Engaged Wedding Magazine - October 2008

engaged October 2008

TANNING TIPS Glow on Your Wedding Day

mmm...cake

Add a Delicious Flavour to Your Wedding

Choosing Your Photographer

Stunning Photographers’ Showcase

Feeling the Pinch?

52 Money-Saving Ideas

Grape Venue Ideas Your Perfect Winery Wedding

Tdfojd!Djsdmf!Ipufmt!jowjuft!zpv! up!ibwf!zpvs!xfeejoh!xjui!vt/ Up!nblf!zpvs!tqfdjbm!ebz!fwfo!npsf!tp-!cppl!zpvs!xfeejoh!bu!Tdfojd!Djsdmf!Ipufmt!vtjoh! pvs!xfeejoh!wfovf!qbdlbhf!cfgpsf!42!Pdupcfs!3119!boe!zpv!xjmm!sfdfjwf!bo!beejujpobm! dpnqmjnfoubsz!sppn!uif!ojhiu!cfgpsf!zpvs!xfeejoh/+ Gps!npsf!efubjmt!po!pvs!xfeejoh!tfswjdft-!dpoubdu!pvs!Obujpobm!Dpogfsfodf!Nbobhfs-! qipof!14!468!2:18-!!gsffqipof!1911!339!339-!ps!fnbjm!oddAtdfojd.djsdmf/dp/o{ Participating hotels are: Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel – Paihia Scenic Circle Beachcomber Hotel – Paihia Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel – Blenheim Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel – Christchurch Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel – Dunedin Scenic Circle Croyden Hotel – Gore

www.scenic-circle.co.nz *Offer subject to availability. Offer valid for weddings booked before 31 October 2008 using the Scenic Circle Wedding Venue Package at participating hotels and is valid for new bookings only.

We had a big couple of months getting ready for this issue - tasting cakes for our wedding cake article, visiting vineyards for our winery special, testing fake tan to find out what works and how, reviewing our trip to the magical Tahiti...

The lengths we will go to to make sure you get the best bridal advice ever!

On top of this taxing research, we appeared at the Wedding Show, where we may have even met you!

Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@engaged.co.nz Phone: 09 8455925 Post: PO Box 137101, Parnell Auckland 1151 Hamilton Media Limited accepts no responsibility for material provided by readers or advertisers. All material supplied is assumed to have been provided with the consent of the appropriate copyright holders Engaged is subject to copyright in its entirety. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication unless initally specified otherwise.

The second issue of Engaged also contains some very good advice about choosing the precious metal for your rings, how to write those all-important wedding vows, an excellent list of budget tips, our three bride diaries and some gorgeous real bride fashion. Whew!

And if that wasn’t enough, Engaged also brings you our Photographers’ Showcase with 10 photographs from each photographer!

Don’t forget to check out the giveaways pages for more fabulous prizes and to see if you have won any of the fantastic competitions from our last issue!!

Enjoy!

Tim & Deborah

Notes from the Editors...

Welcome to the second issue of Engaged. The first ever edition was a roaring success, with many of you sending us great comments about how you liked the format, the contents, and, of course, the fact that the magazine is free!

100

TANNING TIPS Tips for getting that beautiful summer glow

ADVICE We answer your questions

74

BRIDE DIARY We follow 3 brides as they prepare for their wedding day

92

CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER Your guide to choosing your perfect wedding photographer

TAHITIAN DREAMS Honeymooning in stunning Tahiti

12 58 96 82

FOR BETTER OR WORSE Tips for writing those perfect wedding vows

72 GOING GREEN

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52

14

FOR RICHER OR POORER 52 money-saving tips

60

WITH THIS RING, I THEE WED Your guide to choosing your wedding ring metal

VINEYARD WEDDINGS Your guide to having a vineyard wedding

34

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ SUPPLEMENT Over 100 photos to inspire

REAL BRIDES Celebrate how amazing real brides look on their wedding day

115

table of contents Page 5 : engaged : October 2008

Hair is important to everyone’s appearance. It’s an intrinsic part of our body image! When you look good - you feel great.

Wigs by Haircreations is based in Auckland, New Zealand and distributes to appointed qualified Agents around the country. They have recently introduced their range of stunning hair extensions from Europe. Give yourself long, full hair in minutes and have the wedding ‘do you always dreamed of! www.wigs.co.nz

The Reluctant Little Flower Girl is a fantastic collaboration between first-time writer Melanie Koster and experienced illustrator Jenny Cooper.

With superb illustrations and a lively, humorous story, readers of all ages will be charmed

by Melanie Koster’s rebellious little flower girl.

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What’s New

Wild Chef offers an affordable option of restaurant-quality gourmet finger foods aimed for the self-catering market.

Available in a pre-selected Gourmet Party Pack or you can create your own party pack with the upcoming 25 new products.

With FRESH INK and FRESH PAPER you can print professional looking wedding photos from home.

HEAT…SERVE…IMPRESS! www.wildchef.co.nz

FRESH INK is compatible to all major brands of home printer and is up to 30% cheaper than other cartridges.

No more complicated serial numbers - FRESH INK uses fun, colourful pictures. Your colour could be a cocktail, telephone or a cute pussycat. FRESH INK and FRESH PAPER is available from New World & Pak N Save Supermarkets, The Warehouse and Whitcoulls.

FRESH INK is the hassle free cost effective way to print from home! www.freshprintcompany.com Page 7 : engaged : October 2008

Wedding Shows 2009

The Goss Wedding World

News

from

Around

the

March

Rachel Hunter & Jarret Stoll

Wedding Dreams Bridal Expo 29 March 2009 TSB Bank Arena, Wellington www.weddingdreams.co.nz

After the rumours were flying of an engagement, it can now be confirmed that our own Rachel Hunter will marry ice hockey star Jarret Stoll.

Rachel is 38 and Stoll is 26 – you go girl!

April

Jemaine Clement & Miranda Manasiadis

Dunedin Wedding Show 5 April 2009 Edgar Centre, Dunedin www.weddingshow.co.nz

Another New Zealand man off the market…

Jemaine Clement, co-star of Flight of the Conchords, has married his long-time girlfriend, actress and theatre director Miranda Manasiadis.

The ceremony took place in an LA registry office.

The Wedding Show 19 April 2009 Aotea Centre, Auckland www.weddingshow.co.nz Bride & Groom Magazine Show 24 April 2009 Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland

Natasha Bedingfield & Matt Robinson The sister of New Zealand-born singer Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha, is engaged to businessman Matt Robinson. Natasha was very proudly showing off her ring at the Calvin Klein 40th anniversary party and the Max Azria Spring 2009 show during New York Fashion Week.

Peaches Geldof & Max Drummery Peaches Geldof married rocker boyfired Max Drummey in Las Vegas in a low-key ceremony.

Apparently the 15-minute ceremony had only one witness and Peaches is reported to have told her father only two hours beforehand. Some say that the marriage was a publicity stunt to raise awareness of Drummery’s band, while others say it was a way for Peaches to get a US Visa….

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Jennifer Hudson & David Otunga Jennifer Hudson and boyfriend, David Otunga, are engaged, after dating for less than a year. Otunga proposed on Hudson’s 27th birthday by presenting Hudson with a Neil Lane diamond ring.

James Gandolfini & Deborah Lin Star of the Sopranos, James Gandolfini, has married his girlfriend and former model Deborah Lin in Hawaii. Gandolfini’s son, Michael, 8, served as best man. Three teams of Chinese lion dancers paid tribute to Lin’s heritage by weaved their way between tables as guests dropped a dollar in each gaping mouth for good luck.

Hot off the Press!

Scarlett Johansson & Ryan Reynolds Gorgeous couple Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds married in a secret ceremony over the weekend of 27 September. This was after telling the media that they had delayed their wedding until after the US Presidential election as Scarlett’s twin brother Hunter is working on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign! Sneaky!!

www.thewildbunch.co.nz Consultation by appointment 419 Remuera Rd Remuera Auckland enquires@thewildbunch.co.nz Phone (09) 529 9547

capture the emotion

Capture the laughter, love, romance and joy, of your wedding day on video To view examples of our work or to request a complimentary information pack please visit www.whitevideo.co.nz

WHITE Wedding Video Setting the standard in wedding video production www.whitevideo.co.nz 09 8343030 info@whitevideo.co.nz Page 10 : engaged : October 2008

Angela Daniel Jewellery stores offer a haven that seeks to impress in the most feminine way possible.

Angela and her highly qualified team offer carefully selected pieces of jewellery from New Zealand and around the world and also design custom-made engagement rings, wedding bands and bridal jewellery.

A large selection of men’s wedding bands and cufflinks as well as custom-made platinum bands are also available.

www.angeladanieljewellery.com

Whether you are after a diamond engagement ring, gold wedding band, black pearls or sparkling gemstones, Brighouse Design have jewellery perfect for celebrating special moments and achievements. With over 30 years’ creation and design experience, Brighouse Design specialises in creating upmarket, artistic, simplistic, traditional, or designer jewellery‌ whatever your fancy.

P: 09 239 2502 -

Brighouse

Handmade Jewellery and Design

50 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe - E: brighouse_design@xtra.co.nz Page 11 : engaged : October 2008

Delwyn & Ben

B ride Diary

Del and Ben met in May 2007 and r got engaged just under a year late on April the 25th after Ben surprised Del with a romantic proposal at the beautiful Umoya Lodge in Miranda, south of Auckland. With just a five month engagement, they will be getting married on the 19th of September this year. Ben and Del first d met at the Mission Bay playgroun introduced by a mutual friend: Ben with their then 3 year olds. They were nt single girl and Del was told Ben was told Del was an attractive, intellige rtner! Del left the playground telling pa g inin tra hon rat ma tial ten po a s wa meet up for a run – that turned into to d nte wa he if ll ca a her e giv to Ben etings before moving onto drinks at a series of café and playground me Essence Communications Limited, Dida’s Wine Bar. Ben is a Director of cations and consultancy company a specialised healthcare communi with Russell Investments. and Del is Client Services Manager ss decision has been made! Shortly “After much to-ing and fro-ing, my dre a Wellington-based dress maker but after my last diary entry I met with to go with a dress I had seen and in the end decided it would be easier in contact with Kate to check if she loved at Kate Dowman. I got back we had discussed and I made an r lou co the of ple sam ric fab a had . It was then that I made my mind July 31 on e Kat see to ent intm po ap also make a dress for my daughter, up. I had asked Kate if she could en I went for my first fitting on Friday Maddy, so I took Maddy with me wh dress fitting on 11 September and 22 August. Maddy and I had a final sday morning before the wedding. picked up our dresses on the Wedne

dresses, it was then on to the other After selecting mine and Maddy’s details…. y capable florist Susan Christenson On 4 September I met with the ver been highly recommended by our at Orlando on K’Road. Susan had ed the overall look I wanted and lain exp I s.

Bas ma Em her rap tog pho exactly what I was after. Too easy!

Susan showed me some images of r my bouquet and other flowers to Orlando are great as they will delive Mollies on the day.

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traditional wedding cake so we We were unsure about getting a kes with a small cake on the top decided on a tiered stand of cupca ke Company will be coming to level. Murray of The Chocolate Ca Mollies to set it up for us on the day. ing, Ben decided that he wanted Then, just two weeks before the wedd h our selection of music. He went a video to look back on, complete wit Indigo Moon Productions, another ahead and met with Vanessa from her. That was another thing that recommendation from our photograp just fell into place! rtet whilst canapés were being qua g strin a se ani org to ed cid de We ing photos. The twin sister of one of served and Ben and I were off hav nced cello musician and organised my work colleagues is a very experie a group of them regularly play at a quartet to perform. Apparently weddings and other functions. ne calls with Mollies deciding on I then had several emails and pho . Maddy and I called into Mollies canapés, dinner, wine, and layout look at the courtyard (it looks like on Monday 8 September to have a w) and discuss more logistics. A the flowers are finally starting to gro we’ll call by Mollies to drop off ing dd we the fore be ys da of e upl co seating plans. We will also hold and n atio od mm co ac , nus me s, sse dre dding celebrant. our rehearsal at Mollies with our we the fun stuff! In response to queries After all the organising, it was on to Mel emailed all guests giving them about a wedding registry, my friend t’ fund – to purchase the ultimate the option of contributing to a ‘Rocke s a hair trial at Servilles on Saturday coffee machine for us! Next up wa 15 of my very good girlfriends. Now before I went out on the town with that was fun! the week of the wedding, which At the time of writing this it will be h we have had a very relaxed means it’s a very busy week! Althoug ing, there are lots of little bits and approach to organising our wedd luding guests arriving from the US, pieces to deal with this week, inc London and Sydney – it’s all good! lled as I have just heard from one And my last minute news…I am thri said he can now come to the of my brothers in the States who has t my whole family has been in the wedding!! It will be the first time tha same place for over four years!”

