The Wedding Guide - Northland 2017

GUIDE - NORTHLAND - 2017

The T he Perfect Perfect

Wedding ng & Social Venue in Northland

Your wedding or special celebration will be a walk in the park at Barge Showground’s Events Centre ... located on 64 hectares of beautiful green surroundings, everything is easy for you ... unlike other venues, you can choose your caterer ...

You can bring your own beverages ...

You can have different room sizes and set ups and since it’s all on the one level, it’s easy access for everyone ...

Barge Showgrounds Event Centre ...

You just have to walk in ... and it’s all taken care of ...

For more details and personal assistance please contact: 09 438 3109

info@bargeshowgrounds.co.nz | www.bargeshowgrounds.co.nz

Contents Show your Style Make your Day! Planning Checklist Choosing your dress Polwarth Groom About that Ring Hair & Beauty Look your best for your Big Day The Reception The Budget The Ceremony The Ceremony Catering Photographer

4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 13 16 17 18 23 26

Make your Day!

W

hile the men play golf,watch the rugby and take only 10 minutes to get ready the bride’s day is the complete opposite with hours of beauty preparation and beautiful outfits to organise so make sure you leave plenty of time on the day for this.

Make-up artists know what they are doing, as long as you are clear with what you are wanting, it should be easy to trust your expert and relax on the day. Be careful not to overdo it and be too different from your usual style. Your makeup should be timeless,so that in ten years’ time when you look back at your photos you will still love how you looked.

It is recommended to have a make-up trial at the same time as your hair trial so that you can get a picture of what you will look like on the day. It will also help you to get a gauge on how much time you will need to put aside for getting ready. Also it is important to remember that long lasting makeup is a must so it still looks amazing well after the ceremony.

Tip: It’s a great idea to pack a small makeup bag for touch-ups on the day.

Show your Style

W

hen it comes to weddings almost everything is accessorised.

Accessories can truly transform a look and tell the story of your own personal style. It’s all about finding the balance with details and understanding what is necessary and what becomes too much.

Accessories such as earrings, veils, hair pieces and necklaces will be determined by the style of your gown and theme of your day. If you have a dress with a statement back, then you won’t want a long veil to take away from this aspect of the dress. You may have your hair down in which case you may not need a necklace. It all depends on the look you are going for.

The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable, so wear whatever you want as long as you love it that is all that matters.

Marriage Celebrant BEV WEBER Mangonui Northland

Professional assistance and guidance, so that your special ceremony is everything you want er Bev Web This is your Special Day, your ceremony, and I would be delighted to help you make your wedding perfect and memorable.

www.marriageceremonies.co.nz

Ph: 09 406 2088 Mob: 027 429 6100

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Planning Checklist 12 months ❍ Set budget ❍ Draft guest list ❍ Set wedding date ❍ Choose and book the venue ❍ Hire photographer 10 months ❍ Send out Save the Dates ❍ Select bridal party ❍ Choose vendors ❍ Set up wedding registry ❍ Select a celebrant 8 months ❍ Order your wedding dress ❍ Reserve accommodation for guests sts ❍ Order cake ❍ Book florist 6 months ❍ Book honeymoon ❍ Order bridesmaids dresses ❍ Buy wedding rings 4 months ❍ Select groomsmen attire ❍ Decide on hair and makeup 3 Months ❍ Send out invitations ❍ Order favours ❍ Shop for bridal party gifts

1-2 months ❍ Finalise details withall suppliers ❍ Apply for marriage license ❍ Attend dress fitting ❍ Buy accessories ❍ Confirm transport ❍ Hen and stag night out/bridal shower 1 week ❍ Confirm all arrangements ❍ Prepare vows and speeches

Choosing your dress

T

here are many different options available when it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress. The most important thing is not how much it costs or what colour the dress is, but how it makes you feel when you are in it. You need to love your dress, that way when you are taking those graceful steps down the aisle you will feel beautiful and all the more at ease.

Have a good browse through various blogs, magazines and websites to get a good understanding of what bridal boutiques you want to visit. If you like a particular brand you can look at who their stockists are on their website and this generally points out the type of boutiques that stock your style. Bear in mind that most boutiques will charge for fittings so you will want to make the most out of your visit. Once you

are booked in, prepare yourself by picking out your favourites on their website. You generally get the chance to try on six or so dresses, so have a good selection ready so that you are not wasting any time.

