New Zealand Weddings

Love in bloom

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:52:00 +1200

Janine Rendle and Dean Bodger married at Pemberton Gardens. Here are some details from their gorgeous wedding. Photography by Lisa Gane from Lumo Photography.

Fairest of them all

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:31:00 +1200

Michelle Goulevitch from Gorgeous Jewellery shares her tips on choosing your bridal jewels

1. Take the style of your gown into consideration when selecting jewellery - especially the neckline. Dresses with a V-shaped neckline look great with a pendant style, while strapless gowns look great with round or choker-style necklaces. Asymmetric necklines work best without a necklace - go for gorgeous earrings instead.

2. Consider your overall look. If your dress has beading or crystals on it, go for more understated jewellery such as a simple string of pearls. If your dress is simple without lots of embellishments, then you can wear more dramatic or intricate jewellery without looking over the top.

3. Pick just one feature piece and keep other items simple. If you are wearing large chandelier earrings, then an understated pendant necklace or even no necklace at all will look best. If you have chosen an ornate necklace then opt for simple earrings such as small drops or studs.

4. If you are wearing a bracelet, have fun with it. Because your wrist is far away from your necklace and earrings, you can pretty much choose any style - my advice is to pick something you love and will enjoy wearing.

5. Hair jewellery is very popular these days. If you decide against a veil, a hair vine or embellished comb is a great way to add a something special to your hair.

6. Be consistent and choose pieces made from the same materials. For example, if you have a necklace made from Swarovski pearls, choose a matching bracelet or earrings rather than something made from freshwater pearls. This gives a visually appealing and well put together look.

7. Stick to your own personal style. You want to feel like yourself on your big day, so choose jewellery you love and feel comfortable wearing. Don't make the mistake of wearing something just because it's trendy - be true to yourself.

Recipe for love

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:57:00 +1200

This delicious Baileys-infused iced latte is perfect for when the party is winding down at your reception, or when relaxing with your beloved on your honeymoon.

Ingredients

50ml of Baileys Irish Cream

25ml coffee

25ml milk

A teaspoon of sugar

Ice cubes

Lightly whipped cream, chocolate shavings and wafers to garnish

Method

Step 1: Mix the ice, Baileys, coffee, milk and sugar.

Step 2: Stir it well and pour into a tall highball glass.

Step 3: Add cream on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Step 4: Garnish with a wafer on the side.

Serves 1. Each serving contains 0.67 standard drinks.

Words of love

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:31:00 +1200

If you're not sure where to start when writing your vows, take inspiration from your favourite television characters' words of love.

Monica to Chandler (Friends): 'For so long I wondered if I would ever find my prince, my soul mate. Then three years ago, at another wedding I turned to a friend for comfort. And instead, I found everything that I'd ever been looking for my whole life. And now, here we are, with our future before us - and I only want to spend it with you, my prince, my soul mate, my friend.'

Carla to Turk (Scrubs): 'I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but you've managed to erase them all, because each and every one of them has led me to you.'

Burke to Christina (Grey's Anatomy): 'You are my partner, my lover, my very best friend. My heart beats for you. And this day, the day of our wedding, I promise you this...I promise you to lay my heart in the palm of your hands. I promise you me.'

David to Donna (Beverly Hills): 'When was it that we fell in love? When we were 18? Sixteen? Maybe 10. I don't know, 'cause the truth is I can't picture a time when I wasn't in love with you. I always knew you were the one that could look into my eyes and see my soul. I don't question your commitment to us and I know there's nothing that we can't work through. And I accept you as my partner and as my best friend above all others. It's a miracle to find the kind of peace and happiness that you've given me, and in honor of that miracle, I pledge before our family and friends to love and to cherish you forever.'

Mike to Phoebe (Friends): 'You're so beautiful, you're so kind, you're so generous. You're so wonderfully weird. Every day with you is an adventure, and I can't believe how lucky I am, and I can't wait to share my life with you forever.'

A Grand Affair

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:49:00 +1200

The Grand Wedding Show on Sunday was a blast! It was great to meet so many excited brides to be. Special thanks to Centrepiece, Sweet Bites, Leaf and Honey, The Alberton and Carlton Party Hire for helping with our stand.

