Engaged Wedding Magazine - February 2011

BEST HEALTH & FITNESS WEBSITES HONEYMOON IN JAPAN HEN & STAG COSTUMES

02/ 2011

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ORIGINS OF VALENTINE’S DAY BECOME A MODEL FOR A DAY!

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...your wonderful wedding on the cliff tops Just 50 minutes from Auckland’s CBD you’ll find magical Castaways.

Castaways provides the ultimate wedding experience you and your guests will rave about for years to come.

• Coastal cliff top ceremonies • Stunning sunset wedding receptions • Fabulous food • Award winning service • Guest accommodation • Honeymoon packages • Onsite activities Click here to download our new >online weddings pack<

Our team are available to meet with you onsite at Castaways. So contact us now and let’s start designing your wonderful wedding!

Castaways Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku, Auckland Ph 09 236 5161 Email weddings@castaways.co.nz Web www.castaways.co.nz * Specials Season at Castaways * April to November is Specials Season at Castaways. No minimum spends and no minimum numbers are required.

Simply your wedding, your way.

“We want to thank you again for our absolutely amazing wedding. Some guests said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to!”

(Castaways Bride & Groom, 2011)

~ unique ~

~ memorable ~

~ affordable ~

Notes from the Editors...

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the Christmas holidays seem so long ago now! It is hard to believe but we have already hit February, which for a lot of you, means that your wedding is not far away.

Cover Credits: Photography: Vanessa Parker www.narrative.co.nz Couple: Jo & Hugh Flowers: The Wedding Florist

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 initially specified otherwise.

The good thing is that the summer nights are good for more than just sitting down with a glass of wine! Now is a good time to finalise all of those little details for your wedding, finish off those wedding favours or plan your seating arrangement. You will be amazed at how virtuous you feel once you have all of the little details squared away.

This month, we have loads of great stuff for you to read. We are also really excited to launch our latest competition - we are looking for a reader to star as a model in an upcoming Engaged editorial shoot!

So whether you are getting married, or are already married, make sure you send us a couple of photos and enter now!

Tim & Gabrielle

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HEALTH & FITNESS ONLINE

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REAL WEDDINGS

JAPAN 102

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contents GOOD CLEAN FUN

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PHOTOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

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BE A MODEL FOR A DAY!

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CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Andrea Williamson who has won last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gillette Venus competition.

Andrea has won a Gillette Venus Spa Breeze.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations also to James Hall who has won four pairs of cufflinks (and a leather cufflinks case) courtesy of thecheekishop.co.nz!

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WIN ONE OF TEN COSTUMES! The good folk at Grippers.co.nz have kindly given us five female and five male costumes to give away to ten lucky readers!

Grippers.co.nz have an amazing range of costumes perfect for your hen and stag party.

To enter, click here and enter your details!

Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to check out our interview with Rick from Grippers.co.nz further on in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magazine!

SPECIALS

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Elegant Wedding Show Sunday, 3 April 2011 - 11am - 3pm Edgar Centre, Dunedin www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz

The Grand Wedding Show

WEDDING SHOWS

Sunday, 17 April 2011 - 9am - 4pm Level 5, Sky City Convention Centre, Auckland www.weddingshow.co.nz

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Bride & Groom Show Sunday, 1 May 2011 - 9am - 5pm Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland www.brideandgroomshow.co.nz

Elegant Wedding Show Sunday, 1 May 2011 - 11am - 3pm Millbrook Resort, Queenstown www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz

Elegant Wedding Show Sunday, 29 May 2011 - 11am - 3pm Ascot Park Hotel, Dunedin www.elegantweddingshows.co.nz

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BEAUTIFUL DRES BEAUTIFUL PHOT BEAUTIFUL MOD

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SSES R TOGRAPHY R DEL WE NEED YOU! TURN THE PAGE TO FIND OUT MORE 11

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FEATURE IN AN ENGAGED MAGAZINE EDITORIAL PHOTO SHOOT!

