With This Ring: August 05, 2016
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With This Ring: August 05, 2016

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WITH THIS RING – FREE www.withthisring.co.nz SEPTEMBER <strong>2016</strong> – ISSUE 19<br />

Design<br />

Your Day<br />

WITH COLOUR<br />

AND FLAIR<br />

VENUES<br />

AND MENUS<br />

TO SUIT<br />

YOUR<br />

STYLE<br />

SEPTEMBER <strong>2016</strong> | ISSUE 19 | FREE<br />

The four Cs for<br />

A ROMANTIC<br />

WEDDING IN<br />

NORFOLK<br />

ISLAND<br />

AN IDYLLIC<br />

HONEYMOON IN<br />

RAROTONGA<br />

Diamond<br />

Dazzle

2 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ISSUE 19<br />

AUGUST <strong>2016</strong><br />

Page 3<br />

Page 6<br />

Page 7-23<br />

Page 20<br />

Page 24<br />

Page 25-27<br />

Page 28-30<br />

Page 30-36<br />

Page 37<br />

Page 38-43<br />

Page 44-47<br />

Page 48-61<br />

Page 62-67<br />

Page 68<br />

Page 69-73<br />

Page 74-94<br />

Page 80-86<br />

Page 96-1<strong>05</strong><br />

Page 106-114<br />

Page 115-117<br />

Page 118-120<br />

Page 121-123<br />

Page 124-127<br />

Page 128-142<br />

Page 143-145<br />

Page 146<br />

Page 147-149<br />

Page 150-156<br />

New Design Trends<br />

Wedding Checklist<br />

Bridal Gowns & Fashions<br />

Flower Girls<br />

Bridesmaid Classics & Colours<br />

Grooms and Best Men<br />

Beauty<br />

Mother of the Bride<br />

Hens and Bucks<br />

Jewellery<br />

Wedding Organisation<br />

Venues<br />

Themes and Budgets<br />

Big Day Featured Wedding<br />

Speeches and Attendants<br />

Venues Continued<br />

Gifts & Guest Entertainment<br />

Catering, Cakes & Cocktails<br />

Photography<br />

Wedding Transport<br />

Invitations & Words<br />

Flowers<br />

Ceremonies<br />

Honeymoon Destinations<br />

Music & Decorations<br />

Wedding Shows & Expos<br />

Wedding Customs & Traditions<br />

Destination Hanmer Springs<br />

37<br />

38 67<br />

18<br />

WITH THIS RING – FREE www.withthisring.co.nz SEPTEMBER <strong>2016</strong> – ISSUE 19<br />

Design<br />

Your Day<br />

WITH COLOUR<br />

AND FLAIR<br />

VENUES<br />

AND MENUS<br />

TO SUIT<br />

YOUR<br />

STYLE<br />

SEPTEMBER <strong>2016</strong> | ISSUE 19 | FREE<br />

A ROMANTIC<br />

WEDDING IN<br />

NORFOLK<br />

ISLAND<br />

AN IDYLLIC<br />

HONEYMOON IN<br />

RAROTONGA<br />

The four Cs for<br />

Diamond<br />

Dazzle<br />

COVER IMAGE:<br />

PHOTO CREDIT:<br />

<strong>This</strong> gorgeous gown image featured<br />

on our cover was supplied by<br />

To Cherish Bridal Boutique.<br />

48<br />

122<br />

103<br />

Ph: 03 377 6800<br />

Or visit their website:<br />

www.tocherish.co.nz<br />

PUBLISHED BY:<br />

Star Media<br />

P O Box 1467,<br />

Christchurch<br />

Ph: 03 364 7461<br />

SALES MANAGER: Jenny Wright<br />

ADVERTISING: Mark Sinclair<br />

WRITER: Wendy Dunlop<br />

DESIGNER: Carol Beaumont

ADVERTORIAL<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 3<br />

Award winning Couturiere,<br />

Robyn Cliffe wowed the<br />

crowd at the Great New<br />

Zealand Bridal Show in April<br />

with the release of their<br />

couture range at the <strong>2016</strong><br />

Fashion Show.<br />

<strong>With</strong> the warmer weather you<br />

won’t have to wait long for the<br />

pre-release of their 2017 ranges as<br />

Robyn Cliffe and her talented team<br />

are already putting together their<br />

new spring collection.<br />

<strong>With</strong> New Zealand Fashion week<br />

upon us the creativity has been<br />

flowing after hugely successfully<br />

showings last year. As the South<br />

Islands only Couture designer<br />

Robyn relishes the opportunity<br />

to create some stunning one off<br />

gowns that then set the tone for the<br />

following season.<br />

If you can’t make it to Auckland<br />

you don’t miss out as Robyn and<br />

her team choose to showcase her<br />

award winning range each year at<br />

the Great New Zealand Bridal Show<br />

every April. ‘It’s a great opportunity<br />

for our team to show everyone<br />

locally where bridal fashion is at for<br />

the season and to set imaginations<br />

alight for just what is possible.’<br />

Robyn’s range shows the diversity<br />

and quality of design available in<br />

New Zealand.<br />

Bridal gown<br />

design is going through an<br />

exciting stage, with the increase<br />

in outdoor weddings and a<br />

return to nature, the gowns are<br />

evolving to suit this more fluid<br />

style.<br />

Emphasising drifts of colour<br />

through layers and giving a<br />

natural soft look to the gown<br />

or reflecting the soft pinks and<br />

greys of an evening sky. “Gosh<br />

we can hardly keep up, but the<br />

stimulation is very exciting,<br />

this season is no exception and<br />

I love it. Especially for New<br />

Zealand brides, we photograph<br />

our brides in such dramatic and<br />

natural landscapes, we want our<br />

gowns to reflect this but also to<br />

allow the brides personality to<br />

shine through ”says Robyn.<br />

Well established<br />

in a beautiful studio<br />

in ST Albans, Robyn<br />

welcomes brides to the<br />

ample showroom and<br />

consulting area. <strong>With</strong> the<br />

sunny on-site workroom<br />

upstairs, stunning<br />

creations are emerging<br />

from her team. “We have<br />

also just acquired two<br />

new ranges to keep our<br />

customers on top of these<br />

new styles which are<br />

very exciting to view. You<br />

can get a sneak peak of these<br />

on our facebook page.There is<br />

something here for everyone.’<br />

For budget minded brides<br />

Robyn has also a selected range<br />

of gowns for $500.00. She<br />

believes that “it competes with<br />

internet buying, but the gown<br />

can be tried on and bought<br />

with confidence with our name<br />

behind the purchase, so you can<br />

look lovely on your wedding<br />

day, without breaking the bank!”<br />

Brides are welcomed at<br />

Robyn Cliffe Couturiere<br />

located at 1064 Colombo St<br />

Edgeware Village St Albans<br />

Christchurch.<br />

Phone 03 366 1111 or<br />

visit www.robyncliffe.co.nz<br />

www.robyncliffe.co.nz<br />

03 366 1111

4 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ADVERTORIAL<br />

If you are a bride-to-be you will know there<br />

is plenty to organise and many decisions to<br />

make. The most exciting of your shopping<br />

experiences may also have arrived - finding<br />

the dream dress!<br />

Wilkins Bridal will ensure your visit provides you<br />

with the quality of service and care you deserve, in a<br />

friendly and relaxed atmosphere.<br />

Finding 'the one' may seem complicated and<br />

daunting, but with the team's professional<br />

service, they are there to guide you through,<br />

offering all the help, honesty and advice you<br />

need. Selecting your dress will be an enjoyable,<br />

stress-free and unpressured experience.<br />

Store Manager April Meredith says, "Our<br />

gowns are designed in a wide range of styles<br />

from traditional to contemporary with<br />

Bridal: 03 377 8595<br />

facebook.com/wilkinsbridal.co.nz<br />

info@wilkinsbridal.co.nz<br />

www.wilkinsbridal.co.nz<br />

exquisite fabrics including luxurious satins, flowing chiffons<br />

and sensational silks, complemented by elegant detail such<br />

as intricate embroidery or sparkling beading using genuine<br />

Swarovski crystals. We have a truly exceptional collection<br />

of gowns on offer that will capture the personality of<br />

every bride whether they are looking for soft classical,<br />

romanticism or traditional bridal drama." They are exclusive<br />

New Zealand stockists of stunning overseas designers such<br />

as Jack Sullivan, Brides Desire and De Lanquez, if you’re<br />

looking for something unique and truly one of a kind you’ll<br />

certainly find it there.<br />

<strong>With</strong> late night Thursdays and open Saturdays, Wilkins<br />

Bridal is more accessible for those with busy schedules.<br />

You can find them online at www.wilkinsbridal.co.nz or<br />

on facebook.com/wilkinsbridal.co.nz, with both<br />

showcasing the wide range of stunning<br />

bridal gowns, Mother of the Bride,<br />

Bridesmaids, Flowergirls dresses,<br />

jewellery and accessories.<br />

However, you really must see<br />

the gowns for yourself with<br />

a relaxing hour and a half<br />

bridal consultation. <strong>This</strong><br />

involves a personalised one<br />

on one service to assist you by<br />

a team of extremely experienced<br />

staff. They will help guide you into the<br />

perfect gown for your big day and complete<br />

your bridal picture with the all-important<br />

job of accessorising. April believes that the moment a bride tries<br />

on 'the dress', she simply knows it's 'the One'. "It's a one-of-a<br />

kind magical feeling that can elicit tears or cheers of joy.<br />

I take personal responsibility for the happiness of my brides<br />

who all want to look gorgeous for the singular moment in<br />

their lives that will live on forever."

BORROWED<br />

There may be a vintage or heirloom gown belonging<br />

to family or friends that you could wear. Borrowed or<br />

inherited, such gowns provide special magic on your<br />

wedding day and are becoming very sought after.<br />

Care must be taken when handling a vintage dress<br />

as the fabric becomes fragile with age and requires<br />

expert cleaning and storage.<br />

FOUND<br />

Expensive and exquisite dresses are often to be<br />

found in the “for sale” columns, or on Trademe.<br />

Many have been purchased or imported from<br />

overseas and you may discover a genuine<br />

designer bridal gown at a fraction of the<br />

original cost. You can always have it<br />

re-fitted or altered with beading or<br />

a trim to your personal taste.<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 5<br />

Every bride wants that “once in a<br />

lifetime” dress! Finding it may take you<br />

on a search of many different options,<br />

whether you buy, hire, make, borrow,<br />

discover, inherit or have it designed.<br />

Sometimes the gown a bride has<br />

always imagined wearing is not the<br />

one she eventually chooses. It’s a<br />

wise bride who goes looking<br />

with an open mind to find<br />

the style and shade that<br />

suits her to perfection.<br />

BOUGHT<br />

Beautiful wedding dresses are available “off the peg” at specialist<br />

bridal shops. As well as New Zealand designs, many are<br />

imported, so be sure to allow adequate time for the dress you<br />

select to be ordered from overseas. <strong>With</strong> a wonderful range of<br />

styles to “try before you buy”, your dream dress might be right<br />

there on the rack! Once chosen, your gown can be expertly<br />

fitted and altered if necessary. Bridal shops have an impressive<br />

selection of accessories and attendants’ dresses to complement<br />

your gown.<br />

DESIGNED<br />

Having a gown designed and made just<br />

for you is the ultimate in individuality,<br />

but naturally it will cost you more than<br />

a ready made dress. Your designer will<br />

want to discuss prospective ideas and<br />

styles with you, as well as what suits<br />

you and your personality. Bringing an<br />

illustration, a piece of lace or item of<br />

jewellery is helpful for inspiration.<br />

The designer will have access to a<br />

range of fabrics and trimmings to<br />

create the dress you have chosen.<br />

While white is the obvious choice<br />

for bridal gowns, ivory, parchment,<br />

magnolia, silver, champagne,<br />

gold or blush can be even more<br />

flattering on some brides.<br />

OTHER<br />

ALTERNATIVES<br />

Your wedding gown need<br />

not be a traditional<br />

bridal style, colour or<br />

price. Look at ball<br />

gowns, cocktail<br />

outfits and maxi<br />

dresses and try<br />

summer sales at<br />

designer boutiques<br />

as well as chain<br />

store racks.<br />

MADE<br />

Choose a pattern and some<br />

stunning bridal fabric and<br />

let a skilled dressmaker create<br />

an exquisite gown for you.<br />

<strong>With</strong> an inspiring selection of<br />

silk, satin, lace, brocade and<br />

voile, there won’t be another<br />

gown exactly like yours,<br />

and it won’t be as costly as a<br />

designer dress either. Be sure<br />

to choose a reputable dress<br />

maker and always ask to see<br />

examples of their work before<br />

you decide.<br />

HIRED<br />

Hiring a wedding gown often lets you have that dream<br />

dress for less than purchasing it or having it made.<br />

Unless you plan to keep your gown as an heirloom,<br />

hiring can be an excellent option for the budget conscious<br />

bride. As well as dedicated wedding hire shops,<br />

theatrical costume hire can sometimes provide you with<br />

a period gown for a themed wedding, or the inspiration<br />

for one!<br />

PERSONALISED<br />

WITH STYLE<br />

<strong>With</strong> style and imagination,<br />

a simple dress can<br />

always be beautifully and<br />

uniquely enhanced with<br />

your own personal style of<br />

decoration; beading, trimming,<br />

appliqué, overlays<br />

of lace or chiffon. Add a<br />

sparkly belt, sheer sleeves,<br />

a sassy jacket or a bolero<br />

and hey presto your dress<br />

is truly “yours.”

6 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

THE ESSENTIAL<br />

PLAN<br />

SET<br />

BOOK<br />

SELECT<br />

DISCUSS<br />

CHOOSE<br />

ARRANGE<br />

ORDER<br />

LOOK<br />

DECIDE<br />

CHOOSE<br />

VISIT<br />

SELECT<br />

BAKE<br />

RESERVE<br />

FIT<br />

ESTABLISH<br />

FINALISE<br />

ORGANISE<br />

MAKE<br />

LIST<br />

SEND<br />

SETTLE<br />

CONFIRM<br />

CHECK<br />

BUY<br />

SELECT<br />

BUY<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

9-12 Months<br />

BEFORE<br />

Style and budget of the wedding<br />

Date time & place<br />

Venue(s), musicians/disco<br />

Caterer<br />

Wedding flowers with chosen florist<br />

Your photographer<br />

Video photography<br />

Wedding transport<br />

At wedding dress designs<br />

Colour schemes<br />

6-9 Months<br />

BEFORE<br />

Your wedding dress<br />

Minister, Priest or Celebrant<br />

Groom’s and attendants’ clothing<br />

Or Order the wedding cake<br />

Honeymoon travel and accommodation<br />

3-6 Months<br />

BEFORE<br />

Suits for Groom and Groomsmen<br />

Beauty and exercise regime<br />

Wedding invitations<br />

Accommodation for out of town guests<br />

Wedding day hair/make up appointments<br />

Wedding gifts/registry<br />

2 Months<br />

BEFORE<br />

Invitations<br />

On reception menu and beverages<br />

Floristry details<br />

Passports, travel plans documents<br />

Gifts for attendants<br />

Wedding rings<br />

Wedding shoes<br />

APPLY<br />

PURCHASE<br />

ARRANGE<br />

ATTEND<br />

ORGANISE<br />

LIAISE<br />

FIT<br />

CONTINUE<br />

RECONFIRM<br />

WEAR<br />

ENJOY<br />

FINAL FIT<br />

WRAP<br />

PRACTICE<br />

PACK<br />

CHECK<br />

REHEARSE<br />

REST<br />

SLEEP<br />

EAT<br />

PAMPER<br />

LET<br />

THANK<br />

RELAX<br />

ENJOY<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

1 Month<br />

BEFORE<br />

For Marriage Licence<br />

Thank-you gifts for parents<br />

Reception seating plan<br />

Hairdresser with veil/headgear<br />

Wedding rehearsal<br />

<strong>With</strong> florist, photographer, chauffeur, celebrant<br />

Wedding Dress<br />

Beauty and exercise regime<br />

2 Weeks<br />

BEFORE<br />

All bookings, numbers, times and details<br />

Bridal shoes for wedding day comfort<br />

Hen’s night fun or pamper<br />

Your dress and attendants’ outfits<br />

Gifts for attendants<br />

Your wedding vows<br />

1 Week<br />

BEFORE<br />

For your honeymoon<br />

All travel details<br />

The ceremony<br />

As much as possible<br />

On the<br />

DAY<br />

Late<br />

Breakfast<br />

Yourself<br />

Others do their job<br />

Family and friends<br />

Don’t stress over tiny details<br />

YOUR WEDDING DAY!

Stockists of<br />

Martina Liana<br />

Jack Sullivan<br />

Brides Desire<br />

Sophia Tolli<br />

De Lanquez<br />

Essense<br />

Stella York<br />

Mancini<br />

Angeline<br />

Alfred Angelo<br />

Sorella Vita<br />

One Day Only Couture Gown Sale<br />

10am to 3pm Sunday 11th September<br />

By appointment only<br />

Bridal: 03 377 8595, 7 Pilgrim Place, Behind Denny’s Restaurant, Off Moorhouse Ave.<br />

info@wilkinsbridal.co.nz, www.wilkinsbridal.co.nz, facebook.com/wilkinsbridal.co.nz

EXHIBITORS<br />

INFORMATION<br />

8 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Charmed Flowers<br />

Classic Photo Booth<br />

Moriarty Dental<br />

Bell Road Bespoke Bridal<br />

Bramble Grove<br />

Mariessa Waddington<br />

Tastefull Affiars<br />

Hot Shots Photo Booth<br />

Catlins River Ridge Retreat<br />

Commodore Hotel<br />

Louise Anderson Bridal Design Ltd<br />

The Cake Eating Company<br />

The George<br />

Nectar Florist<br />

Paintball Games<br />

Tuscany Downs Estate<br />

Wedding Professionals NZ Planners<br />

Garry Walls Photography & DJ<br />

Airpark Limousines<br />

Links Functions and Events<br />

Hanmer Springs<br />

Braemar Lodge & Spa<br />

Crème de la Rose<br />

Haley Saul Hair Artist<br />

VMC images<br />

Chalk it Up<br />

Peppers Clearwater Resort<br />

Break Free on Cashel<br />

Alyssandra Striking Stationry<br />

Pure Romnace By Andi<br />

Hand Made Photography<br />

Westhave Gardens<br />

Davis Bridal<br />

The First Dance<br />

Canterbury Kombi Chauffeur<br />

Brides of Merivale<br />

Omarino Wine Park<br />

Kennett Crafted Jewels<br />

Something Borrowed Something New<br />

Verve Real Food Catering<br />

Trents Estate Vineyard<br />

Beautiful Make Up<br />

Outback Bathrooms<br />

Mandy Caldwell Photography<br />

The Tannery<br />

The Dear Ones Photobooth Co<br />

Continental<br />

Black Shadow Project<br />

Artistic Blooms<br />

Simpatico Hair Studio<br />

Registered Celebrant<br />

Heritage Queenstown<br />

Moveable Feasts<br />

Cherished<br />

Heritage Hanmer Springs<br />

Hirepool Events<br />

Number 9 Events Centre<br />

Weddings by Collective Concepts<br />

Julie Lassen<br />

Glen James Jewellers<br />

Hello World Rolleston<br />

Hello World Rangiora<br />

CM Photography<br />

Cakes Galore<br />

Phoenix Weddings<br />

Kates Cakery<br />

Westende Jewellers<br />

The Little Hire Company<br />

Angela minson Makeup Artist<br />

Smith & Boston<br />

Flowers by Lynette<br />

Hotel Ashburton<br />

Wigram Base<br />

Kiwi Cuisine<br />

To Cherish Bridal Boutique<br />

Terrace Downs Resort<br />

Tricia Warwick - Naziris<br />

Johannes Van Kan Photographer<br />

Lincoln Motel<br />

ChCh Coach Charters<br />

www.charmedflowers.co.nz<br />

www.classicphotobooths.co.nz<br />

www.moriartydental.co.nz<br />

www.bellroad.co.nz<br />

www.bramblegrove.co.nz<br />

mariessa.co.nz<br />

www.tastefulaffairs.co.nz<br />

www.hotshotsphotobooth.co.nz<br />

www.riverridgeretreat.co.nz<br />

www.commodorehotel.nz<br />

www.louiseanderson.co.nz<br />

www.thecakeeatingco.co.nz<br />

www.thegeorge.com<br />

www.nectarflorist.com<br />

www.KamikazePaintballGame.co.nz<br />

www.tuscanydowns.co.nz<br />

www.weddingprofessionals.co.nz<br />

www.garywalls.co.nz<br />

www.airparklimos.co.nz<br />

www.linksfunctionsandevents.co.nz<br />

hanmersprings.co.nz<br />

www.selectbraemarlodge.com<br />

www.cremedelarose.co.nz<br />

www.haleysaul.co.nz<br />

www.vmcimages.com<br />

www.chalkitup.co.nz<br />

www.peppers.co.nz<br />

www.breakfreeoncashel.co.nz<br />

www.alyssandra.co.nz<br />

www.pureromancebyandi.co.nz<br />

www.handmadephotography.co<br />

www.westhavengardens.co.nz<br />

www.davisbridal.co.nz<br />

www.facebook.com/thefirstdancechch<br />

www.canterbiry-kombi-chauffeur.co.nz<br />

www.bridesofmerivale.co.nz<br />

www.omarinowinepark.co.nz<br />

www.kennett.net.nz<br />

www.sbsn.co.nz<br />

www.vervecatering.co.nz<br />

www.trentsvineyard.co.nz<br />

www.beautifulmakeup.co.nz<br />

www.outbakbathrooms.co.nz<br />

mandycaldwell.co.nz<br />

www.thetannery.co.nz<br />

www.thedearones.com<br />

www.continental.co.nz<br />

www.blackshadowproject.nz<br />

www.artisticflowers.co.nz<br />

www.simpaticohairstudio.com<br />

www.taniajohnsonscott.co.nz<br />

www.heritagehotels.co.nz/heritagequeenstown<br />

www.moveablefeasts.co.nz<br />

www.cherished.net.nz<br />

www.heritagehotels.co.nz<br />

www.hirepool.co.nz<br />

www.russleygc.co.nz<br />

www.weddingconcepts.co.nz<br />

www.nzmarriages.co.nz<br />

www.glenjames.co.nz<br />

www.helloworld.co.nz/rolleston<br />

www.helloworld.co.nz/rangiora<br />

www.cmphotography.co.nz<br />

www.cakesgalore.co.nz<br />

www.phoneixpdp.co.nz<br />

www.katescakery.com<br />

www.westendejewellers.co.nz<br />

www.thelittlehirecompany.co.nz<br />

www.angelaminson.co.nz<br />

www.smithandboston.co.nz<br />

www.christchurchweddingflowers.nz<br />

www.hotelash.co.nz<br />

www.wigrambase.com<br />

www.kiwicuisine.co.nz<br />

www.tocherish.co.nz<br />

www.terracedowns.co.nz<br />

www.triciawarwick-naziriscelebrant.co.nz<br />

www.jvk.co.nz<br />

www.lincolnmotel.co.nz<br />

www.chchcoachcharters.co.nz<br />

Florist<br />

Photo Booth Hire<br />

Dental Care , Whiting<br />

Bespoke Bridal Wear<br />

Wedding Events Venue<br />

European Makeup Artist and Styling<br />

Event Planning, Catering, Weddings<br />

Photo Booth Hire<br />

Wedding Venue, Honeymoon, Wedding Planning<br />

Wedding, Reception Venue, Car Hire<br />

Designer Wedding Gowns<br />

Wedding Cakes, Desserts & Favours<br />

Weddings , Accomodation, Dining, Conferences<br />

Wedding Flowers & Décor Hire<br />

Entertainment<br />

Wedding Venue<br />

Wedding Planning & Styling<br />

Wedding Photography & DJ Music<br />

Limousine & Chauffer Car Hire<br />

Venue Hire for Ceremony and Reception, Catering<br />

Venue , Destination, Honeymoon, Spa<br />

Wedding Venue<br />

Flowers and Cakes<br />

Hair Styling<br />

Photography<br />

Event Management<br />

Wedding Venue, Ceremony, Reception<br />

Wedding Venue, Ceremony, Reception<br />

Wedding Stationary<br />

Fun in home parties for ladies, 18+ girls night, Hens Nights<br />

Wedding Photography<br />

Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue<br />

Wedding Gowns<br />

Dance Lessons, Specialty Choreography<br />

Chauffeur Wedding Transport<br />

Wedding Gowns & Accessories<br />

Weddings & Wine<br />

Engagement <strong>Ring</strong>s, Wedding <strong>Ring</strong>s, Bespoke Design<br />

Events & Décor Hire<br />

Catering<br />

Wedding Venue<br />

Make Up Artist & Marriage Celebrant<br />

Portable Toilets - Deluxe, Mobile Bathroom<br />

Wedding and Enganment Photography<br />

Venue, Flowers, Photography<br />

Photobooth hire & Guest Album Services<br />

Catering, Marquees, Venues, Furniture Hire<br />

Wedding Car Hire, Birthdays, Promotions, Charities<br />

Flowers<br />

Bridal Hair<br />

Ceremonies for all occassions<br />

Venue<br />

Catering & Venues<br />

Wedding Celebrant<br />

Venue, Accomodation, Catering<br />

Hire Equipment - Marquees, Furniture, Catering<br />

Function Venue, Catering<br />

Wedding Planning, Co-Ordination and Styling<br />

Celebrant<br />

Jewellery Design & Manufacture<br />

Retail Travel<br />

Retail Travel<br />

Photography<br />

Wedding Cakes<br />

Wedding Photography<br />

Wedding Cakes<br />

Engagement <strong>Ring</strong>s, Wedding Bands, Antique <strong>Ring</strong>s & Gifts<br />

Events & Décor Hire<br />

Make up Artist<br />

Mother of the Bride and Groom, Guest Attire<br />

Wedding Florist<br />

Venue, Accomodation, Food, Beverage<br />

Venue, Catering, Co-ordination<br />

Catering<br />

Wedding Dresses & Accessories<br />

Wedding Venue<br />

Marriage Celebrant<br />

Photography<br />

Accomodation<br />

Wedding Transport

10 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

House of Kavina is<br />

celebrating four decades<br />

of helping brides find their<br />

dream gown!<br />

“So come and celebrate the next<br />

decade with us as we continue our<br />

flourishing business in Dunedin,<br />

making sure brides experience that<br />

wow factor” says Hilary Samuelson,<br />

the owner of House of Kavina.<br />

<strong>With</strong> a magnificent collection<br />

of 200-300 wedding gowns as well<br />

as Mother of the Bride or Groom,<br />

flower-girl and bridesmaid dresses,<br />

bridal accessories, school formal<br />

and high end evening fashions,<br />

House of Kavina has become a<br />

mecca for brides from all over the<br />

country.<br />

Among the racks you’ll find<br />

exquisite gowns from Venus, Cizzy,<br />

Stella York, Essense and Martina-<br />

Liana Bridal and Zavana. House of<br />

Kavina specialises in sizes ranging<br />

form 2-28, with a good selection<br />

for our goddess curvy girls to try<br />

on.<br />

Choosing a bridal gown is not<br />

simply finding a dress you like,<br />

“it’s the whole experience of being<br />

a bride, including the touch and<br />

the feel of a gown and connecting<br />

to it in a way that isn’t possible if<br />

you buy online” says Hilary “You<br />

can’t get the wow factor from an<br />

on-line purchase based on a picture<br />

and it often results in a poor fit,<br />

a disappointing gown and a bad<br />

experience. It’s sad but true that<br />

usually you only get what you pay<br />

for.” She believes it is helpful for<br />

a bride to “bring a friend but not<br />

a crowd” to a bridal consultation<br />

because it’s good to have a second<br />

opinion from someone you trust<br />

when you are trying different<br />

styles. It is a quieter more relaxing<br />

experience if there are not too<br />

many opinions!<br />

Unlike many bridal houses,<br />

Hilary’s exceptional stock of<br />

gowns means many of them<br />

can be purchased on the day of<br />

consultation, or ordered within<br />

a maximum time of 16 weeks.<br />

“Brides love being able to take their<br />

chosen gown home then and there,<br />

although I often advise them to<br />

“sleep on it” just to be sure about<br />

their choice” says Hilary.<br />

In addition to the popularity<br />

of ivory, her range of gowns also<br />

includes soft romantic colours like<br />

oyster, blush and cafe which are<br />

exceptionally popular. “<strong>This</strong> season<br />

there are romantic floaty styles,<br />

figure hugging gowns, illusion<br />

necklines and backs, but most of<br />

all there is beautiful lace and soft<br />

floating tulle. <strong>This</strong> new season also<br />

features the revival of clean satin<br />

classic lines.”<br />

You won’t find a better selection<br />

of wedding gowns than House of<br />

Kavina which is open Monday to<br />

Friday 9-5.30pm and Saturdays<br />

10-2pm. Bridal consultations on<br />

Saturdays are by appointment. So<br />

come on in and enjoy the House of<br />

Kavina bridal experience.

Bridal Specialists.co.nz<br />

Stockists of<br />

• Venus<br />

• Stella York<br />

• Essense<br />

• Martina Liana<br />

and more<br />

‘An exquisite<br />

selection of<br />

dream gowns’<br />

335 South Road, Caversham, Dunedin. Ph 03 487 6497<br />

www.bridalspecialists.co.nz

12 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Wearing a wedding veil is largely<br />

a matter of personal choice.<br />

Traditionally veils were worn to<br />

symbolize the purity and innocence<br />

of the bride but with secular<br />

ceremonies more popular than<br />

church weddings, the veil has<br />

become less symbolic religiously<br />

and more of a fashion statement or<br />

sentiment. But in its place is a serious<br />

selection of intricate headpieces to<br />

complement almost any bridal style.<br />

HEADPIECES can be worn with a veil<br />

or instead of one. Many brides do both<br />

and simply remove the veil after the<br />

ceremony, leaving the decorative<br />

headpiece in place for the<br />

reception. Inspired<br />

by the popularity<br />

of vintage and<br />

Bohemian style,<br />

there is an<br />

exceptional<br />

range of<br />

headpieces<br />

available to<br />

add sparkle to<br />

your wedding<br />

day elegance and<br />

hairstyle of choice.<br />

COMBS, CLIPS, PINS<br />

AND BARETTES with<br />

sparkles, feathers or flowers can be<br />

used to secure your hairstyle or decorate<br />

a braid a bun or long loose waves simply<br />

and stylishly.<br />

BANDS, TIARAS, CIRCLETS AND<br />

GARLANDS are an exquisite substitute<br />

whether they are natural or manmade. Worn<br />

on the crown of the head, across the forehead,<br />

woven around a braid or as a wreath of<br />

delicate jewellery or fresh flowers, they<br />

are ultra-chic this wedding season.<br />

A WATERFALL VEIL is a double<br />

layer and worn to waist length.<br />

Often rolled or lace edged, it<br />

complements a long gown and<br />

elegant upswept hairstyle. One<br />

layer may cover the face during the<br />

ceremony of a traditional wedding.<br />

A BLUSHER VEIL is usually chin<br />

length or shoulder length with a<br />

longer layer at the back and a short<br />

layer worn over the face if desired.<br />

It looks ideal with a short hairstyle<br />

and complements the “tea length”<br />

of popular 50’s style gowns.<br />

A MANTILLA is a Spanish styled<br />

veil of heavy or intricate lace<br />

worn with a concealed comb.<br />

Hair can be long or short, but the<br />

elaborateness of the veil is best<br />

complemented by a simple classic<br />

gown.<br />

A BIRDCAGE VEIL<br />

with toque or<br />

fascinator is retro<br />

40’s and very<br />

popular at<br />

present.<br />

It works well<br />

with a slinky<br />

gown, suit or<br />

sassy cocktail<br />

length dress and<br />

bridges the style<br />

gap between veil and<br />

headpiece.<br />

AN HEIRLOOM VEIL is thought to bestow luck, love and long life<br />

to the new bride. It is often the favourite “ old” item to uphold the<br />

traditional theme of “something old, something new, something<br />

borrowed, something blue.”<br />

A CATHEDRAL<br />

VEIL is long<br />

and trailing. It<br />

may overlay<br />

a train which<br />

is part of the<br />

wedding gown<br />

or be the train<br />

itself, but the<br />

style is usually<br />

worn for formal<br />

and elaborate<br />

weddings with<br />

attendants who<br />

carry the train<br />

for the bride.<br />

ph 021 877 638<br />

Bell Road<br />

Bridal Design<br />

Nelson<br />

www.bellroad.co.nz

Presenting<br />

international brands<br />

and superior styling<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 13

Beautiful Brides<br />

& Bridesmaids<br />

Davis Bridal<br />

237 Brougham St| Ph 343 3652 | Davis Bridal Christchurch

16 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

It won’t matter how expensive, exclusive or<br />

fabulous a gown might be, it won’t flatter you<br />

if the style isn’t right for your height and your<br />

shape. Your wedding dress should highlight<br />

your best features and camouflage your flaws<br />

so choosing a design for your body shape is<br />

the smartest move a bride can make!<br />

FULLER FIGURE<br />

AND TALL<br />

Often described as<br />

statuesque, extra height<br />

allows a fuller figured<br />

silhouette to carry off<br />

well cut designs with<br />

elegance. Draped fabrics<br />

that fall well are most<br />

alluring and a train<br />

can be carried off with<br />

aplomb if you wish.<br />

AVERAGE HEIGHT<br />

AND FULLER FIGURE<br />

Avoid fuss and flounce<br />

and go for simplicity of<br />

style. Choose flowing<br />

fabrics and don’t<br />

be afraid of beads,<br />

embroidery, crystals or<br />

lace. Sleeves downplay<br />

a fuller figure and so<br />

does a beautifully fitted<br />

bodice with an A line<br />

skirt. Steer clear of a bias<br />

cut design that clings to<br />

your curves.<br />

SHORT AND SLENDER<br />

Choose a design of<br />

simplicity that doesn’t<br />

swamp your small frame.<br />

Avoid full skirts and<br />

ruffles in favour of a<br />

straighter skirt in a soft<br />

draping fabric. A straight<br />

sheath is flattering or a<br />

style that flares from the<br />

hips. Alternatively look<br />

for a design that is sleek<br />

at the front with added<br />

fullness in the back of<br />

the skirt. Add height<br />

with high heels and an<br />

“up-do” hairstyle.<br />

AVERAGE HEIGHT<br />

AND WEIGHT<br />

Oh lucky girl, you<br />

can almost any style<br />

that suits your taste<br />

and personality.<br />

You can accentuate<br />

waist, shoulders,<br />

back or décolletage<br />

if you wish, you can<br />

choose a full skirt<br />

or a sheath, empire<br />

line or waistedstyle<br />

and any fabric<br />

from classic to<br />

contemporary.<br />

TALL AND SLENDER<br />

Your body shape is<br />

often angular, so you<br />

will want to create the<br />

illusion of curves. A<br />

full skirt with layers<br />

avoids straight lines that<br />

accentuate the thinner<br />

figure. Feature a boat<br />

neckline or backless<br />

design to draw the<br />

eye away from the<br />

chest and downplay<br />

height with a waisted<br />

gown highlighted with<br />

a belt or sash. Avoid<br />

drop waist styles that<br />

lengthen the body line.

As unique as you<br />

By appointment only, please phone 03 337 0226<br />

info@bridesofmerivale.co.nz | www.bridesofmerivale.co.nz<br />

Find us on<br />

facebook

18 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

PHOTOS BY EMMA BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

When you step into the brand new<br />

premises of To Cherish Bridal, you will<br />

discover a complete bridal destination.<br />

<strong>With</strong> a dazzling international<br />

range of gowns alongside an<br />

elegant selection of Bridesmaids<br />

and flowergirls dresses and<br />

complimented with veils,<br />

jewellery and wedding accessories<br />

including Trousseau Shoes, it’s the<br />

place to be for every new bride.<br />

Exceptional refurbishment<br />

characterises the prime Barrington<br />

Street site and allows all the space<br />

and grace required for brides to<br />

choose their gown without haste.<br />

Utilising two levels with their own<br />

separate entrances, To Cherish<br />

is able to provide dedicated<br />

departments incorporating an<br />

impressive retail area, a designer<br />

bridal suite, well appointed fitting<br />

rooms for brides and bridesmaids<br />

and facilities upstairs for in-house<br />

alterations and final fittings.<br />

Consultation appointments<br />

are FREE but do require an<br />

appointment for selecting a gown<br />

from the exceptional designer<br />

labels from Justin Alexander, Fox<br />

Bridal, International Couture,<br />

Zavana Bridal and Cizzy Bridal<br />

which Alison has sourced for her<br />

magnificent new shop. Perfection<br />

usually comes with a hefty<br />

price tag, but at To Cherish, a<br />

breathtaking designer gown can<br />

be yours from $1800-$3500 –<br />

unbelievable!<br />

Light, bright and resplendent<br />

with mirrors and chandeliers,<br />

To Cherish will make you feel<br />

special throughout your bridal<br />

experience and beyond! See how<br />

your gown looks as you glide<br />

along the elegant catwalk, share<br />

the moment with your beautifully<br />

gowned bridesmaids, choose all<br />

your accessories under one roof<br />

and then have your gown fitted to<br />

perfection by the experienced staff<br />

of To Cherish.<br />

Alison is proud of being a<br />

founding member of the Wedding<br />

Industry Network (WIN), an<br />

organisation of professionals<br />

recognised for pursuing the<br />

highest standards of excellence<br />

and professionalism within the<br />

wedding industry.<br />

Dedicated to sourcing beautiful<br />

bridal fashion for your special<br />

day, Alison welcomes enquiries,<br />

appointments & consultations<br />

at To Cherish Bridal Boutique,<br />

Barrington-Athelstan Corner<br />

Ph (03) 377 6800,<br />

visit their website<br />

www.tocherish.co.nz<br />

or be among the first to<br />

enjoy Christchurch’s newest<br />

bridal destination.

Stunning<br />

New<br />

Location<br />

Corner Athelstan &<br />

Barrington St, Christchurch<br />

Ph (03) 377 6800<br />

www.tocherish.co.nz

20 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Shoes are on show at your<br />

wedding but finding the right<br />

style to offset the design of<br />

your gown will depend on<br />

the formality of your wedding<br />

and the fit of your foot!<br />

Shoe fashions come and go, but your<br />

choice of footwear can help you<br />

maximise or minimise your height, be<br />

chosen to suit the theme or the season,<br />

be low key or low heeled, provide sassy<br />

elegance or a bold fashion statement.<br />

TREAT YOURSELF TO:<br />

Luxurious shoes in silk, satin, lace, leather<br />

or manmade materials from a wedding<br />

shoe specialist.<br />

OR<br />

Find a simple court shoe and<br />

individualise them with buttons, bow,<br />

buckles and bling.<br />

OR<br />

Have shoes dyed to mix or match with<br />

the colour theme of your wedding.<br />

FIND YOURSELF<br />

The best option to complement your<br />

gown and those of your attendants from<br />

Sandals, jandals, slides, sling-backs, peep<br />

toes and Mary Janes. Go buckled, bowed,<br />

laced, strapped or a Parisien ankle boot<br />

for vintage elegance.<br />

GO HIGH WITH:<br />

Stillettos & Stack heels for height<br />

and elegance. Use gel-inserts for<br />

comfort and choose thicker<br />

stack heels over stilettos<br />

for stability. Platforms &<br />

Wedges and walk tall with<br />

confidence. Choose style<br />

carefully to avoid a clunky look<br />

or draw attention to big feet.<br />

GO LOW WITH:<br />

Kitten heels for comfort, stability and<br />

very tall brides! The are an elegant<br />

compromise when worn with<br />

gowns that are short or long.<br />

Ballet Flats are versatile for<br />

all ages and low key style<br />

includes patents, florals,<br />

buckles and bling.<br />

GO CASUAL WITH:<br />

Jandals and sandals are cool and casual at<br />

an island or beach. Styles are sensational<br />

with sparkles, flowers and pretty summer<br />

colours.<br />

FEEL FOR YOUR FEET<br />

If you are showing off your shoes! Prepare<br />

them for a day on demand; paint them<br />

with polish, pamper them with a foot<br />

bath, sooth them with lotion.<br />

AND<br />

Wear IN those wedding<br />

shoes before you wear them<br />

ON the day.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 21<br />

Corner or Athelstan and Barrington Street, Christchurch | 03 377 6800 | www.tocherish.co.nz

22 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ADVERTORIAL<br />

CHOOSING A BRIDAL BOUTIQUE<br />

Where you purchase<br />

your wedding gown<br />

is a huge part of your<br />

planning and overall<br />

experience. But because<br />

of the technical nature<br />

of wedding gowns it isn’t<br />

like dress shopping at<br />

the mall!<br />

The first priority is to choose a<br />

stylist who has had formal training<br />

and experience, so you can be<br />

confident about their advice. Astra<br />

Bridal’s most common piece of<br />

feedback is that the style the bride<br />

falls in love with is not what they<br />

thought of when they first looked<br />

at gowns online. The stylist is an<br />

expert in finding what suits your<br />

body shape. So you can’t go past<br />

trying on gowns before making one<br />

of the biggest purchase decisions in<br />

your life.<br />

Choose a bridal salon that has<br />

a reputation for delivery and has<br />

been established for a reasonable<br />

period of time. Many salons come<br />

and go leaving a wake of devastated<br />

brides when they can’t deliver<br />

on their gown. Look at their<br />

testimonials – are they frequently<br />

updated and new or are they<br />

static comments? There are<br />

some dedicated sites for reviews<br />

for providers so make sure you<br />

look at testimonials given after<br />

the wedding. Some salons are<br />

friendly during the gown selection<br />

and then don’t want to know you<br />

once they have your money! You<br />

want to know they keep up the<br />

good work all the way through.<br />

A key point to be aware of<br />

is that if you buy your designer<br />

gown from what they call “bricks<br />

and mortar” stores then they will<br />

guarantee the authenticity of your<br />

gown. If the store isn’t listed as a<br />

stockist on the designer’s website<br />

then there is a good chance you<br />

won’t receive an authentic gown.<br />

Plus the designer won’t give you<br />

any post purchase support.<br />

A bridal boutique that offers<br />

“head to toe” service gives you the<br />

opportunity to see the finished<br />

look. Trying on your accessories<br />

with your gown gives you peace of<br />

mind that the overall look will be<br />

perfect.<br />

The time you have with them<br />

should be fun and enjoyable.<br />

Therefore the salon you choose<br />

should be friendly, reputable and<br />

know their stuff.<br />

Astra Bridal’s motto is “Taking<br />

the Stress Out of the Dress.” That<br />

is what you should look for in<br />

your bridal boutique - a stress-free<br />

experience.<br />

PHOTOS BY ALPINE IMAGE CO<br />

WWW.ALPINEIMAGES.CO.NZ<br />

Astra Bridal owner, Lori<br />

McPherson wanted South Island<br />

brides to have the opportunity<br />

of an amazing bridal experience.<br />

Accordingly South Island brides<br />

receive a free consultation and<br />

$150 credit towards accessories<br />

on purchase of their dress. <strong>This</strong><br />

generous offer is proving very<br />

popular and many brides enjoy a<br />

special weekend getaway to plan<br />

the wedding.

for<br />

South Island<br />

Brides<br />

Travel to one of our stores, buy your gown, and we will give you<br />

a credit on account, towards those travel costs. We can deliver<br />

your gown to Christchurch so you need only travel once.<br />

FOR MORE DETAILS CALL 0800 844 544 OR VISIT WWW.ASTRABRIDAL.CO.NZ

24 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

RE-STORED<br />

Metallics are restored to glory so let<br />

your bridesmaids sparkle in lame,<br />

brocade or gold gossamer chiffon.<br />

Give them some silver screen glamour<br />

or crystal and sequin shine on bodice,<br />

belt or overlay. Team or tone with<br />

colours from neutrality to vitality.<br />

RE-FINED<br />

Neutrals look refined in any style<br />

from vintage to modern and<br />

any fabric from cotton to lace.<br />

Present shades favour cream,<br />

parchment and ecru through to<br />

latte. But newest for chic chicks<br />

is the arrival of palest dove grey.<br />

Whether you decide to<br />

have just your BFF as your<br />

only bridesmaid or a cluster<br />

of the closest from your<br />

clans, you will want them<br />

fabulously gowned in the<br />

most exciting styles and<br />

flattering shades on show<br />

this wedding season. Dresses<br />

are short, sheath, long, lacy,<br />

patterned, sleek, flared, full,<br />

sophisticated or demure and<br />

inspired by every era from<br />

Victorian to Bohemian.<br />

But.. colour is the revelation!<br />

RICH AND POWERFUL<br />

Dark colours are enriched<br />

against bridal white and floral<br />

arrangements and this season brings<br />

aubergine, navy, ruby, and graphite<br />

into the spotlight. But watch for the<br />

return of chocolate to challenge the<br />

popularity of black.<br />

RETRO-SPECT<br />

Colourful orange, saffron, aqua<br />

and peony are a blast from the<br />

retrospective past. These vivid<br />

shades are at home for a beach<br />

wedding or garden setting and beg<br />

for bold bright flowers to tone up<br />

or creamy blooms to tone down.<br />

ROMANTIC<br />

Romance is never out of style<br />

but this season’s philosophy is<br />

“pale and interesting” with blush<br />

pink, lavender, lemon or floaty<br />

smoky blue. New prints and<br />

florals complement wedding<br />

gowns and summer tans and<br />

offer a myriad of options for<br />

accessories and pretty bouquets.<br />

RE-INVENTED<br />

Green was traditionally shunned<br />

as unlucky for a wedding, but<br />

glorious shades of emerald and<br />

mint are too good to ignore.<br />

Meanwhile and newly chic<br />

pistachio and edgy chartreuse<br />

re-invent the colour adventure.<br />

RAINBOW<br />

Dressing your maids in a<br />

rainbow of different colours or<br />

a spectrum of the same shade<br />

from light to dark is an emerging<br />

trend. The theme works best for<br />

larger wedding parties or suits<br />

an age range of attendants from<br />

flower girl to matron of honour.<br />

RE-BORN<br />

Like fine wines, the newest<br />

shades are red! Re-born as<br />

marsala, burgundy, pinot and<br />

rose, these ripe reds are a<br />

sophisticated foil for gorgeous<br />

flowers and statement jewellery.<br />

Team with cream, gold,<br />

coordinating berry shades or<br />

contrast with hints of barely blue.