Natalie Chan

Vinka Design

Absolute Perfection

Jeannie Mae Invitations

Vintage Simplicity

The Conservatory

Home advantage

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:58:00 +1200

Make the most of nature and the New Zealand landscape with details that show off the Kiwi way of life. Photography by Jody Lidstone (idophotography.co.nz).

Take the Cake

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:13:00 +1200

Emma Hogg from Strawberry Sky Cakes shares her tips on making the most of your cake.

1. Aim to confirm your slot 3-6 months before your wedding date to ensure you don't miss out on your preferred cake designer. Remember that the summer months (November - March) are popular for weddings and get booked very quickly so don't leave booking your cake until the last minute or you risk being disappointed.

2. Ask your cake designer about the size you will require based on the number of guests you are inviting and whether you want to serve the cake as coffee portions or for desert. A standard 3-tier (6", 8" and 10" for each tier) should feed approximately 100 coffee portions but you may wish to add an additional tier (12") if you want to feed your cake as a desert to the same number of guests.

3. Your cake designer will certainly have a range of tried and tested flavours that they are happy to offer for your cake. Opt for different flavours on each tier to give your guests a choice on the day. If you are considering keeping the top tier of your cake, most cake designers will advise you to choose a fruit tier as this will keep beautifully.

4. Look to the flowers in your bouquet, the details on your wedding dress and the colours of your bridal party for inspiration on the design of your cake. Alternatively, have a chat with your cake designer about creating something fun that truly reflects you both as a couple.

5. Many cake designers offer a delivery service - if you are transporting your own cake, you must ensure there is a flat space in your car. It will not travel well placed at an angle on the back seat! Invest in a small piece of rubber matting that the cake can sit on during transportation as this will prevent it sliding around and becoming damaged.

Top Trends

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:55:00 +1300

By DJ Ian Wilson (aucklandweddingdj.co.nz)

1. Save the first dance

While the first dance is a nice way to begin the dancing for the night, many couples are opting for shorter dances, particularly at more casual celebrations. But what do you do if you don't want to do a first dance at all? You could always opt for a humorous twist - in a recent wedding, the best men did the first dance for the couple. It had everyone laughing, and was a less formal way to kick off the dancing for the evening.

2. Size matters

If you are planning a smaller more intimate wedding, you're not the only one. I recently have DJ'd and MC'd for weddings of 30 guests or fewer. Small weddings are popular and can be a lot of fun. I've found guests are less inhibited on the dance floor and tend to stay right to the end. Keep in mind that smaller weddings work best with a smaller venue, and arranging tables so they are fairly close together adds an intimate feel.

3. Location, location, location

Waiheke Island is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for weddings, with its range of beautiful vineyards. What I like most about Waiheke is its unique, chilled-out vibe - it also has some stunning photo locations. Plan to stay on the island overnight to give the feeling of a destination wedding while staying close to home.

Seven Wishes

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:21:00 +1300

A poem by Fiona Farrell, from 'Dear Heart: 150 New Zealand Love Poems', edited by Paula Green

A straight account is difficult

so let me define seven wishes:

that you should fit inside me neat as the stuffing in an olive

that you should stand inside the safe circle of my eye

that you should sing, clear, on the high rock of my skull

that you should swing wide on the rope of my hair

that you should cross rivers of blood, mountains of bone

that I should touch your skin through a hole in your tee shirt

that we should exchange ordinary tales

Trip the light fantastic

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +1300

DJ Ian Wilson tells how to use lights to wow your guests on your special day.

I am always impressed at how each couple will add their own personalized touches to their big day through unique table settings, flowers and favours. Another personal touch that is gaining popularity is up lighting - shining a beam of light upwards, usually onto to the wall or ceiling.

Up lighting is a great way to add wow factor to your venue and complement your colour scheme. It can be used to draw attention to and highlight a number of things including columns and curtains. The light is usually a colour wash and these days there are 1001 colours to choose from. Modern up lighting uses LED bulbs, so you don't need to worry about over heating.

Lighting design is the key to success - here are some tips to consider when up lighting your venue:

1. With hundreds of different colours to choose from, try and narrow it down to a few tones you like and that will fit in with your colour scheme . It's often more effective to keep the lights all the same colour at any one time, but that doesn't mean you can't switch to other colours later on for a different vibe.

2. Depending on the size of the venue you may only need a few lights to achieve the effect you want. Often lighting just one feature wall is all that is needed, and four lights are normally enough to do this. Pillars, curtains, corners or walls are good places to highlight but avoid windows where the lights won't have much of an effect.

