22 minute read
Made to match
from SOUTH March 2020
by Times Media
two become one WHEN
words WISE As summer casts its warm glow on lovers, some will be planning a trip to the altar with that special person who makes the heart skip. But, remember, marriage represents a sacred vow. It’s not just a romantic day to recognise two people’s love but is a legal contract and a financial partnership. If you are fortunate, your union will be an enduring love affair with your best friend, but, first, there’s planning to be done so your big day goes smoothly. Sort the finer details early to avoid a muddle on the eve of your wedding day.
Couples starting out on marriage are undoubtedly in for the adventure of their lives. However, they may have expectations which might or might not work out and they may have asked advice from others…or not!
Some will have steadfast views on what marriage should be but these may change in a day, a month or over the years. Every marriage follows its own path and sometimes hearing what others have to say is not welcome.
But here are a few snippets of advice offered by well-meaning family and friends to help newlyweds maintain a loving relationship and to smooth the way should the marital road sometimes hit a rocky patch.
16 | south | march 2020 • Treat your spouse as your best friend. Friendship endures long after the heady days of early romance settle into work, mortgage (perhaps) family responsibilities and just everyday living. • Marriage isn’t 50/50. You both have to give each other 100 percent! • Forget the silent treatment when things don’t go to plan. Talk to each other when upset and work through problems so they don’t become lingering issues. • Always be nice to your spouse. It’s amazing how rude or inconsiderate some people can be to those closest to them – that’s not the way to remain in a loving relationship. • Make time for regular date nights even when life seems intent on crowding these out. • Realise that not everything said in a disagreement or rash moment is meant as it is said or is a personal attack – we can all let emotions get the better of us – be forgiving. • To move forward in life, don’t look backwards. Don’t fret over what went wrong in the past; focus on a happier future. • When life isn’t quite as you would want it, remember the way you felt on your wedding day; look for the qualities that endeared you to each other. • Make decisions together from the very beginning – work as a team in every aspect of your relationship. • Don’t put your marriage on hold while raising children. Make time for each other. • If times seem tough always remember – more than half of the world’s population would just love to have your worst day. • There won’t always be a winner and a loser in every argument; even when you win, you could end up losing. • Remember to laugh a lot – together! See the funny side of things; don’t take life too seriously or take to heart the occasional stumble. • Love each other as you are, not as you wish the other to be – people change, even the people we marry and we change too. But, by staying focused on the good – the essence of what you love about your spouse – you can roll together with the changes, embrace them and stay in love.
WITH THIS RING I thee wed
Symbolic of the bridal couple’s union, wedding bands, and the engagement ring, are personal and important expressions of two people’s love for each other. But consider your choices carefully.
Some bridegrooms still prefer to have a beautiful ring at the ready when they pop that crucial question – ‘will you marry me?” Others prefer to shop with their intended so they can choose an engagement ring together.
Award-winning jeweller, Chris Schweder from Howick Village Jeweller says, new ideas are always emerging and it is likely the modern bride and groom will plan their wedding rings at the same time they buy an engagement ring.
“The bride will want her two rings to sit well together and will need to take into account the proportion of the ring to the size of the hand and the shape of the fingers.”
He says before starting one’s quest, set the budget, think about style and make a few notes if you want a bespoke design.
“Today’s couples often ask jewellers to design and make them matching wedding bands which reflect something which has special meaning to them. If this is the case, be sure to start early so your rings are perfect on the day.” Features to consider when choosing the engagement ring:
• Type of setting – solitaire (one stone); three stones set side by side; eternity or semi-eternity (stones set around a portion or the entire circumference of the ring) or, perhaps, a central stone, surrounded by smaller stones. Your chosen jeweller will guide your decision. • Type of stone or stones – diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, a combination of stones or perhaps another of the many semi-precious stones available. • Cut – square, elongated, round or oval or a variation on one of the traditional cuts. • Metal – gold, white gold, platinum or titanium. Titanium
is often favoured for wedding bands which need to be durable.
Because many couples opt to have their wedding rings individually designed and made, Chris says there is scope for the design to encompass a special interest, cultural theme or added element of romance.