26 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

YOURSELF<br />

Depending on the style of the wedding you may need<br />

to buy or hire a suit for yourself and/or your groomsmen.<br />

Whether your preference is formal, traditional,<br />

contemporary, casual, funky or dapper, your “look” is<br />

expected to complement the style the bride has chosen<br />

for herself and her attendants.<br />

An ill fitting suit looks dreadful on the day and completely spoils the<br />

overall look in the photos. So don’t guess your size or that of your<br />

groomsmen and make sure the menswear store or the suit hire company<br />

measure waist, inside leg length, neck size, chest size and arm length.<br />

Make sure you have allowed sufficient time before the wedding for any<br />

alterations to be made.<br />

CLASSIC<br />

For traditionalists, a morning suit is the most formal style for day time<br />

weddings, a dinner suit is right for a formal evening reception although<br />

a lounge suit is usually considered formal enough for most New Zealand<br />

weddings, especially if they include a waistcoat or vest. A suit jacket<br />

should fit smoothly without constricting movement of arms or shoulders<br />

and shirt collars should fasten comfortably at the neck. Waistcoats<br />

should button easily just below the waistband of the trousers and the<br />

hem of the trousers should rest on the instep, allowing 2/3 of the shoe<br />

to show. Make sure socks are the same colour as the suit and shoes are<br />

clean and polished.<br />

CONTEMPORARY<br />

Grooms who prefer contemporary<br />

style will find an appealing selection<br />

of suit styles and designs; single<br />

and double breasted jackets, fitted<br />

and double vented jackets and the<br />

comeback of blazers, tail coats and<br />

satin lapelled dinner jackets. Checks,<br />

(Prince of Wales and Houndstooth),<br />

flecks (Harris, Donegal and Lewis<br />

tweeds and stripes (pinstripe, chalk<br />

strip and Oxford) are “in” again and so<br />

are patterns and prints on shirts, vests<br />

and ties whether a bow or a knot!<br />

SUMMER SAVVY<br />

More casual attire is often accepted for summer weddings and sartorial<br />

savvy can be achieved in several ways. Selecting a suit in a light colour such<br />

as grey, taupe or natural can look casual yet distinguished. Perhaps forget<br />

the jacket and simply wear a waistcoat over a crisp cotton shirt. Sometimes<br />

a light weight fabric is preferred but be careful about linen which tends to<br />

crease and look untidy in photos. Other options include shirts designed to<br />

be worn out rather than tucked in, large collars with no tie or even bold<br />

Hawaiian style shirts for a truly tropical or on-the beach wedding.

ARE<br />

YOU<br />

A<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 27<br />

It’s not enough to hire a suit, buy a ring,<br />

choose a Best Man and leave the rest to<br />

your Bride! Modern Grooms and “Good<br />

Grooms” are expected to be far more<br />

involved in all aspects of the wedding than<br />

many previous generations.<br />

SHARE THE PLANNING<br />

Getting married is one of life’s most momentous events<br />

and should reflect the beliefs, wishes and ideas of both<br />

of you. Planning a wedding requires commitment,<br />

communication and compromise – a pretty good test for<br />

life in general!<br />

CHOOSE THE BEST MAN<br />

CAREFULLY.<br />

He needs to be more than just your best mate when it<br />

comes to wedding duties. As well as being supportive,<br />

respectful and at ease with guests of all ages, ne must be<br />

reliable and punctual, take his responsibilities seriously<br />

and deliver a speech without mumbling or offending<br />

anyone.<br />

SPEAK WELL<br />

You too must make a speech on behalf of yourself and<br />

your new wife, thanking parents and guests for their<br />

attendance, gifts and good wishes. A good speech should<br />

be fluent, appropriate and sincere, so even if giving a<br />

speech makes you nervous, prepare it, practice it and<br />

keep it simple. Avoid pomposity, verbosity and profanity,<br />

don’t tell lies or mention past relationships and if you<br />

can’t tell a joke really well…don’t!<br />

WEDDING RESPONSIBILITIES<br />

Traditionally the groom is responsible for the Marriage<br />

Licence, fees for the Celebrant and organist, the<br />

Bride’s wedding ring, wedding clothing for himself and<br />

his groomsmen, flowers for the Bride, Bridesmaids,<br />

Mothers of Bride and Groom and buttonholes for the<br />

groom’s wedding party. The groom may also take care of<br />

honeymoon arrangements.<br />

BIG DAY AHEAD<br />

It’s going to be a big day and you want it to be special for<br />

all the right reasons! So…don’t party the night before,<br />

have a big blokes breakfast to stave off nerves and hunger<br />

pangs, be sure you look your best in well pressed clothes<br />

and well groomed appearance, practice your speech one<br />

more time and then arrive ON TIME!<br />

The perception that beauty treatments<br />

are only for women is hopefully fading fast<br />

as more men take a pro-active interest<br />

in looking good, feeling good & smelling<br />

good!<br />

Often encouraged by their partners to try<br />

products at home to cleanse, tone and nourish, the<br />

catalyst for getting men to a professional beauty<br />

treatment is frequently THE WEDDING.<br />

Men’s skin is just as susceptible to dryness,<br />

oiliness or a combination as our own. But add the<br />

daily abrasion of shaving and their skin might be<br />

screaming for some extra soothing, hydrating and<br />

moisturising.<br />

First timers can get to grips with the relaxing<br />

atmosphere of beauty therapy with a facial. Simply<br />

put, the skin is cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised.<br />

It’s not scary, doesn’t take forever and<br />

the results are immediately obvious.<br />

In between there will be cool<br />

lotions, hot towels, a neck and<br />

shoulder massage, a hydrating mask,<br />

time to almost-slumber while it works<br />

its magic, then a final smoothing<br />

moisturiser to pamper you for the rest<br />

of the day.<br />

A facial is the very least you should<br />

do for your skin. Of course there are<br />

plenty of other treatments once your<br />

man has got the hang of it. In the<br />

months leading up to the wedding you<br />

can drip-feed the idea of a manicure,<br />

eyebrow shaping, a man-wax and<br />

maybe a tanning treatment.<br />

If he is still not sure, give him a gift<br />

voucher or send him along with the<br />

Best Man to a place that specialises<br />

in beauty treatments for men – some<br />

of them evening have big screen TV’s<br />

and video games while you wait –<br />

painless!

28 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Your hands will never be more<br />

on show than when you are<br />

a bride!<br />

You may already have strong<br />

healthy well shaped nails, but if yours<br />

are brittle, split and weak, you will<br />

need nail conditioning well before<br />

the big day.<br />

Strong nails need Vitamins A and<br />

B, calcium, zinc, iron and protein. So<br />

ensure your diet contains a regular<br />

intake of eggs, fish, chicken, bananas,<br />

seeds, nuts and broccoli.<br />

Protect your hands from harsh<br />

chemicals by using rubber gloves<br />

for household tasks, use an intensive<br />

hand and nail cream at night and<br />

massage your hands to stimulate nail<br />

growth.<br />

Have a professional manicure to<br />

hydrate and exfoliate the skin and<br />

shape your nails correctly before<br />

the expert application of nail polish<br />

and hardener. Invest in quality nail<br />

products for long term care of your<br />

nails. But if disaster happens before<br />

the wedding, you can always rely on<br />

acrylics!<br />

Hands and rings of are on<br />

show at the wedding<br />

HANDY HINT - have<br />

your rings cleaned<br />

and your hands<br />

manicured<br />

To keep looking your<br />

beautiful best throughout<br />

the wedding, photos and<br />

reception<br />

HANDY HINT – have a<br />

make-up bag at your<br />

disposal to touch up<br />

and freshen up<br />

To avoid disturbing your lippy<br />

before the wedding<br />

HANDY HINT – drink with<br />

a straw<br />

To avoid messing up hair styles and<br />

makeup before the wedding<br />

HANDY HINT – wear a button through<br />

shirt until you are ready to put on<br />

your gown or wedding outfit<br />

Ensure wedding<br />

photos will<br />

look timeless<br />

and classic for<br />

years to come<br />

HANDY HINT<br />

– choose soft<br />

natural make-up<br />

and avoid extreme<br />

trends that<br />

date easily<br />

To make sure your hairstyle<br />

looks right with your headgear<br />

HANDY HINT – take veil,<br />

garland, head piece or hat<br />

to your hairdresser before<br />

deciding<br />

To get an idea of the<br />

whole hair and make-up look<br />

HANDY HINT – arrange hair<br />

and make-up trials at the<br />

same<br />

time & place<br />

To check your make-up<br />

tones for the wedding<br />

HANDY HINT –<br />

wear a neutral top<br />

when you go for a<br />

consultation<br />

For a low<br />

necked gown to<br />

look beautiful<br />

HANDY HINT –<br />

have back,<br />

neck & arms<br />

exfoliated<br />

and then<br />

moisturised<br />

For a strapless or sleeveless<br />

outfit to look its best<br />

HANDY HINT – avoid<br />

tan lines by wearing<br />

strapless swimwear<br />

all summer!<br />

For a consistent tan without sunburn<br />

HANDY HINT – opt for a light<br />

spray tan from a reputable<br />

clinic well before the wedding<br />

Beautiful Make Up<br />

Leanne McCurrie (Wildermoth)<br />

Makeup Artist<br />

Mobile make up artist with hair<br />

styling available on request.<br />

<strong>With</strong> over 14 years experience<br />

in the wedding industry.<br />

Let's make your day special and<br />

one to remember<br />

Phone: 027 373 6716<br />

Website: www.beautifulmakeup.co.nz<br />

Phone 03 377 8883 or 021 427 433<br />

www.angelaminson.co.nz

SCIENCE OF<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 29<br />

When preparing for your<br />

wedding, the best beauty<br />

therapy of all is to get<br />

more sleep and regulate<br />

your sleep patterns.<br />

Insufficient sleep is one of the<br />

casualties of our modern lifestyle.<br />

Over time, people experience<br />

increasing sleep-deprivation which<br />

in turn contributes to stress,<br />

breakouts and hormone imbalance.<br />

Ideally, adults should get 8<br />

hours rest in a 24 hour period,<br />

but many people short change<br />

MoriartyDental<br />

themselves by reducing their sleep<br />

time with extra work, watching<br />

TV or answering mobiles and<br />

social media well into the night.<br />

Sleep is designed to rest<br />

the body and the mind. While<br />

you sleep cells repair, the heart<br />

rate slows, other organs and<br />

systems rest, the brain files away<br />

Whitening | Smile makeovers | ph 366 3697<br />

www.moriartydental.co.nz<br />

information and the muscles relax.<br />

Sleep also regenerates your skin<br />

because the muscles of your face<br />

are able to relax too.<br />

The systems of the body work<br />

best with regularity. Sleep is a<br />

habit that you can acquire by<br />

observing mostly regular routines<br />

in your meal times, exercise and<br />

bedtimes. 7 out of 10 people wake<br />

up more tired than when they<br />

went to bed because generally we<br />

eat too much food late at night,<br />

preventing our digestive system<br />

from working efficiently.<br />

Breakfast at 7 am takes 6 hours<br />

to digest and is the only meal<br />

that is assimilated 100%. After<br />

lunch at 1pm the digestive system<br />

operates at a slower rate having<br />

already been in action for 6 hours.<br />

Digesting the evening meal takes<br />

10-12 hours, so your system<br />

works non stop, never gets to rest<br />

and is still digesting at 7am the<br />

next morning.<br />

So adopt the old adage to<br />

“breakfast like a king, lunch like<br />

a prince and dine like a pauper<br />

at night”! What also counts is the<br />

quality, not the quantity of food<br />

that we ingest. Stay away from<br />

snacks and comfort foods that are<br />

hard to digest, especially in the<br />

evening.<br />

If you find it hard to get to<br />

sleep, try drinking a cleansing<br />

herbal tea of camomile before you<br />

go to bed. Have a relaxing shower<br />

or bath before going to bed or<br />

massage your neck and shoulders<br />

with a calming massage oil. Spray<br />

an aromatherapy mist in your<br />

bedroom or use a herb pillow of<br />

lavender to induce calm restful<br />

sleep.<br />

Listen to music quietly if you<br />

must, but turn off your TV, mobile<br />

and computer – they are the<br />

worst interrupters of sleep EVER!<br />

If anxiety before your wedding<br />

prevents optimum sleep, invest in<br />

rescue remedy spray or tablets,<br />

learn some relaxation techniques<br />

or try yoga classes.

30 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Fashionistas usually recommend choosing a bag that<br />

matches your shoes, or complementing an outfit<br />

with one in a similar or contrasting colour. But for a<br />

impression is balanced, beautiful and practical.<br />

THE CLUTCH BAG is the overwhelming favourite for weddings<br />

and evening wear. For practicality it should close securely and fit<br />

your cards, keys, phone and lippy at the very least. If the wedding<br />

requires you to balance a wineglass and a plate, buy a “wristlet” clutch<br />

bag or one with a shoulder strap to leave your hands free. Carried<br />

in the hand or under the arm, a clutch bag can be unobtrusively<br />

elegant or supremely sassy with decorative details that command<br />

attention; buttons, buckles, bows and bling. The structure and<br />

material define the formality of the clutch bag; leather, satin, silk,<br />

manmade fibre or metal and its modest size forces you to declutter<br />

so that it does not bulge or spill out your essentials.<br />

THE ENVELOPE CLUTCH is a fold-over design with a triangular flap<br />

that tucks in like an envelope or is secured with a magnetised dome<br />

and is ideal for a daytime wedding.<br />

THE “MINAUDIERE” is a French ornamental jewelled clutch with a<br />

clip fastener that is usually used for evening occasions or weddings.<br />

THE POMPADOUR BAG is a soft material pouch with a drawstring<br />

worn round the wrist. Originating in medieval times to carry money<br />

and a sweet smelling pomander, its popularity re-emerged in Jane<br />

Austen’s regency era and in the 1920’s when they were made of the<br />

same material as the flapper girls dress and were embellished with<br />

jet beads, fringing and embroidery. The Pompadour is a pretty option<br />

for a flower girl or a way of introducing vintage style to bridal party<br />

gowns and wedding outfits.<br />

THE TOTE BAG is pure convenience for a shopping trip and all the<br />

stuff you need to prepare for the wedding; make-up, toiletries, lingerie,<br />

jewellery and shoes. “Tote” means “to carry” and the practical open<br />

topped style won’t crush or catch on your clothes while its large strap<br />

can be shortened or lengthened for hand or shoulder.<br />

It’s your daughter’s special<br />

day, but as the Mother of<br />

the Bride you will want to<br />

look your best too. Make<br />

your mature skin look<br />

radiant with these 10 “must<br />

have” secret weapons in<br />

your beauty kit or caboodle!<br />

DEEP CLEANSER<br />

for daily protection from<br />

harsh elements<br />

TONER<br />

to refine pores and freshen the skin<br />

HYDRATING MOISTURISER<br />

to replenish drier mature skin<br />

ANTI-AGEING NIGHT CREAM<br />

to minimise fine lines and wrinkles<br />

LIFT SERUM<br />

to lift and contour facial muscles<br />

EYE CREAM<br />

to sooth delicate skin around eyes<br />

COLLAGEN TABLETS<br />

for strong skin, hair and nails<br />

FOUNDATION WITH<br />

SPF PROTECTION<br />

for coverage and protection<br />

from UV<br />

TRANSLUCENT<br />

PRESSED POWDER<br />

a light dusting to reflect light<br />

and look flawless<br />

MOISTURISING LIPSTICK<br />

to provide colour, definition<br />

& moisturise lips<br />

Heavy<br />

make-up is<br />

very ageing<br />

so keep it<br />

light and<br />

subtle. Daily<br />

skin care<br />

regimes can<br />

take good<br />

care of minor<br />

flaws so that<br />

you can keep<br />

make-up<br />

more natural.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 31<br />

Mamma?<br />

OUTFITS BY<br />

SMITH & BOSTON<br />

Mothers of the Bride<br />

and the Groom often<br />

stress about what to<br />

wear to their offspring’s<br />

wedding, because<br />

the spotlight is on<br />

them too. Naturally<br />

they will want to look<br />

their best but the style<br />

should be appropriate<br />

for the time, season<br />

and location of the<br />

wedding AND flatter<br />

their age and taste.<br />

New Zealanders<br />

generally live quite<br />

a relaxed life style,<br />

so special occasion<br />

dressing is relatively<br />

rare. So here are<br />

some solutions to the<br />

dilemma of what to<br />

wear.<br />

PLAY IT SAFE<br />

and choose designs that best suit your shape. If you aren’t sure<br />

about that be guided by a fashion designer or retail managers who<br />

are used to fitting customers of many different ages and silhouettes.<br />

Establish the style and then choose the colour.<br />

NEW TWIST<br />

on a favourite item. If you already have an outfit in your wardrobe<br />

that you like and others admire when you wear it, consider having<br />

a pattern drafted and a new sassy version created for the wedding.<br />

Try a new colour or a different more luxurious fabric and formalise<br />

it with a stunning hat.<br />

BRANCH OUT<br />

with a new look, length or shade. Wow them with a classic<br />

ensemble of elegance and style or surprise them with a<br />

contemporary dress, coat, culotte or gown. Choose a colour range<br />

you haven’t worn before, but be sure it suits your colouring to get<br />

maximum effect.<br />

RAMP UP<br />

your fashion flair with accessories of glitz and glamour - a clutch<br />

bag, designer shoes, a sensational scarf or an item of jewellery that<br />

matches the style or makes a statement. Remember that simplicity<br />

is more alluring than fussiness and elegance as Mother of the Bride<br />

or Groom avoids anything too short, too revealing, too old or too<br />

young.<br />

Style is<br />

forever<br />

Dress to impress;<br />

whatever the occasion<br />

NZ Designer Label | Sizes 6 – 22<br />

SMITH & BOSTON<br />

Shop 6, 573 Springs Road | Prebbleton Village | Christchurch<br />

Ph: 03 349 5646 | www.smithandboston.co.nz

32 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Paisley is back AGAIN!<br />

The perennial design has<br />

returned many times since<br />

first becoming popular with<br />

westerners in the 1800’s.<br />

Although the “Paisley” pattern is<br />

a droplet-shaped motif of Persian<br />

origin, its western name comes<br />

from the textile town of Paisley<br />

in Scotland, where the designs<br />

were produced for the British and<br />

American market.<br />

The pattern is still popular in<br />

Iran and Central Asian countries<br />

where it is known as “boteh.” The<br />

woven design often features silver<br />

silk threads and other luxury<br />

textiles for gifts, weddings and<br />

clothing for special occasions.<br />

Alternatively it is also seen as<br />

a decorative motif on pottery,<br />

curtains, carpets, jewellery and<br />

paintings.<br />

The design appears to have been<br />

introduced to Europe by the East<br />

India Company who brought back<br />

cashmere shawls and silk cloth<br />

which were copied. From 1800<br />

onwards the weavers of Paisley<br />

became premier producers of these<br />

shawls.<br />

New technology allowed them<br />

to develop looms that wove up<br />

to 5 colours when most weavers<br />

only managed to work with 2. The<br />

resulting multi-coloured patterns<br />

became a Paisley hallmark and the<br />

woven versions were later adapted for<br />

printing onto cotton, voile and wool,<br />

making the design universal.<br />

Over two centuries later, Paisley<br />

has undergone many re-inventions<br />

from elegant shawls worn in the Jane<br />

Austen era to the psychedelic fashions<br />

of the 1960’s. There have been pink<br />

paisley guitars, Prince’s Paisley Park<br />

record label and paisley has been<br />

used in interior design, architectural<br />

inspiration and landscaping.<br />

Known throughout the world,<br />

its distinctive pattern is equally<br />

appropriate whether traditional, retro<br />

or contemporary and is therefore<br />

unique. Paisley can be tone on tone in<br />

subtle understated colours or bright<br />

and vibrant. The pattern can be big<br />

and bold or a tiny print, beautifully<br />

embellished with embroidery or bling<br />

or printed onto simple cotton fabric.<br />

As a design Paisley has enjoyed<br />

exceptional longevity but while its<br />

popularity comes and goes, it is<br />

here to stay. Paisley is this summer’s<br />

signature in ladylike bridal lace, a<br />

mother of the bride dress and jacket,<br />

the bridesmaids’ floaty printed<br />

chiffon, silk ties for the groomsmen,<br />

as an inspiration for the icing on<br />

your cake or embossed onto your<br />

invitations.<br />

Individuality<br />

& Flair<br />

Shop 12, Rolleston Square, Rolleston.<br />

Phone 347 1151

For centuries, the art of<br />

millinery has created hats<br />

to enhance the simplest of<br />

outfits but there’s no better<br />

occasion than a wedding<br />

to strut your stuff in a hat!<br />

Whether you are the mother of<br />

the bride or the groom, one of<br />

the wedding guests, or the bride<br />

looking for an alternative to a<br />

traditional veil, a hat can add<br />

colour, allure, style and sass if it<br />

suits you!<br />

Whether your hat is chosen<br />

from a range of ready to wear<br />

designs, or is specially created<br />

to match your outfit by a<br />

professional milliner, the choice<br />

is phenomenal. Alternatively<br />

you can purchase a simple<br />

unadorned hat from department<br />

stores, boutiques and even<br />

some pharmacy outlets, then let<br />

loose and decorate it with the<br />

extraordinary array of finery<br />

from haberdashery counters and<br />

craft shops.<br />

As well as complementing<br />

the colour, length and style of<br />

your outfit, a hat needs to suit<br />

your hairstyle and the shape of<br />

your face. The width, height and<br />

shape of the hat should also be in<br />

proportion to your hemline and<br />

your height. So it’s “try on” time<br />

to see what suits you best.<br />

FASCINATORS AND<br />

COCKTAIL HATS<br />

These small but spectacular<br />

confections of tulle, feathers<br />

and ribbon are often worn on<br />

an angle and jauntily offset<br />

cocktail length dresses for special<br />

occasions.<br />

ASCOT HATS<br />

Named after the famous British<br />

Horse Race meetings dating<br />

from the 18th Century where<br />

the tradition of wearing elaborate<br />

hats developed and has continued<br />

to include special occasions like<br />

weddings.<br />

GAINSBOROUGH<br />

OR PICTURE HAT<br />

A high crowned big<br />

brimmed hat with<br />

elaborate trim<br />

of flowers,<br />

tulle, feathers<br />

and ribbons.<br />

Popular from<br />

the 1890’s<br />

to the First<br />

World War<br />

the style<br />

framed the face<br />

and was likened<br />

to a Gainsborough<br />

painting.<br />

CLOCHE HAT<br />

Popular 1920’s style, the<br />

cloche is bell shaped<br />

and close fitting with<br />

almost no brim<br />

and a deep crown<br />

over the brow.<br />

The cloche was<br />

often decorated<br />

with a corsage,<br />

contrasting trim<br />

or ribbed ribbon<br />

to match an<br />

outfit. Ascot Hat<br />

SLOUCH HAT<br />

OR GARBO<br />

A high crowned hat with a<br />

flexible drooping brim, it shields<br />

the face and was made famous by<br />

film star Greta Garbo who was<br />

somewhat reclusive.<br />

THE BRETON<br />

Often made of straw or felt and<br />

trimmed with a hat band or<br />

ribboned bow, the Breton has a<br />

wide round crown and turned<br />

up brim.<br />

THE PILLBOX<br />

A flat topped brimless hat that<br />

was made famous by Jackie<br />

Kennedy in the 1960’s, the<br />

pillbox was often decorated with<br />

birdcage veiling and worn as a<br />

cocktail hat.<br />

THE SNOOD<br />

An ornamental hair net worn<br />

over a long bobbed hairstyle.<br />

Often dotted with sequins or<br />

diamante, they were very popular<br />

in the 1940’s and are making a<br />

modern comeback for evening<br />

and bridal wear.<br />

Themed weddings also offer a<br />

funky opportunity for creative<br />

hats, recapturing the style of an<br />

era or the traditional elegance<br />

of top hat and tails. But whatever<br />

the style, be careful that your<br />

chosen hat will not hide or shade<br />

your face in the photographs.<br />

The Pillbox<br />

Cloche Hat<br />

Special Occasions<br />

• Mother of the Bride<br />

or Groom<br />

• Bridesmaids, Bridal & Ballgowns<br />

• Races<br />

• Imported Hats & Fascinators<br />

• Exclusive Labels<br />

• Shoes, Bags & Jewellery<br />

• Sizes 6-24<br />

363 Lincoln Road (Moorhouse Ave end)<br />

Christchurch Parking alongside the Railway line<br />

www.parkavenue.co.nz<br />

Ph 374 5858<br />

*Exclusive Ballgowns, Bridesmaids &<br />

Bridal gowns can be ordered.<br />

Your best dress address<br />

PARK AVENUE<br />

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Like us on<br />

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<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 33<br />

Cocktail Hat

34 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

By tradition, a bride<br />

is supposed to wear<br />

“Something Old,<br />

Something New,<br />

Something Borrowed<br />

and Something Blue.”<br />

While an heirloom gown<br />

may be borrowed, it<br />

will also be something<br />

old and something very<br />

special.<br />

Combining romance, love<br />

and sentimentality, wearing<br />

an heirloom gown that was<br />

previously worn by a mother,<br />

grandmother or great<br />

grandmother is both rare and<br />

emotional.<br />

Depending on the age and<br />

fabric of the gown as well as<br />

the method by which it has<br />

been stored, its condition<br />

may be fragile. Unless it is<br />

in pristine condition, it will<br />

probably need cleaning. <strong>This</strong><br />

should always be done by a<br />

professional who may need<br />

to hand clean the dress to<br />

remove oxidation and general<br />

discolouration of the fabric.<br />

Over time the fabric can<br />

deteriorate or the thread<br />

it was sewn with. If it is<br />

the latter, the seams can<br />

sometimes be re-sewn with<br />

modern thread that is more<br />

robust, but if it is the fabric<br />

that is fragile, the seams may<br />

need binding to provide extra<br />

strength.<br />

The fit of an heirloom<br />

gown is likely to be tighter<br />

than modern designs,<br />

particularly in the waist<br />

measurement because a tiny<br />

waist was very fashionable<br />

and often achieved by<br />

corsetry. Plus, in general<br />

people are larger and heavier<br />

today than they were 50-100<br />

years ago.<br />

Engage a skilled seamstress<br />

to see if the gown can be<br />

“eased” by letting out the<br />

side seams. Alternatively it<br />

may be possible to use any<br />

extra fabric from the train or<br />

underskirt to add panels to<br />

the bodice. If the dress fastens<br />

with a back zip or buttons,<br />

extra width can be gained by<br />

replacing original fastenings<br />

with lacing like a corset.<br />

If the dress is beyond<br />

safe repair consider using<br />

some part of it to embellish<br />

a modern gown or have a<br />

replica made so that the<br />

design and family history is<br />

not entirely lost. But if you<br />

can wear it, go right ahead,<br />

even if you compromise and<br />

wear it for the ceremony<br />

before changing into a<br />

contemporary gown for the<br />

reception and dancing.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 35<br />

CARING<br />

FOR<br />

While silk is a natural<br />

fabric that breathes and is<br />

comfortable to wear in a<br />

variety of climates, it is also<br />

delicate and often hand<br />

woven and should be treated<br />

with special care.<br />

AVOID UV LIGHT - Never expose<br />

silk to harsh UV light and always<br />

hang silk garments away from direct<br />

sunlight. Do not leave your silk<br />

garment inside a car in a plastic bag<br />

which can sweat and stain if it’s a<br />

warm day.<br />

PRESSING - You can press silk<br />

garments with a cool dry iron. Do<br />

not use steam which may leave<br />

watermarks on the fabric.<br />

PREVENT STAINS - Wear alcoholfree<br />

deodorant, spray your perfume<br />

and/or your hairspray before you<br />

dress as both can stain the silk. If<br />

the silk is marked with splashes of<br />

tea, coffee or wine, flush repeatedly<br />

with cold water until the mark has<br />

gone. Do not use detergents, stain<br />

removers or home remedies and do<br />

not rub the stain and damage the silk<br />

fibres.<br />

CLEANING - Dry clean as<br />

soon as possible and ensure the<br />

cleaner knows the garment<br />

is 100% silk. But if there is<br />

a delay before dry cleaning,<br />

sprinkle the stain with talcum<br />

powder to draw the oil from<br />

the fabric.<br />

PROFESSIONAL<br />

EXPERTISE - Silk should be<br />

dry cleaned by a reputable<br />

company experienced in<br />

cleaning delicate fabrics.<br />

your bridal gown<br />

cleaned as soon after the<br />

wedding day as possible<br />

to ensure any stains<br />

do not become “set”<br />

permanently and<br />

then store in a<br />

cool dry place.<br />

Tailors and dressmakers are skilled<br />

professionals who specialise in sewing,<br />

repairing or altering clothing.<br />

There were once numerous tailors and<br />

seamstresses, but the modern mass production in<br />

today’s clothing industry has meant that a good<br />

tailor is increasingly hard to find. When you do,<br />

they are worth their weight in gold!<br />

Clothes are usually altered to create a better<br />

fit, update the fashion or make the garment<br />

more comfortable, hence the expression “tailor<br />

made.” Garments that are able to be repaired<br />

can sometimes be cost effective especially if it is<br />

made of quality materials, is a favourite item or<br />

perhaps a retro or vintage garment.<br />

A good tailor can repair rips and tears<br />

faultlessly, shorten sleeves and hems, re-set<br />

collars, cuffs and sleeves, or re-size a<br />

garment by “taking in “ or “letting<br />

out” side seams. Updating a garment<br />

for current fashion may include changing the<br />

hemline, altering a jacket from double breasted<br />

to single breasted style, narrowing lapels,<br />

adding belt loops, removing or creating turnups,<br />

streamlining pleats on trousers or a skirt,<br />

removing sleeves, re-designing a neckline or<br />

making a skirt from what was previously a dress.<br />

To alter clothing successfully for a better fit, it<br />

is necessary to take accurate measurements of the<br />

wearer. Extra fittings may be required to ensure<br />

a perfect result. Some tailors work on men’s or<br />

women’s clothing, or both, while others choose<br />

to specialise in vintage tailoring or wedding<br />

apparel.<br />

Repairs and alterations should be discussed<br />

with the tailor and a quote given for the<br />

expected cost of materials and time. Once<br />

completed your repaired, altered or re-fitted<br />

garment should be returned to you cleaned and<br />

pressed like new.

36 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Getting your hair to behave on the<br />

big day will mostly be achieved by<br />

the style you choose. But your tresses<br />

can also be tamed into submission by<br />

some treatments and conditioners in<br />

the weeks leading up to the wedding.<br />

CONDITIONING MASKS replace<br />

moisture lost with the repeated use of<br />

chemical products and in the climatic<br />

elements of sun and wind. Weekly<br />

treatments for 6 weeks before the wedding<br />

will leave your hair shiny and healthy.<br />

REPAIR RINSES remove chemical<br />

impurities and add proteins to the strands<br />

so that they are able to resist splits and<br />

breaks. Have a good haircut to remove any<br />

existing split ends and then start the rinse<br />

treatments regularly in the months prior<br />

to the wedding.<br />

HEAT<br />

TREATMENT<br />

OILS prevent<br />

damage to blow<br />

dried or heatstyled<br />

hair and<br />

should be used<br />

once a month, or<br />

more frequently<br />

if you notice<br />

damage, dryness<br />

or brittleness.<br />

VOLUME BOOSTERS add texture<br />

especially to fine hair. Boosting it into<br />

thicker more manageable volume<br />

also allows you to choose a variety of<br />

styles for your wedding day.<br />

SPRAY-IN SHINE adds gloss and<br />

smoothness to your hair whether<br />

long or short. Applied by convenient<br />

spritzer it can be used any time and<br />

on the day once your bridal hair<br />

style is complete.<br />

HAIR SPRAY provides a useful “on<br />

the day” conditioner, to keep hair in<br />

place and provide anti-frizz control.<br />

HAIR STYLE<br />

Your choice of hairstyle will depend on what suits<br />

your face shape, your hair texture and the formality<br />

of the wedding. But there are plenty of different styles<br />

currently in vogue for brides and bridesmaids;<br />

• The slick wet look for elegant up-do’s<br />

• The shoulder length long bob<br />

• The precision cut short bob<br />

• Intricate braids for long hair or short<br />

• Boho style “messy” braids<br />

• The petite pixie cut<br />

• The versatile ponytail<br />

• Retro crimping, finger waves or loose curls<br />

Whatever your chosen style, nothing looks better than<br />

glossy healthy hair. So plan “a-head” and make your hair<br />

your genuine crowning glory.<br />

Be your own kind of beautiuful<br />

Leticia is the owner/operator of Simpatico hair studio and<br />

has over 25 years in this industry and is very passionate<br />

about providing quality, integrity and excellence.<br />

Simpatico hair studio is a full service hair salon, and it is<br />

recommended to have a consultation before booking in<br />

for your bridal trial, and any other hair services you may<br />

require as Leticia also has a full range of 100% clip in hair<br />

extensions and bridal hair accessories.<br />

Leticia is based in Christchurch and provides a mobile<br />

bridal hair service for you on your wedding day.<br />

Simpatico<br />

Hair Studio<br />

Leticia Radcliffe | Phone: 021 426 111 | simpatico-mobile-hair@hotmail.co.nz<br />

phone: 021 862 061 |<br />

www.haleysaul.co.nz

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 37<br />

For Her<br />

THE CHALLENGE Make up a “challenge<br />

sheet” for your bachelorette to<br />

complete during the evening: Copy<br />

a stranger’s dance moves; dance on a<br />

chair or table; make a veil out of paper<br />

napkins; photo bomb a stranger’s<br />

picture; convince a stranger to<br />

serenade you orbuy you a shot; collect<br />

a coaster form every bar you visit;<br />

share a photo with another bride-tobe;<br />

have a photo taken with a guy who<br />

looks like your fiancé.<br />

NIGHT OUT While a night on the town<br />

for dinner, dancing and clubbing is very<br />

popular, there are plenty of other options<br />

if this doesn’t appeal. If you do go to<br />

town, try something different like a new<br />

restaurant and be sure to arrange safe,<br />

convenient transport for everyone<br />

involved.<br />

NIGHT IN If you or your friends<br />

don’t want to spend a lot of<br />

money, a girls’ night in can include<br />

a cocktail party, pot luck meals,<br />

party plan cosmetics, lingerie or<br />

makeover, karaoke hire or even a<br />

pizza and DVD.<br />

MAKE TIME A scavenger hunt is<br />

easy to organise and there’s always<br />

the fun of a dance class together,<br />

jewellery making, cooking school,<br />

cheese making or some divine<br />

pampering at a day spa.<br />

TAKE A TRIP There are<br />

many wineries in and<br />

around Christchurch, so a<br />

wine tour and tasting can<br />

be a fun day out with lunch<br />

included. Destinations<br />

like Akaroa, Methven,<br />

Kaikoura and Hanmer<br />

Springs all within a two<br />

hour journey. <strong>With</strong> harbour<br />

cruises, hot pools, whale<br />

watching, train trips or<br />

skiing in winter, there’s<br />

plenty of action adventure<br />

too, not to mention golf,<br />

mountain biking and hot air<br />

ballooning.<br />

KITCHEN VINTAGE<br />

The forerunner of<br />

the hen’s night in<br />

New Zealand was<br />

the traditional<br />

“kitchen tea”.<br />

Hosted by a<br />

girlfriend,<br />

neighbour,<br />

family member<br />

or Mother of<br />

the Bride,<br />

this girls’ celebration comprised<br />

games, competitions, afternoon<br />

tea, occasionally some bubbly and<br />

the gift of small useful items for the<br />

bride’s kitchen.<br />

Hens and Bucks nights can be a great time to enjoy<br />

the company of your closest friends and celebrate your<br />

impending marriage. These “single send offs” can range from<br />

a few drinks or a meal to a whole weekend away.<br />

The groom’s celebration is usually devised by the Best Man, while the Chief<br />

Bridesmaid is generally responsible for the bride’s arrangements. Whatever<br />

you decide to do, make sure it’s acceptable to the individuals concerned and<br />

avoids anything that can disintegrate into activities of<br />

embarrassment, humiliation, injury or law breaking.<br />

For Him<br />

THE CHALLENGE<br />

A popular bit of silliness<br />

where by the groom must<br />

complete a challenge or<br />

series of tasks, or risk a<br />

penalty (usually a drink) if he<br />

fails. Examples; serenade a girl,<br />

show off some dance moves,<br />

wear a superman outfit,<br />

converse only in song titles,<br />

win a bet, strike a pose on a<br />

pre-arranged signal, mime<br />

a drink or meal order.<br />

SPORTING CHANCE Enjoy<br />

your favourite sport together;<br />

tennis, touch, cricket or golf. Up<br />

the ante by trying “speed golf ” only<br />

3 clubs plus a stop watch in your<br />

hand and a, sprint between shots<br />

and holes! Plan a mini Olympics<br />

with all-comer activities like<br />

bowling, mini golf, darts, laser<br />

strike, paintball or go-carts.<br />

RACES Devise a local version of<br />

The Amazing Race, a car rally with<br />

a barbeque or pub meal to follow or<br />

organise a bike trail team event with<br />

challenges along the way.<br />

TAKE A TRIP Road trip, boat trip,<br />

fishing trip, camping trip or mystery<br />

weekend, enjoy a nostalgia visit<br />

or head for pastures new. Grab a<br />

seat and head for special event or a<br />

destination to explore. Go to the<br />

horse races.<br />

BACK TO SCHOOL Learn a new<br />

skill or activity for a great bonding<br />

opportunity; wine tasting or brewery<br />

tour, golf lesson, cooking school,<br />

adrenalin adventure or pub quiz.<br />

HOME ON THE RANGE Gather<br />

at home for backyard cricket, a basic<br />

Barbie, a movie night, game of pool<br />

or pizza, pints and poker for peanuts.<br />

Kamikaze Paintball Offer $5 Off<br />

all KamiKaze Game<br />

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Or book now: 0800 526 259<br />

PURE<br />

ROMANCE<br />

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Pure Romance by Andi offers totally free girls nights for women only 18+. You get a night<br />

of fun, games, a tasteful presentation of products ranging from mild to wild and a totally<br />

confidential shopping experience! Plus you get a free shopping spree just for having me<br />

there.<br />

“My mission is to keep married women married, single women safe and all women<br />

empowered to feel sexy and beautiful.”<br />

Andi Jones | Ph/txt 021 289 3887<br />

pureromancebyandi@snap.net.nz | www.pureromancebyandi.co.nz<br />

Mention this add<br />

when booking<br />

your free girls<br />

night in and<br />

receive any item<br />

under $200 for<br />

1/2 price*<br />

*Conditions apply

38 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

THE 4 C’S FOR<br />

While diamonds are dazzlingly beautiful,<br />

valuable and the most sought after jewel<br />

for engagement and wedding rings, they<br />

are also the hardest substance on earth<br />

and will therefore last a lifetime. All over<br />

the world, jewellers and gem experts rate<br />

diamonds according the 4 C’s of Cut,<br />

Carat, Clarity and Colour.<br />

CUT makes the diamond dazzle according to number of<br />

surfaces or facets that reflect the light. Most diamonds are<br />

cut with over 50 facets and geometric angles. These act as<br />

mirrors and reflect the light from one to the other before<br />

dispersing through the top of the stone. If the cut is too<br />

deep or too shallow, light escapes<br />

and the sparkle is reduced.<br />

CLARITY relates to the<br />

brilliance of the stone<br />

and is graded according<br />

to the combinations<br />

of mineral traces,<br />

imperfections or<br />

visible fractures<br />

within it.<br />

Completely<br />

flawless diamonds are<br />

extremely rare and<br />

therefore extremely<br />

valuable as they offer the<br />

most natural brilliance.<br />

YOUR DIAMOND INVESTMENT<br />

For future proofing your investment, buy the best diamond<br />

you can afford. But be sure to choose your diamond and rings<br />

from a reputable jeweller who will provide you with a valuation<br />

certificate for insurance and proof of purchase.<br />

COLOUR is also related<br />

to the diamond’s ability to<br />

reflect light. While we think of<br />

diamonds as white, the colour<br />

varies from white to yellowish.<br />

Jewellers grade a diamond’s<br />

colour on a scale from D<br />

(colourless) to Z which can<br />

contribute or detract from<br />

its overall value.<br />

CARAT refers to<br />

the weight rather<br />

than the size of<br />

the diamond.<br />

Originally<br />

calculated on<br />

scales against<br />

carob seeds that<br />

weighted 0.2 grams<br />

each, modern metric<br />

measurements define a<br />

“carat” as 200mgs.<br />

Each carat is further<br />

divided into 100<br />

points thus allowing<br />

precise categorising of<br />

diamond value.<br />

The unbroken circle of a<br />

wedding ring symbolises<br />

love without end and the<br />

cycle of your life together.<br />

For sentiment and meaning it<br />

can’t be eclipsed, except perhaps by<br />

diamonds! The tradition of wearing<br />

the wedding ring on the fourth<br />

finger of the left hand dates back<br />

to the Roman’s belief that a vein<br />

ran form that finger directly to the<br />

centre of love, the heart.<br />

The variety of wedding rings<br />

today is impressive and ranges<br />

from simple metal bands to those<br />

set with stones or elaborately<br />

engraved. Couples can be as<br />

creative as they wish and often are<br />

when it comes to a wedding band.<br />

Yellow gold, either 9 or 18<br />

carat, has been a long standing<br />

tradition because gold was long<br />

lasting and associated with quality<br />

and purity. But fashionable<br />

variations on yellow gold are<br />

achieved by the addition of other<br />

metals; alloy to make white gold<br />

and copper to make rose gold. In<br />

spite of being more expensive than<br />

gold, platinum has also become<br />

popular for its strength and silvery<br />

look.<br />

In the past the engagement ring<br />

had the stones and traditionally<br />

the wedding ring was plain.<br />

Alternatively a wedding ring inset<br />

with a stone or two might be the<br />

only ring if the budget was tight<br />

or there was a metal shortage as in<br />

wartime. Not so now! <strong>Ring</strong> sets for<br />

the bride can glitter with numerous<br />

diamonds and gems and the sparkle<br />

effect of both rings is dazzling.<br />

In terms of style, shape, colour<br />

and tone of the metal, brides should<br />

always match and fit their wedding<br />

band with their engagement ring.<br />

If the band is plain, the groom’s<br />

ring might be of similar style and<br />

tone, but increasingly the more<br />

masculine look of stainless steel,<br />

silver and black titanium are sought<br />

after. They too can be set with with<br />

stones or engraved.<br />

Engraved wedding bands<br />

are not only beautiful items of<br />

jewellery, they are also personal<br />

and meaningful to the couple.<br />

Intricate designs may have aesthetic<br />

and cultural significance, the date<br />

of the wedding may be inscribed<br />

inside the band or words of love<br />

and inspiration as well.

