MODEL FOR A DAY - THE SHOOT!
06/ 2011
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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...
What an exciting month it has been! With Alicia having won the inaugural Model for a Day competition last month, we were excited to do the editorial shoot with her. And what an amazing shoot it was! The fantastic photographer, Jessica Higueras worked with Alicia to create some spectacular photos which you can view in the spread on page 18. Cover Credits: Photography: Jessica Higueras from Jessica Photography www.jessicaphotography.co.nz Model: Alicia Oliver
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.
Having run the competition, it has affirmed to us a couple of things. First, that we will run another competition next year and secondly, what amazing ladies we have in New Zealand. While Alicia won the competition (and looked absolutely stunning in the shoot), the high quality of the entrants in the competition showed us just how gorgeous New Zealand brides are. With this in mind, we really want to start showcasing the beautiful everyday brides who are out there and we have a few things coming up so watch this space. Right, enough of the chit-chat, go and look at the photos!
Tim & Gabrielle
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PERFECT PERFUME 102
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CONFETTTI
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MODEL FOR A DAY EDITORIAL SHOOT 5
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WHAT’S
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Do it yourself flowers! That’s right, you read it correctly. You can now easily do your own wedding flowers. DIY Wholesale Flowers have set up a website which makes it easy for you to buy everything you need to create your own wedding flowers. And, because you are doing it yourself, you’ll save heaps! To help you on the way, they have a step by step guide to ordering your flowers and even have instructions for how to make a boutonniere for the bridal party. Check out www.diywholesaleflowers.co.nz for all of the details.
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PL U in S: C A sh licia heck oo t o â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mo out o np ag del fo ur jew e1 r 8! a Da eller y y
e your own unique jewellery. stom designs with delight. Beautiful wedding jewellery for Beads for embellishment. you and your bridesmaids w.beadsgloriousbeads.com www.beadsgloriousbeads.com
gsland Tce, Kingsland, Auckland
WEDDING SHOWS engaged
Manawatu Wedding Expo
Sunday, 12 June 2011 Convention Centre, Main Street, Palmerston North www.manawatuweddingexpo.co.nz
Nelson Wedding Show
Sunday, 26 June 2011 Trafalgar Centre. Nelson 10:00am - 3.00pm www.nelsonweddingshow.co.nz
Divine Day Out
Sunday, 25 September 2011 The Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd, Kerikeri. 10:00am - 4:00pm www.divinedayout.co.nz
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FEATURE
Scent of a Woman Choosing the perfect perfume for your wedding
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here are two schools of thought when it comes to choosing your perfume for your wedding. The first says you should stick with a fragrance that your groom especially likes: one he has bought you as a present or one that reminds you both of a special occasion, like your first date or when you got engaged. The second says that your wedding day is the first day of your married life together and that you should have a special scent to remind you of that day. Whichever school you choose to go with, there are a few things that you should know about perfume to ensure you not only look beautiful, but you smell that way too!
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Firstly, look at the theme of your wedding. If your theme is girly and romantic with loads of flower bouquets, then a floral fragrance would suit. Leather-grouped scents may be better for a ‘greener’ themed wedding (think wood elves and trees!).
How to pick the perfect new scent
Next, have a think about what a smell does to you. Aromachologists believe that certain smells can affect our moods. For example, jasmine and other white flowers are thought to relax, lavender is calming, and citrus scents can lower stress hormones. Anything that can help relax you on your big day is a winner for us! With this knowledge, visit your favourite perfume shop and ask to try on perfumes in your chosen group. Only try three or four perfumes maximum, otherwise your senses will just get confused. Use each wrist and the inside of each elbow as a test area and then wait 30 minutes, sniffing the perfume at various intervals to see how the perfumes notes work together (see below for more on this). It is very important to test the perfume on yourself, as different scents smell different on different people. They also smell differently on a piece of paper. Once you have chosen, make sure you check with your beloved that it is something he likes. And then resist the temptation to just keep trying it! Lastly, think about co-ordinating your bridesmaids’ perfumes. They should come from the same family, and many recommend using single-note fragrances so as their perfume doesn’t compete with yours!
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The bouquet Just as a perfume is made up of several different ‘notes’, it can also be made from several different sources and combinations of those. Often the type of perfume can be described by classifying it, according to its ingredients. There are traditional and modern classifications for perfume: Traditional classifications include: • Single floral; • Floral bouquet; • Amber, which refers to the sweet, slightly animalistic scents, often combined with vanilla, flowers and woods; • Wood; • Leather, including honey and tobacco; • Chypre, meaning Cyprus in French. This includes patchouli, bergamot, oakmoss and labdanum; • Fougere, meaning Fern in French, and built on a base of lavender, coumarin and oakmoss.