“Do your research,” he advises. "Ask about the clarity, colour and the grade of stones – two stones can be the same size and weight yet, due to the difference in grade, they may be very different in price.”
Although wedding and engagements rings are usually 18 or 22 carat, some people now opt for 9 carat gold to keep cost down.
Beaufords
Our award-winning team will create a bespoke wedding that will exceed your expectations. At Silver Fern Marquees, we have some of the most competitive pricing in the market, the best quality marquees and equipment and our team will go the extra mile to ensure your set-up is perfect for your big day!
Historic Homestead & Garden Marquee Weddings – Conferences – Private Functions Situated in the beautiful Totara Park, Beaufords has been hosting special occasions for more than 40 years
90R Wairere Rd, The Gardens, Manurewa Ph 09 267 6979 | Email john@beaufords.co.nz
Most likely you will share your wedding photos with family and friends, display them in your home and one day use them to tell your children and, perhaps, grandchildren, about the day.
Through your photographs, you can re-live those special memories and take stock of moments which might have become a bit of a blur amongst all the formalities and celebration.
It important to choose a photographer who you ‘click’ with; someone you feel you can trust implicitly. To do so, photographer Lisa Monk offers some tips to help:
TIP ONE: Meet with potential photographers in person. This is really important. Settle on someone you feel you can relax with, feel comfortable with and have fun with; this will show
IN THE picture!
Photographs are one of the most important aspects of any wedding – they tell the special and unique story of your wedding day and also show your love for each other.
through in your final photographs. When you have selected a photographer, the pre-wedding consultation is the time to discuss timing, price and the type of photographic coverage you want.
TIP TWO: Ask photographers to show you all final images from one or more of their recent weddings. Often photographers show only a few of the best images from each wedding on their websites. You want to see all images from one wedding so you can get a feel for overall quality and consistency.
TIP THREE: Ask your photographer what is the plan for bad weather. He or she needs to be comfortable, capable and confident working in all weather conditions. We can have four seasons in one day!
TIP FOUR: Ask to see some of the photographer’s wedding albums and framed prints. It is very helpful to see and hold, first-hand, the quality of the final photographs and products available. Having digital copies of your photographs is important, but there is nothing like holding a beautiful wedding album and sharing it with family and friends. Because there are many options to suit personal taste and budget, be sure to look over and discuss what suits you.
TIP FIVE: Ask potential photographers what pre-planning they carry out. Do they have a timeline? Do they familiarise themselves with location and the best photo spots in the area? Discuss the location – beach, fields, forest, indoors or out. Planning is very important – great wedding photographs don’t happen by accident; they should be well thought out in advance. If your photographer is well organised,
Boutique wedding & event floristry
and can keep the photographic session within the time allocated, you will enjoy every moment.
Pre-consultation is important – this is your chance to be clear on what you want including such details as style, colour, theme, and pricing. Ask about viewing and ordering – usually about six weeks after the wedding. Check on delivery time.
Finally, listen to your photographer’s professional advice – your ideas may be quite different from what can be realistically achieved for the venue, the time of day or your budget.
Choosing a photographer who addresses all your questions, and produces a photography plan to encompass all the happenings of the day, will ultimately reflect your shared happiness and give you a lifetime of happy memories.
Discover Auckland’s most stunning clifftop ocean front wedding venue
Professionally arranged quality flowers at affordable prices
18 | south | march 2020 We cover all your wedding flower needs, bridal bouquets, buttonholes, flower crowns, corsages, service and reception flowers, and thank you gifts, all delivered throughout Auckland. 17 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon, Manukau 2582 | 09-292 9540 CP3330
Retail & Industrial Dry Cleaners findlaysdrycleaners
PRESERVING YOUR WEDDING GOWN memories
Your wedding is a day to cherish and remember forever and, of course, every bride knows her wedding gown is very much in focus on the day.
However, when it comes to cleaning such a delicate and precious garment, with which there is huge emotional attachment, expectations are high.
Fortunately, Findlay’s Drycleaners in Pukekohe are experts in this specialist drycleaning field. With three experienced drycleaners having worked previously at Regal Drycleaners, and who have more than 80 years combined industry experience, they ensure newlyweds can be confident that their treasured ‘memory’ is in safe hands.