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Amongst t he Vines

Your Guide to

VINEYARD WEDDINGS

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Vineyard weddings are fast becoming a favourite wedding venue. Not only do they provide a fantastic backdrop for a beautiful ceremony but they can also be a great location for amazing wedding photos and, in many cases, a superb venue for the reception.

To help you decide if a vineyard wedding is for you, we look at the pros and cons of hosting your wedding at a vineyard and profile some of the more well-known, and a few lesser-known, vineyards around the Auckland region.

Page 15 : engaged : October 2008

E

veryone knows that New Zealanders enjoy the odd wine or two and that they produce some of the best wines in the world.

Our crisp Sauvignon Blancs and complex Pinot Noirs have won many wine medals and it is understandable that you would want to showcase these local heroes with the choice of your wedding venue.

What could be more romantic than a wedding amongst the vines, with you and your guests celebrating with a glass of local wine in hand? The backdrop is perfect, the ceremony and reception can be held in the same place, and you support your community by using New Zealand-made.

There are however a number of things you need to be aware of before organising a winery wedding‌.

Page 16 : engaged : October 2008

The Weat her

Like beach weddings, your plan to have your wedding outdoors amongst the vines may be thwarted by the weather. Luckily, the back-up plan for a winery wedding is generally not too difficult to arrange.

When setting up their venues, most wineries will have envisaged the likelihood of weather-related problems and created areas where your ceremony can take place indoors out of the rain, hail, wind or snow. You may be able to have your ceremony with barrels of wine in the background, under a specially covered outdoor area, or indoors in a separate room. Make sure you discuss these options with your chosen venue before booking.

You also need to watch the weather in the weeks leading up to the event.

If it has been raining very heavily before the wedding, you may find that the ground is soggy – not so good for high heels or a long white wedding dress!!

If your ‘plan B’ is located within the winery you elected on your marriage licence, you will not need to nominate an alternate location when applying for that licence.

The Vines

Grapes, like most other fruits, grow at certain times of the year. When you first visit your venue you may see miles and miles of lush green grapes and leafy vines.

Imagine your disappointment if, on your wedding day, you were faced with rows of pruned and barren vines – not such a bad sight, but far from your imagination!

To avoid disappointment, make sure you ask the venue what state the vines will be in at the time of your wedding.

Wine

Most wineries, not surprisingly, insist that you use their own wine during the after-ceremony drinks and reception.

This may affect your budget or prevent you from drinking another favourite tipple.

Ask the winery what their policy is: can you bring your own wine, what are the corkage charges (if any), are you obliged to use their wine, and if so, do you purchase a pre-set amount of wine, or is wine charged on consumption? If consumption-

Page 17 : engaged : October 2008

based, you may be able to choose a wider variety of wines to serve. You can also ask the winery if they would allow ‘special’ bottles to be brought in, for example, for the toasts you may have some vintage champagne you have been saving for the occasion.

We would highly recommend that you do the right thing and sample the winery’s selection when booking the venue to make sure their wine is drinkable.

Of course, being New Zealand wine, you can hardly go wrong and the winery of your choice is certain to have a large selection that will suit your tastes and budget!

Transport

Many of the wineries in New Zealand are located some way out the main centre (or even on an island!) and although your guests have the advantage of not having to drive between the ceremony and venue, getting to the venue itself may be a mission. Therefore it may be worth considering hiring mini-buses or regular buses to get guests to and from the venue. Choose someone you trust to co-ordinate pick-ups and drop-offs, as managing the transport of a large number of guests can be a nightmare! It is well worth it though, especially if your guests are enjoying the wine!

Popular i t y

With vineyard weddings becoming more and more popular, you may find that your choice of dates is limited or that you may have to book so far in advance in order to secure your chosen venue. To avoid missing out, make sure your venue is one of the first decisions you make!

Venues

We have provided a summary of some of Auckland’s favourite vineyard venues in the following pages. If you are interested, contact them for more information and remember to mention that you saw them in Engaged!

Page 18 : engaged : October 2008

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant Rooms Available: Main Restaurant: Features an open Fireplace, French doors, opening louvre roof, carpeted dance floor, 1.7m Parisian vintage Chandelier, fully stocked bar, superb sea views. Seats 124 (maximum of 180).

Potager Bistro: This room has its own very special ambience as it was once our wine cellar in days gone by. Beautiful sea views, potager gardens and private courtyard. It has its own fully stocked bar, waiting staff, stereo and outdoor fireplace. This could be an ideal location for a smaller wedding. Seats a minimum 20, maximum 40 (depending upon table arrangements).

Mezzanine Floor: Featuring it’s own private outside deck, sea views, upstairs (semiprivate). Seats 22 guests.

Room hire fee: No room hire or venue fee is charged, instead, guaranteed minimum spends apply for all of your food and beverages. These differ due to the season, time and day of the week.

Included in fee: White linen (tablecloths and napkins), all food and beverage requirements at affiliated cost communicated to the client, our designated area “the cellar roof” and inside the cellar for the ceremony (if you are holding the reception at Mudbrick), printed menus (provided by our standard in-house printer) rolled with ribbon & rosemary, service staff.

BYO: No On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

126 Church Bay Road, Church Bay, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Phone: 09 372 9050 Email: info@mudbrick.co.nz Web: www.mudbrick.co.nz

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Villa Maria Estate Areas available: Four rooms including indoor/outdoor areas: Boardroom (seats 28 guests) for an intimate wedding reception; Lakeside Room (50 guests); Cellar Door (100 guests); Barrel Hall (180 guests). Three picturesque outdoor sites for marquees that provide the full vineyard experience with a capacity of up to 500 guests.

Maximum number of guests: 180 in the Barrel Hall; 500 in a marquee.

Room hire fee: Hire fee is dependent on the room booked, capacity and catering requirements.

Included in fee: A dedicated events team supported by an internationally trained in-house chef who will source the finest local produce and tailor a menu to suit requirements, which will be complemented by New Zealand’s most awarded wines.

Linen tablecloths and napkins, quality tableware and glassware, cake table and knife, an audio system for background music and a floor plan for each couple to detail their preferred seating arrangements. Our team can recommend professionals for flowers, photography and entertainment, and will co-ordinate your reception so you can sit back and relax. Fee will vary with room, capacity, catering and alcohol requirements.

BYO: No On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

118 Montgomerie Road, Mangere, Auckland

Phone: 09 255 0660 Email: events@villamaria.co.nz Web: www.villamaria.co.nz

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Soljans Estate Areas Available: Two separate areas. The Heritage Room comfortably seats 60. This room flows through to the Legacy Room, which can be used to increase the numbers to 100. Our manicured grounds and vineyard are the perfect places to capture the romance of your wedding. Outdoor area and pergola are also available.

Maximum Number of Guests: 100 Room hire fee: $600 Included in fee: Arrival glass of sparkling wine for the bride and groom, all staff,

floral arrangements on guest tables, cake table with knife, in-house sound system, microphone, white linen tablecloths and napkins, quality cutlery, glassware and crockery, ample car parking. Other items such as black tablecloths and chair covers can be arranged on request at the couple’s cost. Your wedding will be co-ordinated

by Soljans’ in-house co-ordinator, Kylie Dalton.

BYO: No, although couples may be able to bring a special bottle. Wine charged on consumption.

On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

366 State Highway, Kumeu, Auckland

Phone: 09 412 2824 Email: kylie@soljans.co.nz Web: www.soljans.co.nz

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Passage Rock Vineyard Areas Available: Room for 80 people indoor and 40 outside. Marquee available on the lawn or amongst the vines.

Overlooking the warm blue Hauraki Gulf waters off Auckland and surrounded by vines and beautiful olive trees in a sun drenched valley lies Passage Rock Winery and vineyard cafĂŠ. Passage Rock delivers one of the most relaxed and romantic event venues on Waiheke Island.

Maximum Number of Guests: 120 Room hire fee: January/February/March: Weekends $1000+GST; Weekdays $500+GST.

April/May/June/Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec: Weekends $500+GST; Weekdays free Closed in July Please enquire about having your ceremony amongst the vines

Included in fee: Standard cutlery, crockery and glassware, white linen tablecloths and napkins and, of course, our friendly and professional bar and waiting staff.

BYO: No On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

438 Orapiu Road, RD1, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Phone: 09 372 7257 Email: info@passagerockwines.co.nz Web: www.passagerockwines.co.nz

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Cable Bay Vineyards Areas Available: Spacious entrance hall which opens out to a large grassed lawn, suitable for both the wedding ceremony and reception drinks. The restaurant has seating for 75 people, with spectacular bush and sea views overlooking the inner Hauraki Gulf and back to downtown Auckland. Private rooms also available on request. (Area not suitable for marquee.)

Maximum Number of Guests: 75 Room hire fee: $1,500 for exclusive venue hire.

Included in fee: Ceremony and reception venue, white table linen and restaurant

glass/dinner ware.

BYO: No, however we have an extensive wine list offering many New Zealand and

international wine brands, in addition to our Cable Bay wines.

On-site caterers: Yes, we have a very talented team in the kitchen headed by renound chef Will Thorpe.

Can couples use their own caterers? No

12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Phone: 09 372 5889 Email: info@cablebayvineyards.co.nz Web: www.cablebayvineyards.co.nz

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Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin Areas Available: Indoor/Outdoor areas (including room for marquee): Gardens, vineyard and lawn for marquee, plus courtyard and event rooms for indoor areas. Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin is a hotel, vineyard and spa sanctuary just 45 minutes south of Auckland. Resting in the heart of a gorgeous green valley surrounded by expansive native bush, vines and gardens, the natural charm of Heritage Hotel and Spa du Vin is the perfect retreat!

48 hotel rooms available for accommodation.

Room hire fee: Saturday - $2,000 booked with a minimum of 20 accommodation rooms; Sunday-Friday - $1,000 booked with accommodation rooms (no minimum) or $1,500 booked without accommodation rooms.

Ceremony venue fee is $500.00.

Included in fee: Dedicated wait staff, white linen tablecloths and napkins, room set up to your requirements, stainless steel cutlery, red, white and water glasses, candelabras and candles if required, individually printed menus if required, individual place names if required, table and seating plans if required, cake table and knife, gift table, CD player for background music.

BYO: No On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

Lyons Road, Mangatawhiri Valley, RD1, Pokeno

Phone: 09 233 6314 Email: weddings@duvin.co.nz Web: www.heritagehotels.co.nz

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Stonyridge Vineyard Areas Available: A gorgeous 40 metre enclosed veranda overlooking Stonyridge’s valley of vines and olive grove with an attached yoga deck that provides an ideal area for canapÊs and bubbles. Our olive grove and vineyard provide a beautiful Tuscan setting for ceremonies.

The venue is exclusively yours from 10am to midnight.

Maximum Number of Guests: 130 Room hire fee: $12,000 minimum spend. No venue hire fee.

Included in fee: All wine, food, cutlery, stemware, exclusive use all day until midnight, use of wedding coordinator, ceremony and reception venue.

BYO: No. Our wine lists consists of our fallen Angel range as well as our Estate Grown

Ultra-Premium Organic red wines.