If you are having your dress made,it is important to have an idea of what styles look great on you. See our silhouette guide for examples of what shapes you have to play with. It might be beneficial for you to bring in some pictures of what you are looking for or even have a try on of various dresses in store to understand your ideal look. You could even go as far as browsing a fabric store and requesting swatches of materials you hope to use, take these to your dressmaker and they should be able to guide you the rest of the way.

NORTHLAND’S

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RETAIL STORE • Stunning ready to wear quality gowns - up to size 24+ • With all alterations & follow up support a bride will need • Be local, buy local AND buy with confidence

Phone 09 438 6861 84 Bank Street, Whangarei

www.bankstbridal.co.nz • www.facebook.com/BankStBridal

Polwarth It’s the

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Bride’s Day…

Look your

on the big day

Want to look elegant and grace at your children’s wedding?

KAREN MATICH – POLWARTH DESIGN

S

o how do you decide on that outfit, probably the most important one you’ll buy since getting married yourself, no matter how many ‘mother of’ experiences you’ve had? Every wedding is a unique occasion, with so many challenging apparel needs and expectations, it’s a wonder anyone turns up wearing anything at all… …it’s a church wedding and the bridesmaids are wearing navy.

I can’t do red because the bride’s mother’s wearing that. I suit blue but I wore that to my son’s wedding. I’d like something that I can wear again… not too mother of the bride-ish…it has to have sleeves though, to cover my fat arms…and a V neckline as I’m too big in the boobs for those high necked things…oh and fitted – my partner likes me in fitted, but it’ll have to be ruched to camouflage the ‘mummy tummy’ and cover my knobbly knees – I hate my knees. I really want something like the one I found on this Scandinavian website, but they only had it in black in a size 2. I need something drop dead gorgeous cos my ex and his new bird are going to be there and I have to look fabulous…

Choosing your ‘mother of’ outfit starts with colour. Selecting a shade that suits, tones with the bridesmaids and blends with the other ‘mother of’ can require clever negotiation.

The major taboo is to wear white - it’s the brides day not yours, unless you have her permission of course, or to arrive wearing the exact colour or style as the other ‘mother of’ or the bridesmaids’. Surviving a wedding can be a massive achievement, bringing out the event manager in everyone, as you source florists, chefs, wine connoisseurs, photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, valets … all at the best possible price! It’s exhausting, challenging and memorable. Our job at Polwarth Design is to help tick one box for you and make the shopping experience fabulous.

Polwarth Design is your one stop destination for special occasions. The dress, the jacket, the fascinator, the shoes and the accessories all under one roof…

Cheryl, Karen and the friendly team have a wealth of experience in dressing Mothers of the bride – whatever your style is, we will have you covered!

WHANGAREI

Open 7 Days Okara Shopping Centre Phone 09 438 9697 Now open till 6pm on weekdays

DARGAVILLE Open Mon - Sat 78 Victoria Street Phone 09 439 7341

www.polwarthdesign.co.nz

Groom

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hese days most grooms are not afraid to express their own style and it seems that anything goes from suits and ties to shorts and even jandals. Much depends, of course, on the theme of the wedding, the venue and the degree of formality. The groom usually wears something to distinguish him from his best man and groomsmen. They might wear the same suits but different coloured shirts or perhaps a differently styled jacket.

Men too come in all shapes and sizes and care should be taken to choose a suit, or outfit to suit their body type. For formal weddings a tall, thin guy might suit a double breasted jacket and pleated trousers, whereas a shorter male may suit a longer jacket and tailored trousers. Small touches make all the difference such as coordinated ties, matching socks or special cufflinks which work together to blend with the tone of the ceremony and overall colour scheme.

Let’s not forget the hair which will need styling a week ahead of the wedding to give it time to settle for the photographs. Extra care with the cut and conditioning will ensure all the men look their best.

A manicure will have his hands looking good for the photos.

Wedding Attire

Full selection available for purchase or hire

Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 12 pm • 2 Rust Ave, Whangarei

Ph 09 438 8135 • whangareisuithire.co.nz

About that Ring

L

et’s talk bling and band! Assuming you have already received an engagement ring, your next thought should be your wedding band. Everyone is different and prefers their own style so have a good shop around for what works best for you and your partner.

Generally newly engaged couples don’t purchase wedding bands until closer to the wedding date however if you intend on having your wedding band customised then you will need to plan ahead. If this is you, contact a few jewellers for pricing and ask how long it takes to create your customised beauty so that your rings are on time and perfect for the big day.

Also consider if you want “his and hers” rings that give a nod to each other’s design to reflect your romantic bond.

