Table of contents for #89 Jul-Sep 2016 in Bride & Groom

ON THE COVER: Gown Jessica Bridal See full-length photo on page 79 Earrings Astra Bridal FlowersWilloughby Road Hair & Makeup Nikki Lovrich Photographer Lesley Walker Location Ascension Vineyard Model Olivia Lefebre from 62 Models Dear Readers, Sit back, pour yourself a drink and warm up your winter with this gorgeous celebration issue of Bride & Groom magazine! We’re so excited to share with you our amazing 2015 Wedding of the Year winners. Summer and Christian took out the top prize, but the winners in the other five categories also blew us away with their creativity, style and heartfelt love stories. We hope you enjoy all of the fabulous details from their wedding day, plus the other wonderful real weddings featured in this special issue. While magazines, blogs and sites like…

After nine years together, Robert married Cindy in a beautiful wedding that reflected their cultures and love for each other. Cindy says Robert is a true romantic, and his adoration for her was evident on their wedding day. Cindy shares the story of their special day… Rob has many amazing qualities. He is handsome, funny, caring, loving and giving. Rob is also a manly man – a real bloke, which is part of the reason he blew me away on our wedding day, standing before me he started to tear up as he spoke his vows. It may seem like such a small gesture to some, but he truly made me feel like the most loved woman in that moment. To know that his love for me moved him that…

One of the highlights of the Bride & Groom Show is the glamorous fashion show, which runs three times during the day. Some of our favourite designers showcase the latest bridal fashion and suits in a range of styles, from traditional and romantic to edgy and modern, as well as gorgeous attire for bridesmaids. Here are some highlights from the 2016 Show… Photos by Chris Loufte www.theweddingphotographer.co.nz Makeup and hair: Face Me Makeup & Hair www.facememakeup.com Flowers: Willoughby Road www.willoughbyroad.co.nz Shoes and accessories: Astra Bridal www.astrabridal.co.nz Models: 62 Models…

Location: Rydges Hotel, Auckland www.rydges.co.nz Photographer: Lesley Walker Makeup and hair: Rani Shortland Face Me Makeup www.facememakeup.co.nz Model: Greta Rountree from 62 Models Florist: Willoughby Road www.willoughbyroad.co.nz FRENCH COLLECTION Both pages: Eleanor by BellaDonna – stunning gown featuring a delicate Chantilly-style lace bodice, illusion neckline and soft tulle skirt. Available at exclusive stockists throughout NZ 03 337 0226 info@bridesnz.com www.bridesnz.com Wild Jewels earrings MODES Both pages: Romantic princess gown featuring a Swarovski crystal beaded bodice and voluptuous tulle skirt. 160 Broadway, Newmarket Auckland 09 520 2730 modesbroadway@gmail.com www.modes.co.nz Astra Bridal earrings ASTRA BRIDAL Bonny 308 – lace bodice with scalloped-edge, sweetheart neckline, waistband encrusted with rhinestone and a handkerchief layered tulle skirt. Takapuna, Auckland City, Hamilton and Wellington 0800 844 544 enquiries@astrabridal.co.nz www.astrabridal.co.nz Astra Bridal earrings, bracelet andning KINGSLEY BRIDAL…

people to places First of all, you need to work out the three basics: who needs to travel, where and when. Keep in mind that wedding transport generally has three legs, and different groups of people will travel together on different legs. Traditionally, the groom and his groomsmen travel to the ceremony together, as does the mother of the bride and the bride’s attendants, followed by the bride and her father. From the ceremony to the photo shoot location and the reception, the bride and groom travel together, sometimes accompanied by the bridal party. Then there’s the end of the night, when the happy couple goes off to their wedding-night accommodation. If many of your guests are from out of town, you may also want to provide transport to the…

Where to Start You have decided to take the big plunge and are now wondering how to plan the perfect wedding. Managing such a major event can seem a little daunting, so we’ve put together this planner as a guide to help you organise your big day and keep things running smoothly. While some weddings are lavish events with hundreds of guests, others are simple, intimate occasions shared with close family and a few friends. If you are planning an informal wedding you do not need to observe many of the formalities, but there are still some points of etiquette and traditions that you may find useful. Before you begin, you and your partner should sit down and discuss what you both expect from your wedding day. Communication is paramount…

We love your weddings! If you’d like to submit your wedding for inclusion in the magazine, simply download a ‘Real Weddings’ registration form from www.brideandgroom.co.nz Send it along with your photos (on USB is best), your story and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Readers Weddings, Bride & Groom magazine, PO Box 37 356, Parnell, Auckland 1151…