ADVERTORIAL<br />

For all the important<br />

jewellery moments in your<br />

life, to say “Will you marry<br />

me?”, “I do” or “I love<br />

you”, Westende Jewellers<br />

can provide you with the<br />

expertise, craftsmanship<br />

and service necessary to<br />

choose the perfect piece<br />

to cherish forever.<br />

Westende Jewellers has been<br />

family owned and operated in<br />

Christchurch for almost 50<br />

years. Now well established at<br />

their Colombo Street store in<br />

Sydenham, they enjoy welcoming<br />

new and long standing customers<br />

to the elegant and sophisticated<br />

space they have created.<br />

For engagement and wedding<br />

rings the selection is superb with a<br />

variety of different metals, stones<br />

and settings on display. While<br />

the classic diamond solitaire still<br />

out-sells other engagement ring<br />

designs, the current popularity<br />

of white gold, platinum and<br />

palladium settings provide a<br />

“modern twist” to the traditional<br />

favourite.<br />

<strong>With</strong>in Westende’s diamond<br />

section is the remarkable “Astralis”<br />

diamond selection which is also<br />

exclusive. The creation of Gabi<br />

Tolkowsky, one of the world’s<br />

most celebrated diamond cutters,<br />

these diamonds are simply<br />

stunning and carry his signature<br />

on the girdle of every stone.<br />

<strong>With</strong> 89 facets, 32 more than a<br />

traditional cut, the Astralis Round<br />

Brilliant diamond is “beauty<br />

unlocked” and features a visible 8<br />

point star.<br />

Contemporary wedding<br />

rings are often set with stones<br />

too and specifically designed to<br />

complement the engagement ring<br />

as a set. Westende Jewellers has<br />

over 300 styles of New Zealand<br />

made wedding rings on display in<br />

store.<br />

For men, the traditional yellow<br />

gold band is often surpassed<br />

in favour of white metals or<br />

titanium, enhanced with stones,<br />

patterns or engraving. A recent<br />

addition to Westende’s wedding<br />

ring range is Ziro. These amazing<br />

and dramatic gents’ wedding rings<br />

contain a black mineral called<br />

Zircon (ZrSi04). They come in<br />

plain black or can be set in rose<br />

gold, yellow gold or white gold.<br />

Alternatively they can create a<br />

custom-made design according<br />

to the customer’s price range<br />

and preferences, including the<br />

currently popular vintage<br />

look.<br />

Since the earthquakes,<br />

heirloom and antique jewellery<br />

has been particularly treasured<br />

and Westende Jewellers offer an<br />

extensive range of Vintage Antique<br />

jewellery for sale. They can also<br />

restore items or remodel existing<br />

pieces into a new setting to<br />

ensure further longevity.<br />

Westende offer lay-by on<br />

purchases for 3months and<br />

finance is available for up to 36<br />

months. Customers can also<br />

benefit from GST-free sales if they<br />

are departing Christchurch or<br />

Auckland on international flights<br />

and their purchases can be picked<br />

up at the airport.<br />

In addition to engagement<br />

and wedding rings, Westende<br />

Jewellers also has a fine selection<br />

of gifts for the wedding party<br />

such as watches, cufflinks, pearls,<br />

earrings and bracelets, including<br />

Kagi, Karen Walker, Stow Lockets<br />

and Endless designer jewellery.<br />

Tying the Knot...<br />

over 500 wedding<br />

rings instore<br />

Modern<br />

WESTENDE JEWELLERS<br />

421 Colombo Street, Sydenham<br />

www.westendejewellers.co.nz<br />

Telephone: (03) 366-5475<br />

and<br />

Vintage

40 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Gold, platinum, diamonds and other<br />

gemstones last indefinitely, but if you want<br />

them to stay dazzling for decades, you<br />

need to keep them clean!<br />

You should take them to a jeweller annually for a<br />

professional clean, polish and check to ensure the<br />

stones are still secure in the setting. But in between<br />

you can keep jewellery clean and shiny yourself by<br />

using simple easy methods at home:<br />

3.<br />

4.<br />

SOAP + WATER<br />

Add mild liquid soap to a<br />

bowl of lukewarm water.<br />

Lightly brush each item of<br />

jewellery with a soft toothbrush.<br />

Rinse under warm<br />

tap and pat dry with a soft<br />

microfiber cloth.<br />

No. 1 Bridge Street, Nelson<br />

548 4523 | 0274 845 353<br />

No. 1 Bridge Street, Nelson<br />

548 4523 | 0274 845 353<br />

1.<br />

COLD<br />

SOAK<br />

Soak<br />

jewellery<br />

for 30 minutes in a cold<br />

solution comprising equal<br />

amounts of water and<br />

ammonia. Leave to dry on<br />

a microfiber cloth then rub<br />

over gently for extra shine.<br />

2.<br />

ULTRASONIC<br />

CLEAN<br />

An ultrasonic<br />

machine is filled<br />

with water and detergent<br />

then switched on to high<br />

frequency oscillation to remove<br />

dirt. Set for the required time<br />

as per the instruction manual.<br />

LIQUID DIP<br />

Buy a commercial liquid jewellery cleaner. Dip your<br />

jewellery in the solution for the recommended time/<br />

instructions. Remove, let dry and buff with a soft cloth.<br />

info@glenjames.co.nz<br />

www.glenjames.co.nz<br />

info@glenjames.co.nz<br />

www.glenjames.co.nz<br />

Promise rings indicate<br />

that there is a relationship<br />

and while the couple<br />

may not yet be ready<br />

for a formal engagement<br />

and marriage, they<br />

are committed to one<br />

another.<br />

Some couples see the<br />

promise ring as a step towards a<br />

future engagement. For others<br />

the trend is adopted by couples<br />

who set up home together<br />

without the expectation of<br />

marriage, so the ring becomes<br />

an alternative to an engagement<br />

or wedding ring.<br />

However the trend is not<br />

a new one. Giving a ring as a<br />

promise of affection dates back<br />

centuries to the “posy” ring<br />

which was engraved with a<br />

romantic sentiment; the “pansy”<br />

ring comes from the French<br />

word “penser” meaning “to<br />

think; the “friendship “ring was<br />

given when a girl and boy were<br />

too young for an engagement<br />

and the college “pin” in America<br />

meant the couple were dating<br />

seriously or “going steady.”<br />

Depending on the age of<br />

the couple and the stage<br />

of their relationship,<br />

a promise ring can be<br />

simple and inexpensive<br />

or more elaborate and<br />

valuable. Inexpensive<br />

versions are<br />

often sterling<br />

silver and<br />

can be found<br />

at costume<br />

jewellery outlets,<br />

department stores<br />

and online stores, while those<br />

that are gold and set with<br />

precious stones are designed<br />

and sold at a jewellers.<br />

The design of the ring<br />

may have meaningful motifs<br />

like hearts (as in the Celtic<br />

Claddagh ring), engrave the<br />

names of the couple on the<br />

inside or outside of the ring or<br />

use birthstones in the setting.<br />

But regardless of the cost, a<br />

promise ring is about feelings<br />

and therefore its true value is<br />

intrinsic.<br />

There’s not always a special<br />

proposal with a promise ring<br />

but it is most often given on an<br />

anniversary of the first date, on<br />

Valentine’s Day, on a birthday<br />

or the start of a New Year.<br />

Promise rings can be worn on<br />

any finger and on either hand,<br />

although usually the intent is<br />

the 3rd finger of the left hand.<br />

Sometimes the ring is worn<br />

on a chain round the neck,<br />

especially if the “promise” is a<br />

secret.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 41<br />

A wedding is an occasion to<br />

sparkle and glitz is definitely “in.”<br />

Whether you like traditional or<br />

modern pieces, jewellery is a<br />

popular wedding day accessory<br />

and should enhance the look of<br />

your gown. However, take care<br />

that too much jewellery doesn’t<br />

spoil the effect.<br />

If the bridal gown is very elaborate<br />

or already features beading or crystals,<br />

keep jewellery minimalist or simple in<br />

design. Strapless and low backed gowns<br />

lend themselves to a necklace and “up do”<br />

hairstyles offset earrings beautifully.<br />

A bride may wish to choose new<br />

jewellery to wear on the day, or there may<br />

be heirloom items of particular significance.<br />

Antique and retro jewellery recapture<br />

the style of a previous era, but can also<br />

complement modern gowns successfully.<br />

Jewellers can also re-work old settings<br />

and reset stones into more modern designs<br />

if you wish and there are numerous<br />

boutiques selling affordable accessories for<br />

you and your wedding party.<br />

Jewellery may be delicate or a dramatic<br />

statement of style! Modern crystal<br />

jewellery provides alluring shimmer<br />

and shine, while pearls are an enduring<br />

favourite, offsetting the current simplicity<br />

of wedding gown designs.<br />

For a new take, try a necklace of large<br />

pearls, a wide choker or a single beautiful<br />

pearl. Perhaps go vintage with a long string<br />

of pearls knotted at the front or draped<br />

dramatically down a low backed gown.<br />

Or you can introduce some glitz<br />

with a sparkly belt, a bracelet that<br />

jingles with charms, some diamond<br />

dazzle earrings, bejewelled shoes<br />

or a vintage look marquisite comb<br />

to secure your hair or veil.<br />

462 Colombo Street. Sydenham. ChrIStChUrCh 8023 P: 03 366 1232 mon-FrI 9.30am-5.00Pm / Sat 10.00am-3.00Pm CraFtedjewelS@kennett.net.nz www.kennett.net.nz

42 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

A locket is a ring or necklace<br />

with a pendant that traditionally<br />

opened and contained an image<br />

or lock of hair of a loved one.<br />

As an item of jewellery, the locket has<br />

been around for centuries. Elizabeth I<br />

wore one containing a picture of her<br />

mother, Anne Boleyn and she also<br />

gave them as gifts to loyal courtiers<br />

with her own image inside.<br />

In Victorian times, lockets<br />

became hugely popular after<br />

Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria<br />

a bracelet with locket charms<br />

containing the pictures of each of<br />

their 8 children. Worn on a chain or<br />

velvet ribbon, the locket could be worn<br />

by almost any age group.<br />

Associated with both romance<br />

or mourning a loved one, lockets reached<br />

the height of sentimental fashion in World War 1. When millions of<br />

soldiers marched to war they left behind their picture in a locket for<br />

their sweetheart to wear until their return.<br />

Early lockets had painted images, but with the invention of<br />

daguerreotype photos in the 1840’s, images could be fused onto glass.<br />

By the late 19th and 20th centuries, black and white photographs<br />

became a more affordable option.<br />

Keepsake lockets were made of many different styles, shapes<br />

and materials ranging from simple inexpensive versions in silver<br />

or 9ct gold to bespoke designs in 18ct gold or rose gold that were<br />

enamelled, embossed, engraved or inset with gemstones.<br />

Some had a clear glass front so that the image or hair inside could<br />

be seen without having to open the locket. The antique “vinaigrette”<br />

lockets were made of filigree with a tiny fabric cushion inside<br />

containing lavender, pot pourri or a sprinkle of perfume.<br />

Mostly the locket has been a symbol of romance, often worn<br />

secretly. The “message” locket contained love notes from an admirer,<br />

while a locket given<br />

on betrothal or marriage<br />

usually carried the<br />

images of the couple<br />

inside.<br />

As well as the<br />

traditional oval,<br />

lockets were<br />

also circles or<br />

heart shaped and<br />

designed to “hold<br />

the deepest secrets<br />

of your heart” for as<br />

long as it was worn.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 43<br />

Canterbury Jewellers has<br />

earned a reputation for fine<br />

craftsmanship and honesty<br />

in a trade where the client<br />

relies on information that<br />

is true and the quality of<br />

workmanship is high.<br />

Providing these two<br />

key attributes has allowed<br />

Canterbury Jewellers to be<br />

one of Christchurch’s leading<br />

repair, alteration and handcrafted<br />

jewellery manufacturer since the<br />

company was started 35 years ago.<br />

Some people may find their<br />

perfect engagement ring already<br />

made, sitting in a showroom<br />

waiting for them. Others aren’t so<br />

fortunate, having to trawl through<br />

100’s or even 1000’s of designs.<br />

Some will decide to start from<br />

scratch and have their ideal ring<br />

sketched and then handmade.<br />

Finding your ideal ring is a<br />

bit like looking for a home - you<br />

know it’s just right when you<br />

see it. But unlike buying a home,<br />

having exactly what you want in<br />

a ring needn’t require a visit to<br />

the bank manager. “A common<br />

misconception is that hand-crafted<br />

pieces are an unaffordable luxury<br />

for most people. However you<br />

may be pleasantly surprised how<br />

they stack up against the average<br />

mass-produced rings pricewise”<br />

says Jason Baylis of Canterbury<br />

Jewellers.<br />

Responding to an increasing<br />

desire from clients for a more<br />

personalized look, Canterbury<br />

Jewellers are fully equipped<br />

to create something incredibly<br />

unique. It may traditional with<br />

lots of fine detail, or bold and<br />

modern. <strong>With</strong> their experienced<br />

and fully-qualified team of on-site<br />

artisans, clients are invited to<br />

contribute to the creative process<br />

as little or as much as they like<br />

and are encouraged to visit at<br />

various stages of manufacture.<br />

“We see some amazing<br />

engagement rings that need a<br />

wedder. But finding a wedding<br />

ring to fit around these elaborate<br />

rings can be impossible, so<br />

generally a custom wedding ring<br />

is the only solution” notes Jason.<br />

Ideally engagement and<br />

wedding rings should be made<br />

at the same time to ensure a<br />

complementary style and perfect<br />

fit. But for those who already<br />

have an engagement ring that<br />

doesn’t lend itself well to any of<br />

the readymade wedding rings,<br />

Canterbury Jewellers can always<br />

make one to suit.<br />

For sparkle that will last a<br />

lifetime, call Canterbury Jewellers<br />

on 03 366 7737.<br />

Leading the way in design, manufacture<br />

and repair of exquisite jewellery<br />

Unit 8, 73 Peterborough Street,<br />

Central City, Christchurch<br />

P. 366 7737 E: enquiries@canterburyjewellers.co.nz

44 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

The next risk is not being able to<br />

do much about it. It’s difficult to<br />

send the dress back if it isn’t right,<br />

you will incur extra shipping<br />

charges and there may be too little<br />

time to get a replacement even if<br />

the company was agreeable. New<br />

Zealand’s Consumer Guarantees<br />

Act doesn’t apply to overseas<br />

goods and the company you have<br />

bought your gown from is unlikely<br />

to provide much customer service<br />

back-up.<br />

There’s also a security risk<br />

using a credit card and you could<br />

get a computer virus when you<br />

order from an unknown internet<br />

site. You have to wait for your<br />

items to be despatched and sadly,<br />

there’s no guarantee that having<br />

paid for your gown that you will<br />

actually receive it.<br />

A recent overseas scam<br />

involved customers making<br />

their choice from internet<br />

gown illustrations, sending<br />

their money and eventually<br />

receiving a sewing kit<br />

containing a few metres of<br />

cheap material, a dress pattern,<br />

a reel of thread and some stickon<br />

bling!<br />

These are all personal risks<br />

associated with cheap internet<br />

purchase, but there are wider<br />

issues as well that you may never<br />

have considered.<br />

Inadvertently you are<br />

helping to damage the wedding<br />

gown industry in this country.<br />

Cheap copy gowns are actually<br />

theft of a bona fide designer’s<br />

It’s your wedding and you want the<br />

gown of your dreams. You have pored<br />

over wedding magazines, looked at<br />

fabrics and designs, been to bridal<br />

shops and THEN discovered your<br />

perfect wedding gown on the internet<br />

at a fraction of the cost!<br />

Of course you are tempted. It’s so simple;<br />

choose the style, colour, fabric, send your<br />

measurements and your money and within a few<br />

weeks, your gown will arrive. It will be beautiful<br />

and so will your bank balance, so where is the<br />

harm or the risk?<br />

The first risk is the potential for<br />

disappointment. The internet can’t show you the<br />

actual dress, nor its quality, fit or finish. New<br />

Zealand dressmakers and bridal shops frequently<br />

see brides who come to them distraught because<br />

the gown they thought they were getting has<br />

arrived and is badly made, doesn’t fit,<br />

looks cheap and has wasted their money<br />

instead of saving it.<br />

intellectual property and the<br />

images used to sell the copies<br />

may also breach copyright.<br />

Your copy gown may also<br />

allow child labour to flourish<br />

in poor countries overseas.<br />

Factories overseas that make<br />

genuine gowns pay their workers<br />

fairly for their skill and expertise<br />

and do not employ children.<br />

However factories<br />

making fake gowns cut costs by<br />

employing young children<br />

housed in appalling<br />

accommodation and paid a<br />

pittance. When you know that,<br />

can you really feel a beautiful<br />

bride?<br />

The same risks are just as<br />

applicable when you order<br />

suits for your wedding party,<br />

jewellery for your bridesmaids<br />

or wedding rings for yourselves.<br />

What seems a genuine bargain<br />

online, offers no guarantee of<br />

quality or integrity.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 45<br />

Planning a wedding takes<br />

a lot of organisation and in<br />

many cases arrangements<br />

have to be made many<br />

months in advance in<br />

order to secure the desired<br />

location or venue.<br />

Because marriage is such a<br />

milestone event, of course couples<br />

want the wedding to be perfect.<br />

However it can become allconsuming,<br />

especially for the brideto-be<br />

who wants to do everything<br />

herself. No wonder it can become<br />

a recipe for stress, strained<br />

relationships, budget blow-outs and<br />

loss of enjoyment in something that<br />

should be memorably serene! So<br />

here are some ways of avoiding the<br />

bridal blues.<br />

DON’T try to DIY everything<br />

DO use a wedding planner<br />

for some or all of the<br />

arrangements<br />

DON’T get bogged down<br />

with too much detail<br />

DO keep ideas simple<br />

and achievable<br />

DON’T exclude the groom<br />

from decision making<br />

DO delegate and involve<br />

family and friends in plans<br />

DON’T try to please<br />

everyone else<br />

DO make sure the<br />

wedding pleases you<br />

Are you a<br />

perfectionist?<br />

Have standards that<br />

are impossible to<br />

meet?<br />

Experience frequent<br />

mood swings?<br />

Are you impatient?<br />

Expect everyone to<br />

follow your orders?<br />

Fall out with friends<br />

and family?<br />

Don’t trust the<br />

wedding<br />

coordinator?<br />

Exclude your partner<br />

from wedding<br />

decisions?<br />

Talk about wedding<br />

plans all the time?<br />

Keep changing<br />

your mind?<br />

Or won’t<br />

compromise?<br />

Never think about<br />

anything else?<br />

Become obsessed<br />

YES NO<br />

Want the best of<br />

everything?<br />

Expect lavish gifts<br />

from the guests?<br />

Rarely say<br />

thank you?<br />

Think money is no<br />

object?<br />

Forget how to relax?<br />

Take him for<br />

by granted? tiny details?<br />

Refer to “My Day”<br />

not “Our Day”<br />

DON’T spend money<br />

you can’t afford<br />

DO enjoy preparing for<br />

the wedding<br />

DON’T stress about tiny<br />

details no one else will notice<br />

DO focus on your<br />

guests’ enjoyment<br />

DON’T worry about minor<br />

mishaps on the day<br />

DO let the wedding planner/<br />

coordinator do their job<br />

IF YOU SCORED:<br />

A0-5Unlikely Bridezilla<br />

6-10Possibly Bridezilla<br />

11-15Likely Bridezilla<br />

16-20Definitely Bridezilla<br />

DON’T lose sight of the<br />

big picture<br />

DO relax and concentrate<br />

on what’s important<br />

DON’T forget to be<br />

happy and SMILE!<br />

DO thank everyone who has<br />

helped you

46 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

When you are ready to<br />

plan your wedding and<br />

all the arrangements it<br />

entails, you can’t do better<br />

than calling in the experts.<br />

Wedding Professionals<br />

NZ Planners provide full<br />

wedding designing,<br />

planning, coordination<br />

and production to create<br />

a seamless, stress-less<br />

wedding day.<br />

“We can provide partial<br />

planning for those who need<br />

the expertise or who have little<br />

time to get that special look or<br />

find that perfect wedding venue,<br />

photographer or delicious cake”<br />

says Manager Suzanne Carson.<br />

A Wedding Professionals<br />

consultant acts as a “PA” to the<br />

wedding couple. Sharing many<br />

years of industry experience,<br />

design flair and numerous<br />

contacts, your special PA will<br />

work with you to achieve the most<br />

memorable day possible for all<br />

who attend.<br />

“Imagine knowing that you<br />

have a team that shares in the<br />

excitement of your day and being<br />

able to relax knowing the endless<br />

“to do’s” are no longer on your<br />

checklist! No more madly calling<br />

around, no more worrying about<br />

asking the right questions or<br />

getting the best quotes, no more<br />

trying to figure out what<br />

colours coordinate well” explains<br />

Suzanne.<br />

All that can be a thing of<br />

the past because Wedding<br />

Professionals aim to give you the<br />

time and attention you deserve,<br />

to give your wedding the skill and<br />

organization it requires and to give<br />

you the day that surpasses your<br />

every expectation.<br />

As experts in wedding styling<br />

with impeccable attention to<br />

detail, your own individual<br />

style and creative vision will<br />

be represented and, “your<br />

personalities will be reflected in<br />

every facet of the event’s design.”<br />

An “On the Day Package”<br />

ensures everything runs smoothly<br />

and on time. Enjoy the wonderful<br />

feeling that someone else is there<br />

overseeing all aspects of your<br />

wedding. Let your Mum enjoy<br />

her role as Mother of the Bride<br />

without having to attend to<br />

anything but family and friends<br />

and be a stress-free bridal couple<br />

yourselves instead of a wedding<br />

organiser.<br />

“Imagine walking down the<br />

aisle and noticing all the beautiful<br />

details that you thoughtfully<br />

planned and arriving at the<br />

reception in awe of the stunning<br />

way everything turned out.<br />

Then realise you made the best<br />

choice of all by leaving it all in the<br />

experienced hands of professional<br />

perfectionists.<br />

Wedding Planner,<br />

Consultant & Designer<br />

Our services include full planning, partial planning, designing and<br />

hiring. It’s your choice on how much or how little help you require<br />

from your very own ‘personal assistant’.<br />

• Guidance on where to get started, time planning to ensure nothing has been<br />

forgotten and clever budgeting.<br />

• Enhancement of your unique personality, style, preferences and ideas or<br />

something created especially for you.<br />

• On the day management for a worry-free smooth day.<br />

• Lycra chair covers, colour bands, organza sashes,<br />

Grecian pillars & decor enhancements.<br />

• Special South Pacific & NZ wide wedding packages.<br />

Ph. 03 377 7800 | M. 021 369 414 | E. Suzanne@weddingprofessionals.co.nz<br />

Facebook: weddingprofessionalsnzplanners | www.weddingprofessionals.co.nz

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 47<br />

Technology can’t be ignored! It is with us every day, so it definitely<br />

has a role in planning a wedding. It can save you time, money, mileage<br />

and aggro, it can be creative, make a statement and involve your techsavvy<br />

guests at the press of a button or scroll of a screen.<br />

But it can also be over-used, gimmicky, intrusive and make<br />

your wedding sound impersonal and impolite. It can also exclude<br />

older or technophobic guests who don’t have the latest model, the<br />

means to access your clever communications or find the process too<br />

complicated to participate. So mixing and matching techno pro and<br />

low is a nice touch and a wise move.<br />

PRO-TECHIES WANT:<br />

Facebook, Tweet, Twitter or<br />

Text to update your mates<br />

A spreadsheet for costs<br />

and budgets<br />

Apps to enter wedding and<br />

reception information for guests<br />

Pinterest for a zillion wedding<br />

ideas<br />

Websites to research wedding<br />

suppliers and services<br />

Email to confirm quotes and<br />

bookings<br />

Internet banking to pay<br />

deposits and bills<br />

Paperless Post to send online<br />

invitations & receive RSVP<br />

Online website for gift<br />

registries<br />

GPS directions to venues<br />

Digital photography on CD’s<br />

and mobile<br />

Instagram your wedding with<br />

your own hashtag<br />

Snapseed to crop, colour,<br />

frame and edit pics<br />

Printstagram pics into posters,<br />

prints, books & calendars<br />

Stickygram your pics into<br />

fridge magnets for gifts & guests<br />

Eventstagram live feed for absent<br />

guests to share the wedding<br />

iPod your music selections<br />

You Tube any wedding bloopers<br />

Visa your wedding/honeymoon<br />

Selfie pics from your honeymoon<br />

Language App for overseas<br />

destinations<br />

Electronic cards to say thank<br />

you<br />

LOW-TECHS LIKE:<br />

WEDDING REGISTRY<br />

Whatever<br />

organisational methods<br />

you choose to plan<br />

and convey your<br />

wedding arrangements<br />

remember to back<br />

up your computerised<br />

records on discs and<br />

drives if you are “PRO<br />

TECH.” Losing any of<br />

it would be a DATA<br />

DISASTER so to be on<br />

the safe side, you can’t<br />

go past LOW TECH for a<br />

paper trail that includes<br />

photocopies of<br />

important documents<br />

and decisions<br />

A diary of important dates Pre-nup agreements<br />

Books and magazines for Insurance Certificates<br />

research<br />

Passports<br />

Calendar or Yearly planner Tickets and travel vouchers<br />

Newspaper wedding announcements Marriage Certificate<br />

Paper perfection for your Maps for out of town guests<br />

wedding stationery<br />

Guest visitor book<br />

Post or couriers to send invitations Photo Album on display<br />

A guest list for RSVP’s<br />

Files for important quotes and<br />

Mood boards of design ideas documents<br />

Blackboard seating plans Thank You Cards or notes<br />

A Marriage license<br />

Postcards from your honeymoon<br />

destination<br />

<strong>With</strong> our exclusive brands, which are all unique<br />

and of high quality, you will know that you are<br />

going to find many beautiful pieces that will fit<br />

perfectly into your home<br />

992 Colombo St, St Albans | 03 366 1656 or 027 220 2134<br />

georgina@whiteroominteriors.co.nz<br />

CREATING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING<br />

weddings by<br />

collective concepts<br />

www.weddingconcepts.co.nz<br />

Susannah Blatchford, Photographer<br />

kc<br />

kimchan.co.nz<br />

Florist & Events Stylist<br />

We are available for you to call us,<br />

together we will walk you through all the<br />

steps to achieve your perfect day.<br />

p: 021 122 4082 e: kim@kimchan.co.nz

48 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ORANA PARK<br />

PHOTO: PAPER AND LACE<br />

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND BOAT SHED<br />

PHOTO: HEATHER AND DOUG<br />

HAGLEY OVAL -<br />

PHOTO: DAVID HIGGINS<br />

OF CANTERBURY VENUES<br />

Post earthquake, many of Canterbury’s<br />

wedding venues have now been<br />

restored, re-invented, re-located or<br />

spectacularly re-built!<br />

Consequently the province continues to<br />

offer plenty of innovative and exciting venues<br />

from A to Z.<br />

Imaginative, original or even quirky<br />

locations are becoming popular for wedding<br />

ceremonies and receptions, whether you<br />

favour traditional church, historic significance,<br />

dramatic backdrop, contemporary style or a<br />

unique place of special appeal.<br />

Consider the size and style you want for<br />

your wedding and whether you will have the<br />

ceremony and reception at two different venues<br />

or in the same place. The latter is often chosen<br />

for appealing continuity, cost and convenience.<br />

There’s no break in the proceedings, the<br />

ambience is not interrupted and your guests<br />

can relax while you have the photos done.<br />

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Ambience of a small wedding at home<br />

Beach at numerous options around the city or peninsula<br />

Cruise your wedding on the water with Black Cat at Akaroa<br />

Dedicated wedding centre at Riccarton Park or Pemberton<br />

Event-managed at a premier city hotel like The George or The Elms<br />

Farm friendly at Alpaca Farm’s Valley of Peace Wedding Centre<br />

Garden setting at Swan Lake, Hampton Lea or the Botanic Gardens<br />

Heritage church like St Michaels or St <strong>August</strong>ines<br />

Ice – cool wedding at the Antarctic Centre<br />

Jump aboard a double decker London bus<br />

Kiwis witness your wedding at Willowbank Wildlife Park<br />

Luxury at exclusive Grasmere or Hanmer’s Select Braemar Lodge<br />

Marquee - anywhere you want it<br />

NEW – at the spectacular Tannery or Christchurch Golf Club<br />

Old historic homes like Tangley on Clyde and Otahuna<br />

Planes to test fly your wedding at Airforce World<br />

Quaint and authentic at Ferrymead Heritage Park<br />

Restaurants and Resorts at Terrace Downs or Peppers Clearwater<br />

Sports clubrooms like Russley, Netball Centre, Cashmere Club<br />

Themed and theatrical at Auroroa Centre or Sumner’s Hollywood Cinema<br />

Uniquely scenic at Church of the Good Shepherd Tekapo or Hermitage Mt Cook<br />

Vineyards for wine and dine amid the vines<br />

Wineries in and around the city – Trents, Langdale or Rossendale<br />

eXtraordinary quarry (Halswell)<br />

Yacht Club at Akaroa for indoor outdoor maritime setting<br />

Zoo- your wedding on safari at Orana Park

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 49<br />

IT AND<br />

IT<br />

BEACH BACH & BBQ<br />

Treat your guests to a classic Kiwi theme<br />

with a marquee by the beach. Dazzle<br />

them with kiwiana decorations and<br />

a dress code that includes jandals,<br />

boardies and sunnies. Treat them to<br />

a barbequed feast from our surf or<br />

our turf, an iconic pavlova with<br />

fresh fruit on top and a chilly full<br />

of craft beers and fine New Zealand<br />

wines. Play beach games and cricket on<br />

the hard packed sands and dance<br />

to the music of great kiwi bands.<br />

WINTER WONDERLAND<br />

Make winter your theme with a white wonderland.<br />

Create a white sparkly backdrop with snowflake<br />

inspiration and let your wedding party add<br />

sumptuous colour and luxurious style. Add ambience<br />

with candles, lanterns and a crackling fire and<br />

serve warm rustic foods to tempt and relax. Swap<br />

champagne for toddies and ruby mulled wine then<br />

dance old fashioned waltzes with music to match.<br />

ART DECO<br />

DECADENCE<br />

Adopt the style and pizzaz<br />

of the 20’s and 30’s with a<br />

vintage vehicle, glamorous<br />

gown and gorgeous<br />

garden setting. Serve<br />

an elegant dinner with<br />

waiters and maids and sip<br />

champagne and cocktails<br />

like a silent movie star.<br />

Light up a marquee for<br />

dancing, learn the lindy or<br />

the Charleston or a wedding<br />

dance foxtrot.<br />

CARIBBEAN<br />

CALYPSO<br />

Cuba has just become the<br />

“must go” destination, so<br />

why not theme your wedding<br />

reception with Caribbean<br />

customs and cuisine. Arrive in<br />

a Cuban classic 50’s car. Create<br />

a carnival atmosphere, with<br />

flamboyant frills, colour and<br />

glitz. Think rumba and reggae,<br />

salsa and steel bands, calypso<br />

and limbo. Serve up lechon<br />

asado (spit roasted pork), jerky<br />

– spice-rubbed chicken or<br />

beef, grilled fish, Cuban tacos<br />

or a seafood cocktail with<br />

tropical fruit. Chill out with<br />

Jamaican rum punch, a pina<br />

colada or a Cuban mojito and<br />

Havana cigar!<br />

COLOUR CODED BALL<br />

Extend your wedding colour<br />

theme to include your guests.<br />

Ask them to wear something in a<br />

particular colour or divide your<br />

guests into colour coded clans for<br />

seating, dancing and breaking the<br />

ice. Choose colourful foods and<br />

musical moods with a colour theme<br />

– “yellow submarine,”<br />

“I see Red” “Blue Moon” that each<br />

colour coded group must dance to!

50 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

WITHOUT<br />

GUILT<br />

Wedding anticipation and preparation can<br />

be absorbing and stressful, but rest and relaxation<br />

are two of the best beauty benefits.<br />

Regular sleep patterns keep you refreshed, time out lets you rest and<br />

recharge and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, spa treatments<br />

or aromatherapy are great to combat fatigue and keep you calm.<br />

SPA TREATMENTS are a delightful way to improve your sense of<br />

well being. Day spa facilities and resorts have pamper packages that<br />

include specialized facials, organic peels and exfoliations, body scrubs<br />

and wraps, massage therapy, manicures and pedicures, waxing, makeup<br />

and tanning. Some also offer a selection of medi-spa treatments including<br />

micro-dermabrasion and IPL for skin rejuvenation and hair reduction.<br />

Thermal pools and hot tubs can simply soak your cares away and are<br />

often part of the spa environment alongside spa treatments.<br />

HATHA YOGA is the foundation of all yoga styles and incorporates<br />

postures, regulated breathing and meditation. It aims for calm, grace<br />

and control as various poses are performed and is a combination of low<br />

impact exercise and stress management techniques. You can attend classes<br />

to learn enough to then practice yoga in the privacy of your home.<br />

AROMATHERAPY is often used in pre-wedding beauty treatment to<br />

calm and relax the bride and wedding party. The brain is influenced<br />

by aromas and aromatherapy is defined as “a form of alternative<br />

medicine that uses essential oils found in plant extracts to enhance<br />

mood, health or well-being.” Infused, inhaled or used as massage or<br />

bath oils, specific aromas or blends are chosen for their particular<br />

qualities.<br />

Chamomile and almond to calm and relax<br />

Lavender to reduce anxiety and stress<br />

Allow yourself<br />

time to relax and<br />

benefit from your chosen<br />

treatment. Detox your<br />

body, free your mind of<br />

stressful thoughts and<br />

revel in an atmosphere<br />

of fragrance, calm<br />

and quiet.<br />

RELAX YOUR OWN WAY<br />

There are many different ways to<br />

relax and the one that suits you is<br />

often dependent on your interests<br />

and lifestyle. Try deep breathing or<br />

a warm fragrant bath to soak away<br />

the tension. You may find a quiet walk,<br />

a swim, listening to your favourite music,<br />

reading a book or cuddling a pet is infinitely<br />

calming and so is having simple time out to do whatever you<br />

please or nothing at all. Just don’t feel guilty about it!<br />

Lemon to enhance your mood<br />

Peppermint to soothe<br />

Chamomile, bergamot, lavender<br />

for insomnia<br />

Bergamot, orange and jasmine to<br />

diffuse irritability<br />

Ginger, rosemary and lime to energize<br />

Geranium, rose, sandalwood and citrus<br />

for peace and happiness

52 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

In the years since Canterbury’s earthquakes,<br />

many of our favourite wedding venues have reopened,<br />

re-located or re-created their amenities<br />

and ambience offering this year’s brides<br />

impressive venues and unlimited choice.<br />

HOTELS, RESORTS AND<br />

EVENT CENTRES<br />

Most hotels resorts and event centres have<br />

the facilities to accommodate weddings with<br />

style and space, inside or out. Many have<br />

dedicated wedding and event coordinators<br />

to arrange the chosen theme, the catering,<br />

entertainment and the ceremony and they<br />

often have a range of competitively priced<br />

wedding packages to suit different budgets.<br />

Hotel accommodation and facilities are<br />

still being rebuilt in Christchurch city, so<br />

those beyond the city are also an option to<br />

consider.<br />

CHURCH HALLS<br />

AND SPORTS<br />

CLUBS<br />

<strong>With</strong> a little imagination,<br />

almost any venue can<br />

become an appealing place<br />

for a wedding supper,<br />

reception or dance. Halls<br />

can be decorated, furniture<br />

hired, caterers booked and<br />

music made.<br />

MARQUEES<br />

Mobile and moveable, you can have your<br />

wedding almost anywhere if you have a<br />

marquee. Always popular in summer, they<br />

can also be adapted all year round to provide<br />

unique shelter in any weather and are<br />

available in a variety of sizes. Erected on a<br />

field, a farm, a beach, a garden, a hilltop or<br />

at your place, marquee hire can include silk<br />

linings, tables, chairs, dance floor, buffet, bar,<br />

lighting, sound, heaters and decorations!<br />

HERITAGE AND HOUSES<br />

Christchurch’s heritage buildings have been badly damaged, so<br />

those that remain are doubly precious and in great demand for<br />

weddings. Check-out their availability for your proposed date.<br />

If it’s not possible but you have always imagined your wedding<br />

in a restored Edwardian home or at a beautiful church, look<br />

beyond the city to country houses, B&B’s, and the churches of<br />

nearby rural towns.<br />

VINEYARDS AND WINERIES<br />

Quiet country settings amid productive vineyards and<br />

charming local wineries provide wonderful locations for a<br />

wedding celebration and photo shoot. Some venues provide a<br />

“one stop” location for the entire wedding from ceremony to<br />

reception, and even guest accommodation too. Alternatively<br />

you can have your ceremony elsewhere and your reception<br />

on the estate. You will probably be expected to purchase the<br />

vineyard’s own wines, but their buying power and food/wine<br />

knowledge make for a memorable dining occasion.<br />

GARDENS GAZEBOS AND DIY<br />

For a low key alternative, especially in summer, a garden and gazebo<br />

wedding can be charming and less expensive. Hire, buy, borrow or<br />

make what you need for an alfresco barbeque, an afternoon picnic or<br />

a “bring a plate” old time wedding.

The George is<br />

Christchurch’s most<br />

luxurious boutique hotel<br />

with a reputation for<br />

style, elegance and<br />

exemplary service.<br />

Each of the 53 spacious<br />

bedrooms and suites are designed<br />

with a stylish eye for detail. But<br />

its central location, beautifully<br />

appointed facilities and tranquil<br />

surroundings also make it a sought<br />

after wedding and honeymoon<br />

venue. Located opposite Hagley<br />

Park and the Avon River, the hotel<br />

offers a single exquisite setting<br />

for the ceremony, photographs,<br />

reception and accommodation.<br />

The George's wedding facilities<br />

comprise of Parkview, which<br />

can be configured and decorated<br />

to accommodate 90 guests for<br />

a sit-down dinner or high end<br />

buffet, or 160 for a cocktail<br />

themed event, and The Residence,<br />

an adjoining heritage property<br />

with beautiful lawns and gardens<br />

for the ceremony and a gracious<br />

intimate dining room for up to 18<br />

guests.<br />

Restored at the end of 2015<br />

to the highest standards, The<br />

Residence offers privacy and<br />

elegance and is an increasingly<br />

popular setting for those looking<br />

for genuine heritage<br />

and tradition. Its<br />

delightful ambience<br />

is ideal for smaller<br />

wedding parties,<br />

remarriages and<br />

renewal of vows<br />

ceremonies. It is<br />

also possible to book<br />

the entire villa and<br />

its accommodation<br />

rooms for your<br />

exclusive use.<br />

Top chefs from<br />

The George provide<br />

PHOTOS BY TANDEM PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

various menu options to suit the<br />

individual tastes and style of the<br />

couple, including fully plated two<br />

or four course dinners, buffets, or<br />

the popular and innovative “trio<br />

set” of plated entrees and desserts<br />

complemented by a buffet or<br />

plated main course.<br />

Having your wedding at The<br />

George means personalised<br />

service from our experienced<br />

team. “We take away all the stress<br />

of organising your special day<br />

while you enjoy every moment<br />

with your guests” says the hotel’s<br />

wedding coordinator.<br />

Couples are encouraged<br />

to meet at the hotel with our<br />

wedding coordinator, Yolanda,<br />

to discuss the many options<br />

available to them. They can view<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 53<br />

the accommodation, the different<br />

venues and examples of various<br />

menus and set-ups, so that we can<br />

get it absolutely right.<br />

Due to its reputation, expertise<br />

and focus on service, The George<br />

has become increasingly busy with<br />

weddings. <strong>With</strong> their renowned<br />

flair, enthusiasm and meticulous<br />

attention to detail, you can be<br />

assured that your wedding at The<br />

George will be chic, stylish and<br />

memorable.<br />

To look, to book or simply<br />

to enquire about The George for<br />

your wedding, contact Yolanda<br />

P: 03 371 0255,<br />

E: weddings@thegeorge.com<br />

W: www.thegeorge.com

54 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> There’s something<br />

romantic and<br />

THE<br />

charming about an<br />

outdoor wedding.<br />

You may have<br />

always imagined<br />

a ceremony at a<br />

TEST beach, garden,<br />

park, lake, mountain<br />

or forest so take the<br />

Alfresco Test and see<br />

if it’s going to be<br />

Mission Possible<br />

or a logistical<br />

challenge.<br />

• Is your location remote<br />

or accessible?<br />

• Do you need permission<br />

to use the location?<br />

• Is there a private or semiprivate<br />

area for the ceremony?<br />

• Who will set it up?<br />

• How long will set up take?<br />

• Will guests stand or<br />

do you need seating?<br />

• Where will guests park?<br />

• Is it far to walk?<br />

• Will the ground be sandy,<br />

dirty or muddy?<br />

• Will there be sun glare or<br />

shadow at the time of the<br />

ceremony?<br />

• Is there shade from the sun for<br />

you and your guests?<br />

• If it’s by the beach, remember<br />

to check the tide!<br />

• Is it sheltered from the wind?<br />

• Can you have drinks nibbles<br />

and photos nearby?<br />

THE PLUS SIDE<br />

The upside of a wedding<br />

held outdoors is undoubtedly<br />

the beauty of the setting and the<br />

informality of the surroundings. It also<br />

costs less than a church or other hired venue,<br />

and sometimes costs nothing at all. There’s<br />

no limit on the number or guests, you<br />

don’t need to decorate it beforehand<br />

or clean too much up afterwards<br />

and your photos will<br />

be magnificent!<br />

THE MINUS SIDE<br />

You can’t predict the<br />

weather or the temperatures,<br />

outdoors can be noisy, your<br />

guests may not hear the ceremony,<br />

your wedding may be interrupted by<br />

onlookers and the terrain may be difficult<br />

for access or uncomfortable for guests.<br />

You always need to arrange a<br />

back-up plan which involves<br />

extra time and cost and<br />

it’s very stressful<br />

waiting for the<br />

weather<br />

forecast!<br />

Omarino Wine Park<br />

• New venue seating up to 200<br />

• Great for music and dancing<br />

• Ceremony in our beautiful vines<br />

or gardens<br />

• Your choice of caterers<br />

• Award winning wines<br />

• Country venue in the city limit<br />

• Only minutes city side of airport<br />

638 Harewood Road<br />

Phone Eileen 360 0924<br />

www.omarinowinepark.co.nz<br />

info@omarinowinepark.co.nz<br />

YOUR PLAN B<br />

Have a foolproof and<br />

easily invoked alternative if<br />

you need it. Your Plan B may be<br />

as simple as a supply of umbrellas, a<br />

covered verandah or a gazebo, or it may<br />

need to be a church, a hall or wedding venue<br />

after all. You will need to convey any change of<br />

location to all your guests at short notice so<br />

there is no confusion on the day and<br />

you may have to make alternative<br />

arrangements for transport,<br />

food and photos.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 55<br />

Once you have decided the<br />

date, size and style of the<br />

wedding, it’s time to appraise<br />

reception venues, which can<br />

be booked up to a year or<br />

more in advance. Time of<br />

day, type of meal, number of<br />

guests and your budget will<br />

all come into the equation<br />

and if possible you should<br />

visit several different venues<br />

to be able to compare costs<br />

and services fairly.<br />

Check that the venue is easy to<br />

find and within a convenient distance<br />

of the ceremony, or consider having<br />

both ceremony and reception at the<br />

same venue. Look at the room(s)<br />

available for your reception and<br />

find out what flexibility there is to<br />

decorate it for your theme. Some<br />

venues, particularly heritage ones<br />

have restrictions on use of tape,<br />

staples and candles.<br />

Enquire about catering<br />

arrangements, whether there’s an<br />

in-house caterer or options for self<br />

catering. Check if they have a full<br />

liquor licence or BYO and whether<br />

they charge a bond and corkage<br />

fees. Will the venue be exclusive for<br />

your wedding or are other members<br />

of the public likely to be using its<br />

facilities at the same time?<br />

Is there an in-house wedding<br />

planner who can coordinate the<br />

reception and your suppliers? Will<br />

the sound system be adequate for<br />

your live music or DJ? Is there a<br />

room for the wedding party to<br />

freshen up or change and is there<br />

adequate access and parking for<br />

guests, with or without valet fees?<br />

Ask about deposits, cancellation<br />

policies, noise or time restrictions<br />

and any additional charges for<br />

public holidays, cleaning, breakages<br />

or insurance. Get all quotes and<br />

bookings and payment plans<br />

confirmed in writing. Liaise<br />

regularly with the venue’s manager<br />

or wedding coordinator prior to the<br />

reception and confirm final guest<br />

numbers by the agreed date.<br />

Weddings<br />

at Trent’s Estate<br />

www.trentsvineyard.co.nz

56 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Christchurch is aptly named the Garden City<br />

and several of its public gardens and parks<br />

can be used for weddings for free or for a<br />

modest fee. Established grounds, well maintained<br />

plantings and seasonal colour provide a wonderful natural<br />

backdrop for an intimate ceremony or photo location.<br />

Some can also be used for a garden ceremony with<br />

permission from the local councils that administer them<br />

and sometimes a modest fee or donation. Beyond the city<br />

there are equally delightful outdoor venues where your<br />

ceremony can be conducted simply and inexpensively.<br />

ASHBURTON DOMAIN<br />

is has been considered the<br />

district’s “jewel in the Crown”<br />

since its establishment in 1874.<br />

The domain provides an area<br />

of natural beauty and botanical<br />

variety and includes specimen<br />

plantings of health and maturity<br />

and a beautiful rose garden that<br />

forms a picturesque backdrop for<br />

wedding vows and photo shoots.<br />

www.ashburtondc.govt.nz<br />

Lacebark Wedding Venue<br />

Enjoy our stunning new<br />

wedding venue and function<br />

centre featuring a newly<br />

renovated, modern and<br />

luxurious barn in a beautiful<br />

garden setting.<br />

All only 15 minutes from<br />

Christchurch Airport.<br />

Visit our website<br />

for more information.<br />

Lacebark FUNcTION ceNTre<br />

WeDDING VeNUe<br />

LUXUrY accOMMODaTION<br />

MONA VALE beautiful established<br />

grounds are still available for<br />

outdoor ceremonies and photographs<br />

on the Mound Lawn, the Mill Stream<br />

Lawn and the formal surrounds of<br />

the Lily Pond. The house has recently<br />

re-opened as a function venue<br />

following its earthquake repair and<br />

refurbishment. It is now back to its<br />

elegant best so you could have your<br />

reception here as well.<br />

www.ccc.govt.co.nz<br />

027 378 2508 | 03 327 5296<br />

info@lacebark.net<br />

www.lacebark.net<br />

connect<br />

with us on<br />

WOODHAM<br />

PARK<br />

is beautifully endowed<br />

with mature trees<br />

including Daimo Oak,<br />

Trembling Poplar,<br />

Chinese Wingnut and<br />

Slippery Elm specimen<br />

varieties. Border<br />

plantings feature<br />

hedges of laurel and<br />

yew and herbaceous<br />

plants interspersed<br />

with hydrangeas,<br />

camellias and an<br />

outstanding selection<br />

of rhododendrons. Add<br />

a romantic gazebo and<br />

you have a charming<br />

Old English style<br />

venue for photos and<br />

ceremonies.<br />

www.ccc.govt.co.nz<br />

OKUTI GARDEN<br />

is the epitome of the<br />

peaceful, relaxed<br />

environment of Banks<br />

Peninsula just<br />

45 minutes from<br />

Christchurch. The<br />

informal garden allows<br />

you to create your own<br />

wedding space using an<br />

on-site marquee, yurts,<br />

tipis and art studio.<br />

www.perfectvenue.co.nz<br />

CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC<br />

GARDENS’ was established beside<br />

the Avon River in 1863 and an<br />

English oak was planted to celebrate<br />

the marriage of Prince Albert and<br />

Princess Alexandra of Denmark.<br />

Impressive plantings over 21 acres<br />

include 5 specific areas available<br />

for wedding ceremonies and<br />

photographs; Cockayne Memorial<br />

Garden; The Pinetum; The Azalia<br />

and Magnolia Garden; the historic<br />

Bandsmen’s Memorial Garden and<br />

the Daffodil Woodland, while the<br />

conservatory, fernery, rock garden<br />

and water garden are complemented<br />

by the iconic tea kiosk and new<br />

visitor centre and new visitor and<br />

function centre.<br />

www.ccc.govt.co.nz

58 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

SUPPLY your own decorations and<br />

beverages that you can purchase “on<br />

special” and return for refunds if<br />

you have over-catered.<br />

Whatever the size of your<br />

wedding or the constraints<br />

of your reception budget,<br />

there are some clever ways<br />

to get more for less!<br />

AVOID the most popular “marrying<br />

months” between November<br />

& March when there is most<br />

competition for popular venues.<br />

BOOK a different date or season<br />

and enjoy reduced hire rates for the<br />

venue & often the catering too.<br />

PICK a mid week day or a Friday<br />

to get a discount on many wedding<br />

services.<br />

FINISH the reception at 11pm for<br />

extra savings before midnight for<br />

band, staff or cleaning.<br />

CHOOSE a single venue for<br />

ceremony and reception to save<br />

time and costs for transport and<br />

photography bookings.<br />

LIMIT the variety of beverages you<br />

need by providing what’s most<br />

popular – beer, red or white wine,<br />

soft drink.<br />

RESERVE bubbles just for the<br />

toasts rather than costly champagne<br />

throughout the wedding.<br />

REDUCE the time allocated for<br />

pre-dinner drinks and<br />

nibbles.<br />

KEEP guests<br />

entertained<br />

while your<br />

photos<br />

are being taken<br />

so<br />

they drink less.<br />

PROVIDE<br />

soup rather<br />

than expensive<br />

entrees and<br />

serve wedding<br />

cake as a dessert.<br />

You’ve heard the horror<br />

stories of things going<br />

wrong at weddings;<br />

gowns not arriving; rings<br />

being stolen, hotels<br />

being flooded, reception<br />

venues double booked,<br />

photographers becoming<br />

ill not to mention cyclones<br />

interrupting honeymoon<br />

plans… yet many couples<br />

never give a thought to<br />

protecting their biggest<br />

expense other than a car<br />

or a house!<br />

Wedding insurance provides<br />

cover in case a pre-booked<br />

wedding service is faulty or<br />

unable to be supplied before or<br />

on your big day. It may seem<br />

unromantic but it can offer<br />

genuine peace of mind when<br />

thousands of dollars are at stake<br />

for the event.<br />

Before searching for the best<br />

wedding insurance, check first<br />

to see if your car or contents<br />

insurance company has a relevant<br />

policy that is available to you as an<br />

existing customer. You may get a<br />

discount for your loyalty.<br />

Most wedding insurance<br />

policies cover supplier’s products<br />

and services from the date of your<br />

deposit and include your wedding<br />

dress and your venue, both of<br />

which comprise the largest<br />

portion of your wedding costs.<br />

Inclusions may involve<br />

cancelled venue, stolen rings,<br />

non delivery of flowers or<br />

cake, liquidation of suppliers,<br />

photographer’s equipment failure,<br />

breakdown of transport, personal<br />

accidents, death or illness of a<br />

family member causing a wedding<br />

cancellation and possible liability<br />

of damage to a venue.<br />

However you are not usually<br />

covered for a situation you have<br />

control over like changing your<br />

mind or cancelling a service or<br />

product you can’t afford. They can<br />

also refuse cover if you haven’t<br />

“minimised risk” such as rings<br />

being stolen from an unlocked car<br />

or leaving gifts in an unsecured<br />

location.<br />

When trying to budget for all<br />

the components of your big day,<br />

you may view wedding insurance<br />

as an unnecessary cost. But it’s a<br />

small price to pay if something<br />

does go wrong and it’s far cheaper<br />

than trying to replace or re-book<br />

at your own expense. Don’t<br />

forget to insure your honeymoon<br />

plans too!