Keep up to date with all of the competition details on our facebook pages!

Jessica Photography Engaged Magazine engaged

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Have you ever wanted to star in a professional editorial photo spread? Now is your chance! We are giving one lucky reader the chance to feature in an upcoming Engaged editorial photo spread.

Award-winning photographer Jessica Higueras (from Jessica Photography) will photograph you on location wearing a range of amazing wedding gowns and accessories. You will have professional hair, makeup and styling all done for you.

You do not need to be a size 6 and no previous modelling experience is required. We just want to take some amazing photos of a beautiful woman wearing gorgeous wedding dresses - simple as that!

Click here to find out how to enter.

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BESPOKE STORYTELLING

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REAL BRIDES

Editorial photographer Vanessa Parker specialises in capturing the authentic moments throughout a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day that reflect their own personal story involving family and friends. Vanessaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural editorial approach has seen her featured in both Metro magazine and the latest edition of Simply You Living.

www.narrative.co.nz

Jo & Hugh Hair and Make up: Sharon Kenny Dress: Designed by bride, made by Maureen McMillan Flowers: The Wedding Florist Celebrant: Melanie Turner 15

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Mimi & Warren Dress: Lisa Ho Catering: The Great Catering Company Hair & Make up: Clifton Piper Celebrant: Julia Cameron

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Veronica & Matthew Flowers: Molly Blooms Catering: Lets Eat Make up: Lizzy Hyndman Hair: Natasha Radonich Dress: Kevin Berkhan 39

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- Made to Measure - From $500 - Free delivery - Wide Selection - High Quality Click below to visit us now!

www.donnazuri.com Are you looking for a professional hairdresser and makeup artist who can come to you on your wedding day?

With over 10 years in the industry, Natalie is working extensively in Fashion, Advertising and Film, as well as creating stunning results for bridal parties.

Natalie's work is both versatile and innovative, offering her customers the complete package without compromise.

Please go to my website www.natalieshields.com to view my work and prices.

www.natalieshields.com 51 engaged

HEALTH & FITNESS

ONLINE Ten great New Zealand health and fitness websites to help you kick start your healthier lifestyle.

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good friend of mine recently attempted to get back in shape for her wedding, but her one-day effort left her de-motivated and hurting for the next week. I asked why she hadn’t gone about it a bit smarter, and told her there were plenty of good resources that would help her ease into a fitness routine with a maximum of fun and a minimum of pain. A week later, she called me up and said “There are hundreds of books and websites out there on diet and fitness, giving lots of conflicting advice. How do I know which ones to believe?”

I realized that many people desperately need a quick guide to reliable sources of health and fitness information and services.

In the spirit of giving, I compiled the following list of the top ten health and fitness related websites in New Zealand. You don’t even have to get up from your computer; just point, click, and you’ll find everything from great sources for workout and nutrition advice to the best places to shop for healthy food and supplements.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

By Sam Mishriki

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Active Smart ( www.activesmart.co.nz )

If you want to improve your cardiovascular health, Active Smart offers running, walking, cycling, and even triathlon training plans tailored to your personal situation. After answering a series of questions about your current fitness level, medical history, and amount of time you have to train, the site selects a fitness routine that suits your needs. Active Smart also offers comprehensive nutrition plans, plus articles on an array of topics from working out to eating right.

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Fitness Evolvedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trainer

Facebook

( www.facebook.com/FitnessEvolved )

Ever wish you had year-round access to a personal trainer to motivate you and address all your exercise and nutrition questions? Then your wish is granted here! A real-life personal trainer from Fitness Evolved, an Auckland-based provider of fitness boot camps, checks in every day (including weekends) to answer questions on a wide range of fitnessrelated topics.

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Body Impress ( www.bodyimpress.com )

Created to provide an online resource for seekers of reliable health and fitness information, Body Impress offers a catalog of over 200 exercise videos that include everything from full workout programmes to demonstrations of correct weightlifting technique. They recently added an online body transformation course for those wishing to trade in their couch potato status for a more toned appearance.

