Table of contents for #88 Apr-Jun 2016 in Bride & Groom

ON THE COVER: Gown Astra Bridal See full length photo on page 104 Flowers Go Wedding Flowers Hair & Makeup Nikki Lovrich Photographer Neil Gussey Model Karen Pillet from Red11 Dear Readers It’s been a busy start to the year for the team at Bride & Groom. We’ve moved into beautiful new offices, enjoyed sunny days shooting fashion spreads at stunning locations, put together this issue, and planned for our 21st Bride & Groom Show in May! On top of all that, we’ve also been looking at all the stunning wedding photos that land on our desks every day (check out our next issue for the 2015 Wedding of the Year winners). Luckily, we eat, sleep and dream weddings! I’ve also been helping plan my sister’s hens party and wedding,…

It’s important to be surrounded by the ones you love on your wedding day. For many couples, that includes their family pet! With some careful planning and preparation, your four-legged friend can make a wonderful addition to your special day… star guest Whether they’re walking down the aisle as a ring bearer, standing alongside you as an honoured member of your wedding party or simply sitting front row as a cuddly guest, animals bring a light-hearted feel and personal touch to your ceremony. Plus, they make for the most wonderful photos, especially decked out in miniature bow ties or floral wreaths! But, it’s not just during the ceremony that your furry family member can make an appearance. Many couples like to have their pets present as they are getting ready…

Brides once carried fragrant herbs and spices down the aisle to ward off evil spirits. Thankfully, today’s bouquets offer more of an opportunity to make a statement! From colour and fragrance, to style and size, your bouquet is a way to add the finishing touch to your wedding-day look. Here is some inspiration for choosing the perfect flowers for you… Make it personal Add a unique element to your bridal bouquet by delving into your family history. Carry the flowers your mother or grandmother carried down the aisle on their wedding days, or pick flowers from a special relative’s garden and include them in your bouquet. Take inspiration from the things you love most – your favourite flower, favourite colour, and the flower from your fiancé’s birth month. Send a…

attention to detail Centrepiece and Pacific Linen have introduced a new range of linens to complement your decorative hire. With one of New Zealand’s widest selections of wedding hire combined with bespoke floristry and attention to detail, the Centrepiece showroom is a must-see! Centrepiece, 17/46 Ellice Road, Glenfield, Auckland Phone 09 441 9470. Email sales@centrepiece.co.nz www.centrepiece.co.nz Pacific Linen. Phone 09 275 8151 www.pacificlinen.co.nz make an impact La Lumiere is a specialised lighting company with a gorgeous array of fairy lights, crystal chandeliers and exquisite draping. Let their expert consultants help you create the perfect look for your special day, whether it is simple, vintage, luxe or rustic-glamour! La Lumiere Phone 09 845 4404 Email info@fairylights.co.nz www.fairylights.co.nz one plant, many purposes Dress an entrance, create a pathway, soften a backdrop and…

Wedding etiquette can be a bit of a minefield. But we’ve got you covered, with answers to some common wedding party questions to ensure smooth sailing in the lead-up to your big day… Q. How many people should I have in my wedding party? A. There’s no set rule about the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen, flowergirls and pageboys you have, but usually the bigger, more formal the wedding, the bigger the wedding party. Consider the logistics of organising the attire, transporting everyone on the day, and the size of your venue. Importantly, keep your budget in mind – the more attendants you have, the more bouquets, outfits, transport, gifts etc. you have to organise. Don’t be afraid to have an uneven number of attendants – it’s perfectly acceptable to have…

When it comes to wedding beauty prep, there is no such thing as starting too soon. During the months leading up to your wedding, your beauty and diet regimen should take top priority. Beauty really does start from the inside, and not even the best makeup job can mask a dull complexion or poor health. To help prepare you to become a radiant bride, here’s a list of my top beauty tips... radiant skin Great skin is a bride’s best accessory, so if yours is problematic you need to address this at least six months prior to your wedding. If your skincare is not working for you, now is the time to try something new. Do your research, e.g. if you have dry or sensitive skin look for a skincare…