3. The colours you choose can impact the mood and overall feel of your wedding. Blue is great for hot muggy days to give the illusion of coolness. Red has a warm feel and adds a luxurious touch to any room. Pale blues and greens are better for afternoon while dark, intense colours work best later in the evening. You can also try using different combinations such as cool colours running together, or using contrasting tones for a dramatic effect.

4. Warm colours like magenta or other pink tones will cast a lovely glow and make your skin look its best, so this is a popular colour to use in photos.

5. You can also add effects like slowly fading from one colour to the next and it is possible to switch the lights to sound activated mode. This is great for later on in the night when the dancing starts and can really brings the room alive. If you're not the technical type, ask your DJ if they have experience with up lighting.

You can find Ian at www.aucklandweddingdj.co.nz

Top five entertainment tips from DJ Ian Wilson

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:36:00 +1300

1 Get involved

The playlist at your wedding should reflect you and your man’s personalities, so let your DJ know what sort of music you want. Discussing song lists and ideas is a good place to start. Ensure you talk about the timing of events, special genres or songs to be played, any special edits that are needed, and of course don’t forget the ‘do not play’ list for any tracks you hate! A good DJ will ask about what you want – if they say they understand the music you have in mind without discussing it with you first, then you know they will be rolling out a standard playlist, not something tailored to your special day. The mix of music generally depends on the age of the audience, but there are so many variables. To avoid disappointment, take the time to talk it over with your chosen DJ and get your music preferences in writing to make sure you’re both on the same page.

2. Do something fun

No matter how much you love dancing, hours and hours of it without a break can get a bit tiring. You might want to look at ways to break up that time with something entertaining for your guests. For example, if you’re doing a bouquet throw and a garter toss, how about asking the DJ to get the winners up for a special dance together – this was a memorable highlight at a recent wedding I played at. Get creative and think outside the box to keep guests on their toes.

3. Romance on the dance floor

The first dance is a very special moment, and if you're game then you can learn some simple dance moves that look very impressive. If your dance routine only lasts a short time then you could ask the DJ to edit the song for a shorter version, or introduce the bridal party at the point when the dance routine comes to an end. But it doesn’t have to end at the first dance. At one wedding I was a DJ for, about halfway through the night we had the bride sit on a chair in the middle of the dance floor, and the groom and groomsmen surprised her by serenading her with ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ by the Righteous Brothers. A small amount of effort usually pays off – if it is a surprise, just make sure you let the DJ in on the secret to avoid awkward interruptions. Communication is key.

4. Get creative

Many brides and grooms want to follow certain etiquette and wedding formats: it’s what people expect, and it can be nice to have traditions. But at the same time, you probably want your celebration to be different from your friend’s or sister’s wedding. From the music that plays as you walk down the aisle to the song of your last dance, you can add your personal touch. Talk to your DJ about having a special dance when you enter the reception, or have two songs for the first dance (such as a slow romantic tune with a fun song mixed in). If you put your creative thinking caps on, you could be the first to start off a new trend and wow your guests with something unique. Just make sure it’s tasteful, and a good fit to your personalities.

5 Connect with your guests

From your vows to the speeches, you want to make sure people can hear what is being said and feel a part of what is happening. You will usually need microphones, preferably wireless, and an amplification system. Quality sound equipment makes a huge difference. It's also important to keep your guests informed, and an MC can help immensely. A good MC will keep things flowing smoothly and avoid awkward pauses and silences. Not every announcement needs to be made over the PA system – informing smaller groups of guests to take a seat sometimes works better. Many emotions, laughs and sometimes tears are shared during these spoken moments, so they should be audible. Consider asking your DJ or videographer to record them for you, so you can treasure the memories in years to come.

You can find Ian at www.aucklandweddingdj.co.nz

Words of love

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +1300

“…You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.”

- Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

With this veil, I thee wed

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:08:00 +1300

It's one of the biggest questions when it comes to your wedding ensemble: to veil or not to veil?

The right headpiece will complete your look, turn heads, and make you feel every inch the bride. But remember, always consider your dress. Balance is key - in general, the bigger your train and the more voluminous your skirt, the more likely it is that you will pull off a longer veil. If your dress is shorter or has a simple design, it may be best to go for a smaller hair piece that won't detract from your gown.