On-site caterers: Yes Can couples use their own caterers? No

80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Phone: 09 372 8822 Email: info@stonyridge.com Web: www.stonyridge.com

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seed, rum, lemon, white chocolate, cream cheese icing, buttercream filling, strawberry puree, black cherry ganache, brandy butter, floral decoration, iced flowers or figurines, round, square, cone-shaped, croquembouche, tiered cupcakes‌ the wedding cake is no longer limited to the traditional rich fruit cake with layers of marzipan icing and a miniature bride and groom perched on top. Couples are now choosing cakes that reflect both their personalities and the fact that it’s their day.

T

abitha Gray from Model Cakes chatted with us about current wedding cake trends. Firstly, the style of the cake...

mmmm...

T cake...

Y

our wedding cake is often a hard-working multi-tasker: its decoration can tie together the theme and colours of your wedding; it provides a focal point for photos during the ceremonial cutting of the cake; it is a symbol of fertility and luck; it can serve as dessert for your guests; it can be preserved for eating on your first anniversary or the birth of your first child.

C

hocolate mud, carrot, lime and coconut, orange and poppy

abitha finds that round, stacked tiers are the most popular, with the 3-tier cake being the standard.

The styles vary, with couples either selecting simpler, more elegant cakes or going with zany, cartoony-type cakes. Colours also run the spectrum: black and white, pale shades, or bright colours are equally in style. Cakes are often decorated with diamantes, beads or shiny ribbon, with silver and gold making a big splash. The use of a separator between the layers is also requested often: the separator is clear and can be filled with flowers, heart shapes or lollies. The serious miniature bride and groom have been replaced with more fun versions, sometimes including caricatures of the whole top table!

Page 27 : engaged : October 2008

C

upcake cakes are very trendy right now and can be a very economical option, especially for a casual wedding where there are no more than approximately 70 guests.

A

lso becoming very fashionable are ‘mini-cakes’. These differ from cupcakes in that they are small, fully-iced cakes (whereas

Page 28 : engaged : October 2008

Model Cakes

Tabitha Gray Sugar Artist

cupcakes are only iced on the top).

The mini-cakes are designed to be shared by two people and are a more formal, luxury option.

I

n terms of flavour, the trend for differently-flavoured tiers only seems to be increasing. Mud cake and lemon cake are firm favourites, but Tabitha has a warning for couples: Cakes should be made with the finest ingredients to get the best tasting cake and this applies especially in the case of chocolate and fruit cakes. Chocolate cakes made with the best Dutch chocolate and Tahitian vanilla beans outshine the others; whilst fruit cake that is ‘fed’ with brandy over a two month period makes other fruit cakes seem dry and uninspiring.

L

astly, Tabitha reminded us that your cake-maker can also supply you with wedding favours (or even place-holders) - how about hand-decorated cookies in the shape of wedding dresses or hearts with your guests’ names iced onto them?

Created with Style, Flair and Attention to Detail Extensive Range of Delicious Flavours

Please Contact Us for Your Personal Consultation tabitha@modelcakes.co.nz www.modelcakes.co.nz 09 235 2116 027 303 7336

Some budget ideas: • Decorate the cake yourself: Adorn the cake with fresh flowers or rose petals, saving money on sugar or marzipan flowers. Alternatively, you may be able to find sugar flowers at cake decorating shops and arrange these on the cake yourself once it arrives at the reception venue.

• Have a talented friend make your cake: More personal, a homemade cake can save money. If you have a friend who is a talented baker, ask if they would make the cake for you.

• Have a smaller cake: Save money by ordering a smaller wedding cake as a centrepiece and have slices of iced sheet cake served directly from your caterer’s kitchen.

• Choose a square cake: Square cakes yield more slices than a round or oval cake.

The Contract

M

ake sure you get the following in writing before committing to a cake maker:

maker will supply (ie cake tiers, cake stand);

• Arrival times needed for setup at • Name and contact information for the reception site; the cake maker, including the staff member you dealt with/will be • Total cost (itemised if possible); dealing with; • Delivery and setup fees; • Date, times and location of your • Deposit amount due; reception; • Balance and due date; • Whether the cake is to be delivered or picked up and by whom; • Cancellation and refund policy • A detailed description of the cake • The cake maker’s signature on this ordered; list!

• A list of anything else the cake Page 30 : engaged : October 2008

Wedding cake traditions: • The first cut of the cake should be performed by bride and groom together.

• The bride and groom should feed the first bites of the wedding cake to each

other, symbolising the new family unit formed.

• Cake should be taken home or shipped to people who missed the

reception.

• A portion or tier of the cake should be stored and eaten on your

first

anniversary

or

at

the

birth

or

christening

Cheese? Donuts?

W

e all know about the trend towards cup-cake cakes, but how about cakes made of cheese or donuts?

Page 31 : engaged : October 2008

of

your

first

child.

Engaged Tips • Let the cake maker know the date, time and location of your reception, what your budget is, the number of guests and whether you intend to serve the cake as dessert, buffet-style, or to the guests’ tables.

• Take fabric samples and pictures of your flowers so the cake maker has an idea of your theme and colour scheme.

• Insist on tasting the cake and frosting together (definitely not the toughest part of choosing your cake!). The cake should be moist.

• Check how soon you need to order and how much deposit is required.

• If you are getting married on a public holiday weekend, find out from your cake supplier when you can pick the cake up in case they are closed on the public holiday.

• Check there are no hidden costs such as delivery, set-up costs at the venue, accessory rental, charges for having different flavoured layers, extra costs for cream or fruit fillings. It is often difficult transporting a cake in

a car and many cakes require on-site assembly and last minute decorative touches – if in doubt, get the experts to do it!

• Think about where the cake is to be displayed. If the cake table is in the middle of the room, all angles should look good.

• Let the cake maker know when you are getting married.

If you are getting married on the beach in summer, you don’t want your cake icing to melt!

You should also be wary of cakes containing cream or other dairy products. These can easily go off and you don’t want to spoil anyone’s day with a bout of food poisoning!

• Tell your cake maker if you do intend to freeze part of your cake for eating later as they may be able to give you some suggestions of what type of cake freezes well.

• If you have a multi-layed cake, ask the caterer to serve all layers at once. Quite often one layer will be served first before the next one is cut.

• Don’t forget to arrange a cake knife to cut the cake!

Page 32 : engaged : October 2008

Brides, bridesmaids, flowergirls and guests.

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Janine & Adrian Griffith

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3 March 2007 Pikowai, Bay of Plenty Photographer: Kylie Milne Dress: Corina Snow Bridal Shoes: From a little shop in Tauranga for $30 Hair: Emma Hopkins, Emz Hair Studio, Mt Maunganui Makeup: Amy, Simply Beautiful, Papamoa 36 : : August 2008 Florist: Bayfair Florist

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Michelle & Douglas Thomson 1 March 2008 Gesthemane Gardens Christchurch Photographer: Alistair Dress: Davis Bridal Shoes: Wild Pair - Skechers Hair: Phoebe Larsen Makeup: Selinda Nunn - Minifies Florist: Riccarton Florists Page Suit: Sergios

37 : engaged : August 2008

Emily & Gavin Ward 1 March 2008 Muriwai Beach, Aucklands West Coast Photographer: Phil Walter Dress: Kate Dowman Shoes: No. 1 Shoe Warehouse with bling added by me Hair: Carolyn Haslett Makeup: Carolyn Haslett Florist: A Friend - Jenni Galopin Suit: Frank Casey Suit Hire

Anna Ashworth & Richard Mills

12 February 2008 French Farm Winery, Akaroa Photographer: Shar Devine Dress: Made By A Friend Shoes: Hoobs, UK Hair: Natasha Bachop Makeup: Rebecca Taylor Florist: Victoria Florist, Christchurch Suit: Mr Sergios

Page 40 : engaged : August 2008

Emma & Jerome Churchman 20 January 2007 Wellington Photographer: Tony Sims Dress: Alfred Angelo Shoes: Overland Shoes Hair: Amanda Walsh, Johnsonville Makeup: Edyta-Hair & Makeup Artist Florist: Hollywood Floral, Khandallah Page 41 Suit: Frank Casey, Dunedin

: engaged : August 2008

Fiona & Allan Hurst 25 January 2008 Hamilton Gardens Photographer: Mainly Weddings Photography Dress: Bridal Gallery, Hamilton Shoes: No. 1 Shoe Warehouse Hair: Hillcrest Hair Design Makeup: Amie Jessica, Your Secret Beauty Florist: Flowers by Karen Suit: Dorset suit hire

Page 42 : engaged : August 2008

Jade Arnold-Durham & Rodney Durham 16 February 2008 Kauri Steps, Cornwall Park Photographer: Joey, Dreamlife Photography Dress: Princess Dress Shoes: No.1 Shoe Warehouse Hair: Nancy, works with Amber Haldane Makeup: Amber Haldane Florist: Best Blooms, Henderson Page 43 : Suit: Frank Casey, New Lynn

engaged : August 2008

Jozette & James 22 April 2007 Kumeu Photographer: Owen Monk Dress: Rae Moot Shoes: Overland Hair: Shari Stephens Makeup: Michelle Sunderland Suit: Sheplers USA

Page 44 : engaged : August 2008

Kirsty & Steve Braybrook 9 February 2008 My Dad’s Garden Photographer: Chris Mowat (my brother) Dress: Brides on Thorndon Wellington Shoes: No. 1 Shoe Warehouse Hair: Total Image- Hair, Skin and Body, 68 Esk Street, Invercargill Makeup: Total Image- Hair, Skin and Body, 68 Esk Street, Invercargill : August 2008 Florist: My Stepmother, Jan Mowat

Page 45 : engaged

Margaret & Ricky Proctor

Maria & John Boyd

1 October 2007 Rarotonga Dress: Made by my Auntie Hair: Pacific Bride Makeup: Pacific Bride

27 October 2007 Sharvin Lodge, Christchurch Photographer: Joeseph Johnson Dress: Family Friend Shoes: Trademe Hair: C’est Bon Makeup: C’est Bon

Susanne & Mike Armour

Moana & Piilia Sio 20 October 2007 St Mary’s Catholic Church Papakura Photographer: Erin Slattery, Melbourne, Australia Shoes: No. 1 Shoe Warehouse Hair: D&T Hair Salon - my head bridesmaid’s sisters salon Makeup: D&T Hair Salon - my head bridesmaid’s sisters salon Suit: Tailor made Fashions - Otahuhu, South Auckland

Page 46 : engaged :

20 January 2008 Hawke’s Bay, Bayview Beach Photographer: Eva Bradley Dress: Jennifer Design, Epsom Shoes: Peter Kaiser, from Germany Hair: Raymond Michael, Napier Makeup: Christy Stead, my friend and make-up artist.

We used Mac. Florist: Flower Barrow, Taradale August 2008 Suit: Exlusive Suit Hire, Newmarket

Rebecca Fagan & Robert Weir 23 February 2008 Glen Etive, Hastings Photographer: Rochelle Dress: Abbey Bridal, Sydney Shoes: Panache Shoes, Sydney Hair: Milton Andrews Hair Salon Makeup: A friend Florist: Sue Fagan Designs Suit: Val Parks, Sydney

Page 47 : engaged : August 2008

Georgia & Fletch Warren-Myers 8 December 2007 Daylesford Photographer: Camera House Dress: Mariana Hardwick Florist: Jenny Burke Suit: Red

Page 48 : engaged : August 2008

Hannah & Billy Moore 27 October 2007 Llandaff Country Residence, Masterton Photographer: Family friend Dress: Maggie Sottero Hair: The Manor Beauty Spa Makeup: The Manor Beauty Spa Page 49 Suit: Wilkinson Formal Wear

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Page 50 : engaged : October 2008

With seating for up to 70 people, Sage Italian Restaurant is the perfect choice to host your wedding reception.

Located in the beautiful Mission Bay, Sage offers amazing food and wine options that are sure to impress.