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 59<br />

Five years after<br />

the Christchurch<br />

earthquakes caused<br />

the closure of many<br />

much admired<br />

venues, it’s time<br />

to celebrate<br />

those that have<br />

been restored<br />

and recently<br />

re-opened.<br />

THE GREAT HALL,<br />

CHRISTCHURCH<br />

Designed in gothic revival<br />

style by architect Benjamin<br />

Mountfort, the Great<br />

Hall was built in 1877<br />

as part of the University<br />

of Canterbury. When the<br />

university moved to a new<br />

site in Ilam in 1975, the<br />

original buildings became<br />

the city’s Arts Centre and<br />

the Great Hall was used<br />

for a variety of public and<br />

private functions. The<br />

complex was closed after<br />

sustaining serious damage<br />

in September 2010 but<br />

following a 16 million<br />

dollar restoration, the<br />

Great Hall is resplendent<br />

once more<br />

thanks to the skill of both<br />

craftsmen and engineers.<br />

MONA VALE,<br />

CHRISTCHURCH<br />

The property was built as<br />

a private home in 1897 for<br />

Frederick Waymouth, but<br />

in 19<strong>05</strong> it was bought by<br />

heiress Annie Townend<br />

who re-named it “Mona<br />

Vale” after the Tasmanian<br />

birthplace of her mother.<br />

For many years the house<br />

was a popular wedding,<br />

restaurant and conference<br />

venue until earthquake<br />

damage forced its closure.<br />

Its intricate restoration<br />

is complete and the<br />

property is due to<br />

re-open mid <strong>2016</strong>.<br />

THE GREAT HALL<br />

GAIETY THEATRE<br />

MONA VALE<br />

THE GAIETY THEATRE, AKAROA<br />

Originally built as an Oddfellows<br />

Lodge in 1879, the building has been<br />

the focus of gatherings in Akaroa for<br />

over a century. Its Italianate design by<br />

Architect A W Simpson would usually<br />

feature stone work, but the Gaiety<br />

is constructed entirely of wood.<br />

Following damage in the Canterbury<br />

earthquakes, the building was closed<br />

in 2011, but its restoration and recent<br />

re-opening makes “the Gaiety” open<br />

for community events and functions<br />

once more.<br />

SIGN OF THE TAKAHE, CHRISTCHURCH<br />

The property has been a much admired Cashmere<br />

Hill landmark and is also due to re-open later in <strong>2016</strong><br />

following earthquake repairs to the building which<br />

has a Category I listing with NZ Historic Places Trust.<br />

Designed by JG Collins and constructed between<br />

1918 and 1948, the Sign of the Takahe was initially<br />

one of Harry Ell’s Port Hills roadhouses before<br />

becoming a popular restaurant and function centre<br />

with spectacular views over the city.<br />

PHOTO BY:<br />

CHRISTCHURCH<br />

CITY COUNCIL<br />

SIGN OF THE TAKAHE

60 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Your MC may be a trusted family<br />

friend or a hired professional who’s<br />

primary task is to keep the wedding<br />

itinerary “on song and on time.” The<br />

ideal Master of Ceremonies is like<br />

the stage manger of a production<br />

and should observe the following<br />

guidelines:<br />

Be confident with a<br />

microphone<br />

Keep everything as simple as<br />

possible so that nothing gets<br />

misunderstood<br />

Always introduce themselves<br />

even if the majority of guests<br />

know them already<br />

Be familiar with the Bride and<br />

Groom’s proposed schedule<br />

throughout the day<br />

Make announcements of<br />

when each phase of the<br />

wedding is going to happen<br />

Liaise with event staff<br />

including planners, caterers,<br />

waiters, DJ’s or the band<br />

Be aware of any contingency<br />

plans that might need to be<br />

announced<br />

Remember people’s names –<br />

especially those of the couple<br />

and their parents<br />

Introduce each speaker and<br />

their relationship to the bridal<br />

couple<br />

Have a fun way of attracting<br />

the attention of guests during<br />

the reception (a whistle,<br />

animal noise, klaxon, flashing<br />

light, hand signals)<br />

As well as ensuring the smooth<br />

running of the reception, the MC also<br />

acts as a toastmaster, controls the lineup<br />

for the buffet, conveys important<br />

information or “housekeeping” details,<br />

gets the dancing going and brings the<br />

reception to a close.

ADVERTORIAL<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 61<br />

Imagine having your<br />

wedding ceremony amid<br />

four acres of spectacular<br />

gardens and welcoming<br />

your guests at a wedding<br />

resort with all the facilities<br />

and services to make your<br />

day exceptional!<br />

Barely an hour’s drive from<br />

Christchurch, Hotel Ashburton<br />

is the district’s most expert and<br />

versatile venue for weddings,<br />

conferences and accommodation.<br />

Offering a selection of indoor<br />

venues, the hotel can cater for<br />

intimate or large weddings and<br />

events from 50 to 400 guests.<br />

The hotel’s much- admired<br />

gardens are available for<br />

exquisite wedding ceremonies<br />

and breathtaking photo shoot<br />

locations. Outdoor cocktail style<br />

receptions can also be held in the<br />

gardens, but there is a guaranteed<br />

indoor option in inclement<br />

weather to ensure you have<br />

absolute peace of mind.<br />

Your wedding arrangements<br />

will be in the capable hands of a<br />

designated wedding coordinator<br />

while your choice of cocktail,<br />

BBQ, buffet or formal plated<br />

menus will be customised and<br />

served with flair by the talented<br />

award winning team in the<br />

kitchen.<br />

Hotel Ashburton also has<br />

the ability to be an exclusive<br />

resort for all your pre and post<br />

wedding events with comfortable<br />

accommodation for your guests.<br />

Imagine setting the tone of your<br />

wedding weekend with a rehearsal<br />

dinner or “night before” cocktail<br />

party, enjoy a quiet wedding<br />

day brunch with your family,<br />

arrange pre-wedding sightseeing<br />

or exciting adventure activities in<br />

mid Canterbury and then farewell<br />

your guests with a relaxed post<br />

wedding barbeque beside the<br />

hotel’s pool.<br />

Special touches and packages<br />

allow you to plan your big day<br />

according to your individual style<br />

and budget and include venue hire<br />

and set-up, chair and table décor,<br />

bridal suite bed and breakfast,<br />

ceremony set up in the garden,<br />

dance floor and stage, bridal table<br />

service plus cake table and knife.<br />

Hotel Ashburton’s wedding<br />

coordinator is poised to plan the<br />

wedding you have always wanted.<br />

Your day will be special and stress<br />

free and if you confirm your<br />

wedding booking before 31st<br />

March 2017, you will receive a<br />

generous discount of $850.<br />

Visit www.hotelash.co.nz or<br />

phone 03 307 8887 for further<br />

information or make a journey of<br />

discovery to Hotel Ashburton and<br />

secure a venue of delight.<br />

Hotel Ashburton is a complete wedding<br />

resort featuring beautiful gardens, modern<br />

accommodation and award winning cuisine.<br />

Your Wedding,<br />

Your Way<br />

at Hotel Ashburton<br />

Our function rooms allow the flexibility to host<br />

20 or 400 guests. Enjoy every moment with<br />

not only your spouse‐to‐be but with family and<br />

friends with pre‐ and post‐wedding events.<br />

<strong>With</strong> Hotel Ashburton’s designated Wedding<br />

Coordinator by your side throughout the entire<br />

planning process, and with personalised support<br />

from the Hotel’s staff, you will enjoy a hassle‐free<br />

day, where everything is taken care of.<br />

<strong>With</strong> multiple venues, flexible spaces and the<br />

ability to customise, we can work with you to<br />

create your wedding, your way.<br />

Book & Save $850<br />

Book your wedding at Hotel Ashburton, mention<br />

the code <strong>With</strong><strong>This</strong><strong>Ring</strong>, and receive $850 off<br />

when you secure your date and pay your deposit<br />

before 31 March 2017. *<br />

*Terms and Conditions apply. Further details available from the<br />

Wedding Coordinator at Hotel Ashburton.<br />

Enquire today!<br />

0800 330 880 Events@HotelAsh.co.nz fb.com/HotelAshburton HotelAsh.co.nz

62 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Decorate<br />

your venue<br />

with seasonal<br />

splendour!<br />

Whether you<br />

favour a colour<br />

palette that is<br />

subtle or sassy,<br />

be inspired by<br />

SPRING<br />

the time and<br />

place you have<br />

chosen.<br />

WINTER fires up with colours of<br />

warmth, depth and luxury. Glassware<br />

sparkles, candles flicker and tables are<br />

dressed with elegant linens and gold<br />

candelabra. Use traditional carnations,<br />

chrysanthemums and your favourite<br />

roses in vases of classical crystal.<br />

Decorations are formal with pillars<br />

and pedestals and chandeliers<br />

dazzle above a shiny dance floor.<br />

SUBTLE – simply white with<br />

sophisticated black and a<br />

dash of silver<br />

SASSY – glamour-ised with<br />

ruby red, royal purple and<br />

rich gleaming gold<br />

SPRING evokes greenery and<br />

watercolour freshness and lends itself to<br />

rustic style. Fill willow baskets or earthen<br />

ware pots with big white hydrangeas,<br />

calla lilies or large headed daisies.<br />

Make arches and garlands of ivy and<br />

clematis. Set long rustic tables with<br />

hessian runners and pretty napkins on crisp<br />

white cloths. Gather sweet peas and freesias in<br />

vintage glass vases for dainty table settings.<br />

SUBTLE – watercolour shades<br />

in romantic pastels with a<br />

whisper of white<br />

SASSY – white on green<br />

from bottle shades to<br />

bold brilliant lime<br />

WINTER<br />

SUMMER<br />

AUTUMN glows with a woodland<br />

palette of fallen leaves. Decorate with<br />

nature’s timber, wildflowers, pinecones<br />

and evergreen bunting, make lanterns<br />

that glow after sundown and light<br />

braziers to roast chestnuts with<br />

smoky allure. Dress tables with<br />

plains or prints, put fragrant<br />

pot-pourri in terracotta pots and<br />

light aromatic candles to set the<br />

mood of fall.<br />

SUBTLE – cream, gold and<br />

peach with evergreen<br />

foliage<br />

SASSY – harvest<br />

tones of orange,<br />

yellow, cerise,<br />

berry and<br />

chocolate<br />

SUMMER<br />

sizzles and speaks of laid<br />

back beach in boho style.<br />

White chairs facing the<br />

sea, a muslin-draped<br />

arch tied with vibrant<br />

bows and exotic ceramic<br />

urns filled with summer<br />

blooms. Tables beneath<br />

awnings or umbrellas,<br />

eye catching runners with<br />

paua shell centrepieces<br />

and tealight candles<br />

among soft sifty sands.<br />

SUBTLE – natural<br />

shades of seashells,<br />

pebbles and sand<br />

hill grass<br />

SASSY - bright<br />

ocean blues,<br />

shimmering<br />

sand and sunset<br />

tones of orange<br />

and flame<br />

AUTUMN

Romance<br />

A VISTA FOR<br />

AT TERRACE DOWNS RESORT<br />

PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED BY: Emma Brittenden Photography & Andy Currie Photography<br />

Terrace Downs Resort is the perfect setting<br />

for your special day, whether an intimate<br />

wedding or lavish affair, we offer:<br />

• Multiple ceremony sites<br />

• Reception rooms with<br />

spectacular views<br />

• Catering<br />

• Accommodation<br />

• Activities and more.<br />

Our Events Team are here to offer<br />

a personalised service to ensure<br />

your day is seamless.<br />

PHONE (03) 318 6943<br />

wedding@terracedowns.co.nz<br />

www.terracedowns.co.nz

64 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

In New Zealand our commitment to a clean green<br />

environment is well-established, so it isn’t unusual if<br />

couples decide to plan an eco-friendly wedding.<br />

Essentially, “eco-friendly” means using products, materials and<br />

services that are not wasteful or harmful. Armed with a philosophy<br />

of conservation and preservation, an eco wedding is easier than<br />

you think and incorporates many stylish trends we already enjoy.<br />

PLANNING AN<br />

Retro Revival<br />

Embracing retro and vintage<br />

styles is very popular at present.<br />

So sourcing vintage table linen,<br />

glasses or china, wearing a heritage<br />

bridal gown or heirloom wedding<br />

rings are already making an ecostatement.<br />

Eco-Wear<br />

Alternatively choose beautiful<br />

natural fibres for your wedding<br />

gown and wedding party clothing.<br />

Not only are silk, cotton, linen and<br />

merino wool sustainable products,<br />

they are also more comfortable<br />

because they breathe.<br />

Recycling<br />

Reject our “throw away” society<br />

and choose re-cycled paper for<br />

wedding stationery, make your<br />

own from a paper making kit<br />

or design and make your own<br />

decorations.<br />

Natural Setting<br />

Celebrate your wedding with<br />

a ceremony in a garden, park,<br />

vineyard or beach and enjoy a<br />

natural setting that needs no<br />

decoration.<br />

In Season and Local<br />

Reduce your carbon footprint by<br />

choosing items that are in season<br />

and available locally.<br />

Order flowers that reflect the<br />

season you have chosen for the<br />

wedding and source cheaper<br />

locally produced foods.<br />

Go Organic<br />

Look for healthy options for your<br />

reception menu with organically<br />

grown fruit and vegetables, free<br />

range produce and a selection of<br />

bio dynamic wines. Encourage<br />

your guests to throw rice, organic<br />

confetti or rose petals at your<br />

wedding. Decorate your venue<br />

with flowers, foliage and flax.<br />

Conserve<br />

Serve finger<br />

food to save on<br />

dishes and be<br />

careful about<br />

food wastage.<br />

Use hybrid<br />

wedding cars for<br />

energy efficiency,<br />

arrive on foot<br />

or by horse and<br />

carriage and go<br />

for co candlelight<br />

- less electricity<br />

more romance!

ACCOUNTS<br />

• Set up a special high interest savings<br />

account as soon as you have set the date.<br />

• Have regular salary deductions paid into it.<br />

• Pay deposits from the account to secure<br />

your venue well in advance.<br />

• Make payments for other services and<br />

products as you confirm them.<br />

• Avoid credit card purchases wherever possible.<br />

OR<br />

• Pay the bill on time and don’t incur any<br />

late payment penalties.<br />

DEALS AND SPECIALS can stretch the dollars.<br />

Source items at end of season sales or liquidation sales,<br />

use your customer loyalty rewards, look for “buy one get<br />

one free,” half price deals, introductory offers, search<br />

Trademe, garage sales and markets, enter competitions<br />

and giveaways and shop around for everything –<br />

you’ll be amazed at the variation in price.<br />

DISCOUNTS can save you hundreds of dollars if you use some<br />

financial savvy skills to buy in bulk, purchase by “sale or return,” check<br />

on discounts for cash, trade in old for new and avoid lavish arrangements<br />

that will put you in debt by being “Wedding Wise”:<br />

• Enjoy a current wedding style that is<br />

“small, chic and classy”<br />

• Use the same location for ceremony and<br />

reception saves extra transport costs<br />

• Marry any day but Saturday – it’s cheaper<br />

and you’ll get the venue you want<br />

• Have an off season wedding it’s fun & far less expensive<br />

• Reduce the number in the wedding party -<br />

saves on wedding attire expense<br />

• Trim the guest list as much as you can, then trim it again!<br />

• Buy your own wholesale beverages with return option<br />

• Cocktail style and finger food is less costly than<br />

buffet or banquet<br />

• Use a single layer wedding cake as your dessert,<br />

decorate with fresh flowers<br />

• Dispense with expensive and unnecessary<br />

wedding “favours”<br />

• Serve jugs of water not bottles<br />

• Make, borrow or hire anything if it helps<br />

your budget<br />

• Use an ipod playlist for reception music<br />

• Utilise the skills and expertise of family and friends<br />

• Avoid expensive hen/bucks celebrations, keep it simple<br />

• Invite guests to contribute to a money wishing<br />

well rather than gifts<br />

• Honeymoon in NZ or look for all inclusive<br />

packages overseas<br />

• After the wedding on-sell any items you don’t want to keep<br />

Weddings are<br />

expensive, but you can<br />

trim the expense without<br />

forgoing style and use a<br />

bit of<br />

cost-saving savvy so you<br />

don’t overspend and<br />

finish up in debt to start<br />

your married life.<br />

RECEPTION<br />

35%<br />

Why Get Married at river ridGe retreat<br />

in the StunninG CatlinS, OtaGO.<br />

RiverRidge Retreat is one of New Zealand’s few 'real’ destination wedding<br />

venues. Come to this majestic retreat with family and friends and<br />

experience a destination wedding in nature’s paradise. We are located in<br />

the beautiful Catlins, Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand.<br />

1<br />

5<br />

CLOTHING<br />

20%<br />

Have your most<br />

special day last<br />

for three days,<br />

with all your<br />

loved ones right<br />

here with you<br />

the entire time!<br />

<strong>This</strong> is South<br />

Islands only ‘real’<br />

All In One Venue!<br />

Have your dream<br />

wedding at the<br />

venue which is<br />

regarded<br />

as NZ's best<br />

Value for Money<br />

venue in NZ!<br />

TRANSPORT<br />

3%<br />

2<br />

6<br />

Have your<br />

dream wedding<br />

the exact way<br />

you have always<br />

dreamed it<br />

to be - here,<br />

your wedding<br />

package is 100%<br />

PERSONALISED<br />

to yours and<br />

your fiancée’s<br />

wants!<br />

Have your dream<br />

wedding at one<br />

of NZ’s only<br />

unspoiled and<br />

untouched areas<br />

remaining - the<br />

Stunning Catlins,<br />

among Nature’s<br />

Paradise!<br />

FLOWERS<br />

5% STATIONERY<br />

5%<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

15%<br />

Address: 348 Catlins Valley Rd, Owaka, South Otago<br />

Tel No: 0800 777 387 or No: 03 4158 583<br />

Email: adeleandgary@riverridgeretreat.co.nz<br />

www.riverridgeretreat.co.nz<br />

3<br />

7<br />

Have the planning<br />

process EASY<br />

and FUN rather<br />

than full of stress!<br />

Have us take care<br />

of it all for you -<br />

satisfaction 100%<br />

guaranteed!<br />

Adele, is recognised<br />

as NZ's most<br />

Trusted Wedding<br />

Planner and<br />

Coordinator and<br />

your guarantee is<br />

her reputation!<br />

Personalised<br />

and Flexible<br />

payment<br />

options!<br />

GIFTS<br />

5%<br />

4<br />

8<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 65<br />

AMOUNTS<br />

<strong>With</strong> a regular savings plan your<br />

estimated wedding budget will become<br />

apparent. You can then allocate the<br />

percentage of the budget you have<br />

available for each category of the<br />

wedding costs:<br />

MISCELLANEOUS<br />

4.5%<br />

CEREMONY,<br />

RINGS, LICENSE<br />

7.5%<br />

Have your<br />

dream wedding<br />

Ceremony,<br />

Reception, and<br />

Accommodation<br />

(for up to<br />

80 people) all at<br />

the one venue!<br />

Have everything<br />

organised for<br />

you' catering,<br />

photos, make<br />

up, decorations,<br />

invitations, hair -<br />

if you like.<br />

Have your very<br />

own RiverRidge<br />

Dream wedding<br />

formula,<br />

individualised<br />

to you.

66 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

SEATING<br />

A seating plan is like a jigsaw puzzle and an exercise<br />

in diplomacy if you have ex partners, blended<br />

families, guests of all ages to accommodate and<br />

groups of friends who may or may not know each<br />

other well! How and where guests are seated<br />

depends on the numbers, the style of the wedding<br />

and the size and shape of the venue.<br />

SIGNAGE is all the rage at modern weddings,<br />

whether it is simply directing your guests to venues so<br />

they don’t get lost, creating a mood with clever quotes<br />

or presenting a blackboard menu at the reception.<br />

BRIDAL TABLES may seat just the<br />

bridal party, or traditionally include<br />

the parents of both bride and groom.<br />

Modern weddings often have a<br />

“parents” table for each side of the<br />

family located adjacent to the bridal<br />

“top table.”<br />

CHALKBOARDS are very popular for<br />

garden weddings providing an order of<br />

events or a funky range of clues to lead<br />

your guests to food, drink and photos! You<br />

may know someone who can illustrate<br />

your chalk board, or you may prefer to<br />

use a professional to create unique logos,<br />

decorations and handwritten fonts. The<br />

same design may be a feature of your<br />

invitations and other stationery.<br />

WOODEN SIGNS with arrows and<br />

“mileage” can direct guests to the<br />

ceremony, the reception, the marquee,<br />

the toilets or the smoker’s corner!<br />

Decorate with paint, timber stain or use<br />

stick on decals to make them visible and<br />

visual.<br />

VINTAGE STYLE FLYERS can be attached<br />

to gates or trees, old fashioned easels or<br />

recycled holland blinds can display your<br />

seating plan or recycled holland blinds.<br />

CONTEMPORARY flair might include<br />

glow-in-the-dark paint or your names up<br />

in lights but for a contemporary twist,<br />

guide your guests through the day via<br />

social media incorporating Instagram,<br />

Facebook and Twitter logos with a<br />

personal hashtag!<br />

www.bemyguest.co.nz<br />

MESSAGES<br />

In the past messages of congratulation<br />

were posted by guests unable to attend the<br />

wedding. Later, these were replaced by<br />

telegrams, often from overseas, that sent<br />

messages of love and support which were<br />

read out at the wedding by the Best Man.<br />

Today’s couples encourage inspirational<br />

“messaging” from any or all of their guests.<br />

• In a special “Guest Book”<br />

• On a chalk board that is<br />

photographed as a keepsake<br />

• On post-it notes attached to<br />

a whiteboard<br />

• On cards or notes “posted”<br />

in a special box to be read later<br />

• By email, text or Facebook<br />

• On a scroll that can be<br />

framed or included in the<br />

wedding photo album<br />

LONG TABLES are a good<br />

arrangement for informal weddings<br />

and can seat from 12-20 guests. The<br />

long banquet seating maximises space<br />

and numbers in smaller venues and<br />

suits buffet meals as well as shared<br />

plates and platters set in the middle of<br />

each table.<br />

The disadvantage is that guests<br />

only converse with those beside or<br />

opposite them.<br />

ROUND TABLES are more traditional<br />

and formal and suit both small<br />

weddings and larger ones. <strong>With</strong><br />

seating for 8-10 guests per table,<br />

the atmosphere is more intimate<br />

and guests can converse more easily.<br />

Generally the settings are arranged<br />

alternately make and female with<br />

immediate family seated at the tables<br />

closest to the bridal table.<br />

RECTANGULAR TABLES usually<br />

seat 10-12 guests with extra seats at<br />

each end for single guests, a child’s<br />

high chair or an MC. The arrangement<br />

works well in smaller venues as it<br />

allows space for a dance floor and<br />

meal styles from buffet to sit-down<br />

with waiters to serve.<br />

HANDY HINTS – once ALL RSVP’s<br />

have been received make a mock up<br />

of your seating plan using moveable<br />

post-it notes or a magnetic white<br />

board. They allow you to move<br />

names around until you have the<br />

arrangement correct. Then transfer it<br />

to your master-plan for display at the<br />

wedding. If you are worried someone<br />

will change it or swap places, laminate<br />

the final copy! Alternatively create<br />

a modified seating plan by assigning<br />

guests to a particular table but let<br />

them choose where they sit around it.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 67<br />

There are lots of details<br />

that help make your<br />

wedding a day to<br />

remember. It’s easy to<br />

get lost in the minutiae<br />

of organisation and<br />

advice that everyone<br />

wants to give you, but<br />

the bottom line is that<br />

it’s all about what you<br />

mean to each other,<br />

what you say to each<br />

other and how you<br />

celebrate the start<br />

of your married life<br />

together.<br />

Once you have made the<br />

plans and paid the plans,<br />

relax and have confidence<br />

it will be memorable.<br />

Minimize stress by engaging<br />

a wedding planner who will<br />

coordinate everything before<br />

the day and on the day. Their<br />

job is to keep everything<br />

running smoothly your job is<br />

to enjoy it.<br />

When you are getting<br />

ready, don’t forget to eat,<br />

even if you feel too excited<br />

to have much appetite.<br />

Organise some finger<br />

food to share with your<br />

wedding party, or have a nice<br />

breakfast to keep you going<br />

throughout the day.<br />

Keep hydrated with water<br />

but use a straw so you don’t<br />

ruin your make up or splash<br />

your gown. Have a touch-up<br />

make-up kit at the wedding<br />

and a more comfortable<br />

pair of shoes for dancing<br />

if you are worried about<br />

being footsore during the<br />

reception!<br />

Your wedding day is<br />

your first celebration as a<br />

married couple – so share<br />

the day together, talk to<br />

guests together and don’t be<br />

a couple who hardly see each<br />

other until the day is over.<br />

Create a manageable<br />

timeline throughout the day<br />

so that no one feels rushed<br />

and stressed. Don’t let tiny<br />

details rob your enjoyment<br />

of the day. Keep the big<br />

picture in mind and if little<br />

mishaps occur, they will<br />

either be soon forgotten or<br />

become a unique part of the<br />

memories.

68 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

When Alana Pottinger and Hayden Harper<br />

married earlier this year they chose Trent’s<br />

Vineyard for their venue “because we liked the<br />

established garden and the historic building<br />

which allowed us to mix modern with old and<br />

rustic features” says Alana.<br />

<strong>With</strong> a wish list that included<br />

“a good photographer, great music<br />

and our own style and design of<br />

decorations,” the couple were<br />

also keen to involve family and<br />

friends in their wedding plans.<br />

“The flowers on the tables were<br />

in pottery vases that I made at my<br />

auntie’s pottery studio in Diamond<br />

Harbour with some friends, my<br />

Mum and my aunties – it was a<br />

great crafty thing for everyone to<br />

get involved in during the winter<br />

months” laughs Alana.<br />

Photographer Cam McDermid<br />

was a friend of Alana’s brother and<br />

he captured the whole day through<br />

and into the evening. Adam Caves,<br />

another friend was a gem setter so<br />

“we were very privileged to have<br />

my wedding band and engagement<br />

ring made by him and go through<br />

the amazing process of designing<br />

my own unique ring.” Not to be<br />

outdone, Hayden, who was a<br />

graphic designer also created the<br />

stationery for the wedding which<br />

Alana agreed “was a great way to<br />

include him in the organising!”<br />

Alana’s exquisite wedding<br />

dress had an art deco look with a<br />

low back, rucching, buttons and<br />

two layers of lace, the top layer<br />

being beautifully beaded. “I loved<br />

everything about it and topped<br />

it off with a long veil that was<br />

so soft and elegant.” The gown<br />

was made by Christine Reeves,<br />

an experienced and renowned<br />

dressmaker in Christchurch. “She<br />

had made my sister-in law’s dress<br />

and had done such a great job that I<br />

wanted her to do mine.”<br />

Alana’s bridesmaids wore<br />

dresses they sourced at Forever<br />

New. The simple style in navy was<br />

a very flattering colour that suited<br />

everyone and was offset by neutral<br />

flowers with “a pop of peach”<br />

created by Aromaunga florists. The<br />

guys’ grey suits from Hallensteins<br />

were worn with crisp white shirts<br />

and black ties, complemented by<br />

peach buttonholes and a peach tie<br />

for Hayden.<br />

Forsaking tradition, Alana and<br />

Hayden chose to have their photos<br />

taken at Mona Vale before the<br />

wedding! “We were less nervous<br />

for the ceremony and had time<br />

together without rushing back to<br />

the guests. The boys arrived first<br />

and set up by the fountain for<br />

the girls to walk in for the “grand<br />

reveal” then the bridal party had a<br />

picnic at Mona Vale before setting<br />

off for Trent’s.”<br />

Using a 1927 vintage car owned<br />

by their groomsman’s grandfather,<br />

Alana arrived at Trent’s for the 3pm<br />

ceremony which was held outdoors<br />

facing “horses in the paddocks and<br />

doves in the trees.” “We wanted<br />

our parents all involved so Hayden’s<br />

Dad gave us the rings, we had our<br />

Mums sign the register for us, but<br />

it was very special to have Dad<br />

walk me down the aisle because he<br />

had been very ill and couldn’t even<br />

walk a year before the wedding.”<br />

<strong>With</strong> their formal photos<br />

already taken, Alana and Hayden<br />

were able to share canapés and<br />

their wedding cake by Sugar Baby<br />

Cakery after the ceremony. Then it<br />

was time to enjoy music, dancing<br />

and a delicious barbeque as well<br />

as a photo booth set up in a boat –<br />

which everyone loved!<br />

“Our wedding venue organiser<br />

Amanda made the day run<br />

seamlessly, the speeches were<br />

brilliant which made us feel very<br />

loved, we wished the dancing could<br />

have gone on longer, but best of<br />

all was having all our friends and<br />

family in one place to enjoy our day<br />

with us.”

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 69<br />

Wedding guests usually<br />

look forward to speeches<br />

that capture an<br />

atmosphere of happiness<br />

sprinkled with sincerity and<br />

some humour. So if you<br />

are the Groom, the Father<br />

of the Bride or you have<br />

been chosen to be the<br />

Best Man, make sure you<br />

have “speak-ability.” A bit<br />

like the 4 C’s that classify<br />

diamonds, your speech<br />

needs to be Competent,<br />

Clear, Confident and a little<br />

bit Creative if you can.<br />

COMPETENT<br />

You can deliver a perfectly<br />

competent speech using a<br />

simple template to cover the<br />

basic requirements of wedding<br />

etiquette: Introducing yourself<br />

and how you know the couple,<br />

describing their most endearing<br />

qualities and why they make<br />

a good couple, mentioning<br />

an amusing story without<br />

embarrassing them or their<br />

families, then make a sincere toast<br />

for their future happiness.<br />

CLEAR<br />

Devise your speech then memorise<br />

it so that you don’t need to read<br />

it or shuffle prompt cards that<br />

can be very distracting. You can<br />

also look at the guests throughout<br />

and enjoy their reactions to your<br />

speech. Practise often so that you<br />

don’t stumble or mumble and avoid<br />

speaking too quickly. Drink in<br />

moderation before your speech so<br />

there is no chance of forgetting it or<br />

slurring your words.<br />

CONFIDENT<br />

Preparing and practising<br />

your speech allows you to<br />

be confident on the day. But<br />

you also need to be confident<br />

that your jokes won’t offend<br />

anyone, your clichés won’t<br />

be boring and your speech<br />

isn’t too long - aim for 5-8<br />

minutes max. If in doubt<br />

follow the unwritten speech<br />

making rule “ stand up, speak<br />

up then shut up!”<br />

CREATIVE<br />

Speech making at modern<br />

weddings has become increasingly<br />

interactive and creative. If it suits<br />

the atmosphere of the event, where<br />

guests are keen to interact you<br />

could incorporate a: Rap or Rhyme;<br />

A Toast from every Table; Power<br />

point “this is your life”; Lip sync<br />

or a debate. You may use props,<br />

stunts, photos or videos to make<br />

a documentary or take a risk and<br />

show a “mock-umentary!”<br />

WHATEVER<br />

THE WAY<br />

And whatever you<br />

say, be sure to make<br />

your speech, audible,<br />

genuine, gracious and<br />

good humoured and in<br />

good taste and avoid<br />

verbosity, pomposity,<br />

crudity, bad jokes<br />

and embarrassing<br />

anecdotes ALWAYS.

70 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

If possible it should be arranged so that every<br />

member of the wedding party can attend the<br />

rehearsal including the bride and groom,<br />

parents, Celebrant, Wedding Planner,<br />

bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring<br />

bearers, readers, musicians and sound technicians<br />

and even the photographer if necessary. Set a<br />

suitable date and time together with the exact<br />

address and directions for the venue.<br />

EVERYONE should practice their role so that<br />

they feel confident to perform it in front of all the<br />

guests on the day. Make sure readers have enough<br />

light, know how to adjust the microphone and<br />

will speak audibly, that attendants walk at the<br />

right pace down the aisle, that they know the<br />

order they should enter, exit and line-up,<br />

etc. Be patient with your flower girl and ring<br />

bearer and avoid too many instructions that<br />

they could forget or misunderstand.<br />

THE CELEBRANT should also run through<br />

the order of the service and liaise with the<br />

organist or musicians so that the choice<br />

of music is played, timed and tested for<br />

volume. While it is important to get<br />

everything correct, resist the urge to “over<br />

rehearse” and don’t add anything new to the<br />

ceremony to create extra stress or confusion<br />

at this late stage.<br />

A rehearsal for your wedding ceremony<br />

is usually a good idea to ensure<br />

everyone knows who, what, when,<br />

why and how it is all going to happen<br />

without a hitch on the day!<br />

THE REHEARSAL DINNER is a popular trend in<br />

America and is increasingly being embraced in New<br />

Zealand. It usually follows a rehearsal for your<br />

ceremony and is generally hosted by the groom’s<br />

parents or both sets of parents if they prefer.<br />

Because the couple, their parents and the bridal<br />

party are required for the ceremony rehearsal, it’s<br />

logical for them to be included in the rehearsal<br />

dinner afterwards. It is a nice opportunity to<br />

spend special time with close family and friends,<br />

especially if they have travelled from out of town<br />

or from overseas.<br />

Similarly, a dinner is a lovely gesture of<br />

welcome to arriving guests if your wedding is at<br />

an overseas destination. It’s also the ideal moment<br />

for the bride and groom to give gifts of<br />

appreciation to their respective attendants.<br />

You can make the dinner as formal or<br />

informal as time, budget and preference<br />

allow. The gathering might be as simple as<br />

drinks and canapés, a barbeque or a picnic.<br />

Alternatively you might book a table at a<br />

favourite restaurant or go the “whole nine<br />

yards” with a magnificent intimate dinner that<br />

sets the scene for your big day.<br />

Whatever style is decided, the Rehearsal<br />

Dinner is meant to relieve the stress of the<br />

wedding. If it is going to add to the stress,<br />

don’t plan the rehearsal dinner the night<br />

before the wedding. Instead, have it during the<br />

week beforehand and make sure it ends early<br />

so you can get your beauty sleep!

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 71<br />

The Commodore is one of<br />

Christchurch’s best known hotels<br />

and its facilities are ideal for<br />

business and leisure travellers<br />

as well as conferences and<br />

weddings.<br />

Whether you envisage an<br />

intimate setting for 40 guests or a<br />

gala celebration for up to 140, the<br />

Commodore Airport Hotel has several<br />

different function rooms that can be<br />

configured to suit the style and size<br />

of your event. Decorations and table<br />

settings can be themed to enhance the<br />

wedding atmosphere of elegance and<br />

romance.<br />

The new resort-style terrace is<br />

perfect for an outdoor ceremony<br />

and a popular place for guests to<br />

enjoy aperitifs before the wedding<br />

reception. The hotel’s banquet team<br />

can design the ideal repast for you<br />

and your guests. Using the finest<br />

New Zealand ingredients, their<br />

contemporary dishes reflect the<br />

cultural traditions of Europe, Asia<br />

and the Pacific.<br />

Bridal couples will enjoy a night<br />

in one of the hotel’s exclusive 5<br />

star Business Level rooms and<br />

guests can be accommodated in the<br />

Commodore Hotel’s business, premium<br />

or family friendly rooms.<br />

Located within easy reach of the<br />

city centre, the Commodore is also<br />

conveniently close to the airport and<br />

offers a complimentary shuttle service<br />

for guests arriving or departing the<br />

Christchurch International Airport.<br />

The Commodore Airport Hotel and<br />

Sue Marsh the event manager welcome<br />

enquiries and site visits if you are<br />

considering the venue for your wedding<br />

or event.<br />

For further information phone Sue on<br />

03 358 8129 or visit<br />

www.commodorehotel.nz

72 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

The chief bridesmaid is the bride’s<br />

trusted companion and is often a sister,<br />

a cousin or a long time best friend.<br />

Ideally she is calm, diplomatic, helpful, self<br />

assured and gets along with the other bridesmaids<br />

and the Mother of the Bride.<br />

Before the wedding she may be included in<br />

choosing gowns, fabrics and flowers and she is the<br />

traditional organiser of the bridal shower and/<br />

or hen’s night. She is there to support, encourage<br />

and share the special moments of wedding<br />

preparation.<br />

On the day of the wedding she helps the bride<br />

dress and prepare for the ceremony. She oversees<br />

younger bridesmaids and flower girls and arranges<br />

the bride’s veil and train for entry into the venue.<br />

She takes the bouquet during the exchange of<br />

rings and signs the register as a witness to the<br />

wedding. She will also need to talk graciously to<br />

the guests and look lovely in the wedding photos!<br />

After the ceremony she assists the bride during<br />

the photo session and throughout the reception.<br />

She ensures gifts are collected from the reception<br />

and may be responsible for returning any<br />

garments or accessories that were hired.<br />

The Best Man is the Groom’s right hand<br />

man and is often a brother, cousin, best<br />

mate or even an older son if the wedding<br />

is a remarriage.<br />

It is usually considered an honour and a privilege<br />

to be someone’s best man, but whoever you ask,<br />

ensure that they are reliable, diplomatic, crisis proof<br />

and a good time manager. The Best Man also needs<br />

to deliver a decent speech, stay sober and sensible<br />

and communicate easily with guests of all ages.<br />

The Best Man may be consulted on the choice<br />

of suits and wedding vehicles in preparation for<br />

the wedding and is the traditional organiser of the<br />

bucks’ night. On the day of the wedding he assists<br />

and supports the groom, looks after the bride’s ring<br />

until it is required at the ceremony and signs the<br />

register as a witness to the marriage.<br />

He is also entrusted with paying the church fees<br />

if applicable and helps the ushers to direct guests to<br />

the reception. As well as his speech, the Best Man<br />

traditionally proposes a toast to the bridesmaids and<br />

reads any congratulatory messages that have been<br />

received.<br />

Sometimes the Best Man will also take the role of<br />

MC at a wedding reception and after the wedding he<br />

may be responsible for returning hired suits, helping<br />

at a post-wedding brunch or even driving the couple<br />

to the airport for their honeymoon getaway.

