Earrings: ⁠@jasminsparrowjewellery⁠ 

Groom’s Ring: ⁠@guys.gold⁠ 

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: ⁠@benni.au ⁠

Bridesmaids’ Shoes: ⁠@zara⁠ 

Florals: ⁠@michelecoomeyfloral⁠

Stylist: ⁠@onelovelydaystyling⁠ 

Celebrant: Bride’s Aunty

Bride’s Makeup: ⁠@jetmakeupartist⁠ 

Bridesmaids’ Makeup: ⁠@livkingmakeup⁠

Bride’s Hair: ⁠@beautifulbridalhair⁠ 

On-the-Day Coordinators: Friends Kim Bright & Mel Kong 

Dining & Bar Marquee: ⁠@trulyyours_events⁠ 

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