FRENCH COLLECTION Both pages: Yvonne – stunning fully beaded tulle gown featuring ¾ sleeves, soft flowing skirt, and satin belt with bow detail. Available in four colour options. Available at exclusive stockists throughout NZ info@bridesnz.com 03 337 0226 www.bridesnz.com Gorgeous Jewellery earrings Location: Markovina Vineyard Estate www.markovina.co.nz Photographer: Neil Gussey www.bellephotography.co.nz Makeup & hair: Nikki Lovrich www.nikkilovrichmakeup.co.nz Model: Karen Pillet from Red11 Florist: Go Wedding Flowers www.goweddingflowers.co.nz KELLYLIN COUTURE Elegant vintage gown in soft champagne lace. 96 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 09 368 1088 kelly.l@kellylincouture.co.nz www.kellylincouture.co.nz Gorgeous Jewellery earrings FELICITYS BRIDAL Mia – delightful gown featuring a ruched bodice, soft tulle cap sleeves and a gorgeous waist-defining crystal belt. Level 2, 16 High Street, Auckland 09 303 4858 www.felicitysbridal.co.nz Gorgeous Jewellery earrings and bracelet ASTRA BRIDAL Both pages:…

stylish suits Choose from a range of suits and hire packages or have your suit individually designed to reflect you, from personalised linings to tapered fits and European-inspired styles. Dorset Suit Hire 5/12 Laidlaw Way, East Tamaki, Auckland Phone 09 274 8456 and 616 Victoria Street, Hamilton Phone 07 839 2136 www.dorsetsuithire.co.nz a night to remember Ensure your guests have a night to remember with the Ultimate Party Bus mobile nightclub, or Party Bus’ VIPER exclusive lounge bar on wheels! Enjoy the fully licensed bar, TVs, two lounge areas, party lighting and personal host as you cruise around town – perfect for a hen or stag party! Party Bus Freephone 0800 PARTYBUS www.partybus.co.nz modern designs Modern, masculine and unique, at a price that is affordable, the Man Up Jewellery titanium,…

Amanda Wignell Photography Master of Photography – NZ Institute of Professional Photography. Multi NZIPP Iris Award and Kodak Gold Award winner 2005-2015. Amanda Wignell Photography, 56 Grovenor Drive, Orewa, Auckland. Available nationwide and internationally. mobile: 027 615 3078 email: amanda@awp.co.nz website: www.awp.co.nz Diana V Photography Diana V Photography, Auckland. Available nationwide. mobile: 022 024 0337 email: info@dianavphotography.com website: dianavphotography.com The Lauren & Delwyn Project NZIPP Qualified Wedding Photographers. Lauren Indrisie, Delwyn Wood & Rachel Walker, Auckland phone: 09 815 3599 mobile: 027 420 6450 email: info@laurenanddelwyn.co.nz website: www.laurenanddelwyn.co.nz Chris Loufte - The Wedding Photographer Qualified member NZ Institute of Professional Photography NZIPP Iris Awards winner: Bronze Wedding Photographer of the Year and Bronze Wedding Album of the Year 2012. Chris Loufte – The Wedding Photographer mobile: 021 0277 3102 email:…

With a fairytale garden theme in mind, Annelise and Ryan planned an intimate and personal wedding. Annelise shares their story… We wanted to celebrate our love by surrounding ourselves with all of our favourite people – those who have been there for us over the years, celebrating our successes and supporting us and our relationship through challenging times. This made our wedding a very personal event as everyone close to us had a part to play. My father hosted the event at his homestead, working for more than a year to make everything look stunning for the big day. Ryan’s dad drove the wedding car, and his sister made the cake. A close friend was the photographer and designed our stationery, a family friend was our celebrant, my maid of…

While living in London, Shaina and Jason planned their Kiwi wedding at a beautiful vintage venue. Shaina shares their story… We both like soft colours, so we kept our scheme very natural with touches of pastel, which sung out from our flowers, decorations and bridesmaids’ dresses. Jase grew up on a deer farm so we decided on a deer theme for our tables, which also complemented the venue with its magical forest location. The tables were named after the nine types of deer that were introduced into New Zealand. Jase designed our stationery, menus and table labels, and cut the wooden stumps that were part of our centrepieces from a fallen tree on the family farm. His mum collected all the Agee jars, which we filled with flowers and candles.…

With six months to plan their big day, Mei and Stephen created a beautiful wedding that celebrated the love they have for each other, and the important people in their lives. Mei tells us more… After a touching church ceremony, our guests had a coffee break at one of our favourite cafés while we had photos taken. We came together at the reception venue where everyone could have a drink, play games, and eat our two favourite foods: chocolate and cheese. As a guest book, we had everyone take selfies using a Polaroid camera and write a note for us before putting both in an envelope. We also had a Bible, in which they could highlight and sign their favourite verses. Packs for the children contained crayons, a colouring picture…