Luckily, there are many options available. Here, we list our favourite looks, from celebrity weddings to the silver screen.

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Twilight

Bella's look is sweet and simple, and the jewelled hair comb adds a glamorous touch.

Liv Lerner (Kate Hudson) in Bride Wars

A stunning full-length veil to match a princess-esque gown.

Kate Middleton

Gorgeous, classic and very royal. If you like Kate's look but don't want to wear a crown, try a jewelled headband instead.

Katherine Heigl

A pretty facinator is elegant, eye-catching and modern, while still making a classic up-do look extra special.

Tea for twenty-one

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:01:00 +1300

One lucky bride won a gorgeous vintage afternoon tea for her hen’s party celebration through New Zealand Weddings magazine, thanks to The Vintage Table and Bluebells Cakery.

Philippa Shorten and 20 of her friends and family got together at Cornwall Park’s Pavilion Room in November for an unforgettable high tea experience. Everything from the food to the linen was provided, set up, and cleared away afterwards so Philippa and her guests could relax and enjoy. The venue was beautifully decorated with pretty bunting, vintage linen, lots of pink china, and pink peonies. The guests went all out, dressing up in 1920s flapper dresses, head dresses, and pearls.

After sipping on bubbly served in vintage hollow-stemmed champagne glasses, they enjoyed exquisite club sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream, baby cupcakes, petite savoury and tarts and other sweet treats, topped off with tea and coffee served in vintage china teapots and teacups.

Check out these gorgeous photos from the event for inspiration for your own celebration!

Top Five Flowers

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:58:00 +1300

“Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers also feed the soul.” – The Koran

Looking for the perfect flower? Here are our top five flowers, their meaning, and how to use them - and check out our summer issue for tips on vintage flower arrangements!

Peony – bashfulness

Peonies are both beautiful and changeable – their shape will alter dramatically as they bloom from a bud to an open flower.

Rose – love

This classic wedding flower also offers lots of variety – mix it up with different colours, sizes and shapes.

Sweet peas – delicate pleasures

From pretty pastels to eye-catching brights, these blooms offer plenty of colour choice and can be used long-stemmed in a bouquet, or cut short in small glass vases.

Tulip – declaration of love

Tulips offer a clean, classic yet exotic shape, in a wide variety of colours.

Cala Lillies – magnificent beauty

Elegant, sophisticated and modern, these flowers are a popular choice for weddings – particularly in white!

Floral fantasia

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:04:00 +1300

Putting your DIY hat on is a great way to add personal touches to your wedding decor. Try scattering pretty fabric flowers like these on table tops, among tea light candles or vases of fresh flowers. To cut costs, use left-over fabric from dress alterations to match your colour scheme. Bonus: these flowers will last forever!

Love is blind

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:22:00 +1300

"Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind."

- Helena, in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Tips for the perfect bouquet!

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:24:00 +1300

- Choose a variety of shapes – a mix of vertical spikes like lavender, bulb-shaped blooms like tulips, and flatter flowers like open roses will give your bouquet depth.

- Did you know different flowers had different meanings in Victorian times? A quick google search will tell you what your flowers represent, so you can choose varieties that reflect what you and your partner value. Try http://aboutflowers.com.

- Choose flowers that complement your colouring, not just your décor – you will be holding them near your face for photos! Also consider the bouquet size – if you’re petite, a large bunch of flowers may look overwhelming in your photos, whereas if you’re taller you could get away with longer stems or a larger flower bunch.

- If you like the tradition of throwing the bouquet, consider having a smaller version of your chosen bunch of flowers for this purpose. Having taken the time to carefully choose your flowers, you may not want to throw them away so soon!

- If you get your wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses made or have the hems taken up, save a strip of fabric for wrapping around your bouquet to tie it in with your look.

- Most of all, you want a bouquet that you will enjoy holding. Don't worry that your favourite flowers aren't traditional or that the roses you like are too simple - if you love it, that's all that counts.

A Wellington Wedding

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:13:00 +1300

We were at the Wellington Wedding show on Sunday, October 30 at TSB Arena, Queens Wharf. We spotted some gorgeous ideas for your big day - check out these lovely displays from Paula Bevege Events.

Perfect imperfections

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:27:00 +1300

“Maybe it is our imperfections which make us so perfect for one another.”

- Mr Knightly in the movie, Emma.