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Workout Right Now ( www.workoutrightnow.com )

Workout Right Now was created to provide new mums who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get away from home an online gym featuring video and audio workouts tailored specifically to their needs. The site allows you to follow a structured exercise programme without having to rearrange the rest of your schedule.

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Ideal Health ( www.healthy.co.nz )

This holistic pharmacy offers a fantastic selection of healthy supplements from vitamins and bodybuilding aids to herbs and homeopathic remedies as well as natural household and skin care products. You’ll also find a wealth of information about nutrition and wellness, and a team of naturopaths stands ready to answer your health questions in the “Ask the Expert” forum.

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Mission Nutrition ( www.missionnutrition.co.nz )

The dietitians at Mission Nutrition design individualized nutrition plans to help you “get from where you are to where you want to be.” Run by Claire Turnbull, the nutritionist for Healthy Food Guide Magazine and various TV and radio shows, this site offers nutrition tips and ideas, helpful articles, and personalized advice.

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Huckleberry Farms ( www.huckleberryfarms.co.nz )

If you’re looking to improve the quality of your diet and get away from processed foods, you’ll want to check out the web presence of Huckleberry Farms, a supermarket specializing in natural and organic products. Their site not only offers online shopping, but also serves up great-tasting recipes, informative articles, and an “Ask the Naturopath” feature.

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Cancer Society ( www.cancernz.org.nz )

Did you know that New Zealanders have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world? As the incidence of many types of cancer continues to rise throughout New Zealand, the Cancer Society of New Zealand provides you with a host of information to reduce your risk and maximize your likelihood of staying healthy.

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Pharmacy Direct ( www.pharmacydirect.co.nz )

Staying healthy is not only an important part of keeping fit, but a key component of a happy life. Whether you’re looking for dietary supplements to assist your fitness routine or the best place to order prescription medication, Pharmacy Direct offers the most competitive prices around.

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Sports Ground ( www.sportsground.co.nz )

In search of instruction or a group devoted to a particular sport or activity? Just click on “Find Your Club or School” and select your location and the type of sporting club you are interested in. Every possible category from rugby and paragliding to kendo and disability sports is represented here.

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nadia couture Redefining bridesmaids. nadia couture is Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier bridesmaid shop.

Timeless design, quality fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship for the bride and your bridesmaids needs. nadiacouture garments range from soft silk chiffon to elegant formal satin, available in a wide range of colours and sizes.

To compliment the dresses, nadia couture has exquisite jewellery and beautiful evening bags, guaranteeing nadia remains a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must-seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; destination for your entire bridal party and every evening occasion.

271a Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland customerservices@nadiacouture.co.nz

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Phone: 09 361 1205 www.nadiacouture.co.nz

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FEATURE

Sweet Valentine

The origins of Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Some call it the most romantic day of the year, others dismiss it as a commercially-driven marketing event, but there is no denying that Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day reminds us all of how much we love our significant other.

So how did we come to be celebrating Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day on the 14th of February every year?

Up until 1969, the Catholic Church formally recognised eleven Valentine Days, each day for a different Christian martyr. The Valentines honoured on 14 February were Valentine of Rome, a priest in Rome in about 269AD, and Valentine of Terni, a bishop in about 197AD who was killed for refusing to give up Christianity. Legend about these Saints is not clear and there is some supposition that they are one and the same person.

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It seems that neither Saint performed any significant romantic act nor was a romantic person, and the link with the current celebrations on Valentine Day is based on an embellished version of their lives. One is that Valentine of Terni died on a day devoted to love lotteries. Another is that during his imprisonment for refusing to give up Christianity, Valentine wrote a letter to his jailer’s daughter, signed ‘From Your Valentine’. And yet a third tale says that Valentine secretly married young men when Roman Emperor Claudius II had ruled that men were not to marry as he believed married men did not make good soldiers. In this version, Valentine is arrested and falls in love with his jailer’s daughter, leaving her a note signed ‘From Your Valentine’ before his death.