Traditionally both wedding bands will match in colour and

Plain Wedding Bands

Simple and elegant. They say traditional will never go out of style.

Diamonds Set on Top

Gives the illusion that the diamonds go all the way around, with limited wear and tear on the diamonds. traditional will never go out of style.

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style, however don’t be afraid to entertain the idea of mismatched rings as this caters for those couples who have different tastes. You can also choose to have your rings engraved, with the wedding date and initials or something personal to you both.

Here are a few of the different features to consider for a wedding band: • Edging - rounded or square.

• Metals - yellow gold, white gold, silver, platinum or multitoned.

• Stones - plain, diamond, emerald or other.

• Patterned - striped, frosted, geometric or flourish.

Curved Wedding Band

Curved to fit flush against your engagement ring. diamonds go all the way around, with limited wear and tear on the diamonds. traditional will never go out of style.

Your Handmade Jewellery Specialists

Days like these are made to be treasured…

Capture them forever with a unique quality piece that reflects you both Capture them with Global Diamonds

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Eternity Ring

Diamonds set all the way around.

Meant to symbolize eternal love. engagement ring. diamonds go all the way around, with limited wear and tear on the diamonds. traditional will never go out of style.

Hair & Beauty

S

amantha from The Shine Hair Company has given us a few tips on how to make the most out of your hair trial in the lead up to the big day: • A hair trial is vital and normally takes place 4-6 weeks out from your wedding day.

• Allow enough time during your trial to try a few different styles.

• Bring photos of styles you like.

• Be open to suggestion, as the style you like may not work with your hair type.

• If it is more volume you are wanting there is always the option of hair extensions.

• Don’t be afraid to be honest with your

Tania / Tanz

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stylist.

• Take into consideration the neckline of your gown. This is one piece of advice I advise not to neglect. Whether it is strapless, one-shoulder or sweetheart, the neckline of your gown plays an important role in choosing your hairstyle as a full on up-do may look and feel bare if you have a strapless dress.

• Take as many photos as you need from all different angles and wear the style for a few hours afterwards, so you can see how it wears for the day.

• Wear a shirt the same colour as your wedding gown to help visualise the look you will have on the day.

Wedding hair is important to complete your look and contribute to how confident you feel on the day. You want to feel beautiful, but also be comfortable, so make sure you have considered all factors. It is important to plan your hairstyle well in advance of your wedding day, especially if you are thinking about growing or colouring your hair.

Think about how your hair handles different types of weather, if you know you frizz up with humidity or get frustrated with hair blowing in your face in the wind, then consider these things when you are choosing your look as unfortunately we can’t change the weather.

There are many options and aspects to consider, such as a hair style that links in with your overall theme and the style of your gown. You could be contemporary, have a vintage or retro

style, or go bohemian. A major decision is whether to have your hair loose and flowing for a natural look or an up do for a more sophisticated look. Collect clippings of hair styles you think would suit your big day and take them along to your stylist who will be happy to help work out the best style, colour and cut.

Arrange for a trial styling and take along any accessories you plan on wearing in your hair, to ensure you are happy with the hairstyle you have chosen and make sure you have firm bookings for the wedding day.

Most brides prefer to have their hair done together with their bridesmaids on the day of the wedding. Many stylists, and makeup artists, will visit you at home or wherever you are preparing for the wedding to save stress.

And when it comes to your big day, Samantha suggests: • Wearing a button up shirt so that when it comes time to change into your dress you will be able to slip out of the shirt with no damage to your hair.

• Getting a trim a few weeks before to keep your locks neat, tidy and eliminate split ends.

Finally... to wash or not to wash.

• Hair Up? I recommend ‘day old’ hair (washed the day before). This will help the style to hold better, as with clean hair the style can slip out.

• Hair Down? Whether you’ve decided on lots of curls or smooth and straight your stylist should wash it first for you.

So sit back, in that salon chair, relax and enjoy the start of your beautiful day.

Look your best for your Big Day

T

he wedding gown has been chosen and invitations sent.

Everything is ticked off. But wait, there’s one more item that needs to be added to the list – your face!

Now is the time to start working towards healthy, glowing skin.

Follow our simple six-month plan and you’ll be putting your best face forward on your big day.

Six months to go: Consult a professional. Here are some of the treatments an expert may recommend: Uneven skin tone, dull complexion: A course of skin treatments such as Microdermabrasion; an exfoliating treatment that resurfaces the skin leaving you refreshed and glowing.