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And then, with advancement in perfume technology, a new, modern system of classification has emerged: • Bright Floral, which combines the traditional single floral and floral bouquet categories; • Green, which is a modern version of the Chypre type, also featuring cut grass and cucumber scents; • Oceanic, Aquatic or Ozonic, a clean smell, often used to accent floral, oriental or woody fragrances and seen as an androgynous perfume. • Citrus; • Fruity, using the fragrances of fruits other than citrus; and • Gourmand, which refers to scents that feel like they could be eaten. Think vanilla or cocoa bean or anything dessert-like! So where do these smells come from? The list is endless: bark, flowers, blossoms, fruits (including leaves and peels), leaves, twigs, resins, roots, bulbs, seeds, woods, ambergris (oxidised whale fat), castoreum (from beavers), honeycomb, deer musk, lichens, seaweed, and, of course, synthetic or man-made scents.
How to apply perfume If possible, layer the fragrance: start with it in the bath, as you dry yourself lather in scented moisturiser and finally, apply the perfume. Apply perfume to pulse points (wrist, crook of your arm and knee, base of
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your throat, behind your ear) as these are the points where blood vessels are closest to the surface of your skin, which results in these areas giving off more heat which in turn draws attention to the perfume. Perfume, like heat, rises, so apply it to the crooks of your knees for added effect! To achieve a ‘cloud of fragrance’ affect, spray perfume on your veil (just check that it won’t stain it!). For something a little difference, but oh-soromantic, spray perfume on the palms of your hands. As you move your hands, the fragrance will waft upwards. Lastly, if you have dry skin, perfume may fade quickly on you, so you should carry a small bottle of your perfume to re-apply throughout the day. Those with oily skin should recognise that perfume may be stronger on you and that you may need to go a bit lighter!
Prolonging the life of your perfume Make sure you keep your perfume away from heat and light. Many recommend storing your perfume in its original packaging to protect it. As pretty as a special perfume bottle is,
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you may find that decanting your perfume from its original bottle into your own perfume dispenser may result in oxygen getting into your bottle, which can alter the smell of the fragrance.
Notes about notes… As with music, perfume is described as having three sets of notes. These notes work together to make a type of perfume harmony. The first is the ‘top note’. This is your immediate impression of the perfume, so perfumers use them to sell the scent! These top notes evaporate quickly. The ‘middle notes’ emerge just as the top notes disappear and form the main ‘body’ of the perfume. The ‘base notes’ of a perfume appear as the middle notes fade, and bring depth to the perfume. Often the first impression of the base notes is unpleasant, so the middle notes are used to mask the initial scent. The base notes are not usually apparent until about 30 minutes have passed – this is why perfumers recommend trying on the scent and walking around the shopping centre before buying!
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MODEL
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Wow, we’ve finally done it! Engaged’s first ever Model for a Day editorial shoot! And what an amazing shoot it was! We are so excited to bring you this editorial spread, not only to show off Jessica Higueras’ amazing photography, but to introduce to you Alicia, the latest Engaged fashion model! Alicia was an absolute star on the day, not only acting with more professionalism than many professional models, but looking absolutely stunning while doing it! We would like to thank everyone involved in creating this beautiful spread of images. However, particular thanks goes to photographer Jessica Higueras who not only came up with the idea for the shoot, but also organized all the production, the shoot’s theme and liaised with everyone from model to the stylists and found the amazing location. We couldn’t have done it without her. Right, without further ado, onto the spread...
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Model:
Make-up
Assistan
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MODEL FOR A DAY
Alicia Oliver
p, hair and styling: Amber Davies for www.bridalbeauty.co.nz using MAC
nt make-up, hair and styling: Florence Hobbs-Price
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How
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it is to warm up on your Winter Wedding with a vintage fur
wrap or a cape;
Choose a big sheer layer dress, maybe you can find a vintage broche, add a touch of pearls and Voila!