Chaucer is believed to have been the first to refer to Valentine’s Day romantically, with a poem to honour the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia on May 2, 1382. However, it is argued that this reference is to yet another Valentine, Valentine of Genoa, who became a saint on May 2! Confused? We are!

Regardless of how the date was chosen, it soon became a date for giving love messages and simple gifts like flowers.

Love cards with lace, cupids and hearts were exchanged amongst lovers in England, before the tradition spread to the United States.

In the United States, the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper and lace were produced and sold shortly

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after 1847 by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Her father operated a large book and stationery store, but Howland took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received.

These days Valentines cards are commonplace, and it is estimated by the US Greeting Card Association that approximately one billion valentines are sent worldwide each year, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (after Christmas). Apparently women purchase 85% of all valentine cards!

However you celebrate Valentine’s Day, revel in what you love about your partner and enjoy!

Beautiful jewellery for your wedding... www.beadsgloriousbeads.com

BEADS



JEWELLERY



CLASSES

Stunning freeze dried Rose and Hydrangea petals in 25 colours and blends

Exquisite bouquets for brides and bridesmaids

Personalized petal cones

Beautiful table centerpieces

Gorgeous flower girl petal pails

Complimentary consultation and design

www.foreverpetals.co.nz

Leonie Fisher Mobile Make-up Artist

Coco a Berry invitation by design p

fishyleo@orcon.net.nz 021 389423

WEDDING STATIONERY

Save the date Invitations RSVP Menus Order of service Thank You cards and more www.cocoaberry.co.nz 021 2636 147 info@cocoaberry.co.nz

Create your own unique jewellery.

Custom designs with delight.

Beads for embellishment. www.beadsgloriousbeads.com 6 Kingsland Tce, Kingsland, Auckland - Phone: 09 815 1177

BEADS

JEWELLERY

CLASSES

Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

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Amy Schulz Photography

Website: www.amyschulz.co.nz Email: AmySchulzPhotography@gmail.com Mobile: 0211556071 Wellington and Nationwide

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Suzanne McNatty - Photography by Design

Website: www.photographybydesign.co.nz Email: mcnatty@ihug.co.nz Mobile: 027 567 5990 Associate Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Southland

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projectShot images

Award-winning wedding photography & video production Website: www.projectshot.com

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Email: info@projectshot.com Mobile: 021 685 871 Auckland

Photography by Marijke Website: www.photographybym.co.nz Email: mail@photographybym.co.nz Phone: 07 572 4085 Mobile: 021 560 509 Bay of Plenty and Nationwide

Greenapple Photo & Video Studio Website: www.greenapple.co.nz Mobile: 021 119 5567 Auckland

Email: wearegreenapple@gmail.com

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Amanda Wignell Photography Website: www.awp.co.nz Email: amanda@awp.co.nz Phone: 09 426 2647 Mobile: 027 615 3078 NZIPP Master of Photography Auckland and Northland (NZ Institute of Professional Photography)

Emma Hughes Photography Website: www.emmahughes.co.nz www.weddingsonwaiheke.co.nz Email: emma@emmahughes.co.nz Phone: 09 372 8729 Mobile: 021 051 3292 Waiheke and Auckland Master NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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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

Victoria Vincent Photography Website: www.victoriavincent.com Mobile: 021 213 5759 Wellington, Nelson, Nationwide

Email: victoria@victoriavincent.com

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Where The Heart Is Photography

Website: www.wheretheheartis.co.nz Email: info@wheretheheartis.co.nz Phone: 07 8547933 Mobile: 021 235 7976 Auckland, Waikato, King Country & Bay of Plenty

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Vela Images

Website: www.velaimages.com Phone: 021 376 663 Auckland and Nationwide

Email: greta@velaimages.com

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, Franklin, Hamilton

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Parker Swannell Photography Email: parkerswannell@gmail.com Phone: 09 817 2678 Mobile: 021 257 5355 Auckland