Rebekah and Toby planned a relaxed wedding filled with love and laughter, a rustic theme and handmade touches. Rebekah tells us more… We love the colours of autumn, so decided on a vineyard wedding in May. This left us five months to plan, but with support and quick decisions we pulled it off! With the grapevines showing off their colours, we married under a pergola with the sun shining down on us. To add a personal touch, we collected a piece of material from each of our guests, cut out hearts and placed them on hessian bunting. The bunting flowed through the pergola, and the leftover material has created a patchwork quilt to cherish forever. After the ceremony, our guests enjoyed a sweet stall filled with lollies and cupcakes. For…

With a smartphone in hand, almost every wedding guest these days can share your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter in an instant. Are you happy to see your precious moments posted online, or would you rather leave the picture-taking to the professionals? Planning a wedding in the age of social media means that couples have to decide how much or how little of the big day they want their guests to share online. From creating a hashtag and setting up a charging station, to asking that all cell phones are turned off, we weigh the pros and cons of using social media on your wedding day… no sharing please Many couples are now choosing to have an unplugged wedding, asking their friends and family to refrain from picture-taking and…

Inspired by the natural, rustic surroundings of Mahana winery, Wild Hearts capture a wildly romantic love story that is elegant, warm and incredibly dreamy… ‘Set under the hills of Mahana (meaning “warm place” in Maori), the backdrop of wild tussocks and rolling hills was an awe-inspiring setting for our love story, epitomised by moments of natural beauty, adorned by dreamy golden light. Hidden through the cellar doors, an intimate table setting exudes a soft romance, where hues of candlelight create an elegant atmosphere with a carefully curated mix of textures, florals, and calligraphy-styled stationery.’ ‘He kisses her softly on the forehead, and in that moment she sees the beauty that is in his soul.’ Brought to you by Wild Hearts Photographer: The Love Collective Stylist: Balencia Lane Florist: Perfect Style…

As one of the most meaningful moments of your lives, your wedding ceremony should reflect your individual personalities as well as your uniqueness as a couple. We’ve said goodbye to cookie-cutter nuptials – these days anything goes, and those wonderful creative elements you want to incorporate into your celebrations don’t have to be reserved solely for your reception. Here are some ideas to personalise the most important part of your wedding day. The essentials Choosing a location or venue that has relevance to your romance will make your ceremony extra special. Think about where you met, dated, holidayed, lived, got engaged – or even just a place you both love – and determine if you are able to hold your ceremony there or nearby. Your history may also provide inspiration…

As the first glimpse into your big day, your wedding invitations set the style (and excitement!) for the celebration to come. We sat down with Rose of Paper Rose Stationery to chat about how you can create a statement with your paper goods. personalised elements Capture the spirit of your celebration and your personalities with custom illustrations, motifs or monograms. Ask your designer to take inspiration from your ceremony location, a shared interest, even your pet! An illustrated map locating accommodation, local attractions, or even the best place to get coffee is a lovely way to make your guests feel welcome. say it your way Traditionally, your wedding invitation wording is governed by who is hosting (read: paying for) your big day, in line with set etiquette guidelines, but we’re…

Floral Fantasy With an abundance of colours, natural elements and freshness in the air, this colourful wedding style by Le Chandelier shows off the beauty of nature at its best… ‘This shoot shows the beautiful feel of a relaxed spring day in New Zealand, combining nature and romance to create the ambience of an elegant garden wedding. The tranquil setting was brought to life with playful flowergirls and newborn lambs combined with rustic furniture and stunning floral arrangements.’ Photos: Nita Meyer Photography Styling: Le Chandelier Flowers: Amy’s Flowers Bride’s gown: Vinka Design Thanks to: Stellar Kitchen, Cake Box, Adoreher, Abbie Hyde, Annah Stretton, Abbie Hartland Makeup, Lou Lou’s Hair Studio, Just My Type, Blake’s Hire Company, Goldsmiths Gallery Designer Jewellery Taste of the Tropics Embracing lush greenery and an industrial…

Top tips for a child-friendly wedding With their beaming smiles, adorable outfits and cute dance moves, children can bring lots of fun and joy to your special day. Here are some tips to help make the day happy and memorable for your youngest guests. special roles You may like to honour the children that are close to you by assigning them a special role in your wedding. Children under 10 years of age make adorable flowergirls and pageboys. A flowergirl’s traditional role is to scatter petals as she walks up the aisle before the bride, while the pageboy looks after the rings. Feel free to adapt these roles to suit the child’s age, interests and abilities. For example, if your flowergirl is very young or shy, she could walk up…