Our unrivalled attention to detail will ensure that your wedding reception is the perfect end to your fantastic day.

Contact us for pricing options and availabilty.

www.sagerestaurant.co.nz | Ph: 09 528 4551 | E: sagerestaurant@xtra.co.nz 51 : engaged : OctoberBay, 2008 Auckland Corner Atkin Ave Page & Tamaki Drive, Mission

Times are hard for many New Zealand couples, but a little recession shouldn’t stand in the way of you having the day you always wanted! Try out some of Engaged’s tips for cutting wedding costs!

Ground rules 1. Decide what you can afford to pay and who is paying for what.

2. Make a list of everything you will need for the wedding and budget for each item. Prioritise what is important to you. This will help you decide where you could cut back.

3. Communicate! Make sure everyone who is contributing is included in the budget negotiations and updates so there will be no tears and misunderstandings!

4. A wedding account is a great idea – it helps you keep track of how much you have spent and makes sure you don’t mix wedding money up with your own.

Page 52 : engaged : October 2008

For Richer or for Poorer 52 Money-Saving Tips

Clothing 5. Set aside some time to shop around for your dress. By taking the time to try on a number of dresses you get an idea of the styles that suit you and you can compare prices.

6. Wedding dress stockists may have some end of line or end of season gowns that are cheaper – ask them!

7. Hire your dress. environment!

Not only can it be cheaper, but it’s better for the

8. Second hand dresses are available from some shops or online. Check out the selection on www.weddings.co.nz.

9. If you are lucky enough to have any dress-maker friends, ask them if they would make your dress.

10. Check with designers for cancelled orders. Yes, it’s sad that someone may have had to cancel or change their wedding dress, but it may save Page 53 : engaged : October 2008

you money!

11. Ask whether the men really need full suits. If you are getting married in the height of summer or on the beach, it may be more practical (and comfortable!) for them to go without a jacket.

18. Do your own facials at home.

Check out our last issue for a fabulous ‘at home’ facial routine from evolu.

Jewellery

19. Get a free makeover from a cosmetic counter on the morning of your wedding. Just make sure you book it well in advance to avoid missing out!

12. Borrowing a family heirloom adds a very special touch to your wedding day. Your something borrowed also becomes something free!

20. Ask one of your friends to do your hair and/or make-up for the big day. Have a practice run a few weeks before the wedding so you both feel comfortable.

13. Make your own necklaces or earrings. This may even be a great hen’s night idea!

Flowers

14. Limit your jewellery to one piece only. It’s simple and sophisticated and can be cheaper.

15. There are a range of ‘fake’ diamonds available. You may like to buy one of these until you can afford the real thing!

Beauty 16. You can save a lot of money buying packages at your beauty salon. Work out what facial and other treatments you will need and make use of any package deals.

17. Use trainees for your make-up and hair. Just make sure you have your trials early!

21. Seasonal flowers will be a lot cheaper than the exotic varieties.

Ask your florist to recommend flowers in season.

Or, even better, let your florist know what colours you want and ask her to pick the best available on the day. Go simple! Heavily structured bouquets require a lot of wiring – this means more time for the florist and more money for you.

22. Raid your friends’ and families’ gardens.

This can add a personal touch, as well as saving you money.

23. Try a non-floral alternative.

Parasols are popular and are extremely practical given New Zealand’s weather.

Page 54 : engaged : October 2008

24. Use the same flower arrangements for the ceremony and reception venues. Piggy-back on major church celebrations. Getting married at Easter may mean that your church already has floral decorations in place.

25. Get creative with your table decorations.

Balloons, confetti, fabric runners, lanterns, candles, cheap vases, spray paint…..

Cake 26. Ask a friend or relative to make your cake instead of giving you a wedding present.

27. Cupcakes are becoming more popular and they can be cheaper. You may even be able to talk your girlfriends into helping you decorate them the afternoon before the wedding – a perfect excuse to sit ‘round and gossip!

28. Consider using your wedding cake as dessert for your guests. You can still have the cake cutting part of the ceremony, and by using different flavoured layers you can cater for every taste.

Stationery 29. Make your own invitations, table cards, seating charts – see our special ‘how to’ article in the next issue.

30. Email your invitations.

31. Your work may be able to help if it has a company discount on stationery. Make

sure you ask your boss nicely and don’t go shopping on work time!

32. Use a photo of the happy couple as a thank you note – print out as many as needed and handwrite a personal thank-you on the back of it.

Favours 33. Again, do it yourself! Make like our Bride of the Year and use homemade cookies as favours…. The possibilities here are endless!

Confetti 34. Use dish wash liquid to make home-made bubbles – it’s cheap and it’s better for the environment as you cut down on packaging.

Photography 35. Ask a friend or relative to take pictures for you at the reception.

That way, you can have your professional photographer for a shorter time.

36. Hijack your friends’ footage.

Ask for a copy of your guests’ photographs and videos.

Venue 37. Always a hard one, but limiting the number of guests cuts down

your food (and alcohol bill!) significantly.

38. You may be able to invite only close family and friends to the reception meal and then open the party so everyone is invited after dinner.

39. Have your wedding mid-week, or mid-winter.

40. Consider having your ceremony at a beach and/or the reception at a friend or family member’s house.

41. Make your own CDs or use your i-pod instead of a band or DJ. Food 42. A buffet may be cheaper than a sit down meal. Or ask around about a finger food only menu.

43. Have a cash bar or just place a bottle of wine or three on the table. Don’t forget to buy some sparkling wine or champagne for the toasts!

44. Ask your venue if they will allow you to bring your own. You may be able to get discounts on bulk orders of alcohol.

Transport 45. Don’t drive! Hold your ceremony and reception at the same venue.

Page 56 : engaged : October 2008

46. Ask friends if you can borrow their cars. You may want to pay for a valet service on the morning of the wedding.

Gifts 47. With couples living together before their big day, it is not unusual for them to have all they need for their house and to ask for money instead….

Honeymoon 48. Again, ask your friends! You may know someone with a fabulous bach that you can use to get away to together.

49. Be flexible and check out last minute rates.

Miscellaneous 50. Shop around, ask for discounts, check quotes for what’s included (or not). Don’t forget to ask ‘do we really need it?’.

51. Don’t forget to say thank you to anyone who has helped out. Throw a cheap ‘thank you’ party before the wedding instead of buying everyone individual presents.

52. Download Engaged – it’s free!!

B ride Diary Rebecca & Phil Rebecca and Phil are one of the couples Engaged is following in . the lead up to their wedding Both Australian, Phil and Bec ing have decided to have their wedd their families and friends in Australia, where the majority of mental Manager and Phil, are located. Bec, 30, is an Environ tion). They met through a 29, is a Project Engineer (Construc en together almost 4 years mutual work colleague and have be ch other from a far before (although both admit to admiring ea during a weekend away in they met!!). Phil proposed to Bec Phil popped the question by Wellington in September last year: m (Bec had booked them organising a surprise 5-star hotel roo owers, champagne, a card into a backpackers), a bunch of fl urse, the ring. Rebecca and with “will you marry me” and, of co to try to plan a sustainable Phil have decided that they want presented a number of wedding. As you will see, this has challenges... he last couple of months “Things are getting exciting now…t rking out the honeymoon, we have been having a lot of fun wo n organising the wedding which seems more fun and easier tha at the moment! hy course who we would We have a friend doing a photograp he will be in the bridal party, love to take our wedding photos but process in his photography so he is running a silent recruitment , both of whom take great class and is down to a short-list of two at way for us to save money people-photos. This should be a gre h some great new ideas on but to also get a photographer wit wedding presentation.

Page 58 : engaged : August 2008

ting out the wedding venue.

We have had a few challenges sor ding that they were undergoing They booked us in on the understan venue large enough to hold renovations that would make the us too much on this detail when our guests. We choose not to foc y have come back to us saying deciding on the venue, but now the and that we will need to hire that the renovations are not occurring ensure the venue holds enough marquee walls at our own cost to people. oked the venue because, with We were pretty shocked, having bo number of guests we wanted to the renovations, it would hold the r-outdoor flow and is situated on oo ind e nic a has ue ven The ite. inv ite plastic sheeting is really not a river surrounded by gum trees - wh s it would be an extra material the natural look we were after! Plu n footprint measurement! We for us to incorporate into our carbo ee walls, full stop, let alone to argued that didn’t want the marqu saying that if we were holding pay for them, but they argued back of the marquee walls would be our wedding in Melbourne the cost double. int!

They had completely missed the po

rties, we have accepted clear After some compromise by both pa s we shouldn’t have been so hap Per st. co ir the at lls wa ee rqu ma the renovations. I guess this is a trusting taking their word for it about way about the challenges of bit of a lesson we’ve learnt along the en some issues are still in the air. trying make some definite plans wh ect of the venue so there is no We are happy with every other asp going back now. en offering assistance non-stop, Bridesmaids and groomsmen have be wn ideas to help with our green but when we ask them to hunt do will be a learning experience wedding they are a bit lost! I see this but hopefully it will extend to from start to finish. Starting with us… y see how simple it can be to all the guests at our wedding as the ment.” reduce your impact on the environ

Page 59 : engaged : August 2008

With this Ring, I Thee Wed...

Page 60 : engaged : October 2008

Last month we looked at the sparkly part of your engagement ring, the diamond! his month, Engaged offers advice on what your ring (or rings – don’t forget those all important wedding bands!) should be made of….

T

There are a number of different precious metals, with the most common being gold, white gold, platinum and titanium. So, what’s the difference?

Gold T

raditionally, engagement and wedding rings were made from yellow gold, with silver seen as gold’s poorer cousin. Gold is seen as precious due to it being durable, workable, lustrous, and, perhaps most importantly, rare.

First, the technical bit: As a metal, gold is reasonably soft and, accordingly, it needs to be mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more resistant to scratching and denting. Twenty-four carat gold is gold in pure form, while 18 carat gold means 18 parts gold with 6 parts coming from another metal. Gold can be mixed in varying ratios from 9 carat gold (9 parts gold, 15 parts other metal) to 22 carats (yep, you guessed it, 22 parts gold, 2 parts other metal!). It makes sense that 18 carat gold will be more expensive than 9 carat gold, as it contains more gold.

Carat weight may also be noted by its metric equivalent: 375 is equivalent to 9 carat (9ct) gold; 585 is 14ct; 750 is 18ct and 916 is 22ct gold. (For the maths whizzes out there 24 carat gold’s metric equivalent is 1000.) A quality piece of gold jewellery will always have a carat mark stamped on it.

Page 61 : engaged : October 2008

The advantages of a gold setting are that it provides a warm background for the more traditional diamond solitaire setting, it works well with other stones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, and it can also be cheaper than some of the other metals.

White Gold W

hite gold is also a very popular choice for your rings. It is comparable to yellow gold in that it comes in 9 and 18 carat, however, unlike yellow gold, white gold is usually pure gold mixed with silver and palladium.

The natural colour of white gold is a light grey colour, therefore new white gold rings are usually coated with a white metal called rhodium. This makes the metal look more silver. This plating of rhodium is very white and hard, but it does wear away eventually. Jewellers recommend you have your white gold rings re-plated every 12-18 months, which may of course, add to the cost!

Platinum Timeless Pieces, Exquisite Design www.angeladanieljewellery.com

A

lthough gold is valued for its rarity, there is another metal being used for wedding and engagement rings that is even scarcer: Platinum. Declared by

Page 62 : engaged : October 2008

Louis the XV to be ‘the only metal fit for a king’, platinum is an extremely strong, durable metal, which is also highly resistant to scratching or tarnish. Of course, that also makes it the most expensive option!

Platinum has the advantage of being hypoallergenic, which is great news for those of you allergic to gold jewellery (which can leave black marks on the skin).

And unlike white gold, platinum is naturally a white metal and therefore doesn’t need rhodium plating.