New Regent Studios Website: www.photos.co.nz Email: info@photos.co.nz Phone: 03 355 4448 Mobile: 027 229 2329 Christchurch

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Jessica Photography

Website: www.jessicaphotography.co.nz Email: info@jessicaphotography.co.nz Phone: 09 537 5533 Mobile: 027 658 8831 Auckland Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

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VisionWorks Photography

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

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Jeremy Hill Photography Website: www.jeremyhill.co.nz Email: enquiries@jeremyhill.co.nz Phone: (09) 8263394 Mobile: 021 2279196 Auckland

Vicky Broadbent Website: www.vickybroadbent.co.nz Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

Email: broadbent@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 633 404 Coromandel and Auckland

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Good CLEAN

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lot of people have been talking about the unique costumes offered by Grippers.co.nz, a relative newcomer to the New Zealand costume market. So we thought we would go behind the scenes and chat with Rick Vassup, the founder of Grippers.co.nz and find out a little more about him and his costumes.

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INTERVIEW

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E:

So, give a little background about yourself and what it is that Grippers.co.nz has to offer.

RV: Before I moved here 2 years ago from England I use to manage a country club which hosted around 80 weddings a year, so I got to speak to plenty of couples looking to tie the knot. Over the last 10 years the format of most stag and hen parties have changed dramatically, so I decided to set up a UK websites specifically catering for original and unique costumes and t shirts for stag and hen parties. At a similar time after a few visits to NZ we decided to move here on a business visa and start up New Zealand and Australian websites. Although some people still want traditional costumes such as the convict with handcuffs, more and more people want funny original costumes and accessories that make their hen or stag party unique. Often combining an outfit for the stag or hen along with a slogan on a t-shirt for the rest of the group is a popular thing to do. By spending some time thinking about the stag or hen you can come up with a much more personal outfit for the day.

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We get the impression from our readers that hen and stag parties are becoming more sophisticated. Do people really still get dressed up in costumes when going out on hen and stag parties?

RV: Certainly in England the stag and hen â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has evolved to a weekend event, or even a week long one! Thousands of hens and stags now choose to party in a range of stylish and beautiful European Cities along with traditional UK locations.

That said costumes still play a big part in the proceedings wherever the stag or hen party is held. Most stag and hen parties enjoy the attention from the opposite sex that comes with such an event, and a cool costume really helps put your group on the map.

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What type of costumes are the most popular?

RV: Often costumes which have been worn in recent movies are very popular but then it really depends on how nice or evil the best man or chief bridesmaid wants to be. Most bridesmaids look for a fun but flattering costume for the hen, where the best man tends to go for maximum embarrassment! As I have all my costumes made just for me they are often very different from all the other fancy dress stores.

E:

Is it common for the whole stag or hen party to get dressed in costume or just the hen or stag?

RV: Without doubt it is becoming more popular for the whole group to dress up. This may be either everyone in the same costume or the group wearing personalized t shirts.

E:

What sort of prices are the costumes?

RV: Most of my costumes to buy are between $40 and $70 which is around the same price you pay for a hire one which has been worn plenty of times before you get it and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about keeping it clean to get the bond back.

E:

You mentioned that you also do t-shirts. Are there a limited number of designs or can people create their own design?

RV: All t shirts ordered are personalized with the name of the stag or hen, venue and date. If you want your own design and I can produce it then thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great.

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E:

I imagine that some of the costumes are really popular. how far in advance should people reserve their costume?

RV: All my costumes are in held here in New Zealand and are dispatched using next day delivery within 24 hours of ordering.

Stock levels are high but can drop down quickly before the Rugby Sevens.

E:

Have you any advice for people planning a hen or stag party?

RV: Ultimately a big part of a stag or hen party is to ensure the stag and hen enjoy an equal amount of fun, attention and embarrassment which a good costume will definitely help to achieve. A range of good games or activities with some drinking thrown in for good measure also really help the group to bond and relax. Just remember the hen or stag hopefully will only be getting married once, so plan ahead with some entertainment and a great costume, and give them a day to remember.

competition Rick from Grippers.co.nz has kindly given us 10 costumes to give away!