Create an inexpensive lantern<br />

for your garden wedding or<br />

reception table decoration.<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 73<br />

MATERIALS<br />

• Glass Agee jars<br />

(large or small depending<br />

on candle size)<br />

• Design templates or paper doilies<br />

• Adhesive or masking tape<br />

• Coloured or metallic spray<br />

• Copper wire<br />

• Wire cutters<br />

• Candles or tea lights<br />

• Sand<br />

MAGICAL<br />

Light the candle and<br />

watch it shine through<br />

the sparkly design on the<br />

glass. Hang your lantern,<br />

making sure it is level so<br />

the candle won’t tip and<br />

go out. Or place your<br />

lantern on the table as a<br />

pretty centrepiece. For<br />

even MORE sparkle and<br />

shine, stand it on a piece<br />

of mirror glass.<br />

1.<br />

2.<br />

3.<br />

4.<br />

5.<br />

6.<br />

7.<br />

8.<br />

9.<br />

10.<br />

11.<br />

12.<br />

13.<br />

14.<br />

15.<br />

METHOD<br />

Wash the glass jars in hot soapy water<br />

Dry naturally or steam dry in dishwasher<br />

Cut out shapes to make your design template<br />

OR<br />

Use a paper doily with a ready made cut-out design<br />

Wrap the template/doily around the jar<br />

Secure it with adhesive or masking tape<br />

Spray the template with colour or glitter<br />

Allow to dry<br />

Remove template/doily carefully<br />

Wind copper wire round the mouth of the jar<br />

Twist the ends to secure it tightly<br />

Cut the excess wire with wire cutters<br />

Attach a cord or copper wire hook of desired length<br />

Pour an inch of sand into base of the finished jar<br />

Push the candle or tea light firmly into the sand<br />

LUXURY RESTROOM RENTALS HIRE OR BUY<br />

Wheelchair accessible options Deluxe facilities Executive mobile toilet Site ready<br />

Stylish executive toilets, mobile bathrooms<br />

and more for hire or sale<br />

Now your guests can experience the luxury of clean, fresh portable toilets<br />

with all the comforts of home:<br />

• Individual toilet cubicles<br />

• China bowl flushing toilets - just like home!<br />

• Bamboo vanities with quality china basins<br />

and tapware (executive models)<br />

• Large mirrors from benchtop to ceiling<br />

(executive models)<br />

• Hot showers (mobile bathroom and Glampa only)<br />

• LED strip lighting<br />

• Fully self-contained<br />

• Fully insulated<br />

• Towable anywhere<br />

PERFECT FOR<br />

• Weddings and Events<br />

• Holidaymakers<br />

• Outdoor Events<br />

• Wherever extra facilities are needed<br />

Matt Sandrey & Jim Burrowes<br />

Easily towed<br />

Take your own elegant powder room and more<br />

wherever you need or have it delivered.<br />

Our locally accredited manufactured portable bathroom<br />

units can be customised to your own requirements.<br />

www.outbackbathrooms.co.nz<br />

C: 027 228 7384 E: info@outbackbathrooms.co.nz

74 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Set in the South Island’s<br />

most famous spa town, the<br />

Heritage Hanmer Springs<br />

offers style and charm in a<br />

unique historic setting for<br />

your special day.<br />

The hotel has a long history<br />

of memorable weddings since<br />

this spectacular building was<br />

competed in 1932. The unique<br />

Spanish style architecture with<br />

large colonnades, dramatic arches<br />

and even a bell tower, offer an<br />

unsurpassed romantic backdrop.<br />

Inside is an elegant ballroom<br />

that boasts lovely views over<br />

gorgeous established grounds<br />

through wall to ceiling windows<br />

and French doors that open on to<br />

sun drenched terraces.<br />

The ballroom is suitable for<br />

events up to 160 guests expertly<br />

presided over by an experienced<br />

wedding coordinator in tandem<br />

with accomplished chef, Dean<br />

Robinson, who will create a<br />

tailored banquet for your needs.<br />

Dean has catered for many<br />

special events in his career both<br />

in New Zealand and abroad in<br />

Chile where he opened 2 new<br />

restaurants and was often chosen<br />

to cater for embassy events for<br />

visiting dignitaries.<br />

Dean’s experience with show<br />

case culinary events is evident in<br />

the care and flare he has weddings<br />

and events.<br />

“It’s great working in such a<br />

special part of the South Island.<br />

The local ingredients and local<br />

wines are outstanding and<br />

Heritage Hanmer Springs is a<br />

very special hotel and venue,’ says<br />

Dean.<br />

In summertime, wedding<br />

ceremonies can take place in the<br />

pretty on-site wedding pergola<br />

or rose garden and larger events<br />

can be held under a marquee by<br />

arrangement. For a cosy winter<br />

event, Isobels restaurant has a<br />

welcoming open fire and lovely<br />

atmosphere for intimate events.<br />

Heritage Hanmer Springs has<br />

a choice of hotel rooms including<br />

a honeymoon suite in the original<br />

lodge building, plus, garden rooms<br />

and three bedroom self-contained<br />

villas; ideal for family groups<br />

travelling together. The hotel is<br />

also available for exclusive hire for<br />

the duration of the event.<br />

On site is a summer swimming<br />

pool, tennis and petanque court.<br />

The hotel is adjacent to the award<br />

winning Hanmer Springs Thermal<br />

Pools and Spa, ideal for soothing<br />

away pre-wedding nerves or a<br />

relaxing wind down after the<br />

formalities are over.<br />

Enjoy this exclusive special<br />

offer for the <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Bridal<br />

Show - Book your wedding within<br />

a month of the show and go into<br />

the draw to win back $1000* from<br />

your wedding.<br />

*Applies to new bookings only,<br />

wedding must be held before 31st<br />

March 2017, minimum spend of<br />

$5,000 excluding accommodation,<br />

further conditions may apply.<br />

For information call<br />

03 3150060 or email<br />

emmad@heritagehotels.co.nz<br />

www.heritagehotels.co.nz/<br />

hotels/heritage-hanmer-springs

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 75<br />

Commanding<br />

breath-taking pristine<br />

views and outstanding<br />

architectural design, this<br />

award winning hotel is<br />

the ideal setting for your<br />

wedding.<br />

Lovingly crafted from local<br />

schist river stone and timeless<br />

in design, Heritage Queenstown<br />

is reminiscent of a European<br />

ski lodge, with an ambiance of<br />

exclusivity and luxury.<br />

Positioned above the alpine<br />

resort town of Queenstown,<br />

Heritage Queenstown has<br />

spectacular Lake Wakatipu views<br />

and an unparalleled sweeping<br />

panorama of the Remarkable<br />

Mountains arcing around to<br />

spectacular Cecil Peak.<br />

The hotel’s Icon Centre<br />

award-winning architectural<br />

design (with capacity for 160<br />

people for a banquet) provides a<br />

flexible range of options to stage<br />

the most memorable day of your<br />

life.<br />

Enjoy superb views from<br />

picture windows that capture the<br />

drama and majesty of your lofty<br />

location. Choose from exclusive<br />

cocktails on the spectacular<br />

rooftop deck, or a banquet in the<br />

Icon Room. The choice is yours.<br />

Your event will be skilfully<br />

managed by an experienced<br />

team, whilst banqueting is a<br />

breeze. Heritage Queenstown’s<br />

experienced food and beverage<br />

services manager, Adrian Lowry,<br />

brings a symphony of locally<br />

sourced ingredients and flavours<br />

to your menu, paired with superb<br />

local wines.<br />

Adrian has been the Heritage<br />

Queenstown chef for some<br />

years and has a unique skill set.<br />

Not only because he is a trained<br />

chef with years of experience in<br />

respected dining establishments,<br />

but also because of his studies in<br />

oenology (wine) studies.<br />

Amanda McKee, the hotel’s<br />

experienced wedding coordinator,<br />

has plenty of creative ideas on<br />

ways to stage your day that suits<br />

you and your guests the best.<br />

Family and friends will love<br />

to gather here to share your day<br />

and overnight in the luxury of<br />

Heritage Queenstown’s recently<br />

refurbished rooms and suites, all<br />

complete with legendary tranquil<br />

beds.<br />

The hotel’s exceptional<br />

guest facilities include Mackenzies<br />

restaurant and bar complete with<br />

an open fire place, a swimming<br />

pool, spa, sauna and health club.<br />

For extra privacy the entire<br />

hotel can be hired exclusively for<br />

your wedding event.<br />

For information on Heritage<br />

Queenstown weddings<br />

please call<br />

03 450 1526 or<br />

email amandam@<br />

heritagehotels.co.nz or visit<br />

www.heritagehotels.co.nz/<br />

weddings

Stunning<br />

destinations,<br />

enduring<br />

HHAN303 07/16<br />

memories.<br />

Heritage Queenstown<br />

Impressive weddings that start<br />

with a remarkable view.<br />

91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown<br />

+64 3 450 1526<br />

weddings_hqtn@heritagehotels.co.nz<br />

Heritage Hanmer Springs<br />

A spectacular alpine retreat for a<br />

true wedding escape.<br />

1 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs<br />

+64 3 315 0065<br />

events@heritagehanmer.co.nz<br />

Create a day to remember with Heritage.<br />

Win back $1,000* from your wedding venue booking when you confirm<br />

a wedding at Heritage Hanmer Springs within a month of the <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong><br />

<strong>Ring</strong> Bridal Show.<br />

* Conditions apply, details will be at the Wth <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Bridal Show.<br />

www.heritagehotels.co.nz/weddings<br />

You’re Somewhere Special TM

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 77<br />

A bridal shower is an<br />

ideal excuse for a<br />

party with your gal<br />

pals.<br />

The idea originated with<br />

the intention of “showering”<br />

the bride with household<br />

gifts in preparation for<br />

married life. Today’s bride’s<br />

often already have their<br />

home set up, so modern<br />

bridal showers frequently<br />

encompass other themes to<br />

pamper the bride.<br />

KITCHEN TEA is a<br />

traditional shower whereby<br />

guests bring small gift items<br />

for the kitchen such as linens,<br />

utensils, cookbooks, new<br />

gadgets, spices, sauces, preserves<br />

and containers.<br />

RECIPE SHOWER is an<br />

inexpensive option but a very<br />

personal one. Each guest brings<br />

a copy of their favourite recipe<br />

along with the dish itself. The<br />

recipe contributes to a DIY<br />

cookbook and the “bring a plate”<br />

dish is shared at the shower.<br />

SPOIL HER SHOWER includes<br />

a little bit of luxury to spoil the<br />

bride whether it is chocolate,<br />

champagne, an expensive soap,<br />

a manicure, a massage or a<br />

favourite book or movie.<br />

COSMETICS SHOWER Fill a<br />

pretty cosmetic bag with all the<br />

make-up items the bride will<br />

need on her wedding day or<br />

honeymoon. Find her favourite<br />

products and necessities and<br />

create a useful travel-sized version<br />

of her bathroom cabinet!<br />

BED AND BATH SHOWER<br />

gives guests plenty of gift choice<br />

from bath and shower toiletries to<br />

towels, linen, accessories, robes,<br />

sleepwear, slippers, rugs, wraps,<br />

throw and cushions.<br />

SHOWER O’CLOCK<br />

quirky idea where every guest is<br />

allocated a set time of day and<br />

brings a gift associated with that<br />

time. For example 8am might<br />

be a shower gel, 10am could be<br />

coffee mugs, 7pm could be wine<br />

coasters, etc.<br />

ALPHABET SHOWER<br />

similar idea but instead of a time<br />

of day guests are allocated a letter<br />

of the alphabet and must find a<br />

gift starting with that letter. For<br />

example; “T” for towels or “G” for<br />

a garlic-crusher, etc.<br />

DEMO SHOWER set up a demo<br />

or party plan evening for makeup,<br />

lingerie, wine tasting, arts,<br />

crafts or cooking school to enjoy<br />

together.<br />

PANTRY OR CELLAR SHOWER<br />

stock the bride’s pantry with<br />

non perishable items – tinned<br />

goods, spices, baking ingredients,<br />

preserves OR start her wine<br />

cellar with a selection of white,<br />

red, rose, sparkling and dessert<br />

wines!<br />

GARDEN SHOWER provide<br />

bride (and groom) with the<br />

basics for creating an appealing<br />

outdoor space or garden – pots,<br />

plants, seeds, garden tools, garden<br />

gloves, watering can, sculptures<br />

and<br />

garden art.<br />

Wedding Reception & Accommodation<br />

at the one stunningCentral Otago Location<br />

GOLDEN GATE LODGE, CROMWELL<br />

goldengate.co.nz weddings@goldengate.co.nz 0800 104451<br />

21 Luxury Motel Units<br />

Book your accommodation now for weddings,<br />

conferences, functions & events.<br />

❖ Honeymoon Suite ❖ Studio ❖ 1 Bedroom Units<br />

❖ 2 Bedroom Units ❖ Spa Bath Units available<br />

4-6 Maurice Street, Lincoln<br />

(just behind Gift Box)<br />

Your Hosts Colleen & Craig Beswick<br />

Enquiries Ph 03 974 1620<br />

For reservations: 0800 001 689<br />

info@lincolnmotel.co.nz/www.lincolnmotel.co.nz

Mona Vale Homestead<br />

(Dining 110 guests, cocktails 200 guests)<br />

A gracious homestead inspired by English elegance, offering a<br />

wedding venue with a sense of occasion.<br />

The perfect wedding venue...<br />

The Iris Lawn at Mona Vale<br />

(Marquee capacity for up to 450 guests)<br />

A picture book setting amongst landscaped gardens and manicured<br />

lawns for a splendid marquee to cater for your wedding day.<br />

Phone: 0800 426 684 or 03 311 8220 Email: enquiries@continental.co.nz Web: www.continental.co.nz Visit: 63 Fendalton Road, Christchurch

80 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

A gift registry allows you to nominate the store<br />

and the style of the wedding gifts you would like<br />

to receive. While this may seem mercenary, it is<br />

the acceptable custom at modern weddings.<br />

A gift registry removes uncertainty for the guests<br />

and allows them to select something that will be<br />

appreciated and also won’t be duplicated.<br />

Once you have decided on the date of the wedding you should<br />

arrange your preferred store(s) for your gift registry. Choose<br />

well known stores with nationwide outlets for the convenience<br />

of your guests. Those with online purchasing are also appreciated<br />

by those who live out of town or overseas.<br />

Most popular items include general home ware, glassware,<br />

china, cutlery, kitchen appliances, table linen, bedding and<br />

towels. Ensure there is a broad price range within your gift<br />

registry so that guests spend what they can afford.<br />

Couples vary in their expectations of gifts. Some are very<br />

specific about brands and models on their gift list, others may<br />

indicate that wedding gifts are optional or even unnecessary,<br />

or they prefer a wishing well for monetary donations at the<br />

wedding.<br />

However as many couples have already set up a home, the<br />

custom for specialist gift registries has begun to encompass big<br />

ticket items such as furniture, house deposits, garden landscaping<br />

and honeymoons.<br />

Some guests are comfortable with the idea while others are<br />

less keen to contribute. But if your wedding is a destination<br />

event and your guests are funding their overseas travel and<br />

accommodation, definitely keep gift ideas affordable or optional!<br />

Your wedding invitations should notify guests about your gift<br />

preference, where your registry is held or whether you will have<br />

a wishing well.<br />

WHEN MAKING SELECTIONS FOR YOUR<br />

GIFT REGISTRY INCLUDE:<br />

• What you need for your home that you don’t already have<br />

• Any items you already have that need replacing or updating<br />

• Renowned brands<br />

• Items of lasting quality<br />

• Special occasion items you will treasure throughout<br />

your marriage<br />

Accents of Tuscan<br />

Total Food Equipment<br />

GIFTWARE HOMEWARE COOKWARE APPLIANCES<br />

218 Moorhouse Ave (by Durham St bridge) • Ph: 03 366 6912 •www.tfe.co.nz

Let’s be honest, we’ve all received gifts that delight us and we<br />

confirm their acceptability by using them at every opportunity.<br />

Equally we have all received gifts that miss the mark in terms<br />

of our personal taste, usefulness or store-ability. Remember it IS<br />

the thought that counts even if you seek discreet disposability<br />

of the item at a later date.<br />

10 WORST WEDDING GIFTS<br />

His and Hers clothing<br />

except bathrobes<br />

1 234<br />

A pet of ANY kind<br />

Hideous home or<br />

garden ornaments<br />

Gift card for an obscure<br />

or obsolete store<br />

5<br />

Embarrassing or<br />

67<br />

suggestive items<br />

Large artwork you have<br />

painted yourself<br />

Souvenir from your<br />

last holiday<br />

89<br />

A cheesy book about marriage<br />

Enrolment for a course<br />

on relationships<br />

Anything that’s being re-gifted<br />

10<br />

TOP<br />

Gifts<br />

10 MOST APPRECIATED GIFTS<br />

1 234567<br />

89<br />

10<br />

Money or Vouchers<br />

Items off the<br />

Gift Register<br />

Luxury bed linen<br />

BBQ equipment<br />

All purpose cook book<br />

Frame or canvas of<br />

your wedding photo<br />

Hamper of gourmet foods<br />

Case of wine<br />

Pots for garden or patio<br />

Set of suitcases<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 81<br />

PERSONALISED GIFTS BY:<br />

www.beautiquegifts.co.nz<br />

Gifts They Will Wear<br />

Wedding shirt and tie<br />

Funky cufflinks<br />

Monogrammed bathrobe<br />

Novelty socks + boxers<br />

Favourite branded clothing<br />

Gifts They Can Keep<br />

Wedding picture or DVD<br />

Engraved mug or hip flask<br />

Wine glasses<br />

Leather Wallet<br />

If you’re scratching<br />

your head for a gift for<br />

your guys, try some<br />

of these for fun and<br />

others for size!<br />

Gifts They Can Use<br />

Chilly bin and picnic rug<br />

Beach umbrella<br />

BBQ set<br />

Handyman tools<br />

Car accessories<br />

Gift vouchers<br />

Boxed wine or whisky<br />

Gifts They Can Try<br />

Sport membership<br />

Event tickets<br />

Gym membership<br />

It’s not always easy to know what gifts<br />

to give to your bridesmaids and flower<br />

girl, so try these for size! and here are 20<br />

suggestions depending on whether your<br />

mates are single, attached, detached,<br />

married or have a family!<br />

Gifts to Enjoy<br />

Spa treatment<br />

Bottle of Wine<br />

Gym membership<br />

Gift Voucher<br />

Cookbook<br />

Gifts to Wear<br />

Gorgeous lingerie<br />

Cosmetics<br />

Special fragrance<br />

Beautiful scarf<br />

Sarong and Sunnies<br />

Gifts to Keep<br />

Framed photo of the wedding<br />

DVD of the wedding<br />

Jewellery box<br />

Elegant mirror<br />

Painting or artwork<br />

Tableware<br />

Gifts for the Wedding<br />

Bridesmaid outfit<br />

Sassy shoes<br />

An item of jewellery<br />

Small , boutique, intimate weddings.<br />

At Memorys we endeavour to keep things<br />

simple and effective, offering you exceptional<br />

hospitality and service for your big day...<br />

• Our main restaurant dining room seats up to 24 people offering courtyard views<br />

• The Boardroom is an intimate elegant dining area which seats up to 8 people.<br />

• Our large Courtyard area, is perfect in Spring, Summer & Autumn for small boutique intimate weddings.<br />

MEMORYS RESTAURANT<br />

227 Leeston Rd, Springston | Ph 03 329 5554 | info@memorys.co.nz | www.memorys.co.nz

82 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Silk Sashes are elegant<br />

to complement the<br />

wedding theme<br />

Coloured tassels provide<br />

a splash of colour and<br />

are less formal<br />

Lengths of lace add<br />

all-white vintage charm<br />

Even the most modest chairs can<br />

be dressed up to look chic whether<br />

they are rustic, resort or regal.<br />

Most dedicated wedding venues<br />

have chairs that are necessarily<br />

versatile to suit different wedding<br />

themes and colour schemes. <strong>This</strong> is<br />

often achieved with neutral toned<br />

chair covers which can then be<br />

accessorised as you wish:<br />

Attach coloured name<br />

tags to the back of each<br />

chair as your seating<br />

plan<br />

Drape the chair backs<br />

with bunting, garlands<br />

or leis<br />

Decorate with posies of<br />

herbs or flowers<br />

Tie with beads, motifs or<br />

wedding bells<br />

Paint plain chairs white,<br />

bright or metallic<br />

Add coloured cushions<br />

for comfort on chairs,<br />

pews or benches<br />

Dress pews or aisles of<br />

chairs with bows, tulle<br />

or posies

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 83<br />

Links Functions and<br />

Events is within a newly<br />

built Clubhouse at the<br />

Christchurch Golf Club;<br />

one of New Zealand’s most<br />

iconic and premier golf<br />

courses.<br />

Opened in January <strong>2016</strong>,<br />

this elegant and versatile venue<br />

offers a striking backdrop for<br />

your wedding, conference, golf<br />

tournament or any other of life’s<br />

special events.<br />

The modern, state of the art<br />

facilities offer spectacular views<br />

through floor-to-ceiling glass. Or<br />

step outside and enjoy sweeping<br />

golf course views and dramatic<br />

sunsets from the terrace or<br />

covered veranda.<br />

Inside, painted wood panelling<br />

and soft lighting provide ambient<br />

warmth and charm, while<br />

extensive bar and on-site catering<br />

facilities offer a variety of food and<br />

beverage options for up to 230<br />

guests. The Links Café and Bar is<br />

another perfect place to relax and<br />

is also available for private hire for<br />

a more intimate gathering.<br />

<strong>With</strong> delightful indoor<br />

and outdoor spaces for<br />

your wedding ceremony,<br />

reception and dance, Links<br />

Functions and Events has<br />

appealing versatility and<br />

perfect on-site locations<br />

for taking memorable<br />

photographs.<br />

Menus feature fresh<br />

selections for a variety of<br />

different tastes and dietary<br />

requirements. From formal<br />

reception menus to informal<br />

barbeques, Links own executive<br />

chef has assembled unique<br />

gastronomic offerings and is eager<br />

to help with special requests and<br />

repasts.<br />

Light, bright and sparkling<br />

new, this lovely venue has the<br />

latest technology for your event<br />

or function and convenient<br />

complimentary parking for you<br />

and your guests. Located just<br />

10 minutes from the city and<br />

20 minutes from the airport,<br />

Links at the<br />

Christchurch<br />

Golf Club is<br />

a green and<br />

gracious oasis<br />

any time of<br />

the year.<br />

Staff are<br />

devoted<br />

to making<br />

your special<br />

occasion<br />

memorable<br />

every step of the way from<br />

planning to execution.<br />

If you would like to discuss<br />

availability and options for your<br />

wedding or<br />

event, contact Links Manager,<br />

Karyn Yorston call 021 061 3250<br />

or email karyn@linksevents.co.nz

84 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

There may be a dress code indicated on your wedding<br />

invitation, but what does it really MEAN? Modern attire<br />

is generally less formal or defined than in the past, so<br />

here are some guidelines to avoid making a mistake in<br />

guest dress-etiquette.<br />

DRESS CODE - WHITE TIE<br />

<strong>This</strong> is the most formal and least likely in New Zealand<br />

as it is generally reserved for royal occasions, award<br />

ceremonies, celebrity weddings or extra wealthy people!<br />

HE WEARS<br />

Tuxedo with black<br />

jacket and tails, white<br />

vest, white shirt with<br />

wing collar, white bow<br />

tie, black shoes, white<br />

gloves optional.<br />

SHE WEARS<br />

Full length ball gown,<br />

formal hairstyle,<br />

glamorous make up and<br />

formal jewellery.<br />

DRESS CODE - BLACK TIE<br />

The next most formal style is usually worn for a late<br />

wedding and formal evening reception with sit down<br />

dinner.<br />

HE WEARS<br />

Dinner suit tuxedo,<br />

bow tie, cummerbund<br />

and black shoes, waistcoat<br />

optional.<br />

SHE WEARS<br />

Less formal long gown<br />

or a dressy cocktail<br />

outfit.<br />

DRESS CODE - SEMI FORMAL<br />

Many New Zealand weddings adopt this<br />

level of formality for a daytime wedding<br />

and evening reception.<br />

HE WEARS<br />

A lounge suit<br />

in traditional or<br />

modern style with<br />

coordinating shirt<br />

and tie.<br />

SHE WEARS<br />

Smart day wear<br />

whether a dress,<br />

ensemble or dressy<br />

evening pants with<br />

a top or jacket. Hat<br />

optional.<br />

DRESS CODE - SMART CASUAL<br />

Often chosen for an informal wedding,<br />

this dress code confuses guests. Some<br />

will dress at the smart end of the<br />

spectrum while others take “casual” to<br />

mean what they wear at home. So wear<br />

what you would choose for an evening<br />

out in a good restaurant.<br />

HE WEARS<br />

Light or dark<br />

trousers, shirt of<br />

choice,vest, tie and<br />

jacket optional.<br />

SHE WEARS<br />

Cocktail length<br />

dress, skirt and top<br />

or pants and blouse,<br />

jacket optional.<br />

DRESS CODE - CASUAL<br />

<strong>This</strong> really does mean casual and is<br />

often the code for a beach wedding or a<br />

tropical resort.<br />

HE WEARS<br />

Light pants or<br />

board shorts,<br />

occasionally jeans,<br />

a shirt of choice<br />

but no tie, sandals<br />

or loafers, hat and<br />

sunnies optional.<br />

SHE WEARS<br />

A sundress or maxi<br />

dress, hat for the<br />

sun, pretty sandals,<br />

hairstyle and make<br />

up natural, sunnies<br />

optional .<br />

Although they are worn almost anywhere,<br />

jeans are rarely suitable for a wedding<br />

unless the ceremony is at the beach.<br />

Whatever you wear to a wedding and/or<br />

reception, make sure it is clean, pressed<br />

and not past its best. Your hosts will have<br />

puts months of time and a lot of money<br />

into this special occasion, so don’t insult<br />

them by arriving inappropriately attired<br />

for the dress code or the style of wedding<br />

they have indicated.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 85<br />

MAKE YOUR<br />

Most weddings are<br />

eagerly anticipated<br />

by the guests, but<br />

you can enhance<br />

their enjoyment<br />

and memories of<br />

the day by making<br />

them a priority.<br />

BEFORE THE WEDDING<br />

Announce your wedding date<br />

and send invitations in ample time<br />

for guests to plan their travelling<br />

arrangements especially from<br />

overseas. For out of town guests<br />

provide welcome packs and useful<br />

information about locations,<br />

transport and accommodation.<br />

Include a wide range of items and<br />

prices on your gift register so guests<br />

have plenty of choice.<br />

Put up clear signage directing<br />

guests to the ceremony and the<br />

reception. Reduce the time gap<br />

between the ceremony location and<br />

the reception venue or consider<br />

having a single venue for the<br />

convenience of you and your guests.<br />

DURING THE WEDDING<br />

& RECEPTION<br />

Ensure the room temperature is<br />

comfortable, that there is plenty<br />

of seating for elderly guests and<br />

facilities for guests to freshen up<br />

if they wish. Seat people together<br />

with similar ages and interests and<br />

consider organising an activity for<br />

guests to mix and meet each other.<br />

Engage a good MC, limit<br />

speeches, make sure your music is<br />

not too loud and appeals to guests<br />

of all ages. Keep children amused<br />

with activities and ensure you have<br />

accommodated any special dietary<br />

needs of your guests. Pamper them<br />

with fine food and drinks, provide<br />

entertainment while you are having<br />

your photographs taken.<br />

Be sure to circulate at your<br />

reception and be certain to talk to<br />

all the guests, even if you haven’t<br />

met them before. Always thank your<br />

guests for their gifts and for coming<br />

to your wedding, especially those<br />

who have travelled long<br />

distances to be there.<br />

AFTER THE WEDDING<br />

Make sure your MC or groomsmen check that all<br />

guests have transport to their home or accommodation.<br />

Find time to thank the caterers and reception staff<br />

before you leave the wedding.<br />

Set up a website for guests to view photos and<br />

videos of the day and write to formally thank guests for<br />

their individual gifts or role in your wedding. It’s also<br />

customary to give or send flowers to the mothers of<br />

bride and groom for their love, support and help at your<br />

wedding, or on return from your honeymoon, invite<br />

immediate family to a “newly weds thank you dinner.”

86 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Vintage style shows no sign of waning, perhaps<br />

because it showcases romance and suits settings<br />

that range from rustic or regal. It’s also an easyto-achieve<br />

theme across many aspects of your<br />

wedding so there’s creativity as well as continuity<br />

of style.<br />

But don’t confuse vintage with retro which is generally<br />

defined as post war 1940’s and 50’s onwards, while vintage<br />

captures the style of the 1920’s and 30’s back to the<br />

Edwardian era of World War.<br />

Vintage Chic<br />

Silk, satin, lace and crepe de chine, shades of ecru, antique<br />

rose, lavender and cream, flounces and frills, drop waists and<br />

pleated tulle, sashes, bows and torsolettes, handkerchief veils<br />

or picture hats, low heeled shoes and parasols.<br />

Vintage Décor<br />

Marquees and gazebos, urns and statues, lights and<br />

lanterns, crisp white linen and sparkling<br />

silver, monogrammed menus and vases<br />

of flowers.<br />

Vintage<br />

Jewellery<br />

Pearls, diamonds,<br />

emeralds and<br />

garnets, rose gold,<br />

marquisite, cushion<br />

cuts, pave settings,<br />

brooches and hat pins.<br />

Vintage Gifts<br />

Crystal bowls and<br />

goblets, fine china<br />

teacups and cake<br />

plates, damask cloths,<br />

engraved cutlery and<br />

a silver tray, cocktail<br />

glasses and a shaker,<br />

embroidered towels and<br />

monogrammed sheets,<br />

printed stationery.<br />

Vintage<br />

Blooms<br />

Roses, peonies,<br />

lilac, lavender,<br />

lily of the<br />

valley, pansies,<br />

hydrangeas,<br />

forget-me-nots,<br />

sweet peas and<br />

baby’s breath.<br />

Make beautiful wedding memories<br />

at Westhaven Gardens Award Winning Wedding Venue.<br />

Exclusive use allows you to celebrate in complete privacy<br />

whilst enjoying the idyllic rural surroundings. Our complete<br />

wedding packages offer you the convenience of having your<br />

entire day in one stunning location.<br />

Torlesse Road, West Melton<br />

Phone Rochelle 03-347-4470 or 027-615-5073<br />

www.westhavengardens.co.nz

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 87<br />

For memories that last a<br />

lifetime, distinguish your<br />

perfect day and set the<br />

stage for the wedding of<br />

your dreams.<br />

Celebrate your wedding in our<br />

picturesque vineyard setting and<br />

elegant, contemporary wedding<br />

venue. <strong>With</strong> experienced hosts to<br />

make your wedding wishes come<br />

true, you and your guests will be<br />

delighted!<br />

Combined with almost 20<br />

years experience of hosting<br />

weddings, The Vineyard @<br />

Rossendale is a versatile venue<br />

for that once in a lifetime event.<br />

Set against the backdrop of our<br />

working Pinot Noir vineyard<br />

and exquisite mature gardens,<br />

the location provides captivating<br />

surroundings for your ceremony,<br />

photographs and reception.<br />

The Vineyard @ Rossendale<br />

is available for weddings<br />

throughout the year, with each<br />

season bringing its own unique<br />

visual beauty. Whether you have<br />

dreamed of a lavish wedding<br />

breakfast, a sophisticated cocktail<br />

party or an elegant lunch, The<br />

Vineyard team will listen to<br />

your ideas and then use their<br />

knowledge and experience to<br />

enhance them and “make it<br />

happen.”<br />

By making the planning simple<br />

and the day itself effortlessly<br />

The Star with this ring v1 0303<strong>2016</strong>.pdf 1 3/03/<strong>2016</strong> 9:40:11 a.m.<br />

enjoyable, couples are able to<br />

focus on what really matters;<br />

“you, your family, your friends and<br />

your commitment to each other”<br />

says Graham Jones Manager and<br />

Wedding Coordinator.<br />

Our superb venue incorporates<br />

the Pinot Noir Room<br />

accommodating up to 200 guests,<br />

a spacious dance floor, relaxing<br />

lounge and a private, luxurious<br />

retreat for the bridal party to<br />

freshen up during the wedding.<br />

A variety of buffet or served<br />

menus offers a selection of<br />

delicious dishes prepared on site<br />

by The Vineyard’s team of chefs<br />

and there is flexibility to select the<br />

dining style that suits you.<br />

The Vineyard’s own wines<br />

or beverages of your choice<br />

complement the superb cuisine.<br />

Served indoors or outdoors, at<br />

sunrise or sunset, your guests will<br />

be treated to a day to remember.<br />

Our staff are dedicated to assist<br />

you in creating an unforgettable<br />

occasion.<br />

The venue is available for<br />

viewing and we invite you to<br />

discuss your dream wedding at<br />

The Vineyard by phoning Graham<br />

or Liz on 03 322 7780. For<br />

further information visit www.<br />

rossendale.co.nz or the facebook<br />

page for a 360 degree virtual tour.

88 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> There’s nothing nicer than a wedding where guests mix and<br />

mingle no matter which side of the family or group of friends they<br />

represent. But sometimes you need a way of breaking the ice<br />

and planning something they can enjoy while the bridal party are<br />

being photographed. So try these games that are fun for all ages.<br />

BIG GAMES<br />

The popularity of giant garden games has made it an<br />

affordable option for wedding entertainment. Chess,<br />

draughts, giant jenga, pick-up sticks, snakes & ladders are<br />

suitable for almost all age groups and therefore encourage<br />

guests to interact with each other.<br />

FIND A PERSON WHO…<br />

Is wearing the same colour as you<br />

Whose name starts with the same letter<br />

Is drinking white wine<br />

Is wearing a hat<br />

Drives a Toyota<br />

Lives in the North Island<br />

Lives in the South Island<br />

Has come to the wedding by plane<br />

Is aged under 21<br />

Has grey hair<br />

Is blonde<br />

Can speak another language<br />

Wears glasses<br />

Has a birthday in the same month<br />

Owns a dog<br />

Is left handed<br />

Is wearing a tie<br />

Owns their own business<br />

Is wearing nail polish<br />

Looks happy<br />

MIX AND<br />

MINGLE QUIZ<br />

Print out a finda<br />

sheet for every<br />

guest and let<br />

them get busy!<br />

You can even quiz<br />

them on how<br />

well they know<br />

each other in the<br />

speeches.<br />

SMALL<br />

GAMES<br />

Croquet, lawn<br />

bowls and mini<br />

golf are easily set up on an<br />

expanse of lawn and don’t<br />

need elaborate equipment.<br />

Most ages can play whether<br />

individually or in a group or<br />

team. Other options include<br />

petanque or quoits.<br />

PHOTO BOOTH<br />

Entertain guests with a photo<br />

booth for some great candid<br />

shots of your favourite folks<br />

throughout the reception.<br />

Provide some props and<br />

costumes and a backdrop and<br />

let them loose.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 89<br />

Christchurch’s Quality Hotel<br />

Elms has been designed<br />

to maximise its beautiful<br />

surroundings and live up<br />

to the expectations of its<br />

garden city location.<br />

Offering an exceptional<br />

wedding venue and stylish<br />

comfortable accommodation, the<br />

hotel offers a delightful setting for<br />

your ceremony, your reception<br />

and your guests.<br />

The elegant facilities allow you to<br />

have a charming ceremony amid<br />

manicured gardens and a purpose<br />

built reception area for you to<br />

host up to 120 guests. Quality<br />

Hotel Elms has developed three<br />

different packages to make your<br />

wedding day arrangements as<br />

smooth and simple as possible.<br />

In a stress-free three step<br />

process you can choose the<br />

ideal meal, beverage and venue<br />

set-up for your style and budget<br />

requirements.<br />

Each package offers you a range<br />

of inclusions while delivering an<br />

exemplary standard of food, wine,<br />

service and accommodation.<br />

Whether you choose a small<br />

intimate wedding or a large event<br />

with all your family and friends,<br />

Quality Hotel Elms professional<br />

Functions Manager can coordinate<br />

everything to make your special<br />

day extra special.<br />

<strong>With</strong> 96 beautifully appointed<br />

rooms or deluxe rooms, you<br />

and your guests can also be<br />

accommodated in fastidious<br />

comfort. The hotel’s location is<br />

also ideal with convenient access<br />

to Christchurch city and local<br />

attractions including Northlands<br />

Mall shopping, cinema and a<br />

variety of restaurants.<br />

Elegant, refined and ready to<br />

make your wedding wonderful,<br />

Quality Hotel Elms is a venue<br />

worth waiting for. So visit them<br />

to secure your date as soon as<br />

possible.<br />

www.qualityhotelelms.co.nz<br />

WEDDINGS<br />

All inclusive packages<br />

and free venue hire<br />

gives you more choice<br />

for your wedding day.<br />

QUALITY HOTEL ELMS<br />

www.qualityhotelelms.co.nz<br />

P. 0800 10 99 10<br />

E. events@qualityhotelelms.co.nz

Introducing<br />

Whether you are looking for a classic, vintage, intimate or elegant occasion,<br />

Tuscany Downs Estate offers a stunning setting.<br />

Planning a wedding away from<br />

home is attractive to different<br />

couples for different reasons.<br />

But whether you are looking for<br />

a classic, vintage, intimate or<br />

elegant occasion, Tuscany Downs<br />

Estate offers a stunning location<br />

just 25 minutes drive from<br />

Christchurch City Centre. There<br />

is something special about driving<br />

to the countryside for a special<br />

occasion and with a touch of rural<br />

splendour, Tuscany Downs Estate<br />

at Kirwee offers a perfect setting<br />

to stage your dream wedding.<br />

<strong>This</strong> private, picturesque venue is<br />

impressively situated amidst acres<br />

of manicured lawns and beautiful<br />

tree-lined gardens, while its<br />

stunning lake setting provides an<br />

ideal location for romantic spring,<br />

summer or autumn weddings.<br />

Parking is plentiful and<br />

with 5 luxury rooms onsite,<br />

Tuscany Downs Estate<br />

offers opportunities for bridal<br />

party accommodation, or<br />

indeed family travelling to<br />

Christchurch from out of town.<br />

Likewise, it is a wonderful<br />

opportunity for the bridal couple<br />

to stay for the weekend whilst<br />

entertaining guests in style.<br />

Your wedding reception can<br />

be beautifully decorated in<br />

an intimate ambient style or<br />

alternatively in a stunning silk<br />

lined marquee under the stars.<br />

For the wedding nuptials, an<br />

elegant indoor or beautiful<br />

garden setting awaits. <strong>With</strong><br />

superb facilities comprising a<br />

heated indoor swimming pool,<br />

outdoor patio and expansive<br />

lawn, a pre or post wedding<br />

function could also be enjoyed.<br />

What better way to delight your<br />

guests than to have your function<br />

in a beautiful and private country<br />

location, with fabulous food<br />

featuring fresh local produce<br />

and seasonally inspired menus,<br />

innovatively presented with<br />

impeccable service.<br />

Tuscany Downs Estates’<br />

international award-winning<br />

wedding planner is a dedicated,<br />

experienced professional<br />

with a reputation for ‘service<br />

excellence.’ Having spent many<br />

years developing relationships<br />

with wedding industry suppliers,<br />

you can rely on their confidence,<br />

expertise and recommendations to<br />

suit individual styles and budgets<br />

when creating your perfect day.

Whether a small wedding of 20 or a larger affair, Tuscany Downs Estate can<br />

provide the ideal setting with views of country splendour.<br />

Perfect country location<br />

Picturesque outdoor ceremony setting<br />

Stunning garden and lake photo opportunities<br />

5 luxury accommodation rooms<br />

Stylish indoor and outdoor reception facilities<br />

Outdoor entertaining facilities, ideally designed to farewell guests the following day<br />

Spanning lawns for that perfect marquee setting<br />

Tuscany Downs’ Estate international award-winning wedding planner is a dedicated, experienced<br />

professional with a reputation for ‘service excellence’. Suzanne will co-ordinate your day to perfection.<br />

Contact Suzanne and discuss your dreams<br />

E: suzanne@tuscanydowns.com M: 021 369 414 W: www.tuscanydowns.com

94 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Discover a city of<br />

quintessential Scottish<br />

charm which has given<br />

New Zealand; its first<br />

university, the only castle,<br />

the steepest street, a city of<br />

fine Victorian buildings and<br />

naturally, its own Scotch<br />

whisky!<br />

It is a place to savour and<br />

explore with some unique<br />

attractions both natural and<br />

manmade.<br />

The Octagon is the civic heart<br />

of Dunedin and is dominated by<br />

a statue of Scottish bard, Robbie<br />

Burns who has stared benevolently<br />

over the city for 150 years. You<br />

will also find St Paul’s Cathedral,<br />

Dunedin Public Art Gallery and<br />

the Visitor Centre, plus various<br />

shops, cafes and a thriving<br />

Saturday market.<br />

Trek steeply up Stuart St to<br />

find Moana Pool and the stately<br />

Olveston House, while a stroll<br />

towards Otago Harbour takes you<br />

to the Railway Station. Nowadays,<br />

the building houses the New<br />

Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and<br />

only the Taieri Gorge Railway<br />

departs daily from this grand<br />

Edwardian edifice. Nearby is the<br />

magnificently redeveloped Toitu<br />

Settlers Museum and the Chinese<br />

Garden or you can indulge in<br />

a tour at Cadbury World or<br />

Speight’s Brewery which produces<br />

a fearsome number of pints each<br />

week!<br />

The northern end of the<br />

city is dominated by the classic<br />

architecture of Otago University<br />

founded in 1869. Otago Museum<br />

is right beside it and its various<br />

exhibitions and “Tropical World<br />

Butterfly House” will not<br />

disappoint. The Forsyth Barr<br />

Stadium is the only covered<br />

stadium in the country and a fine<br />

venue for sporting and concert<br />

events too. The long established<br />

Botanic Gardens are beautifully<br />

maintained, while nearby<br />

Baldwin Street rises an impressive<br />

200m and its steep gradient has<br />

challenged the fit and the foolish<br />

for decades.<br />

Dunedin has its share of superb<br />

restaurants and cosy pubs with<br />

live music, the Fortune Theatre<br />

produces fine professional<br />

productions and the Casino is<br />

open late for a supper ‘n’ flutter.<br />

Built during goldrush prosperity<br />

its opulent gaming rooms are a<br />

visual treat whether you win at the<br />

tables or not!<br />

But just a few kilometres<br />

from downtown Dunedin, Otago<br />

Peninsula provides the city with a<br />

unique recreational, historical and<br />

ecological playground. Best known<br />

attractions are the Royal Albatross<br />

colony at Taiaroa Head the Yellow<br />

Eyed Penguin Conservation<br />

Reserve, the New Zealand Marine<br />

Studies Centre at Portobello,<br />

Glenfalloch Gardens and Larnach<br />

Castle built extravagantly in 1871<br />

and wonderfully restored for<br />

today’s visitors to appreciate.<br />

<strong>With</strong> accommodation ranging<br />

from castle to camping, visitors<br />

to Dunedin are well catered for<br />

whether you stay put and get to<br />

know Dunedin in depth or the<br />

city is part of a southern road trip<br />

itinerary.<br />

There are so many romantic, beautiful wedding venues located on the<br />

rail links. At a church, a restaurant, on a beach, in the country, or in<br />

the Taieri River Gorge? You can even get married on a train.<br />

We can accommodate any number of guests. You can hire a complete<br />

train set, or a single carriage, or travel on the first class comfort of the<br />

‘Dunedin Silver Fern’ railcar which seats 94. All trains are fully licensed<br />

and have buffet nibbles. Give our Rail Journey Planner a call today.<br />

P (03) 477-4449 • E reserve@dunedinrailways.co.nz • www.dunedinrailways.co.nz<br />

Discover Larnach castLe<br />

New Zealand’s Castle<br />

“THE<br />

PERFECT<br />

SETTNG<br />

FOR YOUR<br />

WEDDING”<br />

Phone 03 476 1616 Freephone 0800 527 6224 | Email functions@larnachcastle.co.nz | www.larnachcastle.co.nz

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 95<br />

It’s a year round resort that<br />

captivates its visitors from<br />

near and far; a romantic<br />

getaway with scenery to<br />

sigh for, wild adventures<br />

to nearly die for, a winter<br />

wonderland to see and<br />

ski or a summer sojourn of<br />

lakeside leisure. But for a<br />

honeymoon, Queenstown<br />

is a diamond destination!<br />

Rising 800m above Lake<br />

Wakatipu, Bob’s Peak has to<br />

be one of the most romantic<br />

views in the world. Accessed by<br />

gondola, or perhaps a champagne<br />

helicopter ride, enjoy a candlelit<br />

meal high above the lights of<br />

Queenstown at the skyline<br />

restaurant, which has delighted<br />

diners for decades.<br />

The lakefront dazzles at<br />

night and is also home to some<br />

of Queenstown’s most historic<br />

attractions.<br />

Eichardts is the town’s oldest<br />

hotel and has an atmosphere all<br />

its own as well as a long pedigree<br />

of refurbishments from gold<br />

rush to contemporary plush. The<br />

TSS Earnslaw has been cruising<br />

Lake Wakatipu since 1912 and<br />

nostalgia is all part of the “Lady<br />

of the Lake’s” allure. But if a trip<br />

on the historic steam ship is too<br />

genteel, hop aboard the Kawarau<br />

or Shotover Jet boat for a wet and<br />

wilder ride.<br />

Your honeymoon may be<br />

the ideal time to enjoy one of<br />

Queenstown’s wacky adventures<br />

together. Depending on your<br />

bravery rating, you can do<br />

anything from the fun of a luge or<br />

Ziptrek flying fox to iconic bungy<br />

jumping, white water rafting or<br />

the lunacy of a canyon swing.<br />

Then again you may prefer<br />

taste adventure at Central Otago’s<br />

best wineries;<br />

Gibbston Valley,<br />

Chard Farm or<br />

Amisfield where<br />

you can sample<br />

fine wine,<br />

fine food, fine<br />

surroundings and fine company of<br />

course.<br />

The romance of the area’s<br />

gold mining past is worth a trip<br />

to Skippers Canyon where the<br />

Shotover River was once the<br />

world’s largest gold-bearing river.<br />

It squeezes through a narrow<br />

gorge that is now the venue for<br />

a heart stopping 9km Skippers<br />

Jet boat ride. High above the<br />

canyon, Winky’s Museum traces<br />

Skippers gold history from boom<br />

to bust and the original miner’s<br />

cottage is crammed with authentic<br />

memorabilia, implements and<br />

relics including a stack or gold<br />

pans for you to try your luck.<br />

Nearby Arrowtown offers<br />

a heritage adventure among<br />

restored pioneer cottages and<br />

picturesque shops and pubs<br />

dating from the 1860’s when<br />

the town’s population reached<br />

7000 at the peak of the gold<br />

rush. There’s still gold in the<br />

Arrow River and beside it, the<br />

Chinese’s miner’s village is an<br />

authentic reconstruction of life<br />

as they knew it. Surrounded by<br />

self-guided walking tours, bike<br />

trails and three golf courses,<br />

Arrowtown is a treasure in its<br />

own right and its remarkable<br />

history is well documented at the<br />

Lakes Museum.<br />

For a romantic indulgence,<br />

book a spa treatment at one of<br />

Queenstown’s premier hotels<br />

or retreats. Discover fine dining<br />

restaurants, enjoy wicked cocktail<br />

concoctions at The Boileroom<br />

or the quirky chill of the Icebar<br />

which gives you a taste of winter<br />

by the glass!<br />

When it is really winter<br />

Coronet Peak and The<br />

Remarkables will lure you to<br />

the slopes to ski, snowboard,<br />

toboggan or go tubing. If it’s<br />

summer you can still ride the<br />

chairlifts or mountain bike from<br />

top to stop and Queenstown<br />

is a heavenly hub for exploring<br />

Fiordland by road, boat or scenic<br />

flight.<br />

Adventure, heritage,<br />

indulgence or all three,<br />

Queenstown is a resort for all<br />

seasons and all reasons, and<br />

what better reason than your<br />

honeymoon?

96 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Sherry has just become the “in” tipple of choice<br />

among a generation that would only have seen it<br />

previously in Grandma’s sideboard or before the<br />

turkey dinner at Christmas!<br />

But believe it or not, there are now “Sherry Bars” in the<br />

edgier parts of London, sales have increased there by 33% in<br />

a year and the range of different sherries is as varied as your<br />

favourite wines.<br />

Of course sherry has never been out of style in Spain<br />

where it is produced, but the global popularity of tapas,<br />

paella and jamon has also served to re-introduce sherry as a<br />

sophisticated food and wine match. Ranging from bone dry to<br />

rich and sweet, sherry is also superbly versatile as an aperitif,<br />

a cocktail, a dessert wine and an after dinner drink.<br />

Viniculture was first introduced to Spain by the<br />

Phoenicians in 1100BC, was continued by the Romans in<br />

200BC and refined by the Moors when they invaded in<br />

711AD. Columbus took sherry supplies with him to the New<br />

World, Magellan took sherry when he circumnavigated the<br />

world and when Francis Drake fought Spain and conquered<br />

Cadiz, he commandeered 3000 barrels of sherry and took it<br />

home to England. By the end of 16th century the drink was<br />

considered the world’s finest wine.<br />

Sherry is made from white Palomino grapes grown in the<br />

Cadiz region of Andalusia, where the centre of the industry<br />

is the town of Jerez de la Frontera. Sherry varieties range<br />

from light versions (Manzanilla and Fino) which are similar to<br />

white table wines to darker versions that have been barrelaged<br />

such as Amontillado or Oloroso. Sweet dessert sherries<br />

are made from a blend of Moscatel and Palominio grapes,<br />

while Cream Sherry was first made in 1860 by blending<br />

Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez.<br />

After fermentation the base wine is “fortified” or made<br />

stronger with grape spirit to increase the alcohol content to<br />

15.5%. Similar to French laws regarding the protection of<br />

the origin of Champagne, under Spanish law, all wine labelled<br />

as “Sherry” must come from the “Sherry Triangle” in the<br />

southern province of Cadiz.<br />

Because of its high alcohol content, Sherry is best sipped<br />

and savoured and lends itself to the “platter” style of dining.<br />

But best of all Sherry is remarkably affordable for a quality<br />

beverage with a pedigree that goes back 3000 years.<br />

According to Wine Magazine, Sherry has been the most<br />

under-appreciated wine since its popularity waned in the<br />

1970’s. New devotees are becoming smitten with the taste,<br />

although they sometimes need guidance when choosing a<br />

sherry to enjoy with their cuisine. “Salude”<br />

In many countries, a “sherry” glass is designated for<br />

alcoholic beverages such as sherry, port, aperitifs and liqueurs<br />

and its small size allowed a modest measure of the drink<br />

to be sipped. However, the traditional Spanish sherry glass<br />

or “copita” has a narrow taper to enhance the aroma, but<br />

essentially is a medium sized wine glass with a tulip shape.