Titanium A

nother metal gaining popularity is Titanium. Titanium is naturally silver gray in colour but can also be tinted in different colours or inlaid with gold, silver or platinum. Three times stronger than steel, uncoloured titanium is highly scratch resistant, however coloured titanium jewellery can mark and may need re-oxidising. Custom-made titanium rings can be made for approximately the

Page 63 : engaged : October 2008

Jewellery with a Conscience

L

ast issue, Engaged reported on a subject many of you have heard of: ethical diamonds. The subject was brought into the public spotlight by the movie ‘Blood Diamonds’ which focused on the fact that the world diamond market has, in the past, funded civil wars in many countries by purchasing stones from war-torn countries who then used the cash from the diamond sales to buy weapons.

There has, however, been less attention given to the origins and ethics attached to precious metals.

The mining and production of precious metals can affect our planet in several ways. Most of our gold comes from vast, open-pit mines, which often consume extreme amounts of energy and water, create acres of waste and generate toxic chemicals. Some mines destroy wilderness areas causing untold future damage. With mines often located in developing countries, child labour may also be exploited.

If this is something that you are concerned about, we recommend that you seek out a jeweller who can tell you where the metal for your rings has come from. One such jeweller is Greg Holland.

Fine Jeweller, Greg Holland, has positioned himself, proudly, as an ethical jeweller and employs ethical standards of practice not only with his ‘No Conflict Diamond’ policy but also with his use of precious metals.

Greg Holland Jewellery only uses gold and silver that has been mined responsibly in New Zealand under the close supervision of the Department of Conservation and is compliant with the Crown Minerals Act. Greg also sources recycled platinum locally from jewellers’ sweeps and industrial sources such as catalytic converters. The platinum is refined and is ‘as new’ when it is then crafted into the fine jewellery pieces that his customers wear.

Greg believes that we are living in an age where we have a duty to think and act responsibly when it comes to jewellery. He creates unique and beautiful pieces that customers can wear with the knowledge that their metals have been responsibly mined and their diamonds have not aided conflict.

Page 64 : engaged : October 2008

same cost as a gold band.

Pure titanium is 100% pure and also 100% hypoallergenic.

The main problem with titanium is that some rings cannot be re-sized. If yours is one that can’t, make sure you think about the effects of gaining or losing weight, pregnancy, and so on. Also make sure the ring is comfortable!

Summary S

o which metal is best for you? Some things make your choice easier. If

you are allergic to gold, your choices will be limited to titanium or platinum.

If your skin tone suits yellow gold better than the cooler tones of white gold, platinum or titanium, then your best option will be yellow gold. For others, the choice will come down to money, with platinum falling outside some people’s budget.

The most important thing is to find a ring that you like and that suits you. In the end, it doesn’t matter what the ring is made of provided that you like it. Remember, you will be wearing it for the rest of your life!

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Page 66 : engaged : August 2008

Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

Page 67 : engaged : August 2008

KS Woods Photography Website: www.kswoodsphotography.co.nz Email: kim@kswoodsphotography.co.nz Phone: 09 8177812 Mobile: 027 2182063 Auckland

Page 68 : engaged : October 2008

Rob Driessen Photography

Website: www.rdphotography.co.nz Master NZ Institute of Professional Photography

Website: www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

gaia

Email: rob@rdphotography.co.nz Phone: 04 479 7769 Wellington

Gaia Mikosza

Email: info@fairy-tale-wedding.com Mobile: 027 351 3700 Auckland

mikosza | photography

fair y-tale-wedding.com

Page 69 : engaged : October 2008

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: brett@uniquevisions.co.nz Phone: 09 817 7014 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland

Claudia Gaitzsch Photography Website: www.claudia.co.nz Email: claudia@claudia.co.nz Phone: 09 834 3421 Mobile: 021 431 222 Auckland

Page 70 : engaged : October 2008

Janene Austin

Email: janene@in2net.co.nz Phone: 03 442 0038 Mobile: 027 291 3020 Otago and Southland

Samantha Bech Photography

Website: www.samanthabech.co.nz Email: info@samanthabech.com Phone: 09 445 9512 Mobile: 021 029 39651 Auckland

Page 71 : engaged : October 2008

Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Website: www.janmareeart.co.nz Email: jan@janmareeart.co.nz Phone: 09 236 8553 Mobile: 027 281 5921 Auckland

John-Paul Pochin Website: www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Mobile: 021 623 207 Nelson, Top of South Island

Email: John-Paul@WeddingPhotography.co.nz

Page 72 : engaged : October 2008

kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

Website: www.ktphotographer.co.nz Email: kelvin@ktphotographer.co.nz Phone: Rotorua 07 349 0507 Mobile: 021 278 6240 Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Central North Island

VisionWorks Photography

Website: www.visionworks.co.nz Email: tim@visionworks.co.nz Phone: 09 845 5925 Mobile: 021 44 88 17 Auckland

Page 73 : engaged : October 2008

Get Glowing...

If you’re like most of us, the thought of baring pasty skin after winter is a nightmare.

There is an answer though – let Engaged show you how to glow on your wedding day…

T

he first step is to decide how you want to get your tan. Apart from doing it the natural way (out in the sunshine!), basically there are three methods: The at-home DIY tan, a professional spray tan or the dreaded sunbed. So which is the best for you?

Do-it-Youself Tan

T

here are a number of types of self-tanners including instant bronzers, tanning lotions and sprays, and the combined moisturiser/ tanning creams.

B

ronzers produce an immediate glow that can be easily removed with soap and water. These products are basically a form of make-up as the tint only lasts until you wash it off.

Like make-up they can rub off – and you definitely don’t want your ‘tan’ rubbing off against your beautiful wedding dress!

Tanning lotions and sprays work a little differently and are perhaps the most effective. These lotions contain DHA (DiHydroxyAcetone) a colourless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in your skin producing

Page 74 : engaged : October 2008

Here Comes the Bride

If you are planning a summer wedding, start getting yourself ready to look your most gorgeous best now!

We can work with you to develop a course of treatments leading up to the event, make-up on the day, and also pre-wedding bridal party bookings.

And another great idea for a Hens Party why not have a spa party - talk to us about booking one of our spas for exclusive use for some serious pampering!

Parnell Ponsonby Remuera Takapuna Albany

www.formespa.co.nz

a bronzed effect. The tanned look lasts about five to seven days from the initial application, but it is often recommended you top-up every 3-4 days to keep your glow.

Lastly in this category are the moisturiser and tanning lotion combinations.

These work the same way as the straight tanning creams, but produce a lighter tan. Designed to be used daily, this method is probably best for those new to self-tanning or those with very fair skin, as you can more easily control the colour.

Professional Spray Tans

I

f you don’t feel confident applying your own self-tanner, you can have your tan professionally applied at a salon or even at home. These tans are applied in an enclosed booth by a professional technician using an airbrush or spray gun.

Generally spray tans take up to 24 hours to fully develop, although most contain some form of bronzer so that you will leave the salon or spa looking instantly tanned. This instant bronzer helps the operator to determine which areas of skin have had tan applied and will come off in your first shower after the application. Your tan will last 4-10 days, depending on your skin condition and after-care.

V

ivianne Bryant from Bare Waxing shares her tips for the perfect spray tan:

* “Always, always have at least one practice tan, preferable about ten days before the wedding so that there is plenty of time for it to wear off before the wedding-day tan. The sooner the better! * Make sure the therapist who does the tanning is experienced and has previously performed many spray tans on different body shapes and sizes.

Don’t be afraid to ask the manager of the salon how much experience they have in spray tanning. * Assuming you are happy with your practice tan, make sure you are able to book the same therapist again (and that they use the same colour each time). * When it comes to tanning your face there is nothing worse than an orange head! Normally a light spray over the face area is more than adequate as you can always use bronzers to increase the colour if need be. When it comes to the face, less is more. * It is really important that in the first 6-12 hours that you do as little as possible to ‘disrupt’ the tan that is actively developing. This includes things like going

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without a bra if possible (underwires have a nasty habit of rubbing on the skin and causing a white line where the tan should be – not good if you have a strapless dress!), and wearing loose-fitting clothes and open toed shoes. Oh, and don’t get caught in the rain, entertain the thought of a soak in the spa pool, or try and work up too much of a sweat in those hours after the tanning treatment. * The ideal time for booking a tan is as close as possible to the event, while leaving enough time for the tan to develop fully.

For example, if you are having a Saturday wedding, you should be looking to have your spray tan on the Thursday, or Friday morning at the latest.“

Sunbeds

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unbeds or tanning beds emit ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) from fluorescent or quartz lamps to simulate the sun. Tanning occurs when the skin produces pigment to protect itself from the UV rays. The beds may be the traditional ‘lay-flat’ beds or a stand-up booth.

On its website the Cancer Society of New Zealand states that ‘research has shown that the concentration of UV in sunbeds is 3-8 times stronger than the midday summer sun’, and that the effects of this concentrated exposure can include ‘increased risk of skin cancer and melanoma, aging of the skin, damage to the eyes, suppression of your immune

Engaged Tips for a Great Tan * If you have not used a particular brand of self-tanner before, do a small spot test first. * Always have a practice run at least a week before the big day. * Wax or shave 24 hours prior to your tan. If you shave just before your tan, the colour could settle into your pores, leaving you with a speckled effect. * Exfoliate prior to tanning. This gets rid of any dead skin cells and reduces the chances of your tan flaking off or pooling on drier areas of skin. * Don’t use deodorant, perfume or other moisturiser while tanning – these can interfere with the tan processing. * Don’t put clothes on straight away. Allow the tan to dry before dressing and when choosing your clothes, aim for loose, dark clothes that will not rub against your tan (yep, girls, it may be best to go bra-less for a while!). Also think about your shoes – knee-high boots and socks will only rub against your tan. * Avoid contact with water for the first 2 hours and don’t shower for at least six hours. Avoid baths, saunas, spas or swimming. * Apply moisturiser daily (before your tan and from the day after your tan).

This helps keep the skin supple and reduces the risk of the tan flaking off.

Tanning Pills

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ou may have also heard about tanning pills. These pills contain canthaxanthin, which is most commonly used as a colour additive in some foods. The FDA has approved the use of canthaxanthin in food products because only small amounts of it are necessary in food. However much larger quantities are used in tanning pills. Tanning pills are not approved by the FDA as there is some evidence of side effects such as damage to the skin, digestive problems, hepatitis, and canthaxanthin retinopathy (where yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye) – scary stuff!

system and little, if any, protection against sun damage in subsequent sun exposure’.

Sunbeds are particularly dangerous if you have skin that is fair or that does not tan easily, you have a lot of freckles or moles, you are under 18 years of age, you have been treated for skin cancer previously, you are taking drugs or medicines, you have had a sunbed session or have been sunbathing in the last 48 hours or you have abnormal or discoloured patches on your skin.

As you can see, the dangers of ‘sunbedding’ can far outweigh the advantages of obtaining a tan.

If, however, you feel that sunbeds are the only option for you, you should make sure that you start with short sessions, always use protective googles and avoid any creams designed to speed up the tanning process. You should also check with your doctor whether you should avoid sunbeds due to your skin type and any medication you are on.

Current Australia/New Zealand Standards for the solaria industry provide that tanning salons should: * Provide a consent form outlining the risks for customers to read and sign. * Complete a skin assessment of all customers. * Have a signed parental consent form for all customers who are under 18 years of age. * Ban people under 15 years of age from using the solarium. * Ban people with very fair skin from using the solarium. * Train staff in carrying out skin checks and implementing the Standards. * Not promote a solarium as a ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ way to tan. * Provide protective eye goggles. * Maintain strict hygiene and maintenance controls.

To ensure you are using a ‘safe’ tanning salon, make sure they provide this information and advice.

Summary:

Our most important tips?

Remove the anxiety factor and enjoy a couple of practice tans, either spray on or DIY and you are sure to look fabulously (and naturally) bronzed on your wedding day.

Don’t forget self-tans and professional tans don’t provide sunscreen, so lather on the SPF if you venture out into the sun. Make sure you avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm, which is when the sun is the hottest.