Using special processes, formulas and knowledge known only to Findlay’s, mean the team there can successfully clean most gowns, even those other dry cleaners have turned away.
In particular, Findlay’s has successfully cleaned century-old wedding gowns, several of which have been family heirlooms passed down from mother to daughter. Some of these have passed through three generations to be resurrected for auspicious wedding anniversaries but unfortunately some have been stored for many decades in damp cupboards or under a bed.
Yet, when brought into Findlay’s, these gowns have been beautifully cleaned ahead of the big occasion. Most importantly, cleaners discuss with customers all steps and processes the gown may require and when applicable will invite the customer to come in and view progress on the gown.
www.southmagazine.co.nz • Formal wear and wedding gowns • Retail drycleaning, shirts and laundry • Overall and uniform cleaning • Mat rental and towel supply • Repairs and alterations
EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTED
KEEPING LOCALS LAUNDERED AND DRYCLEANED FOR 60 YEARS
65 King St, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 7685 sales@findry.co.nz www.findlaysdrycleaners.co.nz
Wedding Flowers
Quality wedding bouquets, table decorations and centrepieces, designed to complement your special day with the highest quality fresh fl owers.
Flower & Gift Shoppe
Island Beach Wedding where two hearts beat as one your
OUR BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT THE RAROTONGAN “We were truly blessed to be married on Aroa Beach at The Rarotongan. Our family and friends experienced a wedding like no other. The day was truly magical!!” Roy & Claudine
NEW LAGOON OF LOVE WEDDING PACKAGES! NEW Seventh Heaven ALL-INCLUSIVE Wedding Package @ only $7999 (includes Bride & Groom’s 5 night beachfront accommodation + wedding ceremony + wedding dinner & drinks for 30 people; with option to add more guests) + NEW Over The Moon Wedding Package @ only $3999. Email weddings@therarotongan.com now
Aitutaki. “The world’s most beautiful island.” Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet
• Perfect for Heavenly Honeymoons, Babymoons, Anniversaries + Dream Weddings • Stunning Adults-only 5 star resort for guests aged 16+ | 36 bungalows+private pool villa • The ONLY Overwater Bungalows in the Cook Islands • The ONLY private island resort in the Cook Islands | An island all your own • The ONLY resort set directly on the World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon, Aitutaki • The World’s Best Lagoon Views | White sandy beaches • Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill | Bounty Restaurant & Bar | Private Candlelit Dinners • SpaPolynesia | Over The Moon Wedding Packages • GETAWAY TV show (Australia) - one of the World’s Top 50 Resorts • ISLANDS magazine (USA) - one of the World’s 12 Best Private Islands Nature created the View, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort created the Experience Private Island Overwater Heaven, for Adults-only
perfect ISLAND IN THE SUN WEDDING
Summer may be New Zealand’s busy wedding season but more and more couples are seeing the desirability of having their special day somewhere in the sun but at a time when they can also escape the misery of our winter.
Looking at the big picture – a wedding and honeymoon in an exotic location when humidity is low, temperatures high and hurricanes nowhere to be seen – makes a lot of sense.
With island nations enjoying warm days and balmy evenings when New Zealand shivers, means Pacific venues are in high demand.
In fact, so much so, prices have climbed in some parts but because of its general affordability – and lovely resorts – Vanuatu has become a go-to destination.
Couples and their guests welcome the chance to escape wet and gloom here and spend a few days celebrating in the warmer climes of this friendly Pacific nation.
Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is just a short flight from New Zealand – and flying with Air Vanuatu is a treat! On arrival, there is a wide range of fabulous resorts set up for weddings to suit a variety of budgets and taste.
Some venues have wedding planners to manage the whole process, although independent wedding planners are also available to source a location and carry out all arrangements.
Everything from lodging the required paperwork to organising celebrant, hairdressers and flowers, the cake, photographer, entertainment, catering, music and more can be done by a resort or wedding planner.