ON A STICK<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 97<br />

Canape style receptions are a popular wedding trend with<br />

mouth watering finger food on easy-to-serve trays. But while they<br />

encourage guests to mix and mingle, they can be less than easy<br />

to eat! So in the interests of practicality and good manners, serving<br />

stuff on a stick reduces the chance of dripping, slipping, slopping or<br />

dropping your food down your front, or someone else’s!!<br />

FRESH FRUIT KEBABS<br />

Thread a selection of fresh fruit<br />

pieces onto small sticks for a<br />

colourful healthy dessert. Keep soft<br />

fruits like strawberries, orange<br />

segments and kiwifruit slices<br />

in place by interspersing<br />

firm fruits like grapes,<br />

melon, pineapple<br />

and pear at<br />

either<br />

end<br />

of the<br />

stick.<br />

ROAST MEAT<br />

AND VEGETABLES<br />

Slide a colourful selection of<br />

vegetables and juicy meat cubes<br />

along the skewer, baste with oil<br />

and grill. Try tomatoes, mushrooms,<br />

capsicum, eggplant, pumpkin,<br />

tiny potatoes or parsnips between<br />

your choice of meat or put slices<br />

of apple with pork.<br />

COCKTAIL NIBBLES<br />

Use short skewers or toothpicks for<br />

dainty pre-dinner nibbles; devils on<br />

horseback, cheese and pineapple,<br />

cranberry and brie, smoked salmon,<br />

a seafood selection, teeny bite sized club<br />

sandwiches or sliders.<br />

CAKE POPS<br />

An alternative way to serve your<br />

wedding cake, cake pops are bite sized<br />

fondant covered morsels on a stick.<br />

Displayed on trays and tiers they are<br />

neat, new and novel.<br />

MEAT KEBABS<br />

Minced beef, pork, chicken or lamb<br />

can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices,<br />

pressed around the skewer and cooked quickly. Provide<br />

dipping sauces that represent different cuisines and let<br />

your guests enjoy tastes from around the world.<br />

HOT DOGS<br />

Ramp up the original meal on a stick<br />

and make your sausage centres totally<br />

gourmet; honey soy, lamb and mint, pork<br />

and apple or smoky bacon. Battered,<br />

crumbed or herb crusted, tomato dipped<br />

or served with sweet chilli sauce, a hot dog<br />

is still a firm favourite.<br />

GOURMET ICE BLOCKS<br />

Freeze your favourite fruit or yoghurt into<br />

ice blocks, or serve fancy frozen cocktails<br />

on a stick. They are refreshing on a hot day,<br />

are a light cooling dessert at the end of a<br />

reception meal and a no-mess option that<br />

can be prepared well in advance.<br />

STICK N SERVE<br />

Or you can “stick n serve” bite sized<br />

brownies, mini macaroons, petit fours,<br />

tiny cubes of cheesecake, soft centred<br />

chocolates, turkish delight, coconut<br />

coated rum truffles, russian fudge or<br />

chocolate coated strawberries.

98 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

For couples on a<br />

budget, or couples<br />

who want a special drink<br />

for themselves or their<br />

wedding party, serving<br />

your own signature<br />

cocktail can be a<br />

smart move and a<br />

romantic one!<br />

Even the simplest of ingredients can look spectacular<br />

once shaken, stirred, poured over ice<br />

and garnished. To serve it as your own special<br />

cocktail, make it taste FRESH, name it for<br />

FUN and choose the right<br />

glass for it to look FABULOUS.<br />

COCKTAIL RECIPE<br />

- 15mls cointreau<br />

orange liqueur<br />

- 15mls brandy<br />

- 1 cube of sugar<br />

- Dash of bitters<br />

- 120mls<br />

Champagne<br />

MOCKTAIL RECIPE<br />

- 15mls orange juice<br />

- 15mls ginger ale<br />

- 1 cube of sugar<br />

- 1 sugar cube<br />

- Dash of bitters<br />

- 120mls sparkling<br />

Grape juice<br />

METHOD<br />

Place the sugar cube at the bottom of a champagne flute<br />

and soak it in bitters. Add the liqueur and brandy<br />

(or OJ and ginger ale), top up the glass with champagne<br />

(or grape juice) and garnish with a twist of orange.<br />

Exceeding your<br />

expectations!<br />

One bite at a time!<br />

NAME IT<br />

Sweet with orange and sugar,<br />

warmed by the brandy and<br />

tickled by celebration<br />

bubbles this is a<br />

“GOODNIGHT KISS”<br />

in a glass!<br />

P 03 383 1403 ext 3<br />

www.tastefulaffairs.co.nz

ADVERTORIAL<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 99<br />

YEARS<br />

A testament to fine food<br />

and professional integrity,<br />

Kiwi Cuisine is celebrating<br />

20 years in the catering<br />

business “We want to thank<br />

the brides of Canterbury<br />

and beyond for allowing us<br />

to be part of their special<br />

day” says Director Stu<br />

Mackenzie.<br />

The company is also proud to<br />

have been part of the local wedding<br />

scene for so long and extends its<br />

appreciation to venue operators<br />

and all other industry-based<br />

businesses that have supported<br />

and worked with Kiwi Cuisine<br />

so loyally for 20 years. To help<br />

them celebrate, Kiwi Cuisine will<br />

GIVEAWAY A WEDDING<br />

CATERING PACKAGE<br />

to one lucky bride and groom<br />

who book for 2017 to the value<br />

of $2000 (terms and conditions<br />

apply).<br />

After two decades of catering<br />

weddings and events, the<br />

Christchurch based company<br />

consists of a professional team with<br />

respected experience and longevity<br />

in the food industry. Kiwi Cuisine<br />

has developed an extensive range of<br />

menus to suit all styles, occasions<br />

and budgets which can be viewed<br />

on the company’s informative and<br />

user-friendly website.<br />

<strong>With</strong> the ability to cater<br />

for large weddings not only in<br />

Canterbury but anywhere in the<br />

South Island, customers have<br />

always shown appreciation for<br />

their upfront pricing, flexible “mix<br />

and match” menu options, fresh<br />

food, special dietary catering,<br />

complimentary salad samples and<br />

professional service. “Whichever<br />

menu you select, you can rest<br />

assured that we will provide the<br />

perfect balance between quality<br />

and quantity with a level of service<br />

we are proud of ” says Stu<br />

Renowned for value and variety,<br />

Kiwi Cuisine’s serviced buffets<br />

include your cutlery, crockery,<br />

buffet table and tablecloth along<br />

with all the catering equipment<br />

required to serve and present your<br />

chosen menu, as well as uniformed<br />

and professional staff to serve you<br />

and your guests.<br />

The company also operates a<br />

liquor licence allowing customers<br />

to buy directly or serve their own<br />

range of beverages. Kiwi Cuisine<br />

can then offer professional bar staff<br />

to serve your beverages without an<br />

additional corkage fee.<br />

Whilst primarily a catering<br />

company Kiwi Cuisine can provide<br />

you with the complete event and<br />

a complimentary online wedding<br />

planner. They will go to any venue<br />

you choose from mountain top<br />

to marquee and are proud to be<br />

a preferred caterer at delightful<br />

wedding venues like Pembertons,<br />

Tipapa Woolshed, Rosemount,<br />

Darjon and Mt Vernon to name<br />

a few, or a simple wedding on<br />

the beach and at New Brighton<br />

Memorial Hall<br />

Kiwi Cuisine also works closely<br />

with many reputable suppliers<br />

so whether it is booking a venue,<br />

organising a marquee, arranging<br />

table settings, cakes, flowers,<br />

photographers or music they can<br />

help. “We look forward to being<br />

part of weddings in Canterbury for<br />

many years to come, so let us guide<br />

you with our years of knowledge<br />

and experience” says Stu.<br />

Call now to secure your<br />

preferred date and place and<br />

discuss your wedding reception<br />

ideas with the experts. For further<br />

information & inspiration visit<br />

www.kiwicuisine.com or visit<br />

their Facebook page: Kiwi Cuisine<br />

Catering.

100 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Want to look your sparkling best<br />

on your wedding day? Believe<br />

it or not you can eat yourself<br />

beautiful with these 10 super<br />

foods in your regular diet.<br />

6.<br />

1. AVOCADO<br />

Packed full of anti oxidants, potassium and healthy fats,<br />

avocados can reduce age spots, heal scars, burns and<br />

soothe inflamed ski. The natural sugar in avocados also<br />

boosts collagen formation and is the vegetable of choice<br />

for fighting skin blemishes.<br />

1.<br />

5.<br />

2. BLUEBERRIES<br />

The ultimate super food, in just100g of blueberries<br />

you’ll find the same amount of age-defying antioxidants<br />

as 5 servings of other fruit and vegetables.<br />

Blueberries also combat the effects of free radicals<br />

which are a pesky cause of wrinkles! So increase your<br />

blueberry intake to keep skin looking younger for<br />

longer.<br />

3. CHOCOLATE<br />

Isn’t it great that it’s actually healthy to eat a bit of<br />

chocolate - so long as it is dark. Dark chocolate is rich<br />

in the anti oxidants that improve blood flow and lower<br />

blood pressure.<br />

4. OATS<br />

Porridge really is good for you! As well as being low in<br />

fat, it’s chock full of calcium, potassium, protein and<br />

B & E vitamins – great for skin, stress and alleviating<br />

tiredness.<br />

9.<br />

4.<br />

5. PUMPKIN<br />

Pumpkin pulp and seeds are loaded with a variety of<br />

nutrients that help maintain the health of your heart,<br />

eyes, bones and skin. So don’t just go for pumpkin on<br />

Halloween, roast them and toast them for everyday use.<br />

8.<br />

6. SPINACH<br />

Filled with anti oxidants and beta carotene, spinach is<br />

an impressive source of iron for energy and keeps hair<br />

and nails strong and healthy. So go green often!<br />

7. STRAWBERRIES<br />

High in iron and a natural digestive cleanser,<br />

strawberries are a terrific super-food. They also contain<br />

high levels of Vitamin C which is crucial to immunity,<br />

healthy eyes and inhibition of wrinkles.<br />

3.<br />

2.<br />

7.<br />

10.<br />

8. TOMATOES<br />

The beta carotene and anti oxidants in tomatoes help to<br />

support our immune system, lower the risk of disease<br />

and protect the skin from sun damage. Retain them as<br />

part of your diet year round.<br />

9. WALNUTS<br />

<strong>With</strong> the highest levels of anti oxidants and essential<br />

fatty acids, walnuts are good for heart health,<br />

mood balance and stress. Just what you<br />

need when<br />

planning a wedding!<br />

10. WATERCRESS<br />

Often perceived as tasteless,<br />

this<br />

garnish works like a natural<br />

antibiotic and heals skin<br />

blemishes from the inside out.<br />

For a zit-free wedding<br />

day, add watercress to all your salads!

LET<br />

THE<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 101<br />

The time honoured tradition<br />

is to celebrate special<br />

moments in life with feasting<br />

– a simple word that indicates<br />

a meal that is well prepared<br />

and abundantly enjoyed.<br />

There are few more important<br />

celebrations than two people declaring<br />

their love and the following rejoicing<br />

includes a form of feasting, no matter<br />

how simple or lavish.<br />

If you’re at the stage of considering<br />

who you might trust with your<br />

wedding catering, contact Continental,<br />

a Canterbury family-owned business<br />

with more than 50 years’ experience of<br />

serving food and beverages at weddings<br />

and other special occasions all over the<br />

South Island.<br />

A passion for exceptional catering<br />

is at the core of Continental: the team<br />

aims to deliver on-trend, tasty, stylish<br />

cuisine served with flair by friendly and<br />

attentive professionals. <strong>This</strong> is the team<br />

you can trust to guide you through the<br />

intricacies of planning your wedding.<br />

Particular dietary requirements are<br />

not a problem (Continental has its own<br />

100% gluten free production kitchen,<br />

for example) and most budgets or guest<br />

numbers can be catered for.<br />

VENUES<br />

Due to its superb reputation, Continental has<br />

exclusive or preferred access to many special<br />

and/or unique function spaces: mountain,<br />

rural or seaside vistas, traditional or modern<br />

decor, charming or sophisticated ambience.<br />

<strong>With</strong>in Christchurch and Canterbury, these<br />

venues include:<br />

• Mona Vale Homestead<br />

• The Iris Lawn at Mona Vale<br />

• Christchurch Gondola<br />

• Christchurch Art Gallry<br />

• The Great Hall<br />

• Tipapa Woolshed<br />

• Waipara Winery<br />

• Valley of Peace<br />

• Harpers Homestead<br />

• International Antarctic Centre<br />

Continental also has an extensive knowledge<br />

base of other professionals you might need:<br />

hire equipment and marquees, lighting and<br />

sound; theming and flowers.<br />

MONA VALE HOMESTEAD<br />

Have a look at the website<br />

or contact the team:<br />

www.continental.co.nz<br />

enquiries@continental.co.nz

102 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

A “cake” of some sort has been a long standing<br />

feature of weddings for centuries. In Ancient Rome,<br />

weddings were finalised by breaking a cake of wheat<br />

or mustaceum, over the bride’s head for good fortune<br />

in the marriage. The couple then ate some of the<br />

crumbs together in a<br />

custom known as<br />

confarreatio – meaning<br />

“together.”<br />

Guests shared the rest as a<br />

gesture of good luck and toasted<br />

the couple by throwing a handful<br />

of fruits and nuts or confetto,<br />

which later evolved into the<br />

tradition of throwing rice, petals<br />

or paper “confetti. When the<br />

Romans invaded England in 55BC,<br />

many of their traditions arrived<br />

with them and develop into the<br />

customs we know today.<br />

By 17th century wedding cakes<br />

were made in pairs; the Bride<br />

Cake was eaten at the wedding<br />

while the Groom’s Cake was a rich<br />

fruit cake cut into small squares<br />

and given to guests to take home.<br />

The tradition of a Groom’s cake<br />

still survives in America, because<br />

the English took the custom with<br />

them when they settled the New<br />

World in the 17th century.<br />

By 18th century Bride Cake<br />

was iced with white powdered sugar<br />

which was thought to symbolise<br />

purity but it also demonstrated<br />

wealth because the whiter the<br />

refined sugar, the more expensive<br />

it was!<br />

Queen Victoria is credited<br />

with making white bridal<br />

gowns fashionable, but she also<br />

introduced the multi-tiered<br />

wedding cake, which she had<br />

decorated with doves, cupids and a<br />

statue of Britannia.<br />

Today there are no rules<br />

to define a wedding cake.<br />

Contemporary styles can be<br />

simple or sumptuous, single or<br />

multi-tiered and of every possible<br />

colour, shape or flavour.

WHAT TO CHOOSE<br />

• A tiered cake of separate<br />

flavours per tier<br />

• Croquem Bouche pyramid<br />

of profiteroles<br />

• Cup cake tower of individual<br />

cakes or macaroons<br />

• Dessert gateau, layer cake,<br />

mud cake or moist torte<br />

• Baked cheesecake with fruit<br />

or iced decoration<br />

• Cheese wheel with fruit, nuts<br />

and crackers to serve<br />

• “Naked” un-iced cake that’s topped<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 103<br />

Wedding cakes have always been part of the proceedings, but with<br />

decorative decoration techniques and technology they have become<br />

confections of visual perfection. The artistry of the decoration can be classic,<br />

modern, fun, funky, sculpted, shaped, piled, painted or piped and reflect<br />

almost any colour and theme the confectioner can deliver!<br />

ON DISPLAY<br />

• Choose a table the same shape as the cake<br />

• Or feature a tea trolley, a barrel, bar<br />

leaner or wine table<br />

• Set it with linen that enhances the<br />

colour of the cake<br />

• Select an elegant knife and cake slice<br />

• Ensure the cake stands out against a<br />

plain background<br />

• For extra light decorate with mirror<br />

glass, fairy lights or candles<br />

ICED THEN SLICED<br />

• Fondant icing is sweet sugar/gelatine dough<br />

rolled like pastry as a smooth surface for<br />

further decoration<br />

• Ganache is a rich soft blend of chocolate<br />

and cream for topping or filling a<br />

dessert cake<br />

• Buttercream blends egg, cream and<br />

butter for piping and individual<br />

decorations<br />

• Marzipan is a paste of sugar and ground<br />

almonds for making decorations or a<br />

smooth layer for royal icing<br />

• Royal Icing is a smooth mix of egg white<br />

and icing sugar for piping and topping<br />

that hardens over time<br />

TOP IT OFF<br />

Toppers are the final decorations that provide the finishing touch<br />

Fresh flowers<br />

Artificial flowers<br />

Figurines<br />

Stars<br />

Flags<br />

Motifs<br />

Monograms<br />

Words & Names<br />

HANDY HINTS<br />

• Ask for a taste test<br />

• Order 3-5months ahead<br />

• Choose a reputable cake maker<br />

• Buttercream and ganache need to be kept cool<br />

• Square cakes serve more guests than round ones<br />

• Fruit cakes “keep” and can be made well in advance<br />

• Make a small tier gluten free if necessary for some guests<br />

• Dessert cakes need to be freshly made just before the wedding<br />

• More cake is needed to serve as dessert as slices are bigger than supper<br />

Make your cake as<br />

unique as you and your<br />

wedding day<br />

WHEN TO SERVE<br />

• Cut for photographs and<br />

serve later<br />

• Cut and serve with champagne<br />

between ceremony and reception<br />

• Serve as the dessert<br />

• Serve as one of the desserts<br />

• Serve at the end of the<br />

wedding meal<br />

• Serve late at supper with<br />

liqueurs, port or coffee<br />

Phone 021 664 815<br />

www.kate@katescakery.com | www.facebook.com/katescakerynz

104 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Food and drink have been synonymous<br />

with wedding celebrations for centuries, but<br />

putting on a feast can literally swallow up<br />

vast chunks of your budget.<br />

So, you can either start culling<br />

the numbers of guests or you can<br />

look at more frugal fare to feed<br />

your chosen number of guests.<br />

If it is possible to reduce the<br />

numbers then it is a first good<br />

option and a substantial saving as<br />

many menus cost up to $100 per<br />

head or more. Reduce your list<br />

by 10 people and there’s up to<br />

$1000 saved.<br />

But if having fewer guests<br />

is non negotiable, a buffet is a<br />

budget friendly option because<br />

you don’t have to pay for waiters<br />

at every table. A sit down menu<br />

has a set portion per person but<br />

a buffet is bulk prepared and<br />

therefore goes further among<br />

guests. Your budget can be<br />

stretched even further if your<br />

wedding reception avoids a<br />

costly dinner and opts instead<br />

for a late lunch, a high tea or<br />

a chic but short canapé and wine<br />

event.<br />

However, if you prefer a sit<br />

down meal, select a set menu that<br />

limits the number of choices per<br />

course which is both time and cost<br />

effective. Keep dishes simple but<br />

tasty. Omitting an expensive garnish<br />

can save dollars and a bowl of salad<br />

or vegetables shared between guests<br />

is more economical than individual<br />

side dishes.<br />

You may wish you could have<br />

luxury foods like lobster on the<br />

menu. You can, but if cost is the<br />

issue, offer it as a canapé or an<br />

entrée but not as a main course!<br />

Don’t over-cater and offer your<br />

guests a bewildering variety of<br />

nibbles when three or four would<br />

be adequate. Avoid overpriced<br />

items, when a similar cheaper<br />

brand is perfectly acceptable.<br />

Be savvy about seasonal fare<br />

because out of season fruit and<br />

vegetable items are often imported<br />

or hot house produced. Choose<br />

what’s local and what’s freshly<br />

available because it will save your<br />

cash and pass the taste test with<br />

your guests.<br />

Elaborate desserts<br />

absolutely EAT up your<br />

money. Have a wedding<br />

cake that doubles as<br />

a dessert and serve<br />

with a fresh fruit salad.<br />

Alternatively have a<br />

large tray of chocolate<br />

brownie or lemon<br />

slice that can be cut<br />

into fashionably small<br />

portions to have with<br />

the fruit and reserve<br />

your wedding cake for<br />

supper time. Wedding<br />

cakes are expensive so<br />

definitely don’t order a<br />

bigger wedding cake than<br />

you need for the number of<br />

guests.<br />

Reduce the number<br />

of beverages you provide<br />

to your guests and you<br />

will reduce your bar bills<br />

substantially. Individually<br />

prepared cocktails will<br />

seriously dent your<br />

dollars, but a “signature”<br />

cocktail punch can be<br />

served to all guests<br />

without breaking the<br />

bank.<br />

For the table, select<br />

reputable red and white<br />

wines that are moderately<br />

priced or available by the<br />

case on special. Reserve<br />

the champagne just for<br />

the toasts. If genuine<br />

champagne is beyond your<br />

budget, choose a good<br />

sparkling wine instead.<br />

Provide a popular brand of<br />

beer for guests who prefer<br />

ale to wine, have a nonalcoholic<br />

juice available and<br />

always provide plenty of<br />

water.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 1<strong>05</strong><br />

& FLAVOURS<br />

Wedding favors<br />

aren't always<br />

necessary but they<br />

are a thoughtful way<br />

to thank your guests<br />

for sharing your<br />

wedding day<br />

with you.<br />

Wedding favours are small gifts<br />

given to wedding guests as a souvenir<br />

of the day, a gesture of appreciation<br />

for attending the wedding or as a token<br />

of good luck.<br />

The tradition is thought to have originated<br />

among European aristocrats who gave their guests<br />

“bonbonnieres” – small decorative trinket boxes made<br />

of crystal, porcelain or precious metals. Designed<br />

to hold “bonbons” or other confectionery, they<br />

were a show of wealth when sugar was an expensive<br />

commodity.<br />

In Europe small bags or boxes of 5 sugared<br />

almonds are still the most traditional confections<br />

for wedding favours and signify the 5 wishes of<br />

Health, Happiness, Longevity, Peace and Love.<br />

<strong>With</strong> different variations and interpretations<br />

the custom of giving wedding favours appears<br />

in many different cultures; candles in<br />

Russia, tiny bells in Ireland, shortbread in<br />

Scotland, a little hand crafted elephant<br />

for luck in India, a glass luck charm<br />

in Greece, Bridal sugar in the<br />

Netherlands and fortune cookies in<br />

China.<br />

In Europe the customary<br />

wedding favours remain small<br />

and chic, in North America<br />

the custom has tended to<br />

become lavish, while in New<br />

Zealand wedding favours are not<br />

obligatory and may be chocolates,<br />

flower seeds, photo cards of the<br />

couple or perhaps a flax flower.<br />

<strong>With</strong>out doubt, wedding favours<br />

will add dollars to your budget, so it’s<br />

your choice whether you give your guests<br />

a gift, or simply provide memorable food<br />

and drink at the reception or you simply send<br />

them a personal note of thanks afterwards.

106 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Understanding photography terminology<br />

can help the communication between<br />

you and your wedding photographer<br />

both on the day and when you receive<br />

your finished images.<br />

PORTRAITURE is a traditional style of wedding<br />

photography involving formal shots of the bridal<br />

party and group shots of the guests. These are<br />

often taken immediately after the ceremony and<br />

at the locations chosen by the couple and/or the<br />

photographer.<br />

CANDID SHOTS are informal images that<br />

document special moments of the wedding as they<br />

happen. Usually the photographer will aim to be<br />

unobtrusive and may use zoom lenses or vantage<br />

points.<br />

HIGH RESOLUTION refers to the quality of the<br />

image - the higher the “res” the clearer the detail<br />

for producing premium prints and enlargements.<br />

Images can be “cropped” or trimmed to improve<br />

the image and eliminate unnecessary background<br />

details.<br />

POST PRODUCTION refers to the work that<br />

the photographer does to produce high quality<br />

prints or improve the image by making digital<br />

alterations.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 107<br />

Videography captures<br />

aspects of a wedding that<br />

still photography is unable to<br />

do; voices, music, sounds,<br />

speeches, movements,<br />

fleeting expressions and<br />

candid moments.<br />

The skill of the cameraman<br />

allows you to re-live your wedding<br />

day every time you look at the film.<br />

It’s not only a keepsake for you, but<br />

provides future generations with a<br />

unique record of family members,<br />

friends, fashions, food and the<br />

traditions of one of life’s greatest<br />

milestones.<br />

Digital technology has<br />

revolutionized photography and<br />

produces a memorable record in<br />

sophisticated cinematographic<br />

quality as well as digital animation,<br />

web streaming and video blogging.<br />

But a quality film requires quality<br />

disc, sound, lighting plus camera<br />

and editing equipment, so an<br />

experienced professional is required.<br />

Ask to see an example of the<br />

videographer’s work. Discuss what<br />

you would like filmed at your<br />

wedding, the format you require, the<br />

music you would like to accompany<br />

the film footage and confirm what<br />

the fee includes before making the<br />

booking.<br />

phoenix<br />

weddings<br />

Exclusive wedding<br />

photography by<br />

andy currie<br />

www.phoenixpdp.co.nz<br />

info@phoenixpdp.co.nz<br />

t: 03 343 6258

108 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Garry Walls is both a wedding<br />

photographer and a DJ! Not only<br />

does he specialise in stunning, high<br />

quality wedding images that capture<br />

the essence of your wonderful day,<br />

but he also provides a professional<br />

DJ service that can include music<br />

for your ceremony, reception and<br />

wedding dance.<br />

As a husband and wife team, Garry and<br />

Karyn work in Canterbury and beyond and pride<br />

themselves on producing uniquely personal<br />

wedding photographs you will treasure for a<br />

lifetime. “Selecting a wedding photographer is a<br />

decision that should not be rushed, so we believe<br />

it is essential to meet the photographer to ensure<br />

it is someone you can work with” say Garry and<br />

Karyn. They recommend you commission your<br />

photographer based on their photographic style,<br />

their personality and their price.<br />

Almost anyone can take a photograph, but to<br />

achieve the standard of photography a wedding<br />

deserves, you need someone who is “organised,<br />

professional and experienced, someone who<br />

listens to what the client wants and goes to great<br />

effort to achieve the photos on their wish list”<br />

says Garry, who has been a full time professional<br />

wedding photographer all his adult life.<br />

In his business he spends many hours creating<br />

special effects to produce images that are simply<br />

stunning. He provides the first images within 24<br />

hours of the wedding and also gives clients high<br />

resolution files so they can print large wall prints<br />

if they wish.<br />

He warns bridal couples against cheap<br />

photography deals from inexperienced people<br />

within New Zealand’s unregulated wedding<br />

photography industry and is often approached<br />

to “fix up” bad photos. “Obviously we can’t, the<br />

photography has to be right first time. It has been<br />

said a thousand times before that the wedding<br />

photos are one of the few things you get to keep<br />

from your special day. They need to be awesome”<br />

says Garry.<br />

In their award winning DJ service, Garry and<br />

Karyn use technology to the max! A miniature<br />

wireless microphone ensures the ceremony can<br />

be heard by all the guests, while their investment<br />

in mobile broadband allows any song request<br />

to be downloaded for the evening dance. Karyn<br />

plays music as guests arrive and professionally<br />

plays your music selection for the ceremony<br />

while Garry takes the photos. Background music<br />

is played during the reception and a microphone<br />

is supplied for speeches. The evening dance<br />

comes complete with lighting of course.<br />

For further information and inspiration phone<br />

03 313 8774 or visit www.garrywalls.co.nz

110 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Photo booths have become a hugely popular<br />

wedding venue accessory! As well as amusing and<br />

involving your guests, instant images spill out of the<br />

memory making machine to provide you with the<br />

ultimate candid camera moments.<br />

You can hire the booths which feature high tech<br />

digital cameras with colour and black and white options.<br />

Your photos are instantly available and also saved on to<br />

a digital device for you to keep, share or print.<br />

The photo booth invites your guests to<br />

be creative, informal and relaxed so<br />

you get spontaneous shots that are<br />

entirely unique and personal.<br />

For even more fun, provide a<br />

box of props such as;<br />

Novelty glasses<br />

Masks<br />

Wigs<br />

Sunnies<br />

Hats<br />

Scarves & boas<br />

Bling<br />

Backdrops<br />

A bicycle<br />

Musical instruments<br />

Sports clothing<br />

Sporting goods<br />

Furnishings<br />

Mirrors<br />

Plants<br />

Posters<br />

Themed clothing<br />

… Enjoy!<br />

the DEAR ONES PHOTOBOOTH CO.<br />

Call Free 0800 746 862<br />

www.classicphotobooths.co.nz<br />

Proud to be Canterbury owned and operated<br />

Classic Photo Booth<br />

Live Social Media<br />

make life long memories from the heartwarming<br />

to the hysterical with the dear ones in your life.<br />

03 382 5093<br />

thedearonesphotobooth.com<br />

hello@thedearones.com<br />

Live Instagram Printer<br />

Vintage Photo Booth<br />

Mini Photo Booth<br />

VW Photo Booth

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 111<br />

“It is my belief that<br />

the best wedding<br />

photography is simple<br />

graceful and well seen”<br />

says Johannes Van Kan - wedding<br />

photographer.<br />

“It creates a beautiful emotional<br />

reflection of a moment, person, or<br />

place. <strong>This</strong> is what I want to give my<br />

brides and grooms. My job is to find<br />

stories and beauty in the people,<br />

details and relationships that I<br />

photograph.”<br />

Strong photography is not accidental<br />

and creativity is not something found in<br />

a Photoshop<br />

filter. Creativity starts before the image<br />

exists. For Johannes it starts with the<br />

first meeting.<br />

“My photography is about<br />

simple, strong, imagery that<br />

tells stories. Beautiful classic<br />

imagery is important to<br />

my story telling. <strong>This</strong> is my<br />

strength as a photographer<br />

and as an artist.”<br />

Johannes Van Kan<br />

www.jvk.co.nz<br />

027-229-9291

112 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Most wedding photographers shoot in colour and<br />

digitally convert some of the images into black and<br />

white using editing software. They can also convert<br />

black and white digital images back into colour,<br />

which black and white film was unable to do.<br />

BLACK & WHITE<br />

<strong>With</strong> the wonderful colour and<br />

digital image technology available,<br />

it’s often a surprise that people still<br />

love black and white photographs.<br />

But they provide exceptional detail,<br />

dramatic contrast between dark and<br />

light as well as subtle shades of grey<br />

and offer an ageless look that looks<br />

great for decades to come. Current<br />

interest in vintage and retro<br />

weddings has made black and white<br />

images even more popular and<br />

once framed, they make a timeless<br />

display that suits any décor.<br />

SEPIA IMAGES<br />

The red-brown tones of sepia<br />

images are usually associated with<br />

old photos but the technique<br />

has been popular for decades.<br />

Its return to popularity has now<br />

been aided by the development<br />

of sepia filters in digital cameras.<br />

The effect was achieved by<br />

photographic “toning” – a<br />

chemical process during<br />

printing, but today sepia images<br />

are effectively produced using<br />

digital filters or post-production<br />

photo-shop software programmes.<br />

SELECTIVE COLOUR<br />

Sometimes referred to as “spot<br />

colour”, this technique is an<br />

image editing technique where<br />

a colour photo is predominantly<br />

converted to black and white,<br />

but leaves an area of the photo<br />

or an item in colour. Selective<br />

colour is in popular usage for<br />

advertising but can produce<br />

eye catching wedding photos<br />

where flowers or a car remain<br />

in colour when everything else<br />

is black and white.<br />

SOFT FOCUS<br />

<strong>This</strong> film and photographic<br />

technique features a deliberate<br />

blurring of definition. It is used<br />

to create a dreamlike quality to<br />

the image and is understandably<br />

popular with bridal couples for<br />

their wedding photographs.<br />

Be guided by your<br />

professional wedding<br />

photographer on the style<br />

of photography they can<br />

produce for you and the costs<br />

associated with a variety of<br />

effects and techniques.<br />

Relaxed, Natural, Beautiful & Fun<br />

Specialising in breathtaking, timeless and authentic wedding photography<br />

“<br />

Wow!! Mandy<br />

really did manage to<br />

capture the real emotions,<br />

the real moments, the real<br />

laughter and all the love<br />

through out our day. That’s<br />

what makes her such an<br />

amazing photographer and<br />

our photos such a joy to<br />

share with our friends<br />

and family.<br />

To book or find out more please get in touch.<br />

Ph: 0225007008 • E: info@mandycaldwell.co.nz • www.mandycaldwell.co.nz<br />

”

SIGNATURE IMAGE<br />

Your favourite wedding<br />

day photo may be the<br />

one you choose as a<br />

single signature image to<br />

feature most prominently<br />

in your home. Wedding<br />

photography packages<br />

usually include a portrait<br />

sized image in gloss or<br />

matt finish that you can<br />

frame in the style of your<br />

choice or you may prefer<br />

to have your photograph<br />

converted to a canvas to<br />

hang on the wall.<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 113<br />

Nothing personalises your home more than the photos<br />

and pictures you have on display, especially the images<br />

of your wedding. Whether you have small spaces or<br />

acres of walls waiting to be adorned, there are smart<br />

and creative ways to display the pictures that have<br />

captured the atmosphere of your special day.<br />

IN SERIES<br />

You could also choose a series of images<br />

to create a feature wall; in a row, up<br />

a stairway or in a cluster as a wall art<br />

feature. Depending on the size and number<br />

of photos you group together, decide<br />

whether the display requires symmetry and<br />

uniformity or will be more eye catching<br />

with an asymmetrical arrangement.<br />

SMALL DISPLAYS<br />

If you haven’t got much suitable<br />

wall space choose some photos<br />

to hang on a magnetic wire,<br />

create a wedding photo table or<br />

a picture shelf or make a collage<br />

of lots of different images to have<br />

printed and framed.<br />

GALLERY WALLS<br />

A gallery wall is a great way to<br />

show off your collection. Like<br />

creating an art folio, centre your<br />

gallery round your favourite photo<br />

or a large picture then fit your<br />

smaller frames around that. Some<br />

displays work best on a white wall,<br />

others need a bolder back drop if<br />

there is a lot of white in the photo.<br />

SELECTING PHOTO FRAMES<br />

Framing should be an integral part<br />

of the picture process because<br />

your choice can make or break<br />

the display. Frames need not<br />

be expensive, but they should<br />

complement the photos in colour,<br />

size and materials. Look for<br />

vintage style frames to enhance<br />

your vintage wedding images or<br />

modern simplicity for a more<br />

contemporary setting.<br />

COFFEE TABLE ALBUM<br />

A professional album may also be<br />

part of your wedding photography<br />

contract and usually contains<br />

a selection of images taken<br />

throughout the day. Alternatively<br />

you can create your own album on<br />

a computer to have inexpensively<br />

processed as a unique book to share<br />

with family and friends.<br />

DIGITAL FRAMES<br />

Digital technology has<br />

revolutionised photography and we<br />

now take hundreds of pictures on<br />

digital cameras, ipads and mobile<br />

phones. Your wedding photos will<br />

probably include hundreds of shots<br />

on a CD, so why not load them<br />

onto a digital picture frame you can<br />

view everyday as it scrolls through<br />

your special day.

114 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Your wedding photos are not<br />

just your personal record of<br />

the day. They also become<br />

an heirloom for generations<br />

to come, so no wonder you<br />

want perfect pics for your<br />

wall, album and archives.<br />

It’s good to know the type of photos you want so that you<br />

can choose a photographer whose style appeals to you. It<br />

is also important to communicate effectively with your<br />

photographer so that your ideas and theirs are compatible<br />

and achievable. You are paying so you are allowed to a<br />

little bit picky, but the photographer is also the expert so<br />

they are also allowed to guide you without “pique”!<br />

POINTS TO BE PICKY ABOUT<br />

• If you have a budget to adhere to,<br />

don’t pick a novice photographer whose<br />

inexperience you might regret. Instead,<br />

choose an experienced professional but<br />

engage them for a shorter period of time.<br />

You’ll get fewer photos but you will get<br />

quality images.<br />

• As well as discussing picturesque generic<br />

locations, suggest the photo locations that<br />

are especially personal to you so that your<br />

images are meaningful to you and your<br />

families.<br />

• Invite your photographer to the<br />

rehearsal if you wish, so that any particular<br />

ceremony images can be confirmed.<br />

• Liaise with your photographer about the<br />

photo schedule with details about who,<br />

when, where and what is required. Then<br />

make sure you are organised and punctual.<br />

• The “signature” image of your wedding<br />

is usually the two of you. So ensure you<br />

have a selection of “couple only” shots to<br />

consider for the image you want to frame<br />

and keep forever.<br />

• Provide a “shot” list for the photographer<br />

to ensure all your guests will be included<br />

in the wedding photos and no one will be<br />

missed out or hidden from view.<br />

• Most photographers appreciate suggested<br />

groupings of friends or relatives and special<br />

guests, but a good photographer will also<br />

be looking out for spontaneous moments<br />

too.<br />

• If you like the idea of special effects like<br />

rice, confetti, rose petals or water from a<br />

fountain or the use of props, discuss them<br />

first. While they may look candid to you,<br />

the shot may need to be set up especially<br />

for light, location or lenses.<br />

• Try not to take charge of the pic<br />

proceedings. By all means ask for a shot if a<br />

spontaneous idea occurs to you, but let the<br />

man/woman behind the shutter do their<br />

job. They see the whole scene and usually<br />

know what works.<br />

• Don’t let guests muscle in on the<br />

photographer’s shots. It’s their gig and<br />

you have paid for their expertise. Having<br />

a guest sidle up and take a similar shot is<br />

very annoying and discourteous.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 115<br />

Once upon a time brides arrived at the<br />

wedding in a carriage and the happy<br />

couple departed by coach or carriage after<br />

the celebrations.<br />

Today, a carriage is much harder to find, so if a<br />

romantic wedding conjures up horse and carriage<br />

transport, you will need to do your research and find an<br />

experienced horse and handler close to the location of<br />

the wedding.<br />

Like motor vehicles, there were a number of<br />

carriage models that found their way to New Zealand in<br />

the days of early settlement. Our terrain and the need<br />

for practical transport meant carriages, except for the<br />

wealthy, were often multi purpose vehicles for town and<br />

country.<br />

ONE HORSE CARRIAGES<br />

Buggies or Gigs featured two or four<br />

large wheels pulled by one horse.<br />

Able to seat two people the buggy<br />

was the most common vehicle in the<br />

country and popular with women<br />

who only had to manage a single<br />

horse.<br />

OR<br />

The Surrey was a 4 wheeled carriage<br />

beneath a sunshade roof which like<br />

the popular Victorian song has “a<br />

fringe on the top.” Drawn by one<br />

horse, the Surrey can carry two<br />

passengers.<br />

TWO HORSE CARRIAGES<br />

Phaetons and Landaus were elegant 4<br />

wheeled carriages drawn by a pair of<br />

horses. They were low to the ground<br />

and easily stepped into by ladies in long<br />

gowns. Being open-topped and able<br />

to seat four people they were popular<br />

summer vehicles, although the Landau<br />

featured a folding hood to cover the<br />

passengers in bad weather.<br />

OR<br />

Waggons were the horse drawn<br />

equivalent of today’s SUV! Ideal as<br />

a heavy duty unembellished country<br />

vehicle pulled by 2 horses, the bench<br />

seat could accommodate the driver and<br />

a couple of passengers, with a large<br />

back tray for hay, animals, wood, goods<br />

or children!<br />

MORE HORSE CARRIAGES<br />

Stage Coaches were introduced for<br />

regular routes and long distance travel.<br />

The large closed carriage was pulled<br />

by team of 2 to 4 pairs of horses. The<br />

stage coach could accommodate 4 to<br />

6 passengers inside and up to 6 more<br />

seated on the roof, while luggage was<br />

carried on sack covered racks at the<br />

rear of the carriage.<br />

CEDRIC WEBER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM<br />

For further information visit<br />

the websites of the following<br />

Canterbury businesses:<br />

www.taitapucarriageco.co.nz<br />

www.horseandcarriagehire.co.nz<br />

www.hirethings.co.nz

116 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

The theme, style or<br />

atmosphere of a wedding<br />

is often reflected in<br />

the mode of transport<br />

chosen for the bride’s<br />

arrival and sometimes<br />

the couple’s departure<br />

from the reception. You<br />

might want to make your<br />

entrance or exit in unique<br />

style, but it is wise to check<br />

out both availability and<br />

practicality when making<br />

your choice of wedding<br />

vehicle.<br />

CLASSICALLY VINTAGE<br />

Vintage and classic cars can<br />

sometimes be hired from<br />

dedicated wedding transport<br />

companies. Alternatively you<br />

can contact local car clubs and<br />

enthusiasts who are often asked to<br />

source vehicles and drivers among<br />

their members. You may also know<br />

someone with a restored vehicle<br />

who would drive it for your<br />

wedding transport.<br />

LAST WORD IN LUXURY<br />

Luxury vehicles like a Rolls Royce or “limo” provide<br />

the bridal couple with “once in a lifetime” grandeur. A<br />

bride’s gown, train and veil are less likely to be creased<br />

in a spacious limousine and there are the additional<br />

facilities of bar, privacy screen, sound systems and tinted<br />

windows for your comfort and relaxation on the big day.<br />

RENT-A CAR<br />

Rental car and taxi companies are usually able to<br />

provide matching vehicles as well as the services<br />

of a chauffeur for the occasion if required. They<br />

often have a selection of decorations and ribbons<br />

that suit the colour and theme of the wedding.<br />

Canterbury Kombi Chauffeur<br />

The Coolest Kombi in Canterbury<br />

Looking to arrive in style on your wedding day then Bazil is the perfect wedding car.<br />

www.canterbury-kombi-chauffeur.co.nz Phone 027208<strong>05</strong>75

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS<br />

Your guests may own late model cars that<br />

you could use for the wedding, or you<br />

could hire identical vehicles from a rental<br />

car company and find reliable drivers<br />

among family, friends or neighbours.<br />

ON THE HOOF<br />

There’s something special about arriving<br />

at the wedding by horse and carriage.<br />

Look for local listings and ensure you will<br />

have experienced drivers and horses with<br />

a friendly, unflappable temperament.<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 117<br />

PAYING YOUR WAY<br />

Wedding transport is generally booked for<br />

the estimated time and number of vehicles<br />

required to take the bridesmaids and the<br />

bride and her father to the ceremony, the<br />

bride and groom from the ceremony to the<br />

location for photographs and from there to<br />

the reception venue. Arrangements other<br />

than this can usually be accommodated if they<br />

are discussed with the company concerned<br />

and a written estimate is provided for your<br />

additional requirements. But whatever type<br />

of transport you choose, you will still want<br />

comfort, punctuality and reliability.<br />

TRAINS AND BOATS AND<br />

PLANES Arriving by air or sea is a<br />

spectacular way to make a wedding<br />

entrance. Hot air balloon, chopper,<br />

plane or launch may be possible<br />

options, if you are prepared for<br />

the cost and logistics. But in New<br />

Zealand there are fewer and fewer<br />

train options unless you hold your<br />

wedding in a Heritage Park.<br />

COOL AND CREATIVE<br />

You may plan to be<br />

unconventional and arrive by<br />

truck, motorbike, Kombi,<br />

Hummer, double decker bus,<br />

rickshaw or sedan chair. Perhaps,<br />

in European tradition, you’ll<br />

walk to the wedding so that local<br />

residents can wish you luck!<br />

LUXURY LIMOUSINE HIRE<br />

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND<br />

Travel in style to your<br />

new life together.<br />

Christchurch for your<br />

Wedding Transport<br />

#1in<br />

Also available for General Charter,<br />

Corporate functions, Childrens birthday parties etc plus<br />

a genuine English 70 seater Double Decker bus.<br />

Organise your guests’ and<br />

Bridal transport, in Classic<br />

vehicles with one phone call<br />

Christchurch<br />

Coach<br />

Charters<br />

Freephone: 0800 LIMO VIP<br />

Available 24-hours (0800-546-684)<br />

Email: bookings@airparklimos.co.nz<br />

www.airparklimos.co.nz<br />

PH: (03) 355 6159 | www.chchcoachcharters.co.nz<br />

Going the Extra Mile<br />

NZ Limousines provides<br />

both dressed and undressed<br />

bridal cars in Christchurch,<br />

Queenstown and Dunedin Our<br />

drivers who have been trained<br />

in bridal work, take great<br />

pleasure in providing a reliable,<br />

professional and fun service<br />

for the bridal party.<br />

Whether it be calming the<br />

nerves of the bride or assisting<br />

with both planned and<br />

unplanned last minute events<br />

we do it with a smile and<br />

considerable pride.<br />

Our extensive fleet enables us<br />

to supply multiple matching<br />

vehicles so no matter how<br />

many you need we will be able<br />

to help.<br />

Contact gerard@corporatecabs.co.nz<br />

or phone 03 379-6162 for further details.