And remember, pale is beautiful too!

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ESCAPE and prepare for the best day of your life— At ESCAPE we understand how important it is to look and feel your best on this very special day and that is why all our bridal packages have been structured with this in mind.

ESCAPE has combined the absolute latest and advanced technologies in skin treatment systems to get your skin glowing with radiance softness and even tones.

The essential grooming services such as waxing, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow shaping and tinting are all the essential must haves for a bride to be to make you feel confident and fresh on your big day.

Planning a wedding can be stressful—everything needs to be PERFECT !!

Why not relax, de-stress and unwind with your bridal “team” and pamper yourselves in our function room. Let us serve you champagne, lunch & nibbles whilst our dedicated therapists whisk you away for your treatments.

To ensure you all leave feeling great and looking fabulous everyone in the bridal party will receive a complimentary makeover with the world’s Number 1 Mineral Makeup of the Stars. A good chance for you to get a feel of it before the BIG DAY. We also offer a mobile makeup artist service to make getting ready that little bit easier and fun.

www.escapespa.co.nz

LEVEL 1, 87 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA PHONE 09 486 1231

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For Better or For Worse

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ou know for certain that this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, but just how do you tell them how truly special they are? Your wedding vows are the perfect way to tell your partner (and everyone else at the ceremony) what it is you love and cherish about them.

So why is writing your vows so hard?

Firstly, it can be hard condensing everything you love about your partner into a few well-written lines.

Secondly, some couples put a lot of pressure on themselves to get it right – after all, it is one of the biggest, most important days of your life. Many of us don’t like public speaking; let alone thinking of everyone listening in on our most intimate thoughts and feelings about our husband or wife!

And lastly, getting it right also includes making sure you make promises you can keep. Vows to obey, anyone?

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The First Steps….

Let’s get started with Engaged’s guide to writing your vows. The best place to start is to find out whether personalised vows are acceptable.

Certain religions require certain wording to be used during the ceremony.

Next, decide whether you will be saying the same vows to one another or each preparing your own separate vows. If you are saying the same vows, it will mean more to both of you (and be a bonding experience) if you write the vows together.

Writing Your Vows Together • Find some ‘alone-together’ time.

Take the phone off the hook, turn off the TV, switch off the laptop and definitely put the Blackberry on silent and out of sight! You want to make sure you devote this time solely to your partner and your thoughts and feelings about each other.

• Get supplies: paper, pens, pencils, books with love poetry or writings, wedding vow suggestions, and a big box of tissues!

• Then start the ‘alone’ part of the process: go to separate rooms (yes, we know this is hard, especially for those newly engaged!). Write down all that you love about your fiancé. Don’t use bullet points if you can avoid it. Be creative, elaborate, gushing even. Write down what makes you smile about your partner, your favourite times together, what passions you share, any inside jokes, what made you fall in love with them, what makes you love them more and more each day. Also write down what marriage means to you.

• After an agreed time, get back together and either read what you have written down to your fiancé or switch papers.

• Hug, and tell each other you love each other. Don’t get too carried away with the hugging part, you still have work to do!

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• Consider if there are any similar themes or ideas on both sets of paper. Highlight these for possible use and see if they could be slotted into the traditional vows (see the following pages). Think about what you like or don’t like about those more traditional vows and what you would change if you could (here’s your chance!).

• Alternatively, you may like to incorporate your words into a piece of poetry.

Writing Your Vows Separately • Working a little bit differently from writing your vows together, writing your vows separately starts with the together time first. Between the two of you decide on the general rules for your vows, for example, what words should be used (‘I love you’, ‘You are my best friend’, etc) and how long the vows should be.

• Then the alone time starts. Again, it is best to have some guaranteed interruption-free time to think about what makes you smile about your partner, your favourite times together, what passions you

share, any inside jokes, what made you fall in love with them, what makes you love them more and more each day. Also write down what marriage means to you.

• As above, think about how your thoughts and feelings could be combined with the traditional vows or a piece of poetry or writing about love.

To Finish….

Start writing. Often it is good just to have anything resembling a vow on paper. You can then (either together or separately) edit what you have written until you or both of you feel comfortable that it says what you mean.

After you have written your vows, you should talk to your religious minister or celebrant about them. He or she may be able to offer some suggestions.

Remember that if you have written your vows separately, you may like to make them a surprise for your fiancé at the ceremony. If this is the case, make sure your celebrant doesn’t let your fiancé know what you have written.

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Once you are satisfied with your vows, practice them!

You can do this in front of your celebrant or a trusted family member or friend.

By doing this you can easily identify any areas that need improvement and you start to memorise what you want to say (but don’t stress about memorizing your vows – your wedding day is a day that should be enjoyed! Your celebrant will lead you through the vows if necessary).

Above all, remember why you are writing these vows.

It’s a symbol of the love and commitment you share. Let that love shine through in both the writing process and when you stare into your fiancé’s eyes and say the words to them!

Traditional Vows

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here are several great books giving advice on vow writing or the internet can be an invaluable source of tips. To get you started, here are some examples of traditional vows: ‘I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/ husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.’

‘I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/ wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.’

‘I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together,getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.’ ’I (name) affirm my love to you, (name) as I invite you to share my life. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness and trust, I will Page 86 : engaged : October 2008

work by your side to create a wonderful life together.

I take you (name) to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.’ ‘(Name), today I take you for my (husband/wife/ spouse). Now we will feel no rain, for each of us will be shelter for the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of us will be companion to the other. There is only one life before us, and our seasons will be good and long. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, no matter what lies before us, for as long as we both shall live.’ ’I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward.

In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.’

‘I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife/ spouse), to share both good times and bad times, side by side. I give you my hand, and my heart, and hope that my love will always be a safe haven for you. Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of a permanent metal, my commitment to you is forever. With this ring, I thee wed.’

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Borrowed Words

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he following are just a small selection of poetry, literature or bible extracts that could be incorporated into vows or simply used as a reading at your wedding.

‘Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.’

Robert Heinlein

‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God aides in him.

By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

We love, because He first loved us.’

I John 4:7-19 Page 88 : engaged : October 2008

‘If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were lov’d by wife, then thee.

If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold, Or all the riches that the East doth hold.

My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.

Thy love is such I can in no way repay; The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.

Then while we live, in love lets so persevere, That when we live no more, we may live ever.’

To My Dear and Loving Husband, Anne Bradstreet

‘Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.’

Unknown author

‘Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good. By itself it makes that is heavy light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven.

It carries a burden which is no burden; it will not be kept back by anything low and mean; it desires to be free from all worldly affections, and not to be entangled by any outward prosperity, or by any adversity subdued.

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility. It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and warrants them to take effect, where he who does not love would faint and lie down.

Though weary, it is not tired; though pressed it is not straitened; though alarmed, it is not confounded; but as a living flame it forces itself upwards and securely passes through all.

Love is active and sincere, courageous, patient, faithful, prudent and manly.’

Love Is A Great Thing, Thomas à Kempis Page 89 : engaged : October 2008

’What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories?’

To Be One With Each Other, George Eliot

’When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now.

Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.’

Gift From The Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh

‘Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?

And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.’

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Page 90 : engaged : October 2008

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www.starzflorist.co.nz Page 91 : engaged : October 2008

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S

o he popped the question, you said ‘yes’ and now you’ve set a date… this is when the planning really begins.

With a lot of photographers being booked one or two years in advance, one of the first things that you should think about booking is your photographer.

So the next question is, how do you choose your photographer?

Well, it’s not as difficult as it sounds… just use the 3 Ps - Photos, Photographer and Price.

The Photos It goes without saying that when deciding on your photographer, you need to love their photos.

Each photographer has their own style which will be reflected in the photos. Some will have a more traditional, romantic style, whereas another might take more of a photojournalistic approach and capture the day from a more candid perspective. You need to ensure that the photographer’s style matches the type of photos that you want to have. To begin with, look at each photographer’s website. You should be able to assess their style from the selection of photos displayed there. This will also give you a good opportunity to see if they are in your price range and, if you like their photos, for you to call or email them to see if they are available on your date.

To ensure that you like a photographer’s photos, make sure that you look at as many of them as possible. Also, rather than just looking at the ‘hero’ shots from each wedding (ie the beautiful posed shots of the bride and groom), ask if you can see coverage of a whole wedding. This will give you a feel for the style that the photographer has when covering the other aspects of the wedding day, such as the preparation, family photos and reception.

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engaged Guide to Choosing Your Photographer

The

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With the majority of wedding photographers using digital cameras these days, they will often show you a range of photos on a computer or website. While this is a great way to see lots of photos, it is also useful to see some printed examples, whether prints on a wall or in albums. This will let you see how their photos come out when printed and will let you see the quality of the photos printed at the size that you might want. If you view an album, it will give you an idea of the album style that they will be able to offer, if you choose to have one.

The Photographer It is all very well the photographer having lovely photos, but remember that they will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day. If the photographer is covering from the bridal preparation until the first dance, they will be with you for almost 12 hours. You need to ensure that you feel comfortable with them and their personality doesn’t annoy you (there is nothing worse than having your wedding day spoiled by a photographer who you feel is too pushy or whom you just don’t ‘click’ with). One thing to note, although you might want the most relaxed wedding day ever, it is likely that the photographer will still need to boss you around a little bit to ensure that you get the photos that you want. The beautiful photos that you see in magazines don’t just happen by accident and there is normally

some degree of direction given by the photographer. The photographer will also be instrumental in ensuring that you stick to your timing and get to your reception on time. So you should be happy that the photographer is going to push you enough to get the job done.

When meeting the photographer, it is also useful if you have an idea of the timing on the day and locations where you might like to have photos taken.

This will enable the photographer to let you know whether your timing is realistic or whether you need to allow more time between the ceremony and reception (or cut down the number of photos/ locations that you want). Photos take a lot longer than you may think, especially if you want more than one location. It is really important that both you and the photographer understand each others’ expectations, otherwise there is the potential for you to be disappointed on the day.

The Price Of course, the price is always a large factor in choosing a photographer.

Photography is usually quite a large chunk of a wedding budget and, before looking for the photographer, you should have a good idea of how much you would like to spend.

Given that your wedding photos are a lasting reminder of your wedding day, it is worth ensuring that you get the best

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photographer possible for your budget.

It is important to note, however, that as with most things, the most expensive photographer may not always be the best for you so don’t hesitate to talk to a number of photographers both at the top end of your budget and below.

When evaluating a photographer’s price, you should take into account the whole package price. Check to see whether the package includes prints, the negatives (or high-resolution files if they use digital), DVDs and albums. If it doesn’t, find out at the outset what the cost of these extras are so that you can factor them into the total price of your photography. There is nothing worse than having some beautiful wedding photos but not being able to afford to buy the album to put them in!

The photographer’s package is also likely to include only a specified number of hours’ coverage. Check to see whether this is going to be sufficient to cover all of the parts of the day that you want photographed. If not, find out the cost for extra coverage.

Finally, ask the photographer about timing: things such as when you have to pay (deposit, final amount) and how long it will take to get your photos. Once again, having all of this information at the outset will ensure that you know what to expect and don’t have any nasty surprises.

The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (*nzipp) The *nzipp is a non-profit qualifying body for professional photographers in New Zealand. For photographers to become qualified *nzipp members, they must have attained a certain standard of quality.

They must also adhere to a specified Code of Ethics which ensures that members are professional in both their creative and business practices.

Using a photographer who is *nzipp-qualified will help give you piece-of-mind that the photographer will provide a certain quality of photography and service.

The *nzipp is also likely to assist you should you have a dispute with your photographer.

However, it should also be noted that that *nzipp is a voluntary association and there are plenty of quality photographers who are not members – so at the end of the day, you need to satisfy yourself that the photographer you choose is going to provide the quality and service that you expect for your wedding photography.