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Credits Credits With special thanks to:
• Vera from City Bridal - www.citybridal.co.nz
• Jo from Beads Glorious Beads - www.beadsgloriousbeads.com • Elizabeth from A La Robe - www.alarobe.com • Yvonne Sanders Antiques - www.yvonnesandersantiques.com • Viva La Vintage
Jewellery: Pascale Necklace courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 20-21
Dress: Catarina from City Bridal (style no: 20WA0188). : Tulle and slik taffeta are married together in this romantic, ballerina-like ballgown. Silk Taffeta is ruched across the bodice, which is sweetly decorated with soft flowers on champagne colored one shoulder strap. The matching colour waistband with grand beaded motifs at the center front introduces the softly gathered tulle skirt.
Other: Yvonne Sanders French Gilt Reproduction bedside table for pair $1,300 , Yvonne Sanders Iranian hand knotted rug $695 ,Yvonne Sanders assorted artificial silk flowers at $19.95 upwards, Yvonne Sanders Antique accounts book circa 1927 $25, Yvonne Sanders french 19th century chair , part of pair at $700
Jewellery: Erin necklace (graduated knotted pearls) wrapped around wrist courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads.
Pages 26-27
Dress: Paris Kimono & Sash courtesy of A La Robe
Dress: Tyra from City Bridal (style no: 23WA0178). This gown featuring a sweetheart neckline with enchanting beaded/lace embroidery decorating the bodice with built in Corsets. Luminous taffeta is softly caught up throughout the voluminous full A-line skirt. It also features romantic layers of tulle insert on the skirt.
Other: Yvonne Sanders Antiques’ Silver wear, part of set
Jewellery: Cosmojet Bracelet (crystal colour) courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 24-25
Other: Viva La Vintage 1930s Rabbit fur stole $165, Yvonne Sanders assorted artificial silk flowers at $19.95 upwards
Other: Viva La Vintage Vintage Veil $45
Pages 22-23
Dress: Sylvia from City Bridal (style no: 73K00079). This style features an overlapping ruched bodice that transitions into a softly draped A-line skirt. The fluted drape reveals a gathered tulle inset panel. Embellished with crystals and diamante in the centre of the bust.
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Dress: Tyra from City Bridal (style no: 23WA0178). This gown featuring a sweetheart neckline with enchanting beaded/lace embroidery decorating the bodice with built in Corsets. Luminous taffeta is softly caught up throughout
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the voluminous full A-line skirt. It also features romantic layers of tulle insert on the skirt.
Ballgown with sweetheart neckline lace up closure.This enchanting design features ruched organza bodice and tulle gently gathered throughout the ballgown skirt. Handmade flowers and petals beautify this style with one shoulder strap
Jewellery: Cosmojet Bracelet (crystal colour) courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads Other: Viva La Vintage 1930s Rabbit fur stole $165, Yvonne Sanders assorted artificial silk flowers at $19.95 upwards, Yvonne Sanders french ladies gilt salon chair circa 1890 $950
Jewellery: Nelle Necklace and Anya Earrings courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 30-31
Pages 38-39
Dress: Catarina from City Bridal (style no: 20WA0188). Tulle and slik taffeta are married together in this romantic, ballerina-like ballgown. Silk Taffeta is ruched across the bodice, which is sweetly decorated with soft flowers on champagne colored one shoulder strap. The matching colour waistband with grand beaded motifs at the center front introduces the softly gathered tulle skirt. Jewellery: Stack of pearl bracelets courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 32-33
Dress: Isadora from City Bridal (style no: 30V00315). This gown presents inventive styling with an Illusion strapless neckline accented with a romantic floral feature and lace motifs that also decorate the side hip. Layers of gathered tulle drift down the ballgown skirt for an unforgettable look and feel.
