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WEDDING PICTURE STORIES

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden What comes to mind when you think about weddings? Is it the bride resplendent in white, accompanied by eight bridesmaids? Is it the venue, beautifully styled? Or maybe it’s the cost, which can take on the semblance of a mortgage. For me, it’s this: I’m intrigued and drawn to wedding pictures. I like the story they tell, the promise they offer for the journey ahead and the fashion snapshot they offer, travelling through the various decades.

I’m reminded of old wedding photos proudly displayed in my grandparents’ best (and only) living room. The bride is young; there’s one, two at most, bridesmaids and often a flower girl with a little silken horseshoe on her arm ready to give to the bride. Is this still done?

Next to these pictures came the next generation of wedding photos with my cousins in flares, wide ’70s ties, and sideboards. The colours were brighter, dresses shorter, and smiles bigger.

I got married in the ’80s, along with many of my friends. It was simple by today’s standards. My mother made my dress, which was knee-length, my large Māori whānau was in attendance, along with rugby mates and nursing pals.

A kind and elderly Catholic priest who was the Christchurch Hospital Chaplain performed the vows as well as talking to John and me about the sanctity of marriage in the weeks beforehand. I always appreciated him turning a blind eye to the fact we were living together. I remember being overjoyed, and I remain that way.

In the last ten years, close to 50 per cent of the weddings I’ve attended have ended unceremoniously and quickly. The care that deep love promised eroded. It’s hard, it’s beautiful, it’s a journey, and after 38 years of marriage, I’d like to wish anyone on the cusp of getting married all the very best for everything that lies ahead.

Enjoy the moment, the promise, and of course, the photos.

Photo: Sarah Rowlands Resene Black Resene Eighth Black White

Frobisher Mayfair Houndstooth Occasional Chair; Frobisher 101 Block Mini Vase; Ikea Stockholm Rug from Nordic Chill; Toppu Tray Large from The Cane Collective; Toppu Small Pot from The Cane Collective; Black Side table Rod 2 from Belle Interiors Collection from McKenzie Willis; Cosh White Lamp from Freedom Furniture; Castle and Things Black and White Cushion from Bolt of Cloth; Artwork by Alex Fulton Design; Wooden Mountains from Woodland Toys

WHICH HUE FOR YOU?

This month, resident design guru and all-around colour aficionado Alex Fulton tackles the most classic of combos – black and white.

Picking a colour palette from artwork or a cushion is one of the simplest interior design tricks to help create a scheme. I have pushed this monochromatic scheme a little more with the addition of geometric patterns and stripes. Resene Black adds a focal point that anchors and grounds a room, adding white to that sets off the drama. Violá – a monochromatic one-two punch – knockout. The Kiwi-made occasional chair from Frobisher has been upholstered in a striking houndstooth fabric from James Dunlop but can be custom made in any fabric or leather options. Got a wall that needs that a little something extra? Why not a mural? Grab some Resene testpots in your favourite hues and go wild with geometrical shapes or stripes.

An instant space saver, a side table offers a single-seater the option for popping down your glass of wine without taking up the space of a larger coffee table. This elegant piece from Belle Interiors is simple and beautiful, with the detail of steel dowels holding up the functional top.

Next month we channel Mondrian with colour and shape! Which will you prefer?