Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs has been a source of inspiration for couples planning their dream weddings and they’ve got an important announcement about some new beginnings.
For the past 7 years, Founder & Director Samantha Gerard has been the driving force behind this event, creating a platform that celebrates creativity, passion, and love. Her dedication and hard work have made Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs a success, and she has inspired countless couples to imagine and create their dream weddings.
This month it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to its Founder and Director, Samantha Gerard. Samantha has been instrumental in creating a community that celebrates creativity, passion, building a community of like-minded individuals who share her passion for weddings and all things beautiful.
As Samantha moves on to new creative adventures, we are excited to welcome Zoë Southwood as the new Wild Hearts Owner. Zoë brings with her a wealth of experience in the wedding and fashion industries. She shares the same passion and commitment to creating unique, unforgettable Wedding Fairs around New Zealand that Wild Hearts is known for. We know that Zoë will lead Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs to even greater heights. With her vision and expertise, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Wild Hearts.
“I am grateful for the incredible journey that Wild Hearts has taken me on. It’s been an honour to be a part of such a wonderful creative community and to have had the opportunity to not only work with, but also become forever friends with so many talented industry folk. Changing the game in Wedding events, I will forever be grateful for everyone that has helped grow Wild Hearts to the beautiful brand it is today. However, it is now time for me to take a step back and focus on new adventures with my family. I am excited to now pass the dream to Zoë, a truly beautiful soul, who I know will lead Wild Hearts to even greater success.” – Samantha Gerard
Get to know Zoë:
Tell us about yourself….
Hello, I’m Zoë! I moved to Waiheke Island 20 years ago, so I think I’m allowed to call myself a local now! I went to school on the island and only left for a couple years to attend university to study event management, I ended up dropping out and stumbled my way into floristry which has been my career for the past 6 years. In 2020 I took over as director of the weddings and events side of Wildflower Waiheke. I have been obsessed with wedding styling since I first discovered Pinterest in 2011 (thank goodness my style has evolved since then!) and I have a bit of a weak spot for beautiful clothes. I really do live and breathe weddings and fashion so Wild Hearts feels like it was made for me!
What drew you to Wild Hearts?
When I was studying event management, my goal was to pursue a career in wedding planning. As a creative person whose mind is always buzzing with new ideas and business plans, I had actually started brainstorming ideas for a wedding fair along with many other projects back in the day. It feels like everything has come full circle now! I am so excited about the sense of community that Wild Hearts fosters, and I appreciate the variety of opportunities available through their directory and fairs. Samantha has grown such an incredible business and it’s an absolute privilege to take over Wild Hearts. As a business owner I know how much of yourself you put into your job and it’s a real honour to be trusted to take over the reigns and do her (and all the Wild Hearts vendors) proud.
What are you looking forward to this year with Wild Hearts?
I’m actually really looking forward to meeting many of the vendors I’ve seen and admired over the years through social media but have never had the chance to meet in person. I’m also looking forward to drawing some inspiration from some of the new and unique trends coming through and creating some beautiful styled shoots around New Zealand. And of course planning our three Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs in Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown this year!
2023 WEDDING FAIRS
We’re thrilled to announce that Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs will be hosting events in three beautiful locations around New Zealand this Spring! Join us in Christchurch, Auckland, and Queenstown.
- Christchurch: September 3rd, 2023
- Auckland: September 17th, 2023
- Queenstown: October 15th, 2023
Each of these events promises to be a spectacular celebration of creativity, passion, and love, and we wholeheartedly invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience.
Weddings are a unique opportunity to showcase your own personal style and to create a day that reflects your love story and the Wild Hearts fairs are designed to help you connect with the best vendors in the industry and gain inspiration for your dream wedding. You will have the opportunity to view the latest wedding trends, meet with talented designers, photographers, florists, and caterers, sip cocktails at the Bar, hang out with us at the Together Journal VIP Haven and of course watch the highly anticipated Wild Hearts Runway, plus so much more…
Along with the Wild Hearts, the team at Together Journal can’t wait for you to join us for a day filled with inspiration, excitement, and fun. For more information about our upcoming events, please visit wildhearts.co.nz/events
Waiheke photos by Wildfolk Photography at Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island.
Wild Hearts Wedding Fair Photos by Hollow & Co and Light & Type.