Emma returned to her homeland of South Africa to marry her Kiwi groom, Brendan, in a beautiful wedding with a rustic vintage theme. Emma gives us the details of their special day… Africa is a magical place rich in music, culture, colour, wildlife and magnificent scenic beauty; the perfect setting for a SafraKiwi wedding. The sounds of an African Djembe band led the guests into the forest venue and continued to entertain them while they helped themselves to homemade lemonade and popcorn. The ceremony was outside under oak trees, with an oak stump as an altar. The guests sat on old church pews and hay bales, which lined the flower-strewn aisle. A huge vintage church bell rang out to begin the procession, where my dad and I arrived on a…

Joe and Liv’s love story began when they were 16 years old, and they took another step on their amazing journey together when they celebrated their gorgeous boho-themed wedding. Liv tells us what made their day special… Leading up to our wedding we spent our spare time crafting decorations and making arrangements together. Everything fell into place so delicately, from the bohemian theme to the menu, due to our common interests and open minds. The day began as I woke in a cottage on a lavender farm in my hometown of Kaikoura. With the ceremony not starting till 3pm, my bridesmaids and I had the whole day to relax and get ready. The ceremony was held in a beautiful setting lined with trees and decorated with mason jars filled with…

We’re delighted to share with you the wedding of Summer and Christian, our 2015 Wedding of the Year winners. The high school sweethearts worked tirelessly to create a day that fulfilled all of their dreams, and provided a wonderful experience for their guests. Summer tells their story… I was definitely one of those girls who dreamed about her wedding from a young age, so the day I got engaged I couldn’t believe that the fairytale I had dreamed of was going to come to life! When Christian went on his medical elective for three months to Kenya and Malta, I knew this was going to be an emotional rollercoaster, but having the wedding to focus on really was the best distraction and a massive blessing. With little communication with each…

Elizabeth Donnelly Make sure you have days of ‘weddingfree’ talk – your man will love you for it! Maggie Paine As much as there is etiquette to follow around weddings, it is your day so if you want to ‘break the rules’, then go right ahead! Linda Thompson Remember what your wedding day is about – you and your partner, your relationship and future together, and the love you have for each other. Everything else doesn’t matter. Don’t be afraid to say yes to offers of help or to ask for help – people genuinely want to assist you and they feel good being able to help you out on such a special day. Phillippa Franklin Don’t be afraid to negotiate wedding packages. Our reception venue had expensive drinks packages…

six months out Get your hair in peak condition and decide on the style – will it be up or down? Make an appointment with your hairdresser to discuss your options, such as having extensions instead of growing your hair, and the best products to use. If your budget allows, start having a monthly facial, and consult a beauty therapist about any skin problems you’d like to address (e.g. pigmentation, fine lines, scarring, acne). Establish a good skin-care routine: five minutes morning and evening, devoted to cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection, plus weekly exfoliating and a tightening face mask will help promote radiant, clear skin. Pay more attention to your nutrition. Not eating properly or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can play havoc with your health, nerves and skin.…

Location: Quay Project, Auckland www.hipgroup.co.nz Photographer: Lesley Walker Makeup and hair: Elizabeth Canales-Ron from Face Me Makeup www.facememakeup.co.nz Models: Britt Clark from 62 Models and Max Gregor Smith from Red11 Florist: Willoughby Road www.willoughbyroad.co.nz VINKA DESIGN Both pages: Ivana – stunning silk halter neck gown featuring beaded lace detailing. Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland 09 300 3047 info@vinkabrides.com www.vinkadesign.co.nz Vinka Design earrings and bracelet FRANK CASEY Romantic slim-fit Harrison suit in soft grey, worn with a matching waistcoat, white shirt and bow tie. Auckland Central – Newmarket, Manukau City, New Lynn and Tauranga. 0800 372 652 www.frankcaseysuithire.co.nz VINKA DESIGN Petra – gorgeous lace fishtail gown featuring a low back and button detailing. Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland 09 300 3047 info@vinkabrides.com www.vinkadesign.co.nz Vinka Design earrings CORINA SNOW Heavy…

Public speaking rates high up on the list of most people’s fears. But when it comes to weddings, there are some very important reasons to calm those nerves and face your fear head on – after all, you’ll never get a more caring, receptive or happy audience to address. The moment I decided to speak at our daughter’s wedding, the panic set in. Like about three quarters of the population, I suffer from glossophobia – a fear of public speaking. But it was important to me to say something meaningful to my darling daughter and her husband on their wedding day; so I was determined to do it! Why bother making a speech if it puts so much stress on you? Why not leave it to those who find public…