118 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Finding readings or blessings to include at your ceremony<br />

often means searching the work of poets, philosophers,<br />

authors and song writers for something appropriate. Because<br />

many weddings are now secular, the bible is frequently<br />

overlooked as a source of meaningful words like this verse<br />

from the Book of Corinthians.<br />

If you are writing your vows or making<br />

a speech, this anonymous poem may<br />

have meaning for you:<br />

Love is patient, love is kind.<br />

It does not envy, it does not<br />

boast, it is not proud.<br />

It does not dishonour others,<br />

it is not self-seeking<br />

It is not easily angered, it<br />

keeps no record of wrongs.<br />

Love does not delight in evil,<br />

but rejoices with the truth.<br />

It always protects, always<br />

trusts, always hopes, always<br />

perseveres.<br />

1 Corinthians 13:4-8<br />

I cannot promise you a lifetime<br />

of only sunshine<br />

I cannot promise you riches,<br />

wealth or gold,<br />

I cannot promise you an easy path<br />

That leads away from change<br />

or growing old,<br />

But I can promise you my devotion<br />

A smile to chase away your sorrow<br />

A love that’s true and ever growing<br />

A hand to hold through each<br />

tomorrow<br />

Song lyrics don’t have to be sung. They can also be<br />

spoken and often carry more meaning because the<br />

words are heard more clearly.<br />

Walk through this world with me<br />

Go where I go<br />

Share all my dreams with me<br />

I need you so<br />

In life we search and<br />

some of us find<br />

I’ve looked for you for a<br />

long long time<br />

And now I’ve found you<br />

New horizons I see<br />

Come take my hand and walk<br />

this world with me<br />

You are my husband<br />

I am your wife,<br />

My legs shall run because of you<br />

My feet shall dance because of you<br />

My heart shall beat because of you<br />

My mind thinks because of you<br />

And I shall love because of you<br />

Or you<br />

may look to<br />

another culture for<br />

words that say how you feel,<br />

like this Inuit Love Song.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 119<br />

Any wedding celebrates the<br />

establishment of a new couple and<br />

brings their extended families together. If<br />

the wedding is a second or subsequent<br />

marriage for either the bride or the<br />

groom, or both, there may be children<br />

who will become part of a “blended”<br />

family. Celebrate your new unity and<br />

family entity by incorporating a special<br />

custom at your ceremony.<br />

• Light a candle of<br />

unity together<br />

• Plant a tree or<br />

commemorative rose<br />

• Combine coloured sands<br />

into a glass bowl in layers<br />

• Create a new family<br />

motto to live your life by<br />

• Include the children as<br />

your attendants<br />

• Let them choose or perform<br />

a reading, song or music<br />

• Give a special individual<br />

gift to each child<br />

• Blend coloured water into<br />

a new shade such as<br />

red+blue = purple<br />

• Have a fun family photo<br />

shoot together<br />

• Ask an older child to make a<br />

speech on behalf of them all

120 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> Inviting guests to<br />

your wedding usually<br />

generates plenty of<br />

excitement and gives<br />

everyone a first hint of<br />

the style and theme<br />

you have chosen. Many<br />

wedding dates are set<br />

months, even a year to<br />

18months in advance, so<br />

“save the date” stationery<br />

has become a new<br />

pre-invitation phase of<br />

announcing the event.<br />

CONTEMPORARY<br />

The digital age is part of everyday life for most modern couples, so chances<br />

are they, or their stationery designer will be using it to plan their wedding and<br />

invite their tech-savvy friends. There are no etiquette rules for style, words or<br />

format, so the invitation may be as formal or colloquial as you desire. It may<br />

also be creative and interactive.<br />

ELECTRONIC<br />

Some couples will choose to go completely online with website information,<br />

paper-less invitations and RSVP’s by email, saving both time and money on<br />

print and post.<br />

BUT for those older guests who may not be familiar with apps and social<br />

media, create a few conventional invitations to send to them.<br />

OTHER ALTERNATIVES<br />

• For a vintage wedding, order a custom-made stamp for use on your<br />

cards or paper.<br />

• Press flowers for an eco- designed invitation on recycled paper.<br />

• Use the exceptional selection of scrapbooking products to decorate and<br />

personalise your stationery or choose the range of pretty scrapbooking<br />

papers and coordinating cards.<br />

Depending on your<br />

requirements and your<br />

budget, your stationery may<br />

include a range of products:<br />

• Save the Date Cards<br />

• Wedding Invitation & RSVP<br />

• Hens or Bucks Night Notification<br />

• Bridal Shower Invitations<br />

• Order of Service<br />

• Reception Place Cards<br />

• Thank You Cards<br />

There are many options<br />

available for creating memorable<br />

stationery whether they are<br />

traditional or contemporary or<br />

electronic.<br />

These days, anything on paper<br />

is considered traditional, but<br />

while technology has taken over<br />

much of the modern world,<br />

curiously there’s never been<br />

a greater selection of decorative<br />

stationery! Allow several<br />

months to choose your design<br />

and ensure the invitations are<br />

printed and available to send to<br />

your guests 6 weeks before the<br />

big day.<br />

Invitations are available<br />

from specialist designers,<br />

stationers, department stores,<br />

craft outlets, card shops, bridal<br />

boutiques, printers, artists and<br />

on the internet. Depending on<br />

your budget you can have your<br />

wedding stationery completely<br />

custom designed, printed onto<br />

pre-purchased cards or created<br />

from templates online.<br />

There is a stunning variety of<br />

paper products in many shades,<br />

grades and textures plus overlays,<br />

inserts and embellishments<br />

to customise your selection.<br />

Most ready-made invitations<br />

come with matching envelopes,<br />

while custom-designs may<br />

require special envelopes. Your<br />

invitations can be almost any size<br />

and shape, flat, scrolled or an<br />

open card style, but remember<br />

that it may cost more to post<br />

envelopes that are non-standard<br />

in format.<br />

For small numbers of invitations<br />

the most cost-effective<br />

method is digital printing.<br />

Letterpress printing is popular<br />

again, as well as foil-stamping<br />

which provides a metallic finish.<br />

Choose your font size and style<br />

carefully so that it is easily read<br />

and looks attractive.<br />

Invitations are usually sent<br />

by the hosts of the wedding –<br />

traditionally the bride’s parents.<br />

Proof read your stationery<br />

samples before going to print.<br />

Ensure all details are correct<br />

– names, spelling, date, time,<br />

location, dress code and how to<br />

RSVP!<br />

Order a few extra invitations<br />

as spares in case of last minute<br />

changes or mistakes and if you<br />

want additional stationery such<br />

as order of service, place cards,<br />

RSVP’s or thank you cards,<br />

order them all at the same time<br />

to avoid delays or extra costs.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 121<br />

Flowers are the<br />

ultimate bridal<br />

accessory combining<br />

visual impact with<br />

fragrance and<br />

romance. But even<br />

the simplest bouquet<br />

needs to be chosen<br />

with care and created<br />

with skill so that it<br />

complements your<br />

gown, stands out in<br />

the photos and reflects<br />

your taste whether<br />

traditional, classic, bold<br />

or innovative.<br />

Consider the style of your<br />

gown when you are choosing<br />

the shape of your bouquet.<br />

The popularity of particular flowers<br />

depends on fashions and seasons and the<br />

vast variety of blooms, colours and effects<br />

means every bouquet is individual. However<br />

there are five main shapes that florists use to<br />

develop bouquet arrangements.<br />

THE POSY is traditionally round in shape and<br />

uses flowers of equal size to maintain the shape.<br />

Alternatively modern posies feature flowers<br />

grouped in a structured bunched effect. The original<br />

posies contained sweet smelling flowers and herbs<br />

to ward off germs and diseases! Modern posies can<br />

be made small enough for a little flower girl and<br />

are ideal for shorter stemmed spring flowers and<br />

popular miniature roses.<br />

THE TEARDROP bouquet is a floral classic.<br />

Essentially a posy at the top, the addition of a trail<br />

replicates the teardrop shape. A variety of flowers<br />

and greenery can be used, with blooms being wired<br />

to hold them in place. Teardrops can be large or<br />

small to suit the individual bride and the style of her<br />

gown and a combination of different flowers and<br />

colours can be used effectively.<br />

THE SHEAF or arm spray uses long stemmed<br />

blooms bound together with ribbon or natural<br />

fibres like flax or greenery. Held along the<br />

forearm or hanging downwards from the hand,<br />

roses, lilies, gladioli, gerberas and orchids are<br />

popular flowers for a sheaf arrangement.<br />

THE HAND TIED bouquet with a “just picked”<br />

look is extremely popular for both modern and<br />

vintage weddings. The flowers are not wired<br />

and look natural, the stems are visible and the<br />

gathered flowers are loosely tied with ribbon.<br />

Popular versions include roses, peonies, sweet peas,<br />

freesias and ranunculas.<br />

Lynette Brass<br />

Ph 960 1362 • M 021 206 5446<br />

Bookings by appointment<br />

christchurchweddingflowers.nz<br />

Mobile silk and fresh flower styling<br />

Mobile silk and fresh flower styling<br />

Mobile silk and fresh flower styling<br />

Ph: 374 2566 or 027 320 06<strong>05</strong> Artistic Flowers - Christchurch<br />

Ph: 374 2566 or 027 320 06<strong>05</strong> • www.artisticflowers.nz<br />

Artistic Makeup & Hair Services: 03 347- 2566<br />

Ph: 374 2566 or 027 320 06<strong>05</strong> • www.artisticflowers.nz

122 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Since opening a retail<br />

store last year, Charmed<br />

Flowers has become<br />

known for its beautiful<br />

flowers that are just a little<br />

bit different.<br />

“Local businesses in the area<br />

have become great fans, they simply<br />

love our style and service” says<br />

owner Ginny Fagan.<br />

As a full service florist providing<br />

flowers for everyday occasions,<br />

funerals and weddings, Charmed<br />

Flowers can also offer exquisite<br />

styling and floral props for your<br />

wedding venue too.<br />

“People sometimes don’t know<br />

what can be done with flowers so I<br />

like to find out what couples<br />

envisage for their day and create<br />

the look and feel of it through the<br />

flowers” says Ginny.<br />

While every wedding is<br />

uniquely different, people often<br />

recognise Ginny’s personal style<br />

of floristry which is quite natural,<br />

rustic and unstructured. “I love big<br />

blooms like peony roses, dahlias<br />

and hydrangeas and enjoy sourcing<br />

items like hop vines to provide a<br />

less conventional background” she<br />

says.<br />

Florists are often called upon<br />

to replicate overseas trends and<br />

currently wedding styles include<br />

long lush table garlands, big, loose<br />

hand tied bouquets, floral crowns<br />

and hanging<br />

floral installations.<br />

We can do almost anything that<br />

bridal couples want, but they often<br />

don’t realise the cost and time<br />

involved for elaborate floral effects.<br />

We often suggest combining fresh<br />

flowers with our hire range of<br />

beautiful silk floral props to make it<br />

more affordable” says Ginny. “A big<br />

trend coming through this wedding<br />

season is foliage and lots of it. The<br />

effect is informal but so pretty,<br />

it’s very natural and lush which is<br />

why I think it appeals to so many<br />

couples.”<br />

The Charmed Flowers team<br />

provides free consultations and<br />

meets<br />

with most couples before the<br />

wedding to discuss their<br />

preferences, colours and<br />

requirements. An itemised quote is<br />

then emailed out and once accepted,<br />

the florist will then “touch base” 6-8<br />

weeks before the wedding and then<br />

again 1-2 weeks before to finalise all<br />

the details.<br />

The experienced staff at<br />

Charmed Flowers can provide a<br />

complete package including the<br />

floral styling of your wedding venue<br />

or they can source wholesale flowers<br />

through their sister company Stems<br />

Wholesale Flowers if couples want<br />

to DIY their floral decorations.

Beautiful Wedding Fowers<br />

& Floral Styling<br />

What can I say, you truly<br />

made my dreams come<br />

true! The flowers were<br />

always going to be a big<br />

part of our wedding day<br />

so we chose our Florist<br />

carefully. I am soooo<br />

glad we chose Charmed<br />

Flowers Ginny, my<br />

bouquet was absolutely<br />

stunning and the venue<br />

looked better than I could<br />

have imagined, you are<br />

so truly talented and<br />

obviously love what you<br />

do, we thank you from the<br />

bottom of our hearts.<br />

Genna & Jas, Jan <strong>2016</strong><br />

Call the experts 03 348 8386<br />

Andy Brown,<br />

Ladybug Photography,<br />

Peanut Productions & Lovelight.<br />

www.charmedflowers.co.nz<br />

7 O’Shanessey Place, Addington<br />

Opposite Tower Junction

124 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Your ceremony is the heart of the wedding and<br />

the reason for it. What, how and where you say<br />

your vows should be the most meaningful aspect<br />

of the day whether you choose a religious or<br />

secular marriage service.<br />

A RELIGIOUS<br />

CEREMONY<br />

Takes place in a house<br />

of worship according to<br />

the religious beliefs of<br />

the couple. They may<br />

be members of the local<br />

congregation or marrying<br />

in a different location.<br />

The ceremony is usually<br />

structured to include<br />

traditions and customs of<br />

their faith.<br />

AN INTER-<br />

DENOMINATIONAL<br />

WEDDING<br />

May be held in an “all<br />

faiths” chapel with the<br />

minister or celebrant<br />

of your choice and include religious and non<br />

religious traditions and blessings.<br />

A CIVIL CEREMONY<br />

Generally takes place at a registry office, town hall<br />

or embassy. It is non religious, is officiated by a<br />

Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages, or Judge<br />

or a Justice of the Peace and includes a simple<br />

exchange of vows with a minimum of 2 witnesses.<br />

A SECULAR<br />

WEDDING<br />

Is non religious and<br />

usually conducted by<br />

a registered marriage<br />

celebrant. The venue<br />

may be formal or<br />

informal, indoors or<br />

out, large or small. The<br />

couple are free to adhere<br />

to traditional formalities<br />

or customise their<br />

wedding as informally as<br />

they wish.<br />

SAME SEX<br />

CEREMONY<br />

<strong>This</strong> may range from a<br />

commitment ceremony<br />

or civil union to a<br />

wedding service depending on the law of the<br />

location where it is held. If same sex marriage is<br />

legalised and accepted by the church the couple<br />

may have a religious wedding, or opt for a secular<br />

ceremony.<br />

A MILITARY WEDDING<br />

Contains many formalities and traditions and<br />

includes the wearing of a full dress uniform<br />

for enlisted members of the wedding party.<br />

The couple may be married by an armed forces<br />

chaplain, or participate in a civil ceremony, but<br />

rituals usually include a special salute from guests<br />

who are also enlisted personnel.<br />

ELOPEMENTS<br />

May be a carefully planned getaway wedding, or a spontaneous<br />

ceremony once the couple reaches their destination. The marriage<br />

usually takes place with few guests or none at all. In the past<br />

Gretna Green in Scotland was popular for elopements<br />

because you could marry at 16 there without the<br />

parental permission required in England!<br />

DOUBLE WEDDINGS<br />

Are quite rare because most couples want their own<br />

celebration, but for siblings or close friends who would<br />

be inviting many of the same guests, a double wedding<br />

can be fun and financially sensible. Couples can share<br />

the ceremony or have individual rituals and celebrants<br />

followed by a shared reception.<br />

DESTINATION WEDDINGS<br />

These are exceptionally popular and usually include<br />

all inclusive wedding and honeymoon packages for the<br />

couple and a holiday for their guests. Often held in in<br />

picturesque locations in the same<br />

country or overseas, the number<br />

of guests is usually quite small<br />

due to cost and travel time, but<br />

allows an intimate wedding with<br />

close family and friends.<br />

OVERSEAS WEDDING<br />

Held in an overseas destination,<br />

couples need to comply with<br />

all legal requirements for<br />

marriage in that country. It may<br />

include a period of pre-wedding<br />

residency, a civil and a religious<br />

ceremony, extra paperwork<br />

and the services of a dedicated<br />

planner if there’s a language<br />

barrier.<br />

PROXY WEDDING<br />

A marriage “by proxy” is where one or both of the<br />

individuals being united in marriage are not present at the<br />

ceremony and are represented by another person. While<br />

this is rare, it usually relates to situations of military service,<br />

imprisonment, travel or visa restrictions or when the couple<br />

lives in a jurisdiction in which they cannot legally marry. In<br />

wartime proxy marriages are more common and in New<br />

Zealand, marriage by proxy is only permitted when one<br />

party is on active military service and cannot return to New<br />

Zealand.<br />

A SHIPBOARD<br />

CEREMONY<br />

These occurred more<br />

frequently when long<br />

journeys were by<br />

ship not aeroplane,<br />

but the popularity of<br />

cruise travel has seen<br />

increased interest in<br />

shipboard wedding. The<br />

ceremony is conducted<br />

in port by the ship<br />

chaplain or a celebrant<br />

who comes on board to<br />

officiate. Most couples<br />

continue afterwards on<br />

a honeymoon cruise.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 125<br />

Finding the right celebrant to conduct<br />

your wedding is not always easy. If you<br />

are not planning a church wedding<br />

where the local minister will preside,<br />

you will need to engage a registered<br />

celebrant.<br />

A marriage celebrant is registered by the Dept<br />

Internal Affairs Births Deaths and Marriages to<br />

legally conduct wedding ceremonies.<br />

To find out about those in your area or the<br />

location where the wedding will take place,<br />

visit www.celebranz.org.nz<br />

Most celebrants like to meet the couple two or<br />

three times before the wedding to go through the<br />

ceremony and the vows they will make. Often<br />

they will be able to suggest appropriate readings,<br />

music or order of service if you are unsure about<br />

some details.<br />

Choose two or three celebrants to contact<br />

and discuss your wedding plans with them. Your<br />

wedding is very personal, but from their responses<br />

you will be able to decide who you feel most at<br />

ease with.<br />

Male or female, ensure their style and demeanour<br />

best “fits” with your plans before confirming<br />

they are available for the date, time<br />

and location you have set. Expect fees of up<br />

to $500 for their services on the day.<br />

Ensuring you have the<br />

Wedding Day you desire<br />

Tricia WarWick-Naziris<br />

Marriage Celebrant<br />

Creating with you<br />

a personal service<br />

to reflect your love<br />

Julie Lassen Marriage Celebrant<br />

Phone 337 8108 or 027 278 2248<br />

julieL79@gmail.com<br />

Facebook -<br />

Julie Lassen Celebrant<br />

www.nzmarriages.co.nz<br />

021 143 9488<br />

triciaandathawn@hotmail.com<br />

WWW.TriciaWarWick-NaziriscelebraNT.co.Nz

126 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

“The Department of Internal<br />

Affairs helps people when<br />

they are making plans for a<br />

very significant event in their<br />

life. Whether they’re getting<br />

married, recognising the<br />

birth of their child, or dealing<br />

with the death of family or<br />

friends, Births Deaths and<br />

Marriages has an important<br />

role to play.”<br />

As New Zealand’s Registrar-<br />

General of Births, Deaths<br />

and Marriages (BDM), Jeff<br />

Montgomery is responsible for<br />

registering all births (including<br />

stillbirths), deaths, marriages,<br />

civil unions and name changes in<br />

New Zealand. His team issue over<br />

350,000 certificates, print outs and<br />

marriage licences each year.<br />

“We’ve now made it easier<br />

for New Zealanders to find BDM<br />

information, and – I hope – make it<br />

easier for you too.” Births, Deaths<br />

and Marriages information has<br />

moved to Govt.nz. Govt.nz brings<br />

together government information<br />

in one place and uses language and<br />

design that is easy for customers to<br />

find and understand.<br />

“The information has been<br />

rewritten in plain English and<br />

presented in a way that makes sense<br />

to our customers – focussing on a<br />

particular product or service.”<br />

Now the material is live, you<br />

will find everything you need to<br />

know on Govt.nz. We encourage<br />

you to let people know if you know<br />

of someone getting married.<br />

We hope you find the new<br />

content easy to use and we’d love<br />

to hear your feedback about how<br />

you find using the information<br />

govt.nz@dia.govt.nz<br />

BY: Jeff Montgomery, New<br />

Zealand’s Registrar-General of<br />

Births, Deaths and Marriages<br />

Independent/Civil Union Celebrant<br />

Tania’s passion, creativity, knowledge and<br />

experience allows her to create, in partnership<br />

with her couple, ‘Authentic Bespoke<br />

Ceremonies’ blending both the Traditional<br />

and Contemporary. Specializing in “Outside<br />

of the Box” Ceremonies!<br />

Encapsulating the ‘true essence’ of that<br />

couple. Creating everlasting memories, with<br />

love, light and laughter, using words with soul.<br />

Tania Johnson-Scott<br />

Independent/Civil Union Celebrant<br />

E: tania@taniajohnsonscott.co.nz | W: www.taniajohnsonscottcelebrant<br />

F: www.facebook.com/TaniaJohnsonScottCelebrant<br />

Chalk It Up<br />

Celebrations, Corporate Events<br />

and Experience Management<br />

Chalk It Up is about creating, facilitating and managing<br />

memorable experiences for your special event<br />

while delivering optimal client satisfaction.<br />

Tess Jolly, experience designer<br />

027 257 5550 |info@chalkitup.co.nz |www.chalkitup.co.nz<br />

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding,<br />

together we will make it unique<br />

P 03 342 3<strong>05</strong>5 M 0274 948 638 E beth@weddingcelebrantchristchurch.co.nz<br />

Marriage, Civil Unions, Blessings<br />

Cheryl Gianelly<br />

Celebrant<br />

I help to create a<br />

ceremony that reflects your<br />

personalities and life together<br />

P: 021 412 181<br />

E: cheryl@<br />

cherished.net.nz<br />

combines your hopes<br />

and your dreams for<br />

your future together.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 127<br />

Ceremony<br />

While wedding ceremonies have to<br />

incorporate certain legalities, there are many<br />

ways to make yours uniquely personal and<br />

movingly memorable.<br />

YOUR VOWS<br />

When planning your ceremony, your celebrant can<br />

provide advice and suggestions for the vows you will<br />

make whether you choose traditional wording or more<br />

contemporary expressions. Some religious ceremonies<br />

require you to choose from a selection of relevant<br />

readings approved by the church.<br />

WORDS OF YOUR OWN<br />

If you decide to write your own vows search books,<br />

poems, prayers and song lyrics for inspiration or turn<br />

to the internet for examples of wedding vows. Don’t be<br />

afraid to inject a little humour if it suits your style. One<br />

bride promised “not to expect holidays at any time<br />

during the rugby season.”<br />

PLEDGES OF TRUTH<br />

Reciting an odd number of pledges before the wedding<br />

vows was an ancient tradition before the formalisation<br />

of wedding ceremonies. Today pledges such as truth,<br />

honesty, faithfulness, courage, patience and compassion<br />

are often included in the vows.<br />

A CANDLELIT<br />

CEREMONY<br />

You can marry at any time<br />

of the day, but the romance<br />

of candlelight provides<br />

special ambience. The bridal<br />

party can carry candles or<br />

lanterns, guests can light<br />

candles during the ceremony<br />

and the couple can light a<br />

single candle to signify their<br />

joint life together. If there<br />

is a pool or lake nearby,<br />

floating candles make a<br />

magical effect.<br />

BREAK WITH TRADITION<br />

It has been the custom for a father to<br />

walk his daughter down the aisle, but<br />

many brides break the tradition by<br />

asking both parents to escort her to<br />

the altar. It is also traditional for the<br />

chief bridesmaid and best man to sign<br />

the register as witnesses, but asking<br />

both mothers to be signatories is also<br />

a nice touch.<br />

LOVE AND LUCK<br />

It has been the customs for generations<br />

to celebrate the marriage by showering<br />

the couple with rice, confetti or rose<br />

petals to signify love and good luck.<br />

Modern weddings are often marked<br />

with the release of doves to symbolise<br />

a journey or balloons for good luck.<br />

INSCRIPTIONS<br />

Inscribe your weddings rings<br />

with the date of the wedding<br />

or inspirational words, have<br />

your cake knife inscribed<br />

as a keepsake or share your<br />

first toast together with<br />

commemorative champagne<br />

flutes or goblets.

128 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Every wedding is unique<br />

and should be followed<br />

by a honeymoon that is<br />

everything you dreamed it<br />

would be.<br />

However, with all the delightful<br />

destinations on offer, “making<br />

your plans with the help of travel<br />

experts should be the first step to<br />

ensuring your honeymoon ticks all<br />

of your boxes” says Liz Ditmer of<br />

Helloworld.<br />

She advises every couple to start<br />

planning their honeymoon as early<br />

as possible. “Couples will often<br />

plan every detail of their wedding a<br />

year or more in advance, but miss<br />

out on opportunities for top deals<br />

and availability of their preferred<br />

honeymoon destination by leaving<br />

their plans too late.”<br />

To help your travel professional<br />

create your perfect trip decide<br />

on the budget and the style of<br />

honeymoon that appeals to you<br />

both. Are you looking for total<br />

relaxation by a pool or on a cruise,<br />

do you prefer an adventure, a<br />

cultural experience or an exotic<br />

destination you have always wanted<br />

to visit? Don’t assume you both<br />

want the same! If you don’t, plan<br />

a “mix and match” holiday that<br />

combines both adventure and lazing<br />

at leisure.<br />

Your honeymoon may be one<br />

of the largest single expenses after<br />

you have financed the wedding.<br />

So don’t let your honeymoon be<br />

a budgeting after- thought. Ideally<br />

set up a special savings account and<br />

make regular contributions to your<br />

honeymoon funds. Have a clear<br />

idea of what you can afford but if<br />

the budget is tight, think about a<br />

bridal registry with your local travel<br />

expert. “The money contributed can<br />

be used towards your honeymoon<br />

travel expenses and is a convenient<br />

and easy gift idea for your wedding<br />

guests” says Liz.<br />

Decide how much time you<br />

want to be away and how far you<br />

are willing to travel to reach the<br />

destination that inspires you. You<br />

won’t want to spend half your<br />

honeymoon on a plane, so choose<br />

a location that is accessible for the<br />

time you have available.<br />

Some couples choose not to<br />

travel right after the wedding,<br />

preferring to delay their honeymoon<br />

trip according to the season, a<br />

special event or their ability to take<br />

extra leave from their employment.<br />

Your travel professional can provide<br />

options and alternatives if you wish.<br />

“Always make sure you have<br />

documentation ready early because<br />

you don’t want to be worrying<br />

about renewing passports in the<br />

last few weeks before the big day”<br />

advises Liz. “Once you have decided<br />

on your perfect honeymoon you can<br />

leave the rest to us and concentrate<br />

on the big day ahead. Then all you<br />

need to do is make a time to pick<br />

up your documents, arrange your<br />

insurance and foreign currency and<br />

say “bon voyage.”<br />

Helloworld’s experienced<br />

consultants welcome the<br />

opportunity to discuss all your<br />

travel ideas and plans. Previously<br />

Harvey World Travel the company<br />

has recently re-branded and has<br />

Helloworld offices in both Rangiora<br />

and Rolleston.

honeymoons<br />

hello<br />

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BONUS: Includes breakfast daily and $350* credit per room<br />

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5 NIGHTS + 2 NIGHTS IN NADI, FLIGHTS EX CHRISTCHURCH & TRANSFERS<br />

FROM$<br />

3299 * PP TWIN SHARE<br />

IN A BEACHFRONT BURE<br />

BONUS: Includes breakfast daily on Matamanoa Island<br />

TAHITI - HILTON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT & SPA<br />

6 NIGHTS + 1 NIGHT PAPEETE , FLIGHTS EX CHRISTCHURCH & TRANSFERS<br />

FROM$<br />

3439 * PP TWIN SHARE<br />

IN A GARDEN BUNGALOW WITH POOL<br />

BONUS: Includes breakfast daily in Moorea.<br />

Upgrade to overwater bungalow at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa for $780 per person<br />

*Conditions: Sales until 31 Mar 2017, unless sold out prior. Prices are per person, twin share, flying Air New Zealand “Works” from Christchurch. Room credit is to be used for food & beverage, spa, or wifi only, and is not refundable<br />

or transferable. Travel dates and restrictions may apply, please enquire for details. HW0482<br />

helloworld Rangiora 99 High Street rangiora@helloworld.co.nz 03 310 6288<br />

helloworld Rolleston 72 Rolleston Drive rolleston@helloworld.co.nz 03 974 2010

130 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Wing your way to Vanuatu<br />

and you will discover an<br />

archipelago embroidered<br />

with lush tropical jungle,<br />

extraordinary geographical<br />

features, a natural<br />

adventure playground,<br />

outstanding resorts and<br />

restaurants, unique customs<br />

and ancient cultures and<br />

the quirkiest language you<br />

will ever hear!<br />

Best of all, this honeymoon<br />

destination is barely 3 hours flying<br />

time from home to hideaway!<br />

At Port Vila on the main island<br />

of Efate you will find agreeable<br />

places to stay around the sparkling<br />

Erakor Lagoon. Whether you<br />

choose all inclusive resort amenities<br />

and activities, the independence<br />

of a self catering bungalow or the<br />

luxury of a private paradise like the<br />

Havannah on the northern coast,<br />

relaxation is mandatory amid the<br />

warmth of a tropical climate. But<br />

for perfect bliss indulge in a unique<br />

volcanic spa and massage; a volcanic<br />

ash scrub to exfoliate, a mud wrap<br />

to detox, a deep tissue massage<br />

for your muscles and a hedonistic<br />

bathe in coconut milk to de-stress<br />

completely.<br />

Sightseeing on Efate includes<br />

Port Vila’s colourful history,<br />

markets and shops, as well as an<br />

insight into traditional village<br />

life at the Ekasup Custom Village<br />

or the Botanic Gardens. At the<br />

stunning Cascade Falls, walkers<br />

are rewarded with wonderful<br />

waterfalls and rock pools for a cool<br />

freshwater swim and nature’s own<br />

hydro-slide.<br />

For a delightful day out, take<br />

the tour or ferry to the marine<br />

reserve of Hideaway. As well<br />

as an excellent restaurant and<br />

beach bar, guests and day trippers<br />

can hire snorkelling and diving<br />

equipment to make the most of<br />

the spectacular marine life around<br />

the island. Then again a day aboard<br />

the wooden ketch “Coongoola” will<br />

transport you to some of Efate’s<br />

finest diving and snorkelling sites,<br />

introduce you to a turtle farm and<br />

provide you with a superb barbeque<br />

lunch on the Island of Tranquility.<br />

Among Efate’s newest<br />

adventures is the Jungle Zipline<br />

which comprises a kilometer of six<br />

zip lines and suspension bridges<br />

high in the jungle canopy, plus the<br />

recently opened Big Zip Trek – a<br />

seven zip 1.4km zap over a 300m<br />

canyon if you dare! Or, combine<br />

the two with a heli tour to the<br />

Summit above Mele Bay and then<br />

come down to earth in the<br />

soothingly tropical Summit<br />

Gardens.<br />

Vanuatu offers visitors a<br />

variety of cuisines and you’ll<br />

find everything from an island<br />

style buffet to Michelin quality at<br />

Restaurant Le Jardin des Saveurs.<br />

Vanuatu was under French rule<br />

until 1980 and their legacy is alive<br />

& well in food with flavour to<br />

savour!<br />

Beyond Port Vila, the many<br />

outer islands allow visitors<br />

to appreciate the distinctive<br />

geographic and cultural entities that<br />

make up the 83 islands of Vanuatu.<br />

Among them Esperito Santo, Tanna<br />

and Pentecost are the best known<br />

and are accessible by Vanair services<br />

for day trips or longer. There are<br />

some wild adventures to be had<br />

there too!<br />

On Tanna, Vanuatu’s “Island of<br />

Fire” fascinated visitors peer into<br />

Yasur’s molten heart and feel a deep<br />

rumble shudder from its depths.<br />

At night they stand riveted by its<br />

sound and light show as embers fall<br />

around them like glow-in- the dark<br />

confetti. Nearby, Tanna’s custom<br />

villagers shun modern comforts<br />

to live traditionally in simple palm<br />

woven huts. Pentecost is famous<br />

for its Land Diving ceremonies –<br />

forget elastic, this is the original<br />

bungy using vines and a less than<br />

scientifically calculated tower to<br />

launch from! It’s not for tourists<br />

however, and you only get to watch<br />

this cultural rite of passage into<br />

male adulthood.<br />

Espiritu Santo is a diver’s<br />

mecca featuring clear waters with<br />

stunning reefs and shipwrecks from<br />

WWII when 100,000 American<br />

troops were based here, including<br />

Million Dollar Point and the<br />

SS Coolidge. Hidden in Santo’s<br />

tangled interior the Millenium<br />

Cave is open-mouthed in a 15<br />

metre yawn leading to the Vantar<br />

River and provides an Indiana Jones<br />

experience!<br />

Alternatively you could be<br />

super-indulgent and stay at Bokissa<br />

Private Island Resort. Just a 20<br />

minute boat ride from Santo, its<br />

“away-from-it-all” environment<br />

makes you feel there’s nothing but<br />

you surrounded by blue. So if you<br />

want a good holiday you belong<br />

in Vanuatu – or in Bislama, the<br />

country’s wonderfully idiomatic<br />

language… “yu wantem sam gud<br />

holede, yu blong Vanuatu.”

‘the perfect place to combine<br />

a tropical, beautiful, romantic wedding and relaxing honeymoon’<br />

Air Vanuatu - The ONLY airline providing business class seats between Auckland and Port Vila.<br />

The ONLY airline offering convenient middle day arrivals and departures at Auckland every Wednesday and Saturday ensuring<br />

connections to and from all NZ domestic airports. The ONLY airline offering fantastic childrens fares!<br />

We know our place better than anyone<br />

Free Meals... Free Drinks... Free Headsets... 23kg Baggage allowance...<br />

...Every Passenger, Every Flight.<br />

airvanuatu.com<br />

airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz<br />

www.vanuatu.travel

132 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

A honeymoon paradise is<br />

yours in less than 5 hours<br />

flying time! Captain Cook<br />

discovered it for us, Gauguin<br />

painted it for us and ever<br />

since the world has had a<br />

love affair with Tahiti.<br />

A legacy of French and Pacific<br />

heritage garnished by dazzling<br />

white sands, turquoise waters and<br />

rich green clad mountain peaks,<br />

makes Tahiti visually and culturally<br />

irresistible.<br />

New Zealanders will find English<br />

widely spoken, particularly in tourist<br />

areas and that exploring Tahiti is a<br />

rewarding and exciting experience.<br />

Tahiti is the largest island of French<br />

Polynesia and its capital, Papeete is<br />

a busy town and bustling port with<br />

major hotels and luxurious resorts<br />

sprinkled along its fluted coastline.<br />

At Papeete’s heart the daily<br />

market is a colourful melange of<br />

produce and crafts with local women<br />

making intricate wreaths of fresh<br />

flowers to wear on Saturday night.<br />

The coffee is good and the patisserie<br />

entirely too tempting to ignore!<br />

Nearby, the dignity of the 170<br />

year old Cathedral is evident in<br />

white plaster walls simply adorned<br />

by a Tahitian frieze of Christ’s life<br />

and death and a vivid stained glass<br />

window set high above the altar.<br />

An atmosphere of tranquility and<br />

contemplation contrasts with the<br />

busy streets outside.<br />

A visit to the fascinating Perles<br />

Musee traces the history of pearls<br />

and Tahiti’s thriving cultured pearl<br />

farm industry. Exquisite informative<br />

displays are easily followed with<br />

the help of multi lingual staff and<br />

brochures. Tahiti’s famous black<br />

pearls are a popular gift or souvenir<br />

and can be bought in Papeete’s<br />

jewellery shops and pearl outlets.<br />

Price varies depending on the quality<br />

of the pearl so be sure to choose<br />

carefully and get a certificate of<br />

verification with your receipt.<br />

For more local colour and Tahiti’s<br />

most affordable dining experience<br />

visit Les Roulottes – caravan-style<br />

restaurants on wheels that have<br />

become an evening institution in<br />

Papeete’s car parks. The food variety<br />

is great and the atmosphere is as laid<br />

back as the tropics. Alternatively you<br />

can find romantic fine dining in the<br />

hotels and restaurants but at much<br />

greater expense.<br />

Displays of vibrant pareus in the<br />

market and local shops remind you<br />

that the beaches beckon, especially<br />

well known islands like Bora Bora or<br />

Moorea which is just seven minutes<br />

away across the bay by regular<br />

ferry. Rugged bush clad mountains<br />

rise abruptly behind the coast road<br />

around the island while cruise liners<br />

bask in Cook’s Bay below the 240m<br />

Le Belvedere lookout.<br />

To get to your accommodation<br />

hop aboard Le Truc – the open-sided<br />

public transport that circumnavigates<br />

the island for just a few francs each.<br />

Galleries and shops line the winding<br />

road at intervals, fresh fish dry on<br />

racks in the sun, colourful screen<br />

printed fabrics flutter in a gentle<br />

breeze and everywhere there’s an<br />

alluring glimpse of pure turquoise<br />

ocean.<br />

Several inviting resorts with<br />

cottages and over water bungalows<br />

command prime sites on the<br />

shores of the lagoon. Stretch your<br />

budget at the local supermarket or<br />

at small village restaurants nearby<br />

with reasonable tariffs. For Kiwis<br />

with a sense of adventure and<br />

independence, Moorea is particularly<br />

easy to explore by car or bicycle.<br />

A range of water sports and<br />

sightseeing options can be easily<br />

organised with local operators to<br />

go swimming with dolphins, aqua<br />

walking, para sailing, 4WD safari,<br />

sailing or shark and stingray diving.<br />

In the evening discover the Tiki<br />

Village Theatre’s traditional buffet,<br />

followed by a spectacular dance show<br />

depicting Tahitian legends.<br />

Bora Bora may only be a short<br />

flight from Papeete but it’s another<br />

world when you get there. A<br />

spectacular honeymoon hideaway<br />

with an exquisite lagoon and coral<br />

reef, enjoy the privacy of a luxury<br />

resort, romantic dinners Polynesian<br />

style, breakfast delivered by canoe,<br />

lazy days on the beach, a sunset<br />

cruise and a couples’ private spa<br />

treatment.<br />

Tahiti is characterised not only by<br />

vivid colour - fish, water, sand and<br />

scenery, but by the “tiare Tahiti” a<br />

variety of gardenia blooming in every<br />

garden and worn by every woman,<br />

with a fragrance the painter Matisse<br />

once said “wipes away memories of<br />

the past and all fear of the future.”<br />

Sounds like the perfect honeymoon<br />

philosophy don’t you think?

discover the romance<br />

of the cook islands<br />

Dreaming of a romantic island wedding with friendly Polynesian hospitality and<br />

the sweet smell of frangipani in the air? Say ‘I do’ at one of the most romantic<br />

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wedding packages to suit all budgets, The Edgewater Resort & Spa is the<br />

perfect place to celebrate your romantic destination wedding - from intimate<br />

ceremonies with close family and friends to large scale events and lively<br />

receptions. Whatever you’re looking for, Edgewater’s team of event planners<br />

will ensure your Cook Islands wedding is enjoyable and stress-free.<br />

THE TIPANI WEDDING PACKAGE – FROM NZD$1499<br />

• Beachside weddings on the sunset side of the island<br />

• Honeymooners receive free room upgrade, fruit basket<br />

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*FREE Tipani Wedding Package if you book 5 rooms<br />

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OUR ALL INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGE FEATURES:<br />

CEREMONY:<br />

• The Services of your Personal Wedding & Reception Planner<br />

• Tropical Flower Bouquet for the Bride<br />

• Tropical Neck garland (Neck Ei) or Buttonhole for the Groom<br />

• Decorated Beachside Archway<br />

• Chauffeur transfer on wedding buggy for Bride to Ceremony<br />

• Stereo system to play music of choice<br />

• Transfers to and from registry office to process the Marriage License<br />

• Marriage License & Certificate<br />

• Services of a Celebrant or Minister<br />

• Ceremonial Planting of the ‘Uto’ (baby coconut palm)<br />

• Complimentary Bottle of Bubbly to Celebrate<br />

• Wedding Gift from The Edgewater<br />

• Copy of your Personal Wedding Vows<br />

• Room Turndown Service on your Wedding Night<br />

• His & Hers Island Pareus<br />

RECEPTION:<br />

• Mouth-watering Island BBQ Buffet Menu for 30 close family and friends<br />

• 3-Hour Beverage Package for 30 close family and friends (includes<br />

standard wines, beers, soft drinks, fruit juice & water)<br />

• One-tier Wedding Cake<br />

• Fully Decorated Wedding Reception Venue<br />

BRIDE & GROOM’S ACCOMMODATION:<br />

• 5 Nights in a Beachfront Deluxe Suite @ The Edgewater Resort & Spa<br />

• Return airport-resort transfers for the Bride & Groom<br />

• Includes Welcome Tropical Fruits + DAILY TROPICAL BREAKFAST +<br />

EXTENSIVE COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITIES such as snorkeling, tennis<br />

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discover the romance<br />

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WIN A ROMANTIC TIPANI WEDDING PACKAGE<br />

YOUR PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES:<br />

• 7 nights’ accommodation in a<br />

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• Return Airport Transfers for two (Rarotonga)<br />

• TIPANI WEDDING PACKAGE:<br />

o Beachside Wedding ceremony<br />

overlooking the resort lagoon<br />

o Full services of your own<br />

personal wedding planner<br />

o Marriage License & Certificate<br />

o Transfers to and from registry office<br />

to process the Marriage Licence<br />

o Services of a Celebrant or Minister<br />

o Tropical flower bouquet for the<br />

Bride & Tropical Neck Garland<br />

or Buttonhole for the Groom<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

Chauffer Transfer on Wedding<br />

Buggy for Bride to Ceremony<br />

Witnesses if required<br />

Stereo System to play music<br />

of choice<br />

Copy of Wedding Vows<br />

Ceremonial Planting of the<br />

Uto (young Coconut palm)<br />

Complimentary Bottle of Bubbly<br />

Wedding gift from the Resort<br />

• Romantic Dinner for two<br />

• $100 Resort Credit<br />

– for the Bride and Groom<br />

• Terms & Conditions Apply<br />

www.facebook.com/edgewaterresortandspa<br />

www.edgewater.co.ck

136 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ISLAND DESTINATION<br />

Charming, undemanding<br />

and unspoiled the Cook<br />

Islands are easy to reach<br />

and hard to leave. They are<br />

tropical, magical, reachable<br />

and reasonable, so what<br />

better place to exchange<br />

your vows or enjoy the<br />

simplicity of an island<br />

honeymoon?<br />

Rarotonga is the largest of the<br />

Cook Islands, but you can easily<br />

discover its beaches and lagoons as<br />

you navigate its 32km circular road<br />

by local bus, hire vehicle or popular<br />

motor scooter. It’s impossible to get<br />

lost and every detour is a scenic,<br />

cultural or historic delight.<br />

Several of Rarotonga’s<br />

popular resorts have wedding<br />

and honeymoon packages that<br />

provide couples with romantic<br />

venues to exchange their vows and<br />

add a variety of special touches<br />

like a tropical bouquet, wedding<br />

photography and a celebratory<br />

dinner.<br />

The Rarotongan Resort Hotel<br />

is the island’s best known property<br />

and its idyllic beach location on<br />

the shores of Aroa is just one of<br />

several that couples can choose for<br />

their ceremony. <strong>With</strong> comfortable<br />

accommodation, superb amenities,<br />

numerous activities and privacy<br />

for guests, it’s also a sought<br />

after location for a relaxing and<br />

memorable honeymoon.<br />

As well as warm clear waters<br />

and a coral reef teeming with<br />

colourful fish, the island’s volcanic<br />

origins have produced a rugged<br />

hinterland of mountain and<br />

rainforest to discover on foot,<br />

horseback or mountain bike. Small<br />

villages dot the coast, so you’ll<br />

find deserted stretches of sand for<br />

a languid swim and excellent little<br />

cafes, restaurants and beach bars.<br />

Order a simple tasty lunch, enjoy a<br />

sunset cocktail, chill-out in the heat<br />

of the day or laze in a sand-frilled<br />

lagoon.<br />

Avarua is the capital of<br />

Rarotonga and a busy service centre<br />

for the 14 islands of the Cook<br />

group. The Cook Islands uses the<br />

New Zealand dollar so shopping<br />

couldn’t be simpler whether you<br />

visit duty free shops or buy local<br />

products include clothing, crafts<br />

and jewellery, especially the island’s<br />

beautiful black pearls.<br />

On Saturdays the thriving<br />

Punanganui Market attracts visitors<br />

and locals to try, buy and enjoy<br />

homegrown coffee, bright sarongs,<br />

wood carvings, basketry, jewellery<br />

or traditional tivaevae quilts or rito<br />

hats.<br />

Treat yourself to a divine<br />

tropical fruit slushy and fresh<br />

baked coconut rolls, amble over<br />

to the legendary Trader Jacks for a<br />

seafood lunch and a lager or retreat<br />

to your villa, bure or resort for an<br />

afternoon swim or siesta.<br />

Dancing, crafts, church, food<br />

and flowers are the cornerstones<br />

of Cook Island life. A visit to Te<br />

Vara Nui, Rarotonga’s purpose built<br />

cultural centre is an interactive<br />

journey into its history, culminating<br />

in a spectacular island night of<br />

entertainment and feasting on local<br />

delicacies. Alternatively you<br />

can choose an authentic cultural<br />

ceremony at Highland Paradise<br />

Village near Aorangi village.<br />

Many couples find Rarotonga’s<br />

gentle pace ideal for their entire<br />

honeymoon, but others may choose<br />

to fly to the island of Aitutaki for<br />

the ultimate honeymoon getaway.<br />

The atoll is just a short flight from<br />

Rarotonga and the luxury Aitutaki<br />

Lagoon Resort and Spa is your<br />

perfect Pacific paradise and recently<br />

ranked in the Top 25 resorts world<br />

wide by Conde Nast.<br />

Described as a destination for<br />

incurable romantics, Aitutaki is an<br />

exquisite atoll, fringed by golden<br />

sands and set in the most vivid<br />

luminous turquoise waters you can<br />

imagine. After being welcomed with<br />

a frangipani lei, you will be invited<br />

to leave your cares behind and adopt<br />

laid back island time throughout<br />

your stay.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 137<br />

“Houston we have a<br />

problem” is Apollo XIII’s<br />

unforgettable one liner, but<br />

getting to Houston is no<br />

problem for New Zealand<br />

travellers.<br />

<strong>With</strong> Air New Zealand’s direct<br />

route to this Texan city, travellers<br />

have a new geographic wonderland<br />

to explore because Houston opens<br />

the gate to the southern United<br />

States and some seriously exciting<br />

cruise destinations.<br />

Houston is the fourth largest<br />

city in the USA, sprawling from the<br />

coastal Gulf of Mexico towards the<br />

oil rich plains of Texas. Founded in<br />

1836, remnants of Houston’s early<br />

history associated with cotton are<br />

to be found in the charming Market<br />

Square Park and the heritage<br />

precinct along Buffalo Bayou.<br />

But modern Houston has<br />

become home territory for NASA.<br />

The launch pads of the LB Johnson<br />

Space Centre are here and at the<br />

“must visit” Space Centre Houston,<br />

you’ll be immersed in things<br />

astronaut-ical from space shuttle<br />

replicas and Apollo capsules to<br />

artefacts and interactive displays that<br />

will literally space you out!<br />

In a city of glitz and glass there<br />

are fast paced attractions with allure<br />

for adventurers; indoor skydiving<br />

with the thrill of the plummet<br />

without the plane ride; laps on<br />

the Fittipaldi Racetrack, ranch and<br />

rodeo experiences, a ball game at<br />

the famous Astrodome or a retail<br />

adventure at outlet malls the size of<br />

a small New Zealand town!<br />

But there are also softer sojourns<br />

to taste the region’s emerging wine<br />

industry, or a daytrip to Galveston<br />

Island where heritage buildings like<br />

the ante bellum beauty of Ashton<br />

Villa take you back to the<br />

days of the Civil War.<br />

The cotton industry<br />

had established<br />

Galveston as the<br />

leading cotton port<br />

in the world until<br />

the hurricane of<br />

1906. The imposing<br />

architecture of the<br />

Bishop’s Palace<br />

and Grand Opera<br />

House are evidence<br />

of Galveston’s<br />

importance to<br />

Texas.<br />

The warm waters of the<br />

Gulf of Mexico are home<br />

to bottlenose dolphins and<br />

numerous water sports. But<br />

Galveston is also a cruise port<br />

where exotic destinations like<br />

Mexico, Central America and<br />

the Caribbean are within easy<br />

reach.<br />

Cruise itineraries from four<br />

to fourteen days can take you in<br />

love-boat luxury to Acapulco,<br />

Belize, Honduras, Jamaica, the<br />

Bahamas, Grand Cayman, the<br />

British and US Virgin Islands<br />

or Puerto Rico. <strong>With</strong> early<br />

bird discounts and affordable late<br />

availability deals, a cruise is the<br />

perfect mix and match option for a<br />

Texan honeymoon.<br />

If a road trip has appeal, there’s<br />

plenty of Texas to see; Dallas,<br />

Austin, San Antonio or the charm<br />

of Corpus Christi. Austin is the state<br />

capital of Texas and manages to mix<br />

up business acumen with wild-west<br />

ambience. You’ll find pick-up trucks<br />

next to state of the art sports cars,<br />

Stetsons worn with business suits<br />

and cowboy culture in suburban<br />

malls.<br />

San Antonio has created a 15<br />

mile tree lined river walk that<br />

incorporates a 5 mile city boardwalk<br />

through its parks, gardens and<br />

historic precinct. Lined with<br />

barges if you prefer to sightsee on<br />

the water or bike trail if you like<br />

wheels, San Antonio is one of the<br />

most visitor friendly destinations in<br />

Texas. The city’s Alamo was once<br />

an 18 th century mission, now a<br />

museum and marks an infamous<br />

battle for Texan independence from<br />

Mexico in 1836.<br />

Alternatively you could head<br />

for Texas’ border with Louisiana<br />

and experience paddle steamer<br />

journeys on the mighty Mississippi,<br />

or discover the jazz and pizzazz<br />

of New Orleans. On the way, let<br />

your taste buds loose on southern<br />

cuisine; Cajun or Creole, gumbo<br />

and jumbalaya, shrimp or crawfish<br />

and cornbread.<br />

If Elvis is more your style, road<br />

trip north to Memphis or Nashville<br />

or turn south for Florida sunshine<br />

and the thrills of Orlando’s theme<br />

park metropolis, the wildlife of the<br />

Everglades or the laid back beach<br />

resorts of Key West.