Beachfront weddings and receptions are always in demand – when tables are set up on the sand, the sun is setting and the sea is lapping at the shore, the mood is surely to be coveted.
Of course, key resorts have excellent accommodation, amenities and services to cater for the wedding party and for family and guests too with pre-wedding pampering and honeymoon treats part of most packages.
Sunny Vanuatu is in the habit of providing wedding bliss at a romantic location, followed by a honeymoon with indulgent treats.
23 kg
If you want to explore new wedding gown horizons, keep in mind two simple things – you don’t want to look like a peacock, and you don’t need to shock in order to stand out from the crowd.
In fact, perhaps all you need is a simple pastel palette. So, how about a review of recent styles? Oscar de la Renta, presented a 2013 bridal collection strewn with clear blue tones. Some of his majestic
PRETTY IN pastel?
It’s dress-shopping time! While most brides still opt for traditional white, ultimately choosing a style which ensures they look stunning on the day, there are a few who want something out of the ordinary.
creations were wrapped in powder blue organza which were divine.
Celebrated bridal gown designer, Vera Wang, used a similar theme when she unveiled a diverse collection with “nude” tones as the star attraction.
A bride’s colour choice continues to be of interest every year with pastel tones popular for those who want an alternative to white. Sea green, pale pink, quartz pink and peach are among the veritable bouquet of soft, delicate colours which can give real feminine charm to the bride who dares to be different.
Complementary tones include gold, green, and grey. A coloured gown can be enhanced with tone on tone accessories to stay neutral, or with contrasting colours to add dimension. Sometimes it takes just a little colour in the form of an embroidered bodice or hemline – colour on white – to add that touch of je ne sais quoi!
On the other hand, have you always dreamed of marrying in your grandmother’s fur stole or gown? Vintage accessories combined with a pastel gown or, perhaps, a vintage gown with a little sleeve or neckline modification can help to create an original yet modern look.
Red Shed Palazzo is a specialised wedding venue, with the focus on making your wedding day the best it can be. We are fully licensed, with an experienced team to ensure you and all your guests needs are met, during the planning of and on your special day. We can cater for groups from 40-100 guests and our beautiful gardens make a perfect venue. At Red Shed Palazzo we provide flexible Weddings to suit your personal taste and style. We are more than happy to discuss any additional requests, ideas and themes that you may wish to incorporate into making your celebration a unique and memorable experience.
south | march 2020 | 23 Breakfast/Lunch – licensed OPEN 7 days 8.30am - 4.00pm 16 Jesmond Rd, Karaka Ph (09) 294 6687 Email: eat@redshedpalazzo.co.nz KAT6935
planner... WEDDING
Planning is the key to a successful wedding but too often the plan goes awry because it hasn’t been adhered to. Here’s a proven plan to help make your big day run smoothly.
6-12 MONTHS
• Decide on the type ofwedding, number ofguests and budget. • Decide when and where you would like your ceremony and reception to be held, checkout venues and book. • Choose and booka celebrant or meet with the minister or priest ofyour chosen church. • Choose a photographer or videographer and book. • Contact the people you would like as your bridal attendants, best man, groomsmen, etc. • Choose a colour scheme or theme for your wedding. • Begin the search for the wedding gown. Ifyou decide to have one made, choose the designer and dressmaker. • Draw up a provisional guest list.
2 WEEKS
• Visit your florist to have detailingof bouquets and flowers for church and reception finalised. • Re-confirm all arrangements, eg honeymoon, photographer, car hire, hair and make-up, suits, dresses, flowers, venues, caterers, etc. • Wear in your weddingshoes (bride and groom). • Ifyou’re havinga hens’ or stags’ night, do it now –not the night before the wedding! • Confirm with attendants, best man, family or friends, things that need doingafter the wedding(egreturning hired clothing, takingcare ofthe bride’s gown, storingweddinggifts, etc) and decide who’s doingwhat.
3-5 MONTHS 1-2 MONTHS
• By now the weddinggown should be organised or purchased, the style of the groom’s suit chosen and booked or purchased. • Best man and groomsmen’s suits, and attendants’ dresses should be organised. • Choose and order invitations. • Meet with photographer and discuss photo preferences, arrangements and locations. • Decide on accessories forthe wedding party. Bookflorist. • Finalise your guest list and send invites. • Choose and order cake. • Bookmake-up artist and hairdresser. • Choose weddingrings. • Learn weddingdance.