Creative, charming and full of romance, the rustic wedding style remains as popular as ever. Whether you want a shabby chic rustic vibe, or rustic with a hint of elegant glam, here are some tips from decorative design and hire specialists Centrepiece for making it happen at your venue… Natural materials One of the calling cards of a rustic wedding style is décor featuring plenty of natural elements. Use tree trunk rounds as a base for your centrepieces, as a cake stand, to hold candles or line your aisle. Wooden crates are another favourite, creating rustic shelving to display family photos, cards, favours, flowers or other pretty ornaments. Old wine barrels, wooden signs and repurposed vintage furniture help create a rustic feel, as do materials such as burlap, twine and…

crowning glory For the crowning glory to your special day, you can trust Rocket Kitchen to create your perfect wedding cake. Whether it’s dark and decadent or creamy and delicate, they will craft a cake just for you. Rocket Kitchen Ponsonby, Auckland Phone 09 360 8834 www.rocketkitchen.co.nz delightful Macarons.co.nz specialise in delicious gluten-free wedding cakes, macaron towers and hand-painted macarons, designed to complement your sense of taste, wedding colour scheme and table décor. www.macarons.co.nz creative cakes Sweet Bites Cakes has a passion for creating the perfect cake for your wedding day. Sweet Bites Cakes 1/214 Universal Drive, Henderson, Auckland Phone 09 836 8806 Email info@sweetbitescakes.co.nz www.sweetbitescakes.co.nz delicious! Send A Chocolate Cake makes beautiful, modern cakes that are tailored to your requirements. Send A Chocolate Cake Email sendachocolatecake@clear.net.nz www.sendachocolatecake.co.nz spoilt for…

The Edgewater Resort & Spa Cook Islands Imagine a romantic island wedding with Polynesian hospitality and the sweet smell of frangipani in the air. The Edgewater Resort & Spa provides the perfect tropical escape for a romantic and intimate honeymoon, or a busy, lively wedding reception. With a range of superb accommodation options and great wedding packages to suit all budgets, The Edgewater’s team of event planners will ensure your Cook Island wedding and honeymoon is enjoyable and stress free. The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga Phone +682 25435 www.edgewater.co.ck The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa Cook Islands Three beautiful sister resorts in Rarotonga and Aitutaki are offering amazing all-inclusive wedding packages! The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has a Dreamtime Aruru package for $5999, including five nights in a…

Lara and Nick struggled to decide on a venue for their wedding, but were lucky to find a completely unique spot that perfectly complemented their elegant, industrial chic style. Lara tells us about their special day… Nick wanted to be married in a church; I wanted to be married under a canopy of trees. I looked all around for what I wanted and was coming up empty handed. Our wedding planner mentioned The Tree Church, and we knew it was the perfect happy medium! We then hunted for a reception venue – little did Nick and my parents know that I had my heart set on having it at home. I begged my dad to let us have the reception at their house, where we had met five years earlier.…

After both falling in love with the breathtaking surroundings of Havelock North, Claudia and George decided to celebrate their wedding at a local winery, exchanging vows amongst the vines. George shares their story… Guests were serenaded by live music as they entered the venue, welcomed by the groomsmen and our celebrant, Claudia’s parish priest. After the ceremony, they enjoyed canapés, drinks and music on the terrace by the lake while the bridal party had photos. At the reception guests were seated at tables named after famous motor racing circuits around the world. This was a nod to my petrol-head nature, as well as to the surprise proposal, which took place at Hampton Downs circuit. We both have a mutual love for all things sweet, so quite fittingly each setting was…

A family farm was the setting for Amy and Mark’s gorgeous wedding filled with personal touches and handmade elements. Amy tells us more… Our wedding was a true reflection of who we are and every element told a story. My mum made the bridesmaids dresses and napkins, I collected styling props and made all the signage and stationery, and we created the floral arrangements ourselves. The venue was ‘The Nut Grove’ on my family farm. My late grandfather planted the trees in the 1970s, and we grew up harvesting fruit and nuts, swimming in the nearby river and camping under the trees. Our ceremony was filled with laughter, love and fun, and afterwards we had our photos on the farm while our guests headed over to a gorgeous tent for…

Helen and David were married on a beautiful January afternoon at an elegant wedding with a rustic glam theme. David shares the details of their day… Our ceremony was a relaxed affair set beside a river and underneath an old oak tree, and was planned to perfectly suit our personalities. Helen wore a simple and elegant custom-tailored gown, navy blue shoes, and a diamanté and pearl hairpiece that matched her engagement ring and shoes. With plenty of outdoor lounging areas at the venue, our guests had a chance to enjoy a cold beverage or two after the ceremony. It was great to have our friends and family present to celebrate our wedding day with us, and everyone looked amazing. Our guests loved the lawn games, which kept them entertained while…

Joyana and Reuben were married on the beach in Rarotonga, at a stunning wedding with a traditional Cook Islands theme. Reuben tells us about their special day… I greeted guests and was presented with a Maire ei, then walked to the end of the aisle, which was covered with thousands of tiare maori to make a beautiful carpet. A singer began to sing E Te Ariki, which Joyana had chosen to bring a little bit of my New Zealand Maori side to the occasion. A curtain was drawn back and I caught my first glimpse of Joyana. She looked amazing. Joyana moved through the archway and made her way down the aisle with her father. After our ceremony we were whisked away for photos before the sun set. Back at…