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B ride Diary Kylie & Hooksy Kylie and Hooksy met 18,000kms from home on a hot summers day in London at the NZ Food & Wine with (complete Festival their favourite NZ culinary bbyn in the background). Six delights and the sounds of Dave Do ving back home, buying a years later, after much travelling, mo popped the big question on dog and a house together, Hooksy riwai. Kylie is a marketing their favourite west coast beach, Mu d Hoosky has his own business manager with Goodman Fielder an as a builder.

31 August 2008

ga I thought we would wait With our tickets all booked for Raroton e deciding on colours and util we had seen the location befor t was the intention! Once I a theme for the wedding. Well tha of the stacks of used wedding decided to start ripping pictures out pings folder was created. I magazines I had been given, a clip s emerging.... all the dresses realised from this that a theme wa t too good for the budget!

I had ripped out were Jane Yeh, no appointment at Jane Yeh To tempt fate even more I made an try dresses on in September. with mum and my bridesmaids to

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de just with the intention of Obviously the appointment was ma n getting a dress made…. getting their expert advice and the ppens!!! hmmm….might have to see what ha tting married next year to I met one of my friends who is also ge -holds-barred’ weddings swap planning stories and just talk ‘no actually getting married!). (which I admit is fun now that I am od board (a collage of She had created a wedding mo th work in marketing this images on one page). Since we bo k this is a fantastic way idea was greatly appreciated. I thin ad: it enables anyone to to organise your wedding in your he ling for the theme and look at it and immediately get a fee great tool to know if there colours of your wedding. And it is a Everything from location, are any mis-matches or clashes. groom’s shirt colour and bridesmaids’ dress colours, favours, table decorations can be added. ment party yet but my We haven’t had a proper engage a few weeks ago, which parents put on a family one up north lise that the list selection was really lovely. It also made me rea inally thought. In fact, it was not going to be as easy as we orig family situation. When we is a bit political if that is possible in a is is the max for our venue) first started out we had a list of 70 (th family. By the time the and it consisted of 2/3 friends and 1/3 at half family, half friends, trip up north was over we were then of the additional people and I feel a bit bad because most ’re hoping that when it were on my side of the family. We have to book flights it will comes to the crunch and people have decided to just write be a little more manageable. We und with As and Bs - you one list and that’s it! No messing aro we just have to hope we either make it or you don’t (then don’t get over-booked!).

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B ride Diary to talk about. From what I Budgets are the final thing I wanted what everyone told me... it is it gh ou en nily fun d an rnt lea ve ha l help or not, then you know is better to ask up-front if parents wil money you need to save. ch mu w ho just d an nd sta you ere wh ing for around $25k, and I We are trying to do the whole wedd will know for sure if this is we ga on rot Ra to trip r ou er aft ess gu do-able or not.

6 September 2008

yesterday. Five days on such a We just got back from Rarotonga break and we loved it. The beautiful island was a really relaxing t I mean 80km/hr winds and a weather was a bit sketchy - by tha best possible use of every sunny little drizzle - however, we made the of a tan in the end. patch and managed to get a hint

ning ourselves we did manage In between all the eating out and sun under way. On the flight over we to get some wedding investigations rried at the same resort as we heard of another couple getting ma planned for the day after we flew were planning to. The wedding was bride was really stressing about out and with the winds so strong the sts who had flown to Rarotonga her big day. She’d invited 50 gue only to have inclement weather and paid a lot of money to be there, tion. I could see myself in exactly and a really windy wedding recep n’t like it. her shoes a year from now and I did with the wedding planner at the However, we pressed on and met ting some of our fears about the Pacific Resort in the hope of allevia just felt that she wasn’t really weather. Although she was nice we

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ther wedding and that she’d that enthusiastic. It felt like just ano approximately 660 weddings been through it all before. There are year in Rarotonga so maybe (excluding Rarotongan ones) every ay, we talked a lot about the that’s why she was so ho-hum! Anyw we were surprised to find out package the hotel has to offer and sts to stay at the Pacific Resort that even if you get all of your gue for free like a lot of places do in they don’t even throw your room in ap starting at $370 per night New Zealand. Their rooms aren’t che have the market stitched up for for a garden room. They really do tographers, cakes etc. all other extras as well like flowers, pho calculator and started working Back in our hotel room we got out the e and horror, the total came to out a real budget and, to our surpris queasy as it was a lot of money. $30k!! This made us both feel a little with a wedding that had not so Not only that but we could end up this far to get it. perfect weather, and we had come going over and having a look.

I guess all in all it was really worth us ture perfect we wouldn’t have Maybe if the weather had been pic g married over there. But as it even questioned the value of gettin informed decision and really was we were able to make a more New Zealand and also on other think about other possibilities here in islands.

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My future mother-in-law is a bit annoyed that I didn’t take her along to choose my dress. Should I have?

The short answer: No! You are not obliged to take anyone along with you, although most brides take their own mum or chief bridesmaid.

Sometimes it’s easier if you have only one or two people giving you their opinion - just make sure you trust their sense of style! You could take you FMIL to a dress fitting so she feels included.

We’re engaged! The only problem is that my parents are divorced.

Who do we tell first without stepping on toes?

This is one area where there are no strict rules. Apply the knowledge that you have of your family and just do whatever feels most comfortable.

Need Advice?

Can we have a ‘second invite’ list?

Can we use computer-printed labels for our invitation envelopes?

Most definitely. Most brides and grooms find that 20-25% of their invitees can’t make it. You should make sure you leave enough time to send out the ‘second invites’ so it doesn’t look like those people were second thoughts!

Do this and you will probably receive a rap over the knuckles from the etiquette police! Invites should be written out by hand. If you feel your handwriting not quite good enough, you may like to hire a calligrapher or talk one of your friends into it.

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Who sits where in the church?

Traditionally, the parents sit in the front row, brothers and sisters in the second and grandparents in the third. If your parents are divorced, it will depend on how well they get on as to whether they sit together… if they don’t, your mother and her partner should be seated in the front row, with your father and his partner behind her (how far behind will depend on how much they don’t get on!!). The bride’s family traditionally sits on the left in a Christian ceremony. For all other ceremonies, your celebrant or church official will advise.

I asked my sister to be my Matron of Honour but we have (happily) just found out she is pregnant. Is it still ok to have her in the wedding party?

Yes, of course it is! Talk to your bridesmaids’ dress designer about styles to suit the mum-to-be. One note however: you may need to arrange an alternative bridesmaid if your sister will be 8 ½ months on the wedding date – that may be too close for comfort for both of you!

We are planning a two-hour break in between the ceremony and the reception.

Are we responsible for the guests during this period?

Yes, you should make sure your guests, especially the out-of-town guests, will be entertained between the ceremony and reception. Recommend a bar or café nearby or have one of your friends or family host drinks at their place.

I really don’t want to do the garter toss and the thought of my new husband removing it with his teeth in front of all our families and friends horrifies me… do we have to do this?

This is completely understandable!! And no, you don’t!

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at info@ engaged.co.nz.

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tahitian dreams

moorea, french polynesian

L

ocated only five hours from Auckland, French Polynesian is a honeymooners’ paradise. Imagine crystal-clear waters, delicious French food, a laid back ‘island-style’ approach to life...sigh, heaven!

C

onsisting of several groups of islands, French Polynesia’s main island is Tahiti. Papeete Faa International Airport is located on Tahiti and this is the first stop for travellers heading to French Polynesia’s outer

islands, including its most popular and well-known islands, Moorea and Bora Bora.

M

oorea is approximately 17km from Tahiti and can be reached by either a 10 minute flight or a 25-30 minute ferry ride. From the airport or ferry terminal you have several options to get to your hotel: pre-arranged hotel pick-up, taxi, or ‘Le Truck’, French Polynesia’s very effective and efficient ‘bus’ service. Once at your hotel, we recommend hiring a car, scooter or bicycle to explore the island.

N

ow for the hard part...describing just how beautiful your accom-

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modation in Moorea can be. From a simple bungalow to a world-class resort, you are never far from the sound of the sea or the sight of the palm trees. The pinnacle of accommodation on Moorea though has to be the over-water bungalow.

W

e stayed at the stunning Sheraton Moorea in one of their overwater bungalows. The layout is exceptional, from the king-sized bed and spacious sitting area to the claw-footed bath tub, ceiling fans, and fridge. But what makes these bungalows truly special is two factors: firstly, the glass panel in the floor from which you can watch the tropical fish swim lazily beneath you and, secondly but just as importantly, the deck. The deck is split-level, with the bottom deck grazing the surface of the sparkling lagoon water. Snorkels and masks are provided so you can gently step off this deck to join those fish!

D

ifficult as it is to drag yourself away from your hotel room, it is well

worth it so you don’t miss the other sights Moorea has to offer. Aside from snorkeling, diving, fishing, and trips in glass bottom boats, no visit is complete without a trip up to the Belvedere Lookout or to ‘The Jus de Fruits de Moorea’. From the lookout, you can truly appreciate the spectacular scenery of Moorea: its jagged volcanic peaks, lush vegetation and emerald coloured waters. The ‘Jus de Fruits de Moorea’ is a fruit factory taking advantage of the myriad of tropical fruit available on the island and serving it with or without alcohol!

Another highly recommended activity is a visit to one of the local churches.

T

he downside about these beautiful islands? The cost! French Polynesia is an expensive place to holiday in, so make sure you check your costs and budget before going!

F

or more information, see your local travel agent.

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GETTING MARRIED IN Tahiti Getting married in French Polynesia is a long-drawn out process, as you are required to have one month prior residency in French Polynesia before your wedding. You must also allow ten days for the publishing of the marriage banns.

A number of documents are required to be submitted to the city where the wedding is to take place, including your birth certificates, birth certificates for any children, a certificate showing the one month’s residency period, a certificate of celibacy, premarital medical certificates....and so on! All documents

must be translated into French. And these requirements are for civil ceremonies only!

You can also organise a traditional ceremony.

Non-French speakers may find it helpful to enlist the services of a specialist wedding planner.

Please ensure this information is correct at the time of your application by making enquiries with the local Town Hall. You should also check www.nzembassy.com and www.dia.govt.nz .

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Some restaurant suggestions: Being French, you generally can’t go wrong with the food on these beautiful islands.

Here are some of our suggestions....

Make sure you get up early enough to walk or drive to the local bakery and pick up some croissants and perhaps a baguette for lunch.

Te Honu Iti claims to be the best restaurant on Moorea.

The food is fantastic (and pricey!). Ask for seat by the water so you can watch the stingrays being fed.

The shrimp in curry sauce is an old favourite at Le Mahogany, Moorea - and so it should be!

Take in a cultural show and buffet at one of the resorts.

On the main island of Papeete, a meal at one of the ‘roulottes’ is a must.

Roulottes are ‘rolling food trucks’ that set up on the waterfront in Papeete. A wide range of food is available and it’s one of the cheaper eating options in French Polynesia.

Lastly, don’t forget to try the national dish called Poisson Cru, a divine mix of raw fresh tuna, coconut, cucumber and citrus.

CURRENCY: 1 New Zealand Dollar = approximately 66 Pacific Francs (XPF) LANGUAGE: French and Tahitian, with English being spoken and understood in tourist areas TIME ZONE: Tahiti is 22 hours beind New Zealand FLIGHT TIME: Approximately 5-6 hours flight time direct from Auckland to Tahiti

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides advice on the security risks of travelling to certain countries. Before making travel arrangements, we suggest you check with www.safetravel.govt.nz.

Travel insurance is always recommended and you should check the details of your policy to ensure it covers your destination.

The international airport for Tahiti is Papeete Faa Airport (PPT).

Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui fly direct from Auckland to Papeete.

Flights to Papeete from Wellington and Christchurch are via Auckland.

Air Tahiti Nui is a partner of Qantas. If you want to earn frequent flyer points you may be able to do so by booking through Qantas (please check before booking).