Belle Cape courtesy of A La Robe
Jewellery: Cosmojet Bracelet (crystal colour) and Anya Earrings courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 34-35
Dress: Alicia from City Bridal (style no: 50VA0465). Ballgown with sweetheart neckline lace up closure.This enchanting design features ruched organza bodice and tulle gently gathered throughout the ballgown skirt. Handmade flowers and petals beautify this style with one shoulder strap
Le Fur courtesy of A La Robe
Jewellery: Nelle Necklace and Claire Earrings courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
Pages 36-37
Dress: Geneva from City Bridal (style no: 30V00315). A-line, strapless gown with dipped neckline and corset closure. This Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amour Satin gown features an asymmetrically wrapped waist with exquisite embellished lace motifs over the bodice and fall on it the train. Jewellery: Erin Necklace and Anya Earrings courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads Other: Viva La Vintage Rabbit 1930s Rabbit fur stole $135. Table settings - Viva La Vintage table cloth $85, Yvonne Sanders cast iron birds repro at $22.50 each, Yvonne Sanders Lead crystal Decanter 50 yrs old $99, Yvonne Sanders pair of Merano glass water set glasses $295 complete, Yvonne Sanders crystal glasses, part of set of 6 whiskey glass crystal set $180, Yvonne Sanders assorted plastic fruit, vary from $4-6 each, Yvonne Sanders E.P.N.S lidded serving dish circa 1890 $240
Pages 40-41
Dress: Geneva from City Bridal (style no: 30V00315). A-line, strapless gown with dipped neckline and corset closure. This Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amour Satin gown features an asymmetrically wrapped waist with exquisite embellished lace motifs over the bodice and fall on it the train. Jewellery: Anya Earrings courtesy of Beads Glorious Beads
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Dress: Isadora from City Bridal (style no: 30V00315). This gown presents inventive styling with an Illusion strapless neckline accented with a romantic floral feature and lace motifs that also decorate the side hip. Layers of gathered tulle drift down the ballgown skirt for an unforgettable look and feel.
Dress: Alicia from City Bridal (style no: 50VA0465).
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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
Dilworth Photography Website: www.dilworthphotography.co.nz Email: dilworthphotography@gmail.com Phone: 027 468 1865 Auckland
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)
Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: brett@uniquevisions.co.nz Phone: 09 8133 519 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland
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Jodie C Photography Website: www.jodiecphotography.co.nz
Email: info@jodiecphotography.co.nz Phone: 021 323 829 Auckland & Nationwide
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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Jake Thomas Photography Website: www.jakethomas.co.nz Phone: 0220 941 273 Waikato & Nationwide
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Email: jake@jakethomas.co.nz
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Mike Hill Photography
Website: www.mikehillphotography.co.nz Email: info@mikehillphotography.co.nz Phone: 07 863 1180 Mobile: 021 507 537 Waihi, Nationwide & International Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography
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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Backyard Studio
Web: www.backyardstudio.co.nz Phone: 021 143 7289 Christchurch
Email: info@backyardstudio.co.nz
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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CONFE
Engagedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to getting your g
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FEATURE
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guests to throw stuff at you
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The throwing of confetti is an old tradition that originates in Rome. There, couples were showered with sugared almonds or confectionary, which is where the word confetti comes from.
Many supporters of the former opinion now choose to throw bird seed instead. One thing you need to be aware of when choosing seed is that the seed should come from native plants. The introduction of non-native species can upset the environmental balance.
We all consider confetti to be small, coloured pieces of paper. But with most wedding venues (and environmentalists!) now frowning upon the use of paper confetti, what are the alternatives?
Bubbly bubbles Secondly, bubbles are option. They are becoming very popular as there is no mess to clean up afterwards and they provide an endless source of delight for your younger guests.
Rice is nice… or not? Firstly, there is rice. Rice is cheap and easy to obtain in bulk lots. You just need to place it in pretty containers for the guests and you have instant confetti!
Commercial bubbles are available in small, plain containers or you can use designer containers that match your theme. For those on a budget or environmentally conscious, you can make the bubbles yourself using dish detergent and water.
Rice being used as confetti is not new: in ancient days a local seed or grain was thrown as a symbol of fertility. In some places it was wheat; however the most popular grain has now become rice.
The only problem with bubbles is that they may stain clothing. Check the detergent level is not too high and try to do a ‘test run’ with a material sample from your dress to ensure it doesn’t mark your beautiful gown.
There is some argument that rice should not be thrown as birds eat it and it swells up in their stomachs, causing health problems. Of course, there is also the counter-argument that there is no evidence to support this!
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Roses only Thirdly, rose petals make visually stunning confetti. Petals can be very easily coordinated with the balance of your colour scheme and there are several difference mixes and colours available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the hardest part will be choosing which to go with! Outside petals blow away and biodegrade easily, which makes for a simple clean-up.
For all of the above, we have assumed the confetti will be thrown outside. Check with your venue if you intend to use any of these inside. In fact, check with your venue regardless as they may have their own special requirements. Of course, there are non-confetti options such as dove or butterfly releases â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see our March issue for details of these!