To find out how to win, head to page 9!

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TRAVEL

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Japan

The land of surprises

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raditional honeymoon destination it may not be, but Japan has much to offer everyone. Whether it be bright lights and bustling shopping centres or serene lakeside retreats and temples, Japan has it covered.

We began our Japanese experience as most travellers do, by arriving in Tokyo. There are many things that strike you when you first arrive in Tokyo - the order,

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cleanliness and surprising lack of English. With a typical western attitude, we had thought that with Tokyo being one of the major capitals of the world, everyone would speak a degree of English. This, however, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case - in fact, we found there to be far less English spoken or written than in Beijing. However, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this put you off as no matter where we were, there was always someone willing to help these confused foreigners. In fact, this is one of the charms of Japan - dealing with the Japanese people who we found to be among the most helpful, friendly and courteous that we had come across in our travels.

Tokyo is definitely one of those places that transfixes you with its vibrance. No matter what time of day, there are always people about. The city is full of contrasts - flashing neon lights create a stunning backdrop for the small sushi bars filled with the elderly Japanese regulars. There is definitely an energy in the city that is hard to describe.

There is plenty to do in Tokyo and a few days are easily taken up with shopping (heaps of gorgeous fashion shops, as well as the plethora of ten-story high electronics stores), visiting temples, the world-famous fish market (an early start is required!) or just sitting people-watching.

Given that our itinerary only had us in Japan for a couple of weeks, we decided to limit ourselves to just a few stops around the main island. Getting around Japan is a piece of cake as the transport system is faultless, running like clockwork. The train and subway system is the best choice of transport for most situations. You can get to most places quite easily and,

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if you are travelling city to city, the Shinkansen (or bullet train as it is known outside of Japan) will whisk you there very quickly and in comfort.

After a few days in Tokyo, we headed to the west right down to Fukuoka, a coastal city. This is a lovely city in its own right, but is also a great place to base yourself if you would like to do a day trip down to Nagasaki. Nagasaki is one of the cities that was flattened by an atomic bomb in 1945 and no trip to Nagasaki is complete without a visit to the Atomic Museum and the Peace Park. It is a stark reminder of that atrocities of war and makes you consider what is important in life.

We then backtracked to Kyoto. This is another great place to base yourself. It is one of the most popular cities for tourists as it is a fantastic place to get your fill of the cultural aspect of Japan. There is an array of temples and beautiful gardens to visit.

From Kyoto, we took day trips to Osaka, nearby Himeji (where there is the best preserved castle in Japan - an amazing sight), Nara (Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first capital city) and Hiroshima. Each of these places are on main train lines and are easy and quick to get to.

One thing that everyone has asked about since we returned from Japan is the food. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to Japanese food than sushi (although all of the sushi that we had was amazingly good). There is also an array of other foods, from numerous types of noodles dishes, to Italian cuisine (by the sheer number of

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Italian restaurants, this seems to be an extrememly popular option for the Japanese), and, for those who just need a fix of ‘normal’ food, there are plenty of western-style fast food outlets. So, even if you aren’t too keen on raw fish, there will be plenty to keep you going.

CURRENCY: 1 New Zealand Dollar = approximately 62 Japanese Yen POPULATION: Approximately 127 million LANGUAGE: Japanese. Many signs in tourist areas are in English TIME ZONE: Japan is 4 hours beind New Zealand FLIGHT TIME: Approximately 11-12 hours flight time from Auckland to Tokyo

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FACTS

With some places, you head home with almost a sense a relief.

However, with Japan we could have stayed for a lot longer. There is so much to see and do and, the more you see, the more you begin to ‘understand’ Japan. Japan might not on the surface have the romance of Paris or Rome, but if you like your holidays a little less traditional, it is definitely an amazing place to begin your married lives exploring together.

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The Checklist Engaged to 9 months before Task

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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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• 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