ASTRA BRIDAL Both pages: Maggie Sottero Chandler – romantic lace and tulle gown featuring an elegant illusion neckline, dainty cap sleeves and flowing skirt. Takapuna, Auckland City, Hamilton and Wellington 0800 844 544 enquiries@astrabridal.co.nz www.astrabridal.co.nz Astra Bridal earrings and veil Location: The Grand Tearoom at Heritage Auckland www.heritagehotels.co.nz Photographer: Lesley Walker Makeup & hair: Nikki Lovrich www.nikkilovrichmakeup.co.nz Model: Rochelle Liana from Red11 Flowers: Willoughby Road www.willoughbyroad.co.nz JOHN ZIMMERMANN Stunning illusion lace gown with full silk organza skirt. 63 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 09 307 4443 john.zimmermann@xtra.co.nz www.johnzimmermanncouture.com Vinka Design earrings and bracelet VINKA DESIGN Naidia – strapless gown featuring Swiss Guipure lace, a layered silk organza-trimmed tulle skirt and Cornelli embroidered tulle highlights. Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland 09 300 3047 info@vinkabrides.com www.vinkadesign.co.nz Vinka Design earrings and…

If you’re dreaming of saying ‘I do’ before a panoramic vista of jagged mountains and deep turquoise lakes – and having spectacular photos as a life-long memento – then a wedding in Queenstown or Wanaka is sure to top your wish list. The romantic Southern Lakes region has long been a top wedding and honeymoon destination for both Kiwis and overseas couples for many reasons. Its natural landscape is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, and each season brings with it dramatic and picturesque changes. Summer is sunny and scorching hot, autumn cloaks the towns in a veil of red and gold, winter offers snowflakes and powder-capped mountains, and in spring, wild colourful blooms abound. Weddings Queenstown, together with its smaller but just as charming neighbours, Wanaka…

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…

Holiday Essentials A refreshing burst of moisture, Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner keeps you looking and feeling fresh throughout the day, 100ml $29.90. Manuka Doctor ApiBronze Age-Defying Bronzing Gel is a lightly tinted gel that leaves the skin refreshed and hydrated with a beautiful natural colour, 50ml $29.95 dream destinations Imagine Rarotonga, Fiji or Samoa with an aquamarine lagoon and swaying palms as the backdrop for your wedding. Affordable options include the marriage licence, flowers, music, photography, hair and makeup, food and beverages, music, flights and accommodation to include your guests at special rates, and more. Contact Carla for a complimentary quotation. Carla Mangles, South Pacific Weddings Freephone 0800 167 761 Email spweddings@xtra.co.nz www.spweddings.co.nz majestic setting Champagne on ice, private picnics on the beach, tropical sunsets and one of the most…

Jacqui and Alan’s wedding was a chance for the couple to share their passions – tramping, lakes, beaches, DOC, glow worms and their special ritual of cheese and onion toasted sandwiches! Jacqui tells us about their special day… With our venue set in a remote location with no cell phone reception and surrounded by native bush, we quickly decided on a DOC (Department of Conservation) theme. Guests were welcomed by a DOC sign at the entrance and ‘survival kits’ on their beds – waterproof ponchos for the deteriorating weather forecast, Mum’s delicious home-baked cookies as rations, and a head torch that created a special memory for me. The night before our big day, we went to see the glow worms as a group (just a few minutes’ walk from the…

Nicole and Adam spent a sunny summer’s day celebrating their wedding, surrounded by loved ones and beautiful personal touches. Nicole shares their story… We knew our wedding day would be bittersweet without my beloved Nan and Mum, but we wanted to honour their memories with personal touches throughout the day. I have a locket that contains a kiss from my Nan from the last time I saw her. Dad wore it under his shirt so that she could be there with us in some way, and I wore Mum’s sapphire wedding ring. We had a single white helium balloon to release in their honour after our vows. The ceremony was light-hearted, fun, and full of jokes thanks to our celebrant. After mingling over bubbles and cold beers we had our…

High school sweethearts Brittany and Aaron bonded over a mutual love of adventure and the outdoors, so wanted their wedding to reflect the nature-loving aspect of their relationship, as well as their individual personalities. Brittany tells us more… My love for the beach inspired our ‘toes in the sand’ ceremony, while Aaron’s passion for New Zealand’s native bush helped us to create our rustic reception in the Coromandel forest. Our wedding altar was handcrafted by Aaron’s brother, while the white curtains were lovingly sewed by my mother. These special touches, combined with the sounds of crashing waves and our favourite acoustic song, guided me down the aisle to the man of my dreams. After a fun-filled photo shoot, we made our way to our reception venue, where the centrepieces, name…