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Our lucky readers can win one ‘Made of Honour’ pack. Containing a bath robe, decision wedding ball, keychain, stress ball and, of course, a copy of the fantastic Made of Honour DVD. For Tom (Patrick Dempsey), life is good: he’s sexy, successful, has great luck with the ladies, and knows he can always rely on Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), his delightful best friend and the one constant in his life. It’s the perfect setup until Hannah goes overseas to Scotland on a six-week business trip… and Tom is stunned to realize how empty his life is without her. He resolves that when she gets back, he’ll ask Hannah to marry him – but is floored when he learns that she has become engaged to a handsome and wealthy Scotsman and plans to move overseas.

When Hannah asks Tom to be her “maid” of honor, he reluctantly agrees to fill the role… but only so he can attempt to woo Hannah and stop the wedding before it’s too late.

AVAILABLE TO OWN ON DVD FROM OCTOBER 8 Terms & Conditions: Actual prize may not be exactly the same as the picture shown. Prizes not redeemable for cash and cannot be exchanged.

We have ten (yes, 10!) $50 vouchers to giveaway for Sage Pasta Restaurant. Located in Mission Bay, Sage offers Auckland diners authentic Italian creations, with the freshest and finest of food to flavour your palette. The menu boasts daily handmade pasta dishes such as Scampi tail Ravioli, Escalope of milk fed Veal with Buffalo Mozzarella Ravioli, and Eye Fillet with Cognac and green pepper corn sauce. The hardest part will be choosing what mouth-watering dish to eat! www.sagerestaurant.co.nz

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Competitions & Giveaways

The Fresh Print Co. is a New Zealand owned and operated company specialising in consumables for home printers including inkjet cartridges and high quality photo printing paper. Their Fresh Ink range of cartridges are compatible with all major brands of home printer and are 30% cheaper! Fresh Print’s Hi Gloss Fresh Paper ensures a professional quality of photo from home and is designed especially for wedding photos.

We have three Fresh Print Packs to giveaway. Each pack will contain 2 Fresh Inks and a pack of Fresh Professional Photo Paper. www.freshprintcompany.com

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Competitions & Giveaways How to Enter To be in the draw for these great prizes is easy! We will be drawing the prizes on 28 November 2008 and everyone who is subscribed to receive our email newsletter at the time is automatically in the draw...

The wonderful Kati at evolu has again supplied us with some fabulous giveaways!

You can win one of 6 sets of three luxurious body bars. These exquisitely fragranced soaps are gentle enough for all skin types.

Using natural and organic ingredients the luxurious body bars will deeply cleanse and moisturise while providing an uplifting treat for your senses. After bathing your skin will feel toned, silkened and refreshed, its natural balance renewed. Each set contains one jasmine and freesia, one gardenia and bergamot, and one fig and cardamon soap.

If you are already signed up, you don’t need to do anything - you are in the draw! If you haven’t signed up yet, go to www.engaged.co.nz and enter your name and email address to receive our email newsletter - it’s as simple as that!

We have one copy of Melanie Koster’s The Reluctant Little Flower Girl to give away to one lucky subscriber!

www.evolu.co.nz

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WINNERS! Well, you’re all winners really, but here’s who won the competitions from the August issue of Engaged!

$100 Gift Voucher from forme Toni Riddell $100 Gift Voucher from Bare Waxing Specialists Ngawaiata Evans toe-G of Your Choice Luan de Beer Hair Care Pack Worth Over $100 Terianne Kelly One of Two Body Oils from evolu Mark Laurent Chrissi McKee One of Two $50 Gift Vouchers from Bare Waxing Specialists Sarah Adams Tracey Young One of Six Travel Towers from evolu Liz Stenner, Alana Laisene, Conrad Marshall Katy Nathan, Rebecca Burrows, Nicolette Rodrigues Remember, to be in the draw for each of the competitions in the October issue of Engaged, you just need to go to www.engaged.co.nz and subscribe to be reminded when the next issue comes out!

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The Checklist

Engaged to 9 months before Task

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Announce your engagement, including notices in the newspaper Organise for your families to meet, if they haven’t done so already Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, MC, flower girls, page boys Discuss the type of wedding you want, including budget Compile a draft guest list (this will help determine venue size) Choose venues for the ceremony and reception Set the date and time for the wedding Choose and book the following: • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Caterer • Florist • Transport • Wedding Co-ordinator • Celebrant Start thinking about your dress (you may need to book a dressmaker) Consider purchasing wedding insurance to cover those things that are out of your control which may result in the wedding being postponed or cancelled Have an engagement party

9 months before Task

Order your wedding dress Choose your accessories: veil, jewellery, underwear, shoes and so on Choose the attire for the rest of the wedding party as applicable: • Groom • Bridesmaids • Groomsmen • Flower girls • Page boys Select stationery including: • Invitations

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Task

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

• Thank you cards/notes • Place name cards • RSVP cards • Seating plan • Envelopes Book a calligrapher Send out save-the-date cards Contact rental companies to hire equipment, marquees, tables, etc Organise gift registry Start thinking about your honeymoon

6 months before Task

Order bridesmaids’ dresses Order/book the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits Help your mother and mother-in-law with their outfits Discuss your beauty regime with your beauty therapist Book in for marriage preparation course if needed Decide on and order your wedding cake Book your accommodation for the wedding night Investigate accommodation options for out of town guests Choose and purchase your wedding rings Make any honeymoon reservations

4 months before Task

Book hairdresser and make-up artist Order favours Discuss menu options with caterer/venue, including wine selection Organise entertainment if you are having children at the reception Speak with the celebrant or minister and decide on an order of service, responsibilities, speech making, readings, etc. Set your rehearsal date Let people know if they will be making a speech, doing a reading, etc Purchase wedding gifts for each other and the wedding party Organise time off work for your honeymoon Renew passports if necessary!

2 months before Task

Post invitations Write your vows Have your hair and makeup trials (remember to take your veil etc)

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Organise dancing lessons for the first dance Organise your hen’s and buck’s nights with the wedding party Confirm: • Flowers with florist – do they fit with the theme, colours, dresses • Menu with caterer • Accommodation for yourselves and your guests Organise any legal work, for example, pre-nuptial agreements, wills

1 month before Task

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Apply for your marriage licence Confirm and finalise final guest numbers Make a seating plan (allow time for disagreements!)

Have your dress fittings Organise bridal party’s final fittings (including accessories) Confirm groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits are ready Write your speech Confirm honeymoon accommodation and flight bookings Organise a house-sitter for while you are on honeymoon

2 weeks before Task

Confirm with everyone that you have booked for your wedding, advise final numbers and provide a emergency contact number to: • Venue • Caterer • Celebrant/Minister • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Florist • Cake maker • Stationery • Car hire company • Hairdresser • Makeup artist • Favours • Hire company Make a list of everything that needs to be set up and/or taken to the ceremony and reception Have your final dress fitting including accessories. Take your chief bridesmaid so she knows how to how to attach your train etc.

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Make sure the bridesmaids have their dresses, footwear and accessories Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding Make sure the groom has his hair cut Finalise seating plan for reception Write place cards Practise walking around in your wedding shoes Have hen’s night and buck’s night

1 week before Task

Notes

Done

Notes

Done

Pick up your wedding dress and hang it in a safe place Wedding rehearsal (you may like to give the bridal party their gifts then) Pick up hire items, including groom’s and groomsmen’s attire Confirm honeymoon arrangements Pack for honeymoon Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned Pack an emergency kit for the day Final check on arrangements and plan for the day: • Who has the rings?

• Have you paid entertainers etc ahead of time or do you need to take money?

• Who is taking the gifts home after the wedding?

• Who is dry-cleaning your dress the next day?

• Who is returning the suits?

• Make sure the bridal party are aware of their roles • Give a list of important contacts to a trusted family member or friend (can be the chief bridesmaid or the mother of the bride)

The day before Task

Relax and spend some quality time on your own!

Present each other with gifts and remind each other why you love the other Give wedding bands to the best man and/or chief bridesmaid to hold during the ceremony

The big day Enjoy yourself!

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engaged

Photographers' Supplement Over 100 Wedding Photos to Inspire

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

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www.uniquevisions.co.nz

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Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

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www.uniquevisions.co.nz

Page 119 : engaged : August 2008

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

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www.uniquevisions.co.nz

Page 121 : engaged : August 2008

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

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www.uniquevisions.co.nz

Page 123 : engaged : August 2008

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

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www.uniquevisions.co.nz

Page 125 : engaged : August 2008

KS Woods Photography

Page 126 : engaged : August 2008

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KS Woods Photography

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KS Woods Photography

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KS Woods Photography

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KS Woods Photography

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Gaia Mikosza

www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

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Gaia Mikosza

www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

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Gaia Mikosza

www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

Page 141 : engaged : August 2008

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Gaia Mikosza

www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

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Gaia Mikosza

www.fairy-tale-wedding.com

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Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Page 146 : engaged : August 2008

www.janmareeart.co.nz

Page 147 : engaged : August 2008

Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Page 148 : engaged : August 2008

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Page 149 : engaged : August 2008

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Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Page 152 : engaged : August 2008

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Jan Maree Vodanovich Photography and Art Page 154 : engaged : August 2008

www.janmareeart.co.nz

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VisionWorks Photography

Page 156 : engaged : August 2008

www.visionworks.co.nz

Page 157 : engaged : August 2008

VisionWorks Photography

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www.visionworks.co.nz

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VisionWorks Photography

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www.visionworks.co.nz

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VisionWorks Photography

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www.visionworks.co.nz

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VisionWorks Photography

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www.visionworks.co.nz

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Samantha Bech Photography

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www.samanthabech.co.nz

Page 167 : engaged : August 2008

Samantha Bech Photography

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www.samanthabech.co.nz

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Samantha Bech Photography

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www.samanthabech.co.nz

Page 171 : engaged : August 2008

Samantha Bech Photography

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www.samanthabech.co.nz

Page 173 : engaged : August 2008

Samantha Bech Photography

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www.samanthabech.co.nz

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Janene Austin

janene@in2net.co.nz

Page 177 : engaged : August 2008

Page 178 : engaged : August 2008

Janene Austin

janene@in2net.co.nz

Page 179 : engaged : August 2008

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Janene Austin

janene@in2net.co.nz

Page 181 : engaged : August 2008

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Janene Austin

janene@in2net.co.nz

Page 183 : engaged : August 2008

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Janene Austin

janene@in2net.co.nz

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kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

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www.ktphotographer.co.nz

Page 187 : engaged : August 2008

kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

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kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

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kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

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www.ktphotographer.co.nz

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kelvinTEIXEIRA.photographer

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www.ktphotographer.co.nz

Page 195 : engaged : August 2008

Rob Driessen Photography

Page 196 : engaged : August 2008

www.rdphotography.co.nz

Page 197 : engaged : August 2008

Rob Driessen Photography

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www.rdphotography.co.nz

Page 199 : engaged : August 2008

Rob Driessen Photography

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www.rdphotography.co.nz

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Rob Driessen Photography

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www.rdphotography.co.nz

Page 203 : engaged : August 2008

Rob Driessen Photography

Page 204 : engaged : August 2008

www.rdphotography.co.nz

Page 205 : engaged : August 2008

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John-Paul Pochin

www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Page 207 : engaged : August 2008

Page 208 : engaged : August 2008

John-Paul Pochin

www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Page 209 : engaged : August 2008

Page 210 : engaged : August 2008

John-Paul Pochin

www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Page 211 : engaged : August 2008

Page 212 : engaged : August 2008

John-Paul Pochin

www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Page 213 : engaged : August 2008

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John-Paul Pochin

www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Page 215 : engaged : August 2008

Claudia Gaitzsch Photography

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www.claudia.co.nz

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Claudia Gaitzsch Photography

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www.claudia.co.nz

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Claudia Gaitzsch Photography

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www.claudia.co.nz

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Next Issue out 1 December Subscribe to receive the next issue and be in the draw for each of the giveaways in this issue!* Best of all, it's FREE To subscribe, just go to www.engaged.co.nz

* You must be subscribed on 28 November to be automatically entered into the draw. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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