Broken blood vessels, dark skin spots: Photo Rejuvenation may be suitable.

Fine lines and wrinkles: Over time forehead lines become visible at rest- and makeup can make this obvious. Crows feet show up when you squint or smile. These can be softened with cosmetic injections.

Kissable lips: Dermal fillers can be used to enhance shape and provide volume.

Skincare: Invest in a quality home routine, and stick to it.

One week to go: One final treatment a week before your wedding is ideal. Be wary of trying anything new this close to your big day. It only takes one new ingredient that your body doesn’t like to create a skin allergy or break out - and that’s a stress no bride needs!

To keep your best features looking fantastic Caci offer lash and eyebrow tinting, eyebrow shaping and firming eye mask treatments.

Bride Visit Caci Whangarei for a free skin consultation, we will customise a plan so you will be glowing on the big day.

110 Bank St, Whangarei

0800 458 458

caci.co.nz

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The night before: Follow your normal skincare routine.

Get at least eight hours sleep!

On the day: Enjoy the results of your dedicated skincare. Leave the rest up to the makeup artist and enjoy the day!

Ask Caci how you can look photo ready for the big event.

Caci offer tailored plans and payment options to suit your skin’s needs, hair removal options, appearance medicine, facials, microdermabrasion and beauty therapy.

Caci Whangarei, 110 Bank St. 0800 458 458. www.caci.co.nz

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The Reception

A

large portion of your budget will be allocated to your reception so your choice of venue needs careful thought.

There are many options when it comes to where you can enjoy your reception so have a scout for what suits your theme and needs and set up multiple viewings so you get a great idea of what is out there.

Think about the closeness of the reception venue to the ceremony, the time of day, type of food and entertainment you’d like. Would you like a formal sit down meal with table service or a buffet (which might be more cost effective)?

Visit your shortlisted reception venues and check what is included in their price per head. The functions team should give advice on how much alcohol to order per head for toasts and meals. If you’re on a tight budget, ask if you are able to bring own alcohol.

If you are hiring a marquee you may need to factor in the hire of crockery,

glassware, table linen and toilets, lighting, heating, flooring, tables, and chairs. There are local hire companies offering everything from vases to chair covers, candelabras and more.

When deciding on a venue you need to consider a number of factors: • How many people will be attending? Is there enough room for everybody?

• Do you want the ceremony at the same place as the reception? (This could save time and money.)

• Is there a wet weather option – for both your ceremony and reception?

• Where is the venue located? Is there guest accommodation, transport and enough parking?

• What time of year you are getting married? Weekend weddings in the typical high season (November to March) will need bookings very well in advance. Ask about mid-week or winter season options, which may offer you a big cost saving.

• What does the fine printsay? It pays to find out exactly what is included in the

13

price quoted. Some places charge more for things like set up or tablecloths.

You should expect to receive a contract that includes everything you have agreed on, including payment terms, deposit information and cancellation policy.

The Perfect Day After

This is the perfect way to gather together after the Big Day, and to catch up properly with your loved ones who have traveled far to celebrate with you both.

Relax, eat, sunbathe, kayak and swim in the middle of a Marine Reserve, masks and snorkels provided. Kayaking, Stand-up paddle boarding, laughter and relaxed fun together after the stress of the wedding has left, and you are bathed in the love of your friends and family.

Washed by warm currents sweeping down from the Coral Sea, the Poor Knights Islands are ever present on the horizon of most of the North East coast of Northland, and the easiest harbour by which to access them is Tutukaka.

Although the trip will only take a little over 35 minutes, it is a world away as you

venture out to this “Middle Earth in the Middle of the Ocean”.

The islands are an internationally recognized icon, up forWorld Heritage Status and have been voted in the Top Ten must-do experiences in New Zealand by New Zealanders, 23kms off the Tutukaka Coast where the island’s 11million year old volcanic origins providemyriad spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels, all inhabited by an amazing array of underwater life.

Bring your photographer, and your wedding dress, stage some amazing shots in a very special place.

Boats are often accompanied by dolphins and, there are several species of whales, including orca,minke, Bryde’s and pilot, that are regularly sighted.

With a dramatic landscape, the passion and spirituality of the place, the stories that link you together are unforgettable.

Trips leave at 11am and return by 4pm, you can book a whole boat to yourself, or leave room for others. Perfect Day can carry 75 passengers.

Fresh tropical buffet lunch is served, and a cash bar is open on the way home to finish off the Perfect Day with your friends and family.