1 WEEK
• Don’t panic. • Hold a full rehearsal ofthe wedding ceremony. • Do a dummy run through the journey at the same time and day ofthe weekas the ceremony to be sure transport and timingis correct. Plan an alternative route in case ofdelays on the day. • Arrange for any hire items to be collected. • Have a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure. • With the preparation over, you can now relaxand enjoy your wedding day! • Those givingspeeches should be planningwhat to say! • Have a trial hair and make-up session. • Contact celebrant, minister or priest, checkall is in order and arrange rehearsal date with all people concerned. • Final fittings for all bridal party members. • Apply to the Registrar ofBirths, Deaths and Marriages for a marriage licence. (Valid for three months from issue.) • Checkthe RSVPs from guests and keep a list ofnumbers attending. When finalised, consult your caterer. • Order wine and finalise the menu with caterers. • Arrange reception seatingplan and place cards.
CHECKLIST
Weddingvenue Reception venue Celebrant Photographer Musicians and entertainment Weddinggown Caterers Florist Transport Honeymoon destination Weddingnight accommodation The cake Rings Make-up artist Hairdresser Groom’s suit Best man/groomsmen’s suits Hire equipment (tables, chairs) Attendants’ dresses Invitations
KIDS BOOKS
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
From the author of the popular My New Red Car comes another endearing children’s book. Proving that even just an unopened box can open up a vast range of possibilities, this book is designed to encourage little ones to exercise their imaginations to the full.
David Minty: What’s in the Box? | RRP $19.95 | Minty Books
Some cynics might suggest that the Beehive does seem a little like a circus at the best of times, so it’s not so unusual for a little girl who dreams of becoming a clown to find herself in politics. An inspirational tale of a girl who would become Prime Minister, this charming children’s book proves that a ‘let’s do it’ attitude can take us a long way indeed.
David Hill & Phoebe Morris (illustrator): Taking the Lead – How Jacinda Ardern Wowed the World | RRP $25 | Picture Puffin
A TRIO OF SOPHIES
KEEPING SHORTNOSED DOGS SAFE
Dr Nikki Frost BSc BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), senior vet at Franklin Vets Pukekohe talks about problems which can beset short-nosed canines.
There is increasing popularity for cute, squishy-faced dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers – French bulldogs are now the most popular dog in the United Kingdom, overtaking the long-favoured Labrador.
However, what all these breeds have in common is a narrowed airway which puts them at greater risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during these hotter months.
The main way that dogs cool off is through panting. However, with these types of dogs, panting is not as effective, so we need to be extra cautious and take added precautions when owning dogs such as these.
Ways to help keep short-nosed dogs summer safe: • Always have drinking water readily available for your dog and consider a paddling pool for them to cool off in after a walk.
• Be very careful exercising in the heat. Consider walking only early (very early) in the morning or late at night at a slow gentle pace. Any playtimes should be kept short.
• Keep your dog slim. Being overweight exacerbates the problem as the harder it is to move around, the harder it is to breathe. • Consider airway surgery. This doesn’t solve all the issues of a smaller airway but can make a huge difference in their breathing by widening their nostrils and shortening their soft palate. Surgery is best done when young, before secondary changes develop. We recommend surgery where possible is done at desexing at 6-7 months of age. Top: Before brachycephalic surgery; below: After surgery.
At Franklin Vets, we are very attached to these little dogs and keen to help as many as we can. If you have any questions about the technique, risks, costs, or whether your dog actually requires the surgery, call our Pukekohe clinic 09 238 7486.
Three girls all named Sophie might tend to share secrets, but what happens when one of them goes missing? Perhaps their English teacher, James Bacon – who was seen kissing Sophie Abercrombie – might know. A novel written for teenage readers, this book delivers a tale of secrets, lies and love.
Need a vet?
Franklin Vets Papakura and Pukekohe are open 7 days and late nights