Win<br />

Your Wedding<br />

in<br />

Norfolk<br />

Island<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> in conjunction with Norfolk<br />

Island Tourism & Air New Zealand<br />

have a fabulous wedding to win.<br />

<strong>This</strong> fantastic package includes:<br />

Return airfares on Air New Zealand (ex Auckland)<br />

7 nights accommodation<br />

Professional wedding organiser<br />

Wedding celebrant<br />

Fees for all relevant legal paper work for your wedding<br />

Photos of the ceremony<br />

be into win<br />

To be into win, email<br />

your name, address &<br />

contact number to:<br />

wtr@starmedia.kiwi<br />

Entries close on<br />

28th September, <strong>2016</strong><br />

Total value: $4600 NZD<br />

*Conditions apply

140 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Make your wedding the<br />

complete love story on an<br />

island that is described as<br />

“360 degrees of wonder.”<br />

Norfolk Island is just 2<br />

hours flying time from<br />

New Zealand and is an<br />

enigmatic destination<br />

of heritage and scenic<br />

splendour.<br />

<strong>This</strong> tiny sub tropical island<br />

barely 10km long and 5km wide,<br />

boasts a wedding venue that’s like<br />

no other. A Professional Wedding<br />

Coordinator can oversee all the<br />

arrangements including the legal<br />

paperwork. You can be offered a<br />

ceremony at a variety of unique<br />

locations including an historic<br />

church, world heritage buildings,<br />

a resort, a homestead, on a golf<br />

course, a beach, a cliff top, on<br />

a jetty, a farm or in a botanical<br />

garden.<br />

You can choose any or all of<br />

Norfolk Island’s wedding services;<br />

celebrant, floristry, hairdressing,<br />

beauty therapy, transport and<br />

photography. You can enjoy a<br />

resort for your reception or one of<br />

the island’s renowned restaurants,<br />

book a romantic dinner for just<br />

the two of you or arrange caterers<br />

at a church hall or sports club.<br />

You can even take a champagne<br />

picnic to one of Norfolk Island’s<br />

most scenic settings and sample<br />

the island’s wonderful fresh fish,<br />

organic produce and its own wine,<br />

coffee, beef, liqueurs, chocolate,<br />

cheese and honey.<br />

You can stay in your own<br />

executive cottage set amid sub<br />

tropical gardens. <strong>With</strong> self catering<br />

facilities, private patio and a tariff<br />

that includes a rental vehicle for<br />

the duration of your stay, you can<br />

explore this delightful little island<br />

at your leisure.<br />

Discover the crystal clear<br />

waters of Emily Bay, go<br />

snorkelling along the coral reef,<br />

be mesmerised by the island’s<br />

convict history, go kayaking,<br />

horse trekking or fishing, try<br />

golf or tennis, explore the tracks<br />

and trails of the national park or<br />

indulge in some serious relaxation<br />

with a spa treatment and massage.<br />

<strong>With</strong> no traffic jams, no<br />

queues, no pollution, no crime<br />

and no stress, Norfolk Island is<br />

the perfect place to celebrate your<br />

wedding, renew your vows or<br />

enjoy a honeymoon that provides<br />

total time out for just the two of<br />

you.<br />

Best of all you could WIN<br />

A WEDDING in NORFOLK<br />

ISLAND by simply entering the<br />

prize draw for Loving Memories<br />

in Paradise!

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 141<br />

PHOTO: HAYMAN ISLANDS<br />

If your honeymoon plans<br />

encompass summer sun, a<br />

cruise, a resort or a tropical<br />

destination, then classy<br />

beach wear should be<br />

on your mind and in your<br />

suitcase!<br />

The variety is impressive for in the<br />

water or out of it and caters to all<br />

tastes and body shapes.<br />

TWO PIECE SWIM SUITS<br />

are represented by a range of<br />

bikini styles which can be<br />

purchased together or as mix and<br />

match in different sizes and colours.<br />

Bikini tops may be bandeau, halter<br />

or bra cup style, but the blurring of<br />

swim wear and gym wear designs<br />

also sees the crop top in the bikini<br />

range. If you prefer more coverage,<br />

the camisole top is also available.<br />

Bikini bottoms can be low style,<br />

waist high, hipster or boy- leg cut,<br />

while the option of kick shorts,<br />

skort and running shorts provide<br />

additional beach-to-gym interchange<br />

if you wish.<br />

ONE-PIECE SWIMSUITS<br />

are always flattering and incorporate<br />

numerous design details for fashion<br />

and comfort. Styles may be sleek,<br />

rucched, discreet or cut-out.<br />

Necklines include plunge, bandeau,<br />

shoestring camisole or an asymmetric<br />

shoulder strap. Backs can be crossed,<br />

scoop or plunging, the front and<br />

sides of the swimsuit can be laced<br />

and mesh illusion can be a flattering<br />

compromise. For ocean swimming<br />

and active water sports the modified<br />

wetsuit is another useful style with<br />

sleeves, boy leg cut and zip front.<br />

FOR THIS<br />

SEASON’S SWIMWEAR<br />

Cool colours: Navy, white,<br />

turquoise, fuschia, orange and<br />

black of course<br />

“In” prints: Aztec, Hawaiian, paisley,<br />

animal, nautical stripes and polka dots<br />

Special effects: Lace, tie dye,<br />

crotchet, fringing, frills<br />

and mesh inserts<br />

COVER-UPS are an essential<br />

beach accessory to protect you from<br />

the sun and keep the chill away after<br />

a swim or at sundown. For versatility<br />

you can’t beat a sarong – it packs<br />

perfectly, dries in minutes and can<br />

be worn in a dozen different styles!<br />

The revival of boho fashions sees<br />

the return of muslin kaftans and<br />

crocheted tunics. Oversized T shirts<br />

are easy and practical and the split<br />

beach trouser will keep you cool in<br />

cotton or voile. An elegant<br />

cover-up can also take you to<br />

cocktails and dinner, so pack a<br />

maxi dress, some palazzo pants or<br />

a jumpsuit that can be wowed<br />

with some bling and a belt.<br />

SUN HATS need to be part of<br />

your beach babe experience whether<br />

your choice is functional, fashionable<br />

or both.<br />

THE BASEBALL CAP is adjustable,<br />

stays secure in the wind, keeps long<br />

hair in place and shields your eyes<br />

but not your ears or all of your face.<br />

THE STRAW PANAMA OR<br />

FEDORA is small brimmed and<br />

stylish, suits short or long hair,<br />

protects your eyes and ears and<br />

some of your face.<br />

THE WIDE BRIMMED<br />

FLOPPY HAT is best for fierce<br />

sun, it provides good shade, looks<br />

great with all outfits and if its<br />

un-crushable it will go anywhere<br />

too.<br />

THE SUNSHADE is an option<br />

if you don’t love a hat. It<br />

shields your eyes and your<br />

face but not the top of your<br />

head, so beware of the burn.<br />

BEACH BAG bold will standout<br />

at the pool and hold all the stuff<br />

you’ll want away from your room<br />

like book, sunnies, towel, hat, coverup<br />

and your essential SPF. Straw<br />

bags look great but they let in the<br />

sand so a waterproof lining will keep<br />

your items clean and dry, but look a<br />

zip top for security. Otherwise,<br />

back packs are versatile and a<br />

fold-up shopper takes no room<br />

in your luggage.

142 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

If you like the sound of<br />

144 little islands, unspoiled<br />

beaches and bays,<br />

interesting history and<br />

heritage, sub tropical<br />

temperatures, beautiful<br />

resorts and places to stay,<br />

fine food and a host of<br />

activities and adventures,<br />

then the Bay of Islands is<br />

the ideal honey-swoon<br />

destination for you!<br />

Tourists from all over the world<br />

rave about the beauty of the far<br />

north, yet many New Zealanders<br />

have never discovered its unique<br />

charm and glorious coastline. Base<br />

yourself in a beautiful apartment<br />

or resort in the Bay of Islands and<br />

plan day trips as the mood takes<br />

you. Alternatively fly to Auckland<br />

and then embark on a round trip<br />

journey of discovery at your own<br />

pace whatever the place.<br />

Beyond Auckland’s harbour<br />

bridge, travel the Hibiscus Coast<br />

to Orewa Beach, luxuriate in<br />

the Waiwera Hot Pools, sample<br />

beautiful local cheeses at Puhoi,<br />

explore the pretty township of<br />

Warkworth or take a short ferry<br />

ride to Kawau Island where<br />

Governor Grey’s historic Mansion<br />

House (1846) is now a museum.<br />

Between Warkworth and<br />

Whangarei there are seriously<br />

good beaches at Mangawhai and<br />

Waipu Cove, but the jewels in the<br />

crown are the crescents and coves<br />

that frill the turquoise waters of<br />

the Bay of Islands. Each of the<br />

small towns dotting its coastal<br />

landscape has its own special<br />

ambience.<br />

A European<br />

mission was established in Paihia<br />

1823, while nearby Waitangi is<br />

where the historic signing of the<br />

Treaty of Waitangi occurred in<br />

1840 and the Treaty House is<br />

preserved as a memorial and a<br />

museum. Today Paihia is well<br />

endowed with accommodation,<br />

shops, restaurants and tourist<br />

services for exploring the area on<br />

and off the water.<br />

A short ferry ride will take<br />

you across to Russell where<br />

quaint colonial buildings and<br />

French Bishop Pompallier’s House<br />

have survived the town’s torrid<br />

past as the fortified Maori<br />

settlement of Kororareka,<br />

then as a whaling port,<br />

followed by the Northland<br />

Land Wars in 1845.<br />

In Kerikeri you’ll find<br />

New Zealand’s oldest stone<br />

and wooden constructions<br />

(the stone store in 1833<br />

and Kemp House in 1821),<br />

while across the river is<br />

a reconstruction of Chief<br />

Rewa’s Maori Village and a<br />

series of picturesque walks.<br />

Maori grew large kumara<br />

crops in Kerikeri (meaning<br />

“to dig”) and the town continues<br />

to be a centre for produce, wines<br />

and home of many artisans.<br />

Scenic cruises operate from<br />

Paihia including the renowned<br />

“Cream Trip” and Hole in the Rock<br />

tour, Urupukapuka Island, dolphin<br />

viewing and swimming, as well as<br />

deep sea fishing charters, tall ship<br />

sailing, kayaking and scuba diving.<br />

Popular resorts and other water<br />

sports are on offer at Karikari<br />

Peninsula and Mangonui in<br />

Doubtless Bay. The historic town<br />

is also a good base for exploring<br />

the far north attractions of 90 Mile<br />

Beach and Cape Reinga, Kaitaia,<br />

the Hokianga Harbour and the<br />

ancient kauri forests of Waipoua on<br />

the west coast. Along the way you<br />

can try sand-tobogganing, quad<br />

biking, mountain biking, glow<br />

worm caves and the history of the<br />

region’s unique Maori settlements<br />

and kauri gum industry.<br />

From here it’s an easy route<br />

back to Auckland via the Kauri<br />

Coast, Bayly’s Beach, Dargaville,<br />

Kaipara Harbour and the vineyards<br />

of Helensville, or perhaps another<br />

hot water soak at Waiwera to be<br />

sure you are truly relaxed!<br />

PHOTOS BY: BAY OF ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

ADVERTORIAL<br />

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 143<br />

“Music can really<br />

make a wedding” says<br />

Therese Mitchell who<br />

owns and operates DJ<br />

Chick, Christchurch’s elite<br />

professional mobile disco.<br />

<strong>With</strong> her team’s many years<br />

music experience, including being<br />

part of live bands, Therese and her<br />

team aim to play the appropriate<br />

music at the right time and at the<br />

acceptable volume for everyone to<br />

enjoy the event!<br />

“We bring life to your party”<br />

and for weddings, DJ Chick can<br />

provide the ideal music for the<br />

ceremony, background music and<br />

reception dance, or all three! It’s<br />

important for the wedding couple<br />

to discuss the best type of music<br />

for their style of wedding. Some<br />

want lots of input, while others are<br />

unsure of what to select and rely on<br />

Therese’s suggestions which often<br />

include “a little bit of everything”<br />

she says.<br />

Therese tries to get couples to<br />

think of their guests rather than just<br />

their own music tastes, especially<br />

if the ages of guests spans several<br />

decades. Therese believes the staff<br />

of DJ Chick knows about music<br />

and aims to play what people know<br />

so that they will sing along and get<br />

up and dance. “We’re passionate<br />

about making sure everyone has a<br />

good time. If they don’t dance, we<br />

haven’t done our job well enough!”<br />

she says.<br />

DJ Chick can play anything<br />

from the “1920’s to now” but loves<br />

to specialize in retro especially the<br />

great tracks from the 70’s, 80’s<br />

and 90’s that get things rocking.<br />

However they’re also versatile<br />

enough to play current Top 40 and<br />

club style if that’s what is wanted.<br />

While it is unusual to have<br />

women as DJ’s Therese says it<br />

works well and she has bookings<br />

four or five nights each week for<br />

birthdays, parties, karaoke, school<br />

functions, corporate events as<br />

well as many weddings and DJ<br />

Chick can tailor a package to suit<br />

individual requirements.<br />

Usually they are booked to play<br />

for 4 hours “and we play right to<br />

the very end of when the venue is<br />

booked” says Therese. <strong>With</strong> quality<br />

portable equipment, bookings<br />

include lighting, laptop or CD’s &<br />

either Therese herself, or one of her<br />

3 experienced and enthusiastic DJ’s.<br />

Because the company owns all<br />

their own gear, they have control<br />

over its quality, use and condition,<br />

“We also guarantee to set up quietly<br />

and discreetly so as not to disturb<br />

any proceedings, but whenever<br />

possible we set up in advance.”<br />

Provided there’s a power source<br />

Therese says DJ Chick can play<br />

anywhere “and we have – halls,<br />

paddocks, and even the back of a<br />

truck!” <strong>With</strong> competitive “middle<br />

of the road” rates that can be<br />

negotiated, DJ Chick offers mobile<br />

music to achieve the fun, relaxed,<br />

and enjoyable atmosphere that will<br />

make your wedding memorable<br />

because “great receptions don’t<br />

happen by chance.”<br />

2015 and <strong>2016</strong> are already busy<br />

for weddings, so book early with<br />

DJ Chick to secure your preferred<br />

wedding date, perhaps consider a<br />

mid week or winter wedding and<br />

then leave it to the experts!<br />

Ph Therese Mitchell<br />

347 2669 or 021 216 2610,<br />

visit www.djchick.co.nz<br />

or email your enquiry<br />

to djchick@djchick.co.nz<br />

DJ<br />

Chick<br />

Great receptions don’t happen by chance...<br />

Christchurch’s elite professional mobile disco.<br />

Providing high quality, tasteful entertainment for<br />

wedding receptions for over 20 years, with the<br />

experience and the skill to create something<br />

special just for you.<br />

Therese Mitchell<br />

(a.k.a DJ Azure)<br />

Ph: 349 2501<br />

Mob: 021 216 2610<br />

www.djchick.co.nz<br />

djchick@djchick.co.nz

144 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Almost any venue can be transformed into a<br />

stylish wedding ceremony or reception setting<br />

with some imagination, flair and items you<br />

can make, buy or hire:<br />

INDOORS<br />

Drapes & Netting<br />

Swathes of fabric<br />

Garlands & Topiaries<br />

Vases of flowers<br />

Pots and Plants<br />

Pictures & posters<br />

Paintings or Stage Sets<br />

Balloons & Bows<br />

Fairylights<br />

Lamps & Candles<br />

Bunting<br />

Disco ball<br />

OUTDOORS<br />

Archways<br />

Screens or Trellis<br />

Gates or pickets<br />

A Gazebo or Awning<br />

Garlands & Wreaths<br />

Decking or Platform<br />

Pots & Plants<br />

Urns & Statues<br />

Columns & Pedestals<br />

Lights & Lanterns<br />

Mirrors<br />

Firepits and braziers<br />

TABLE SETTINGS<br />

Multi layered linen<br />

Bowls of beads or<br />

pebbles<br />

Sprinkle crystals & stars<br />

Fresh flowers<br />

Dried Flowers & Flax<br />

Pot Pourri & Oils<br />

Candelabra<br />

Place Cards or Stones<br />

Monogrammed Menus<br />

Chair Covers & Bows<br />

Pot plants<br />

Mirrored centrepieces

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 145<br />

At Something Borrowed<br />

Something New, (SBSN Ltd )<br />

you’ll find everything you<br />

could possibly need to create<br />

a bespoke theme for your<br />

special occasion.<br />

“Wedding decorations and ideas<br />

are naturally an important part<br />

of the business, but we can also<br />

theme private parties including<br />

engagements, hens’ nights, corporate<br />

functions, balls, 21sts, birthdays and<br />

anniversary celebrations” says Lynn.<br />

SBSN Ltd is developing a<br />

comprehensive and affordable photo<br />

catalogue of props for themed<br />

functions, including back drop<br />

displays, furniture, palm trees,<br />

enchanted forest trees, floral displays<br />

and children’s themed displays. We<br />

can also can make and source items to<br />

fit a particular theme” says Lynn.<br />

As Christchurch’s leading store<br />

for all your decoration requirements,<br />

an impressive selection of products<br />

is available to view, to hire or to<br />

purchase. <strong>With</strong> all the latest décor<br />

trends and props, you can set up your<br />

own displays in store and experiment<br />

with your own colours and ideas<br />

from classic to contemporary and<br />

simple to flamboyant.<br />

“We have a vast selection of<br />

event product for sale, including,<br />

rolls of fabric, sashes, table décor<br />

and wedding accessories.” Other<br />

items for hire in this delightful store<br />

reflect the current popularity of the<br />

vintage and rustic look and include:<br />

lighting, hessian items, bunting and<br />

lace runners, blackboards, as well as<br />

fabulous glassware and candelabra,<br />

for table decorations. There are a<br />

number of new backdrops including<br />

floral/ivy walls, 2 metre wooden<br />

freestanding love sign, 3 dimensional<br />

wooden printed back drop just to<br />

mention a few.<br />

<strong>With</strong> free in-store consultations<br />

Lynn and her team can offer advice<br />

based on 15 years experience to<br />

help achieve distinctive individuality<br />

of style for your special occasion.<br />

You may choose to decorate your<br />

own venue or take advantage of the<br />

company’s Venue Setting Service. For<br />

a minimal per person charge, SBSN<br />

will deliver your chosen items and<br />

expertly decorate your venue to the<br />

highest possible standards.<br />

We even have the things you<br />

haven’t thought about yet, so come<br />

in and talk to us about what we can<br />

do for you. Don’t forget to like us on<br />

FACEBOOK and check it regularly<br />

for in store specials too” suggests<br />

Lynn.<br />

Located at 393 Main South<br />

Road Hornby, with free<br />

parking available out front<br />

open 10-5pm and<br />

10-2.30pm Saturdays.<br />

Ph 03 349 4713,<br />

visit www.sbsn.co.nz<br />

and Facebook<br />

Specialising in:<br />

• Wedding/<br />

Event Hire<br />

• Corporate<br />

Functions<br />

• Bespoke Props<br />

• School Ball<br />

Themes<br />

• Birthday Party<br />

Themes<br />

393 Main South Road, Hornby.<br />

Ph: 349 4713. www.sbsn.co.nz<br />

Open 6 days a week.

146 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Nelson<br />

BRIDAL<br />

SHOW<br />

2nd April 2017 Trafalgar Centre<br />

Wedding shows and expos<br />

have become ideal “one<br />

stop” events to provide<br />

information, advice and<br />

inspiration for couples<br />

planning a wedding.<br />

Offering comprehensive<br />

information on wedding attire,<br />

flowers, jewellery, cars, venues,<br />

caterers, wining and dining,<br />

chapels, celebrants, locations,<br />

photographers, music, honeymoons<br />

and gifts, Wedding Shows and<br />

Expos are an “A to Z” resource<br />

where you can browse at your<br />

leisure, gather useful information<br />

and consult suppliers about their<br />

products and services.<br />

Depending on the size and<br />

location of the wedding show<br />

you will find local and out of<br />

town suppliers and sometimes<br />

international brands represented<br />

as well. You can also discuss your<br />

ideas in person with experienced<br />

wedding planners who can offer a<br />

variety of solutions and options you<br />

may not have considered.<br />

Shows are also an opportunity<br />

to compare the prices of different<br />

suppliers, see the latest styles and<br />

trends and try your luck in many of<br />

the competitions and giveaways that<br />

are often part of each show.<br />

Take advantage of any deals,<br />

discounts or special packages<br />

that may save you additional time<br />

and money. Collect any relevant<br />

business cards or brochures you<br />

may want to refer to or contact<br />

later.<br />

Held in many main centres<br />

and provincial towns throughout<br />

New Zealand, wedding shows are<br />

the ideal way for wedding service<br />

providers and customers to “find<br />

each another.” Look out for the next<br />

wedding show in your area and plan<br />

your perfect wedding but for a fun<br />

day out too, take your BFF with you<br />

and revel in wedding mania to your<br />

heart’s content!<br />

2nd APRIL 2017<br />

Fashion Show<br />

Prizes<br />

and much more....<br />

www.bridetobe.co.nz

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 147<br />

There’s nothing like music to create the desired<br />

atmosphere at any occasion, but a wedding<br />

reception has several phases and needs the right<br />

music at the right time.<br />

As guests arrive at the reception venue, soft background<br />

music allows greetings, introductions and conversation to<br />

flourish. Ideal “mood” makers are a string quartet, a small jazz<br />

band or “café” music on a playlist.<br />

During the meal, background music lets guests enjoy both<br />

the company and the cuisine. Choose instrumental “cocktail”<br />

music that is themed to suit the style of your wedding or lyrics<br />

that are easy on the ears.<br />

The First Dance indicates formalities are almost over and<br />

it is time for the party to begin. You may stay traditional with<br />

a Bridal Waltz or surprise your guests with something fun and<br />

funky instead.<br />

The music that gets your guests onto the dance floor<br />

needs to have a definite beat, be well known with a variety<br />

from all decades to accommodate all ages. A live band creates<br />

excitement and theatre, but may limit the style of music to<br />

their specialism be it jazz, blues, soul, pop, reggae, country,<br />

cultural or rock n roll. Discuss a performance list of what they<br />

will play, how long they will play and ensure the venue can<br />

accommodate their electronic and acoustic requirements.<br />

Alternatively a DJ can cover a lot of musical bases with<br />

a varied choice throughout the evening. Tailor the music to<br />

provide changes of mood and pace from smooth croon to<br />

pumping beats as the party peaks.<br />

You may want to involve other entertainment like karaoke<br />

for your guests, dance demos, jugglers, comedians, soloists and<br />

other musicians or pyrotechnics to music and a laser light show<br />

– so if the music mood takes you, have the time of your life!<br />

Wedding Dance Choreography<br />

Specialising in a variety of<br />

dance styles, the First Dance<br />

will design and choreograph<br />

a dance routine for your<br />

special day.<br />

Selection of packages and<br />

private lessons available.<br />

Contact: 021 22 55 321 | thefirstdance@outlook.co.nz<br />

www.facebook.com/thefirstdancechch

148 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

BRIDE AND GROOM<br />

A gift is the traditional way<br />

to show your appreciation of<br />

how you have made the day<br />

special for each other.<br />

Ideas: a watch for him and a<br />

locket for her.<br />

YOUR PARENTS<br />

Even if you are sharing the costs<br />

of the wedding, your parents<br />

will undoubtedly have helped<br />

and supported you. So say so!<br />

Ideas: flowers for the Mums,<br />

gift voucher for Dads’ favourite<br />

hobby.<br />

YOUR BRIDAL PARTY<br />

They are your inner circle of<br />

friends so say thanks with an<br />

individual gift.<br />

Ideas: Girls:Jewellery, perfume,<br />

wedding photo, homeware item<br />

or pashmina.<br />

Boys: wallet, grooming kit, ipod<br />

case, wine glasses, bottle of wine.<br />

FAMILY<br />

Those who have helped with<br />

planning, sewing, making<br />

decorations, sharing ideas and<br />

keeping you sane deserve your<br />

appreciation.<br />

Ideas: thank you card, wedding<br />

photo.<br />

SPECIAL FRIENDS<br />

Whose advice you consulted<br />

or expertise you used should<br />

be recognised.<br />

Ideas: thank you card and an<br />

invitation to dinner at your<br />

place.<br />

WEDDING SUPPLIERS AND VENDORS<br />

Say thank you to any suppliers that impressed<br />

you with their product and/or their service.<br />

Ideas: email them after the wedding & create<br />

an online blog of recommendation.<br />

GUESTS<br />

Always thank guests for<br />

their gifts and attending the<br />

wedding.<br />

Ideas: say so in your wedding<br />

speeches and send a personal<br />

note of thanks.<br />

CELEBRANT<br />

Your celebrant will appreciate<br />

your thanks for their part in your<br />

big day.<br />

Ideas: thank you card, or one with<br />

your wedding image on it.<br />

WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR<br />

+ MC<br />

They often put a lot of time into<br />

making your wedding day run<br />

smoothly so acknowledge their<br />

effort.<br />

Ideas: say thanks in your speech,<br />

send a card afterwards.<br />

HONEYMOON DESTINATION/<br />

ACCOMMODATION<br />

If it was good, show your appreciation.<br />

Ideas: write an online review.<br />

In the days when your beloved picked<br />

flowers to give you or hand crafted gifts to<br />

delight you, love tokens were often useful<br />

items for the home you would eventually<br />

share and might range from a kitchen utensil<br />

to a piece of furniture.<br />

Rolling pins were traditionally given as a love token by departing mariners and were<br />

hollow inside to contain salt. The rolling pin was hung by the fireside to keep the salt<br />

dry with the expectation that the sailor would return home again before the salt ran out.<br />

Early rolling pins were made of wood and could be fashioned by hand or on a simple<br />

lathe. However the timber had to be a variety that had no sap to leach and affect the<br />

flavour of the pastry! Some rolling pins were ridged to crush oats or rock salt while<br />

others were sanded smooth to prevent the pastry sticking. Porcelain rolling pins<br />

became popular in the days before refrigeration because they could be filled<br />

with cold water to keep the pastry cool and pliable. Glass versions served<br />

the same purpose but embossed designs on the glass could create fancy<br />

patterns in the pastry and often featured love hearts,<br />

stars, leaves and flowers.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 149<br />

Every bridal couple was<br />

given a canteen of cutlery,<br />

often monogrammed with<br />

their initials?<br />

A canteen was frequently a<br />

leather or wooden velvet-lined box<br />

containing sets of six knives, forks,<br />

bread and butter knives, dessert<br />

forks, dessert spoons, soup spoons<br />

and teaspoons plus two large<br />

serving spoons. Other items might<br />

also be added such as a carving set,<br />

salad servers, a cake slice, a salt<br />

spoon, a gravy ladle and matching<br />

napkin rings.<br />

The cutlery was often silver<br />

or silver-plated and used for<br />

special occasions like Sunday<br />

lunch, birthdays, christenings<br />

and Christmas. To gleam and<br />

sparkle against a traditional white<br />

tablecloth it had to be polished<br />

before use and hand washed<br />

afterwards! But with the advent<br />

of stainless steel cutlery that no<br />

longer required polishing and<br />

could be cleaned in a dishwasher,<br />

the days of the silver canteen were<br />

numbered and today they tend to<br />

be inherited heirlooms.<br />

Combining waiter<br />

service with self service<br />

is a modern wedding<br />

reception idea that<br />

is still elegant but less<br />

orchestrated than a formal<br />

dinner.<br />

Known in Brazil as Rodizio,<br />

a roving “gaucho” waiter serves<br />

barbequed meats to seated guests<br />

who then help themselves to<br />

side dishes of vegetables, salads,<br />

sauces and condiments that are<br />

placed on the table.<br />

Rodizio is ideal for a big<br />

wedding because it saves long<br />

queues at the buffet table. It<br />

also creates a nice atmosphere<br />

at a smaller wedding, where the<br />

guests are seated in small groups<br />

and can mix more sociably.<br />

Orange blossom is a<br />

particularly fragrant flower<br />

that is an important<br />

component in making<br />

perfume, an ingredient in<br />

French and Middle Eastern<br />

cuisine and dried for making<br />

a fragrant herbal tea.<br />

But orange blossom is most sought<br />

after for bridal bouquets and<br />

wreaths.<br />

It is thought that orange blossom<br />

was synonymous with purity and<br />

innocence in Ancient China and the<br />

idea made its way to Europe. But<br />

it was Queen Victoria who wore<br />

a white gown and a grand wreath<br />

of orange blossoms at her Royal<br />

Wedding in 1840 and established<br />

the fashion for both ever since!<br />

In fact orange blossom was so<br />

popular that when the flowers were<br />

in short supply seasonally, wax<br />

replicas were created instead. Today<br />

they are still a fragrant and delicate<br />

feature in many bouquets and bridal<br />

wreaths.

150 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

Select Braemar Lodge<br />

and Spa has always been<br />

renowned for refinement<br />

and exclusivity, so having<br />

your wedding there is sure<br />

to be in a class of its own.<br />

Offering elegant surroundings<br />

and dedicated experienced staff to<br />

take care of the smallest details,<br />

Select Braemar Lodge and Spa can<br />

give you a dream wedding in a<br />

dream location.<br />

Nestled within the hills<br />

overlooking the Hanmer Valley<br />

and facing the majestic peaks of<br />

the Southern Alps, Select Braemar<br />

Lodge and Spa has captured one<br />

of Hanmer’s most remarkable<br />

settings. Amid snow capped winter<br />

splendour or basking in the rich<br />

colours of summer, Select Braemar<br />

Lodge is like nature’s stage set for<br />

your special day.<br />

You will have exclusive use of<br />

the lodge’s public rooms for your<br />

reception and special bed and<br />

breakfast rates can be arranged for<br />

those attending the wedding. But<br />

for the most memorable wedding<br />

of all, you can enjoy the exclusive<br />

use of the entire lodge!<br />

Make your vows on the picture<br />

perfect landscaped terrace or<br />

within the ambience of a logfired<br />

lounge, share champagne<br />

and canapes with your guests,<br />

be photographed in stunning<br />

surroundings and then enjoy an<br />

exquisitely prepared meal, fine<br />

wines and your wedding cake.<br />

A divine selection of menus<br />

and catering styles ensures your<br />

wedding reception is tailored to<br />

your needs and tastes.<br />

There’s no better place to be.<br />

Everything can be arranged by<br />

Braemar’s wedding coordinator;<br />

flowers, photography, celebrant,<br />

ceremony set up, decorations,<br />

venue, menu and luxurious<br />

accommodation too. You can simply<br />

concentrate on spending time with<br />

your in-house guests, pampering<br />

your self with spa treatments to<br />

look your loveliest and celebrating<br />

your marriage with style and<br />

sophistication.<br />

While Hanmer Springs is a<br />

magical destination all year round,<br />

you could have your dream<br />

wedding in a winter wonderland!<br />

Select Braemar Lodge and Spa<br />

offer fantastic all-inclusive winter<br />

weddings between May and<br />

September. Imagine your day<br />

starting with snow sparkling on<br />

the mountains, dazzling you with<br />

clear blue skies and winter sunshine<br />

and ending with the romance of a<br />

sugar pink sunset.<br />

Then when all the<br />

guests have gone,<br />

you can truly<br />

relax in Braemar’s<br />

wonderful Bridal<br />

Suite and enjoy<br />

a honeymoon<br />

destination with as<br />

much or as little<br />

to do as you wish.<br />

Select<br />

Braemar Lodge<br />

and Spa welcomes wedding<br />

enquiries and looks forward to<br />

arranging a preliminary visit<br />

for you to discuss your ideas,<br />

sample the food of the Altitude<br />

Restaurant and Bar and savour<br />

the special surroundings of one<br />

of New Zealand’s most beautiful<br />

international properties.

• 24 Suites for the night of the wedding<br />

• Including the Braemar Honeymoon Suite<br />

• Exclusive use of The Lodge for up to 48 guests<br />

Prices From $10,995<br />

• Celebrant & Cake from Divine Desserts<br />

• Canapés and bubbles after the ceremony<br />

• 3 course set menu

152 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

ROAD TRIP<br />

You don’t have to go far to have a wonderful honeymoon<br />

amid some of New Zealand’s loveliest regions. Tourists are<br />

quick to praise the accessibility and variety of attractions and<br />

activities that we take for granted. So pack your bags and<br />

discover the top of the South Island on a round trip road trip!<br />

Hanmer Springs is just 90 minutes from Christchurch and the<br />

ideal first stop for post-wedding relaxation. Ever since the hot<br />

springs were discovered in 1859, they have been luring us for<br />

a stress-less soak and alpine retreat all year round. <strong>With</strong> hot<br />

pools, sauna, hydro slide and large lido pool, you can enjoy the<br />

water by day or in the evening and pamper yourselves with a<br />

spa treatment or couples massage too.<br />

Surrounded by hills, rivers, forest and mountains, adventure<br />

isn’t far away either; jet boating, fishing, bungy jumping,<br />

mountain biking, horse treks, walks, golf and skiing in winter!<br />

Stay at the iconic art deco Heritage Hotel which has been the<br />

heart of the village for decades. Enjoy its restored facilities or<br />

on-site villas while you browse Hanmer’s shops and restaurants.<br />

Alternatively, treat yourselves to a luxury stay at nearby Select<br />

Braemar Lodge or contemporary accommodation like Village<br />

Lake apartments.<br />

Make your way north to Nelson, where you will<br />

find some of the best beaches and sunshine hours in the<br />

country. Visit its markets, arts precincts and galleries<br />

to discover its deserved reputation for being an arts<br />

and crafts mecca. Be mesmerised by its permanent<br />

display of Wearable Art alongside a remarkable Classic<br />

Car Museum.<br />

<strong>With</strong> abundant seafood and a climate that nurtures<br />

fruit, vegetables and wine production, you have an<br />

organic foodie’s heaven. Take a wine or arts trail to<br />

Mapua or Motueka or visit Abel Tasman National Park<br />

for stunning walks, kayaking and remote hideaway bays<br />

like Awaroa Inlet, New Zealand’s recently purchased<br />

crowd-funded beach.<br />

Stay in Nelson city at the Rutherford Hotel, close<br />

to shopping and entertainment, enjoy a beachfront<br />

apartment at Tahuna or a beautifully appointed cottage<br />

with village ambience at the Monaco Grand Mercure.<br />

Travel east to Marlborough where the magnificent<br />

deep water sounds are as beautiful as the region’s<br />

wines. The home of world class Sauvignon Blancs,<br />

enjoy wonderful trails that conclude with tastings and<br />

a winery lunch or call in at Blenheim to experience<br />

aviation heritage at Omaka.<br />

Take to the water with cruises,<br />

kayaking, sailing trips and charter fishing.<br />

Be transported by boat to waterfront<br />

accommodation at Furneaux Lodge,<br />

Lochmara or Punga Cove for rest,<br />

relaxation and romance or luxury lodge<br />

indulgence at the Bay of Many Coves.<br />

Hug the scenic coast all the way to<br />

Kaikoura, where a marine experience<br />

awaits. Visit seals on the rocks, see pelagic<br />

birds on the wing and whale watch from<br />

the air or on the water. Discover the town’s<br />

historic whaling past, get fabulous views<br />

on a quad bike tour and then savour the<br />

crayfish Kaikoura is famous for at<br />

Nin’s Bin on the shore. For novelty and<br />

luxury stay in a purpose built tree house<br />

at Hapuku Lodge!<br />

Return to Christchurch via the Waipara<br />

Valley where a lunch at Canterbury Wuines<br />

or Pegasus Bay will not disappoint. Or<br />

turn inland at Waiau and treat yourselves<br />

to one more indulgent hot soak and swim<br />

at Hanmer to conclude your honeymoon<br />

where it began.

<strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong> 153<br />

Amazing Days, based in<br />

Hanmer Springs is owned<br />

by Debbs Moody who has<br />

9 years experience working<br />

with happy couples in<br />

Hanmer Springs.<br />

Amazing Days has huge<br />

knowledge of all aspects of<br />

preparing for your wedding,<br />

from venues in Hanmer<br />

Springs and the Hurunui<br />

District, to local make-up<br />

artists and hairdressers.<br />

Hanmer Springs is a<br />

popular destination for<br />

couples who are looking to<br />

celebrate their wedding for more<br />

than one day with their family<br />

and friends. <strong>With</strong> a large range<br />

of options from campgrounds,<br />

boutique properties and private<br />

homes to the popular Hurunui<br />

Winery, Marble Point Winery, Hot<br />

Springs Motor Lodge or Heritage<br />

Hotel, there is a venue just perfect<br />

for you and your loved one to<br />

celebrate your special day.<br />

Debbs Moody from Amazing<br />

Days is also a registered Marriage<br />

Celebrant and works with her<br />

couples to create the ceremony<br />

they are looking for. No question<br />

about weddings is too big for<br />

Amazing Days.<br />

Hanmer Springs has such<br />

uniquely stunning wedding venues<br />

and scenery that there is bound<br />

to e something for everyone. And<br />

no visit to the beautiful village<br />

is complete without a visit to<br />

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools<br />

and Spa or the new Artisan Spa<br />

which specialises in papering and<br />

preparing wedding couples for their<br />

day.<br />

Amazing Days also has a<br />

selection of centrepieces for hire<br />

and by working with Amazing Days,<br />

they will help you find your perfect<br />

wedding venue and help create your<br />

perfect ceremony.<br />

HANMER SPRINGS PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

APARTMENTS<br />

The Village Lake<br />

Apartments offer guests 5<br />

Star Qualmark luxury and<br />

an idyllic lakeside setting in<br />

Hanmer Springs.<br />

The 13 beautifully appointed<br />

premier apartments comprise 9<br />

with 2 bedrooms plus 4 spacious<br />

3 bedroom suites and feature<br />

‘Imagine a place so luxurious and<br />

comfortable you never want to leave’<br />

Nestled in the centre of this gorgeous<br />

Alpine Village we have the ultimate<br />

in luxury 5 Star Accommodation<br />

offering intimate Weddings and special<br />

occasions for up to 60 guests<br />

furnishings of timeless<br />

elegance and quality.<br />

The self contained<br />

accommodation with<br />

full kitchens and<br />

relaxing spa baths in<br />

most units provides a<br />

wonderful opportunity to enjoy<br />

Hanmer Springs at any time of<br />

the year, but the Village Lake<br />

Apartments is also a stylish<br />

venue to celebrate a wedding,<br />

anniversary or honeymoon.<br />

Intimate weddings can be held<br />

in a gazebo or lakeside lawn and<br />

catering can be<br />

arranged for up<br />

to 60 guests for<br />

canapés or an<br />

elegant sit down<br />

dinner for 20.<br />

All your wedding<br />

plans can be<br />

arranged locally<br />

in Hanmer<br />

leaving you free<br />

to enjoy every<br />

minute of your special day.<br />

“We love to spoil our guests<br />

and guarantee you will leave with<br />

wonderful memories”<br />

say your Village Lake hosts Bryan<br />

and Cathy Berryman.<br />

www.villagelake.co.nz

154 <strong>With</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Ring</strong><br />

THE<br />

PHOTO: EMMA BRITTENDEN<br />

More and more kiwis are opting to go<br />

away to get married and it’s easy to see<br />

why. A group of friends and family relaxing<br />

on holiday together and creating lifelong<br />

memories is the perfect setting for a<br />

wedding. The ceremony and reception<br />

are often just the icing on the cake!<br />

<strong>With</strong> a wish list that included “a<br />

good photographer, great music<br />

and our own style and design of<br />

decorations,” the couple were<br />

also keen to involve family and<br />

friends in their wedding plans.<br />

“The flowers on the tables were<br />

in pottery vases that I made at my<br />

auntie’s pottery studio in Diamond<br />

Harbour with some friends, my<br />

Mum and my aunties – it was a<br />

great crafty thing for everyone to<br />

get involved in during the winter<br />

months” laughs Alana.<br />

Photographer Cam McDermid<br />

was a friend of Alana’s brother and<br />

he captured the whole day through<br />

and into the evening. Adam Caves,<br />

another friend was a gem setter so<br />

“we were very privileged to have<br />

my wedding band and engagement<br />

ring made by him and go through<br />

the amazing process of designing<br />

my own unique ring.” Not to be<br />

outdone, Hayden, who was a<br />

graphic designer also created the<br />

stationery for the wedding which<br />

Alana agreed “was a great way to<br />

include him in the organising!”<br />

Alana’s exquisite wedding<br />

dress had an art deco look with a<br />

low back, rucching, buttons and<br />

two layers of lace, the top layer<br />

being beautifully beaded. “I loved<br />

everything about it and topped it off<br />

with a long veil that was so soft and<br />

elegant.” The gown was made by<br />

Christine Reeves, an experienced<br />

and renowned dressmaker in<br />

Christchurch. “She had made my<br />

sister-in law’s dress and had done<br />

such a great job that I wanted her to<br />

do mine.”<br />

Alana’s bridesmaids wore<br />

dresses they sourced at Forever<br />

New. The simple style in navy was<br />

a very flattering colour that suited<br />

everyone and was offset by neutral<br />

flowers with “a pop of peach” created<br />

by Aromaunga florists. The guys’<br />

grey suits from Hallensteins were<br />

worn with crisp white shirts and<br />

black ties, complemented by peach<br />

buttonholes and a peach tie for<br />

Hayden.<br />

Forsaking tradition, Alana and<br />

Hayden chose to have their photos<br />

taken at Mona Vale before the<br />

wedding! “We were less nervous for<br />

the ceremony and had time together<br />

without rushing back to the guests.<br />

The boys arrived first and set up by<br />

the fountain for the girls to walk in<br />

for the “grand reveal” then the bridal<br />

party had a picnic at Mona Vale<br />

before setting off for Trent’s.”<br />

Using a 1927 vintage car owned<br />

by their groomsman’s grandfather,<br />

Alana arrived at Trent’s for the 3pm<br />

ceremony which was held outdoors<br />

facing “horses in the paddocks and<br />

doves in the trees.” “We wanted our<br />

parents all involved so Hayden’s Dad<br />

gave us the rings, we had our Mums<br />

sign the register for us, but it was<br />

very special to have Dad walk me<br />

down the aisle because he had been<br />

very ill and couldn’t even walk a year<br />

before the wedding.”<br />

<strong>With</strong> their formal photos already<br />

taken, Alana and Hayden were able<br />

to share canapés and their wedding<br />

cake by Sugar Baby Cakery after<br />

the ceremony. Then it was time to<br />

enjoy music, dancing and a delicious<br />

barbeque as well as a photo booth set<br />

up in a boat – which everyone loved!<br />

“Our wedding venue organiser<br />

Amanda made the day run<br />

seamlessly, the speeches were<br />

brilliant which made us feel very<br />

loved, we wished the dancing could<br />

have gone on longer, but best of all<br />

was having all our friends and family<br />

in one place to enjoy our day with<br />

us.”

Helping you create your perfect wedding.<br />

Pre-wedding girls weekends<br />

Bridal party pampering<br />

Honeymoon relaxation<br />

0800 873 529 hanmersprings.co.nz/spa

Pamper. Perfection.<br />

Passion.<br />

The intimate wedding destination<br />

Whether you’re after some pampering for your big day, a fun getaway for pre-wedding parties or a unique<br />

venue for your ceremony and reception, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is ideal.<br />

<strong>With</strong> boutique shopping, restaurants and spa treatments on tap – we’re a honeymooners paradise too.<br />

HC HST1913<br />

0800 4 HANMER hanmersprings.co.nz Open seven days

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