We can cater to smaller groups and different time frames, including an evening cruise along the Tutukaka Coast, and delivery to aWhale Bay wedding by boat.

Talk to us, about how we can make your day even more special.

THE PERFECT DAY AFTER PASS THROUGH

GIANT SEA ARCHES ENTER THE WORLD’S

LARGEST SEA CAVE

EXPERIENCE PROLIFIC

MARINE & BIRD LIFE

FREEPHONE WITHIN NZ

0800 288 882

www.ap perfectday.co.n nz

TUTUKAKA, NEW ZEALAND

P : +64 9 434 3867 E : info@aperfectday.cco.nz

In the Heart r of Tu T tukaka South Pacifi i c Aprivate valley in the heart of the bustling coastal village of Tutukaka, legend hasit that this was the resting place of the voyaging canoes. With a fresh spring in the valley, and a natural sun trap, it certainly has plenty of good energy.

Lodge9 made use of the Tutukaka Marina up pgrade, up-cycling the salvaged wooden board walks, and original bollards and marker poles, to create a groovy courtyard space, with lush tropical greenery along with a saltwater pool and cedar sauna.

Inside Lodge9 the energy translates to a calm relaxing space with bespoke furnishings, original artworks from local artists, including Shane Hansen, Steve Moase, Paul DuFlou and an incredible hallway entrance piece by Emily Karaka.

Six private rooms, with a communal shared space, three double doors opening into the courtyard, it is a resort style retreat that balances the modern whilst acknowledging the past.

Nespresso machines throughout, filtered natural spring water on tap in each room, and to enhance the natural calm, chemicals have never been used in the clean and upkeep – so it is a completely organic zone.

With a massive attention to detail the handmade pottery for Lodge9 by Akke Tiemersma is in daily use, served with the gourmet continental breakfast and evening bites.

An amazing floor to ceiling fireplace makes this an intimate space that takes luxury, and makes it homely.

Adjacent to Lodge9 across the brick and wood tropical courtyard, Shed7 is a unique function centre, with its own commercial kitchen, high tech conference facilities and indoor space.

Weddings, boutique management retreats, yoga workshops, and cooking classes. This events venue can cater from 20-80 seated, or 200 stand-up.

A perfect compliment to Dive!

Tutukaka’s focus on the Tutukaka Coast, and the Poor Knights Islands and based in a secluded valley in the heart of Tutukaka.

Alongside Perfect Day, the liveaboard Acheron, and the familiar blue & yellow boats, Lodge9 and Shed7 enhance the offerings in this South Pacific paradise.

Book your wedding ceremony in the tropical courtyard and grounds, your reception in Shed7 or your bridal party in Lodge9. Book everything in one place, and relax together the day after.

The Budget

T

he first step to planning a wedding is to set your budget.

You can’t move forward with booking anything until you know exactly how much you can spare. It is important to remember that the dream wedding you have in mind may not be the dream wedding you can afford so be prepared to compromise on some things, to allow for others to flourish.

First establish how much you think you and your other half would be able to put down on your wedding. Then sit down with your in-laws-to-be as well as your own parents and ask them if they would like to contribute. This can be an awkward conversation for some but keep in mind that it can also be a real privilege for parents to be able to contribute to the event. After you have tackled these conversations you will have a better idea of the amount of money you have to play with.

Next step is to ask around and gauge some vendor pricing, find out how much your dream florist is, ask for quotes from a series of photographers, and get searching for your dream dress.

This will help you fill out your budget spreadsheet and estimate a price. Then you can pick your venue and the rest will follow suit.

Lastly, keep in mind that you don’t have to have all the money at once. Most vendors request deposits of varying amounts and only require full payment closer to the wedding date. We would suggest paying off a vendor or two each month so that it doesn’t all pile up at the end.

Remember, if your budget doesn’t allow for Beyoncé to be your wedding singer like you’ve always imagined, don’t fret!

You may not get Beyoncé but there are plenty of ways to shortcut your way to the wedding you love. Here are some ideas: Table centerpieces – Collect jars of varying heights and fill these with the flowers of your choice for an affordable rustic floral display for your guests.

Stationary – There are plenty of beautiful

fonts that you can download for free online which you can use to create your own seating charts, name place holders and menus.

Bridal Party – Ask your groomsmen and bridesmaids to help pay for their outfits or shoes. The bridal party (especially if you have a large one) can be expensive so don’t feel bad asking them to contribute to what they will be wearing.