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…

make your day fabulous Choosing the right celebrant to make your wedding ceremony perfect is easy! With years of experience, Sarah is personable, organised, offers choices and will guide you both. She’d love to hear from you. Sarah Bloxham My Celebrant – Your Celebrant Phone 09 575 3995 or 027 288 9802 Email sarah@mycelebrant.co.nz www.facebook.com/MyCelebrant www.mycelebrant.co.nz Astra Bridal Takapuna, Auckland City, Hamilton and Wellington www.astrabridal.co.nz romance in rotorua Located in the manicured Government Gardens and looking out to the museum, the historic Te Runanga Tea House and Rotunda is perfect for intimate ceremonies and receptions. Its yesteryear charm, set amongst the gardens and ponds, makes it idyllic for the most romantic day of your life. Te Runanga Tea House Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua Phone 07 348 4199 Email community.events@rotorualc.nz…

scrumptious! Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and eggless chocolate wedding cakes are available from Send A Chocolate Cake, 118 Duke Street, Three Kings, Auckland Phone 09 623 2030 Email sendachocolate@clear.net.nz www.sendachocolatecake.co.nz enticing icing Let CakeAway create an individually designed, beautifully decorated, fabulous tasting cake for your special celebration. CakeAway 2/22 Hull Road, Mt Maunganui Phone 07 575 4704 Email ros@cakeaway.co.nz www.cakeaway.co.nz sweet perfection 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 inspired by you Cake meets art at Cake Circus. Let your personalities shine through, with beautifully designed cakes that are traditional on the front and super on the back! Cake Circus Phone 021 128 4998 www.cakecircus.co.nz modern masterpiece Cake…

affordable cuteness The new 2016 range of flowergirl dresses are in store now at Astra Bridal. Affordable cuteness with prices from $89 to $149, and sizing from 000 to 12. Available in store and online. Astra Bridal Takapuna, Auckland City, Hamilton and Wellington Freephone 0800 844 544 www.astrabridal.co.nz www.gorgeousjewellery.co.nz cherished gift Little Pearls for Little Girls offers child-sized cultured pearl jewellery for flowergirls and special occasions – the beautiful way to love, cherish and celebrate. Visit their website to shop online or view stockists. Little Pearls for Little Girls www.littlepearls.co.nz beautiful bridesmaids Shop the latest on-trend bridesmaid dresses at Flowergirls and Brides. All dresses are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit, and in your choice of wedding colour! www.flowergirlsandbrides.co.nz www.facebook.com/flowergirlsandbrides bridesmaid bliss Are you looking for stunning dresses for your…

inspire and delight Magazine Designer Clothing is there to help you celebrate those special moments in life by looking and feeling beautiful. Their passionate in-store stylists will help you select from the extensive range of exclusive and stunning special occasionwear whatever the season, in sizes 10-26. Exquisite accessories will add that extra sparkle to complete your look. There is always something special at Magazine. Magazine Designer Clothing, 4 Byron Avenue, 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 17 The Square, Palmerston North 06 359 1390 60 Devon Street East, New Plymouth 06 757 9877 87 Hautapu Street, Taihape Outlet 06…

HOUSE OF KAVINA Venus VE8251 – delicate lace gown featuring a high illusion collar with plunging neckline, a beaded waist belt and flared skirt. 335 South Road, Caversham, Dunedin 03 487 6497 houseofkavina@ihug.co.nz www.bridalspecialists.co.nz SERGIOS The slim-fit, one-button Manhattan suit worn with a matching waistcoat and tie. 1st Floor, Merivale Mall, 185 Papanui Road, Christchurch, 03 375 4490 10 Athol Street, Queenstown, 03 441 0055 hire@sergios.co.nz www.sergios.co.nz Location: Kauri Bay Boomrock www.kauribayboomrock.co.nz Photographer: Lesley Walker Styling & florist: Dragonfly Designs www.dragonflydesigns.co.nz Lighting: La Lumiere www.fairylights.co.nz Makeup & hair: Siobhan Connolly and Meital Kazula from Face Me Makeup www.facememakeup.co.nz Models: Monique Halliwes and Luke Stockman from RPD Models VINKA DESIGN Saskia – slim-line gown featuring a V-neck adorned with laser-cut embroidered lace. Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland 09 300 3047…

With a love of all things vintage, Eva and Cameron planned a unique wedding day that reflected their style perfectly. Eva tells us more… Soon after our engagement, we began collecting bone china, plates, cups and saucers, vases, cut crystal, lace tablecloths, silver serving ware, Champagne saucers – anything that fit the theme of an elegant dinner party with an old world charm. I used catchups with my girlfriends as an excuse to make soy candles in old tea cups and glasses that I had collected. My beautiful lace gown had the elegant, vintage look I was after, and was complemented by simple accessories and a vintage hair piece. The earrings were a complete surprise. My darling mother had seen my frustration in trying to find the perfect antique earrings…