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FEATURE
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Exclusively
YOURS
Book out an entire tropical island
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An island wedding in the South Pacific is all about tying the knot while standing barefoot on white sands, the tropical beauty a breath-taking backdrop to your magical ceremony. Curious onlookers are a blur as you gaze into your partner’s eyes… But why have onlookers at all? Generally you would book your wedding ceremony and reception venue and expect to have it all to yourself. Does it need to be different at a tropical resort? Not if you choose to experience the sweeping romance of your own private resort and make it truly all about you. Te Vakaroa Villas in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, is one such resort promoting the exclusivity and tranquillity of mixing with only friends and family at their stunning location on Muri Beach, arguably the best white sand beach on the island. Rarotonga – Emerald jewel of the Pacific Once a massive volcano, Rarotonga is the youngest of the Cook Islands southern group, now covered in a thick tropical jungle and ringed by tropical reefs and lagoons. Long white sand beaches, majestic mountains and crystal clear lagoons make Rarotonga a unique slice of paradise.
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Te Vakaroa – Jewel of Rarotonga A luxury beachfront property, Te Vakaroa Villas offers six brand new one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. A gorgeous resort for a wedding party, it boasts luxurious interiors, full modern facilities, satellite reception, flat screen TVs, surround-sound music, together with an infinity fresh-water swimming pool and spa pool overlooking Muri Beach. Tonia Timmins, Wedding Coordinator for Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel, has enjoyed the hospitality of Te Vakaroa Villas. “The minute you step into your villa you feel the warmth and luxury of your surroundings. Every little detail has been thought of, from the feather-down pillows on your bed to the well-equipped kitchen. But why cook when there are fabulous restaurants at your doorstep? There’s even the option of delivery to your Villa”. Tonia explains the advantages of booking out Te Vakaroa for your wedding. Flexible to your every whim Booking out an entire resort really means it’s all about you, with all staff dedicated to ensuring your special day is perfect! From accommodation and dining to your ceremony location – everything is flexible according to your desires. Te Vakaroa Villas will provide complimentary return airport transfers, a welcome fruit basket on arrival, complimentary tropical breakfasts as well as the use of kayaks, snorkelling gear and beach towels. The high-end equivalent of going to nana’s for a holiday! Book out the entire resort and Te Vakaroa Villas will even let you bring children.
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How to plan when you don’t know how many guests will come Booking an entire resort can seem on the surface a risky business. What if you end up not having enough guests? What if you have too many? Te Vakaroa has addressed this issue with its small size (accommodating up to 20 guests) together with its superb location – it’s within walking distance of neighbouring Villas; a great option for guest overflow. A feast of dining choices Exclusive doesn’t mean isolated. Instead your exclusive resort becomes your hub for the array of delicious dining options close by. Adjacent to Te Vakaroa Villas is Sails Restaurant and Bar, which overlooks Muri Lagoon and has a tempting variety of Cook Island food on offer. Te Vakaroa Villas’ great location means other fine dining restaurants are in the close vicinity giving you choices galore for your wedding reception. All details can be planned well in advance with catering ranging from canapés, set menus, island buffet or a gourmet BBQ. Or join family and friends for a wedding breakfast at Te Vakaroa Villas. Seek out your dream wedding location Beach or island chapel? Both are idyllic and fitting places to marry in an island setting, but there are plenty of other options to ponder.
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From Te Vakaroa Villas, wedding ceremonies can be planned for a range of isolated beach venues, gardens, on a mountain with sweeping scenic views, at a local church or even on a motu (the lagoon island in front of the resort). Picture yourself being paddled out to the motu by an island warrior while your partner awaits your arrival on the sandy white shore of the isle. “Across the lagoon is an uninhabited island called Koromiri Motu where the bride can be paddled out in a traditional vaka by an island warrior across the lagoon to her waiting husband-to-be,” explains Tonia. “How romantic to not only have a resort to yourselves but to say you were married on the sandy shores of a deserted island!” ‘Te Vakaroa’ means ‘long canoe’ - a fitting name as the Villas are sited where many of the large voyaging canoes were carved in pre-missionary days. Truly be yourself It’s as if you are teenagers and your parents are away for the weekend – go wild! Let down your hair amongst friends and family: make a fool of yourself with silly dancing, rouse everyone for a midnight swim or party until morning. Luxuriating in your private resort is a perfect chance to relax and unwind, revelling in your own uniqueness as a person and the celebration of the beginning of married life. No doubt guests will also enjoy this special opportunity – who knows what everyone will get up to and what stories will be treasured of a very unique island wedding.