Most of the time they are just thrilled to be a part of the big day and are happy to splurge.

Tip: Always over budget! It is better to have money left over at the end than to fall short, so allow yourself some breathing room to ensure less stress come wedding day.

MAKE YOUR WEDDING MORE MEMORABLE Make your own special memories with a destination wedding at The Kauri Museum Choose from a selection of venues including the Volunteers Hall, Historic Pioneer Church or Totara House to suit your own unique requirements.

Visit http://www.kau.nz/about/venue-hire/ or contact admin@kaurimuseum.com for more details.

Vintage Garden Games For Hire

www.vgg.nz

The Ceremony

T

he ceremony is meant to be the most meaningful part of your wedding day. It is the main event where you and your other half declare your love for each other, say vows, exchange rings and seal it all with a kiss.

Your chosen theme will play a big part in the ceremony. You may have an archway, a special backdrop, flowers, ribbons and even a certain type of chair for guests, which fits your theme. If you have gone for an outdoor ceremony, then ensure you have a wet weather option for the

big moment as the last thing you want is to be caught in the rain on the day.

There are different stages to a ceremony and it is totally up to you as to how you make it work, but the event should go something like the following: The Procession This is the part where everyone walks down the aisle and takes their places for the ceremony. Traditionally, the bride is escorted by her father, while the groom waits for her up the front. The order of appearance generally starts with the family making their way to their seats,

before the groom enters and takes his place up the front. You can either have the groomsmen walk the bridesmaids in or have them stand up front before the groom enters with the bridesmaids entering one by one. Lastly we have the entrance of the bride. Perhaps an important thing to consider for this is the music that will be playing as this happens. You may choose to have a separate song for the bridal party entrance and the bride’s entrance, or can make it all happen within one song; it is entirely up to you. continued on page 18

Venue Hire Includes: • Hire of the whole Celtic Barn; Friday, Saturday, Sunday (2 ½ days) • Tables and chairs $ • Full use of the kitchen facilities per pers on • Tablecloths (White only available) • Cutlery; knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons • Crockery; dinner plates, side plates, bowls, cups and saucers • Glasses; champagne flutes, wine glasses, pilsner glasses, water glasses • Water carafes, milk jugs Enquire about Bar facilities

20

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The Ceremony The Officiant’s Opening Remarks The celebrant sets the scene for the ceremony by welcoming everyone.

The Charge to the Couple Your officiant will take this moment to highlight the significance of the vows.

This may also include a reminder of your duties and roles in marriage.

The Exchange of Vows Your vows are your promises to each other. You may repeat the familiar “to have and to hold, for better or for worse” vows, or recite ones you’ve written yourselves.

The Ring Exchange The giving and receiving of a ring is a custom of many cultures and formally seals the marriage. Symbolically the unbroken shape of the ring recognises the unbreakable vows of marriage and is intended to be worn for a lifetime.

The Pronouncement of Marriage The celebrant makes it official with a statement of “I now pronounce you husband and wife” or, “I now pronounce

you married in love and in life”.

and create a magical ending.

The Kiss The highly anticipated public display of affection seen at every wedding, a loving celebratory smooch!

Post Ceremony Congratulations Before you rush off to do photos you may want to spend some time greeting your guests allowing them to offer their words of congrats. This is also a great time to tick off family photos.

Signing of the Legal Documents This is the time to sign your marriage documents. At what point during the ceremony this occurs depends on the celebrant and personal preferences, however most people like to do this after the kiss. While this is happening there is usually entertainment of some sort, which can come in the form of a reading, musical performance or having your song of choice played to the guests.

The Closing Remarks Your celebrant wraps things up with a few last words and usually ends with something along the lines of, “friends and family, I give you, Mr. and Mrs. McIntosh”.

The Recessional With the close of the ceremony you will exit together as a married couple.

This is the time for confetti if you are having any, and most people choose an upbeat song to walk out to which can add to the atmosphere

Vanilla Images

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THE VENUE FOR You • Centrally located overlooking Kensington Park Whangarei • Can cater for up to 180 guests seated for Wedding Receptions, Birthdays, Dinner & Christmas functions • Bring your own caterer and ample parking available

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Making an entrance

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ou might want to make your entrance or exit in unique style,but it is wise to check out availability and practicality when making your choice of wedding vehicle. Whatever type of transport you choose, you will still want comfort, punctuality and reliability.

Here are some ideas for your big day: • Classic or vintage cars –The set end to be booked up well in advance so act quickly once you’ve decided on the date for the wedding.