Kimberley married Duncan at a stunning beachfront location in Northland, overlooking dramatic sand dunes and their beloved Hokianga Harbour. The pair worked tirelessly to bring their wedding vision to life, and on the day Kimberley’s radiant smile shone through for all to see. Kimberley tells us about their special day… We wanted our wedding to be relaxed and beautiful, with a romantic vintage/woodland theme. We used white, gold and crystal touches, softened with beautiful pink blooms, including proteas, lisianthus and hydrangeas. Branch cuttings from my father’s property were used to craft rustic candleholders, which helped to light up the marquee as the sun went down. My favourite part of the décor was the stunning lace parasols we had hanging from the roof of the marquee – we filled them with…

style it your way Benjamin Walk have been making bridal shoes since 1896 – so they have the comfort factor sorted. Now it is just up to you to take a pair of their dyeable whites and make them your own. Available at Astra Bridal, they’re fantastic for the bride, bridesmaid and mothers. Astra Bridal Takapuna, Auckland City, Hamilton and Wellington Freephone 0800 844 544 www.astrabridal.co.nz romantic read Featuring an ensemble cast, A French Wedding by Hannah Tunnicliffe (Macmillan Publishers NZ, $37.99) is a novel filled with love, lies, fights, friendships and feasts over one long weekend in the French countryside. We have five copies of this book to give away. To enter, visit www.brideandgroom.co.nz/win Closes 05/09/16 bespoke bridal designs For one-of-a-kind jewellery that’s sure to win her heart, talk…

beautiful choices Magazine Designer Clothing offers you fine clothing and accessories, plus service you never dreamed possible. With beautiful exclusive collections for mother of the bride, and groom, and guests, in sizes 10-26. They have stunning seasonal choices to suit everyone and every wedding, whether it’s a beach, garden, vineyard, or formal affair. Magazine Designer Clothing 4 Byron Ave, Takapuna, 09 488 0406 937 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, 09 630 5354 74 King Street, Pukekohe, 09 239 2696 96 Maunganui Road, Mt Maunganui, 07 575 3218 17 Main Road, Tirau (& Outlet), 07 883 9191 60 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, 06 757 9877 17 The Square, Palmerston North, 06 359 1390 87 Hautapu Street, Taihape Outlet, 06 388 1168 www.magazineclothing.co.nz Fight gravity Estée Lauder’s New Dimension Tighten +…

Location: Ascension Vineyard, Matakana www.ascensionwine.co.nz Photographer: Lesley Walker Makeup and hair: Nikki Lovrich Model: Olivia Lefebre from 62 Models VINKA DESIGN Both pages: Chloe – gorgeous strapless gown featuring a beaded lace bodice with dreamy layers of French tulle and silk organza. Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland 09 300 3047 info@vinkabrides.com www.vinkadesign.co.nz Vinka Design earrings ROBYN CLIFFE Beautiful La Sposa mermaid gown featuring beaded lace and a full tulle hem line. Cnr Edgeware and Colombo Street Edgeware Village St Albans, Christchurch 03 366 1111 info@robyncliffe.co.nz www.robyncliffe.co.nz Wild Jewels earrings JESSICA BRIDAL Coco by Zavana Bridal – modern mermaid-style gown in lace, tulle and Georgette, featuring a split skirt and heavily beaded bolero top. 1st Floor, 255 Broadway Newmarket, Auckland 09 522 9168 www.jessicabridal.co.nz Astra Bridal earrings SHARLAY BRIDAL Both…

Lina and Sam were the epitome of classic romance at their elegant wedding celebration, which was full of special touches that pay homage to their past, present and future. Lina shares their story… When planning our wedding, we wanted to pay special attention to what is important to us, such as family, food, beautiful settings, entertainment and music, while tying our own personal taste to the entire event. To us it was our chance to have a big, fun party with all the people we love. We were influenced by the classic romance feel, and naturally chose the pastel shades of peaches, pinks and creams, which brought a soft, whimsical feel to the occasion when combined with the rich greenery of the grove surroundings. We incorporated our sense of clean…

Ask any newlywed – your wedding day will whizz by in a flash. That’s why it is so important to take time to appreciate the moment, and inject a little romance! Here are six ways to boost the romance factor on your big day… Surprise your spouse Send your beloved a gift to open as they’re getting ready – perhaps a piece of jewellery, a bottle of bubbly, their favourite flowers, a handwritten love note or a book of memories. You could even make a playlist of their favourite songs to listen to as they prepare for the day ahead. Take time out Set aside some time in the day to be together, just the two of you. Go for a ride in your bridal car, sneak off for 10…