• Boat - If you’re going near waterways,arriving by boat could be memorable.

• Horse and carriage or horseback -For a truly romantic start to your ceremony nothing can beat arriving in a horse drawn carriage.

• Helicopter -What about a chopper for serious thrills and a grand entrance? If there’s a distance to travel it could also be quite practical.

• Two wheelers – For something even less conventional, you might consider a vintage motor bike and side car or a tandem bike.

Tip: Don’t forget about your guests! Hire a coach or bus to transport your guests to and from the reception venue.

It can be a fun way to get around, while ensuring they are delivered safely back to their accommodation.

Love your Cake

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o wedding is complete without a wedding cake and your options are as broad as your imagination. A cake could be round, square, stacked, cupcakes, profiteroles, meringues, or even ice-cream.

There is the traditional favourite flavour of chocolate, but what about carrot, lemon, banana, or fruit? There are some excellent cake designers in Northland, who are only too happy to discuss ideas with you and offer samples for the all important taste test. Most cake designers will have an album of photos and a website so you see a range of their work.

Once the culinary masterpiece has been made the artistry of the decoration begins. Your wedding cake is like the exclamation point on the reception and it should be a total reflection of your style and taste (pun intended).Whether you choose classic, modern, fun, funky, sculpted, shaped, piled, painted or piped, the icing can reflect almost any colour scheme or theme.

Practical things to consider when choosing your cake are the number of guests you will have and whether the cake will be served as dessert.

Your cake is usually on display at the reception, so if you are getting married in the height of a Northland summer consider the temperature and choose a cake that will not melt before the end of the dinner and speeches.

After the meal, the bride and groom traditionally make the first cut together. This first piece is shared between the couple with the groom feeding the bride first, then the bride feeding the groom. The remainder is shared with guests during the reception. It was traditionally believed that eating the crumbs of the wedding cake would give you good luck, because the wedding cake symbolizes happiness and good life to the newlywed couple.

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The Duke’s grand ballroom opens up onto a sun filled deck overlooking the sea providing a truly majestic setting.

The Duke provides the total wedding experience with accommodation upstairs, award winning chefs and restaurant managers and an onsite wedding co-ordinator to guarantee a truly memorable day.

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Located at the end of the wharf over the sea, you cannot find a better waterfront location with breath taking views Sensational dining experience with exceptional service Let Charlotte take care of your day for you with our on-site wedding co-ordinator

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The Celebrant

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electing your celebrant is a very personal choice. You will need to take into consideration your religious beliefs, the style of ceremony that you want to have, not to mention the personality of the celebrant who will lead you. Make sure you choose someone who will make you both feel at ease throughout your ceremony as it can be the most important (and nerveracking) part of the process.

Some celebrants are very sombre

and traditional, while others can be more flamboyant and humorous. It is important to think about what type of personality suits you both best and this will lay a foundation for exactly who will make your shortlist. From there you’ll want to chat to them and ask some questions to ensure they are the perfect match for you both.

Once you decide you should then be offered a personal consultation to plan the ceremony and discuss vows, readings and poems. The celebrant should also attend to all paperwork and legal aspects required.

Questions for your Celebrant: • What is your celebrant style?

• Can we write our own vows? Do you have a template for us to work from?

• Do you arrange the wedding license or do we?

• Will you require anything additional?

E.g. dinner, travel costs • Will you have any other weddings on the same day?

Things to know: • A wedding ceremony requires a

Registered Marriage Celebrant, and may be performed at any time of the day/night on any day of the year at any venue.

• The ceremony requires legal documents to be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a registered Marriage Celebrant.

• If you are members of a church your local minister or priest will generally conduct the ceremony and if you opt for marriage at a registry office you’ll be married by a Registrar of Marriages.

• Only those persons appointed by the Registrar-General as Marriage and/or Civil Union Celebrants and whose name appears in the List of Celebrants in the New Zealand Gazette have authority to solemnise marriages and/or civil unions in New Zealand.

• Registered celebrants may also belong to The Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ), who perform many ceremonies, not just weddings.

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Catering

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or some people the venue will come with its own catering however for those venues who don’t,finding the best caterer for you can be hard work. The Catering that you choose to provide will be an important part of the day, the type and style of catering that you select will need to fit in with the style of the wedding that you are planning. Ensure that you engage the services of a professional well established company and select a menu and service style that fits in with your overall theme and budget.

Decide on the style of food that is going to suit your wedding as well as type of service for your meal. There are many different ways to get food to your guests. This can come in the form of a Buffet, plated meals, or even the latest fad of platter mains that are delivered to the table and shared around.

Questions for your caterer: • Can we sample your food? Is there a cost for samples?

• Can we swap and change from different menus that are available?

• Do you have testimonials from recent clients that I can view?

• When do you need to have the menu confirmed?

• When do I need to confirm final numbers?

Tip: Ask friends and workmates for recommendations, consider not only your likes and dislikes but those of your guests – ensure that you provide options for those with special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten free, dairy free).

Catering yourselves?

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Mouth-watering delicacies for all occasions; from weddings to corporate functions, small luncheons to large celebrations – we design the perfect menu to complement your event.

Experience the culinary expertise, the creative flair and the dedication to excellence that is the hallmark of Absolute Caterers; your event catering specialists.

We design our menus to ensure you are always impressed: simply describe your occasion and we will provide event catering that will exceed your expectations.

Absolute Caterers – Expect the best!

Located in the Toll Stadium (Northland Events Centre), Okara Drive, Whangarei

www.absolutecaterers.co.nz or call 09 470 2595

Say “yes” to your perfect wedding venue

It’s the most important day of your life, so make it a perfect day, with the perfect wedding venue. We’ll help you create the wedding reception of your dreams, whether it’s a grand formal occasion, or an intimate gathering.

Our unique all-inclusive Wedding Packages encompass everything from venue hire, catering and personal coordination through to entertainment, audio visual and theming.

With all the planning and organisation taken care of for you, all you need to do is say “I do”. Talk to us today about planning your special day.

Download a Wedding Packages brochure at www.venuesandeventswhangarei.co.nz/Toll-Stadium/Pages/Weddings.aspx toll stadium whangarei | 09 430 4833 | tollstadium@wdc.govt.nz | www.venuesandeventswhangarei.co.nz

Photographer

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reating a mood board or choosing the right photographer is right up there with choosing the right dress. Your wedding day will fly by so it is really important you have the good photos to help the memories last longer. First of all it is important to know that all photographers have a different style to their photography. While some stick to the usual shots, others like to be a bit more artistic.

The best way to establish what style you and your partner prefer is to click through a few wedding blogs online. These blogs are a great tool as they feature multiple ‘real weddings’ of all sorts of styles and themes. Not only will this help you with inspiration for almost every aspect of your day, they feature photography from hundreds of different photographers which gives a massive variety of examples for your own photography choices.

Questions to ask your photographer: 1. What is your photography style?

By this stage you should know what you prefer in terms of style and you probably have already analysed the photographer’s portfolio and approve of their work. However the best way to know if it is a right fit is to ask them this question before you say anything yourself and if it matches your vision, then that is one tick beside their name.

2. Have you ever shot at my venue?

This is a question to ask if you plan on using your venue for your images. Some couples prefer to go off site to a special location for images and in this case you can always ask for suggestions from the photographer as to what park or local area would work well for what you want.

3. How many hours are included in your package?

Most photographers state this in their pricing booklet, however there are some who leave this open giving only a start or end time for their package. It is important to make sure that they will cover all parts of the day that you need them to.

4. Do you bring a second shooter?

Second shooters are great for those moments you can’t redo such as the first look as the bride walks down the aisle. With one photographer it is hard to have images from both angles, looking down the aisle to the bride,as well as towards the groom at the altar. Second shooters are also great for documentary photography where you want photos of the lads getting ready, as well as the ladies.

5. How many images should I expect to see from my wedding and how are these provided?

Once again, usually this is stated in their pricing booklet but if not, make sure you clarify if there is any limit to the photos you will receive.

Most photographers take thousands of photos but you will find that you won’t see them all, so it’s great to make your expectations clear from the beginning.

6. Do you charge any extra costs (for instance, travel, meals, or accommodation)?

There can be extra costs associated, such as meals and travel fees,especially if your wedding is not within the city your photographer is based, so it is always best to check.

7. How much is the deposit?

Every photographer is different so confirm this when you chat with them.

8. When is the full balance due?

The usual answer is between four and two weeks before the wedding, though it is always best to check.

Styles of Photography: Classic Lifestyle Dramatic Documentary

“Capturing magical moments nts of beauty y and dg gold”

- Simply beautiful photography

www.kerrymarinkovich.com | kmarinkovich@yahoo.co.nz | Phone 021 070 4324

FOR 62 YEARS