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Prefer Fiji? If you prefer Fiji, then Toberua Island Resort in Fiji is one to consider. Here groups of up to 30 people can have the whole island for only $6000 a night! With lush tropical gardens, golf course, water sport activities, proximity to dive sites, extensive spa treatments and sumptuous cuisine, Toberua Island has it all! Get in touch with Tonia at Bon Voyage Cruises and Travel for more details.
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Tips for booking out an entire resort: 1.
Count your guests
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always hard to anticipate exactly how many guests will be able to attend your wedding, even more so when you plan to get married in the South Pacific! Obtaining exclusivity comes at the cost of commitment so be sure that you will have the minimum number of guests required (and the minimum time stay) and that there are quality accommodation options close by if you have an overflow of guests. 2.
Budget in advance
Generally a resort will manage the risk of your exclusive booking by requiring a chunky deposit at the time of booking, with the remainder due in advance of your arrival. Give your guests plenty of time to plan for this, or choose to pay the deposit yourself to secure the booking and accept payment from your guests later. 3.
Make the most of it!
This is your time to absolutely be yourself and revel in the luxury of everything being about you. Resorts are likely to be very flexible to meet your particular requirements, for example allowing children even if the resort usually excludes children.
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Weddings in Paradise
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choosing Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel to organise my wedding travel arrangements was the first decision that I made, and by far one of the best! Tonia has such a broad range of knowledge in destination weddings, her advice was invaluable! From arranging packages for my family all over New Zealand to helping me choose the right resort for our wedding. We not only had the perfect wedding, we also enjoyed a fabulous holiday with our family that we will never forget.â&#x20AC;? Stacey and Chris Morunga October 2008
Expert in Paradise! Tonia Timmins is our Wedding and Honeymoon Expert, using her exceptional organisational skills, travel expertise and creative flair to design beach wedding and honeymoon packages. All wedding packages we feature are at resorts Tonia has visited, enjoying the hospitality and charm of island paradises in the quest to find the best Pacific wedding and honeymoon destinations.
Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel CRUISES & TRAVEL
8a Cleveland Road, Parnell, Auckland Ph 368 6804 www.bonvoyage.co.nz
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FEATURE
Celebrate the
CELEBRANT Engagedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to marriage celebrants
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The serious stuff: OK, first up, the facts: There are two types of people that can legally solemnise your marriage: â&#x20AC;˘ A Registrar of Marriages; or â&#x20AC;˘ An authorised Marriage Celebrant. Marriage Celebrants can be broken down into three separate categories: Ministers of Religious Bodies: Recognised religious bodies nominate ministers and these names are published in the New Zealand Gazette as authorised marriage celebrants; Organisational Celebrants: Certain organisations that uphold or promote religious or spiritual or humanitarian beliefs can nominate designated celebrants and these people are named in the New Zealand Gazette as authorised celebrants; Independent Celebrants: These celebrants operate independently of any church or organisation.
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The marriage celebrant takes care of the legal parts of the ceremony. This means they must be satisfied that the bride and groom standing in front of them are the people named on the marriage certificate. They must also make sure that the marriage takes place at the venue named on the certificate and that the vows are made in front of them and at least two other people. They are also responsible for ensuring the marriage registration papers are signed correctly and returned to the issuing Registrar within ten days of the marriage. Further, they must take all reasonable steps to make sure the marriage is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages. You should check to make sure that your marriage celebrant is registered as an official marriage celebrant not only at the time the marriage certificate is issued, but also at the time of the ceremony. The New Zealand Gazette publishes a list of all registered marriage celebrants around March each year; additions and deletions from this list are made during the year on a case-by-case basis. You can check the current list of celebrants at the Department of Internal Affairs website here: http://www.dia.govt.nz/web/ marriagecelebs.nsf/regionmap?readform The period of registration as a celebrant only lasts a year and must be updated. Check just prior to your wedding to ensure your celebrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration is current. What happens when your nominated celebrant canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t officiate, either because their registration has expired or he or she is sick? Any other celebrant can take his or her place, provided they are an authorised marriage celebrant. Now for the more interesting part!
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The fun stuff: Choosing a marriage celebrant might be a daunting task, but once you break it down into steps, it’s not so hard! Firstly, if you are affiliated with a church or religious group and want to get married in that church or the group’s meeting place, then you will probably need to talk to your church or group to see who your choices are. If you are using an independent celebrant, the choice can be a little harder. Start by asking around your friends and family to see if they recommend anyone. If that doesn’t provide any ideas, check with Births, Deaths and Marriages or with the New Zealand Gazette. Once you have narrowed it down to a few choices, give the celebrants a call and arrange to meet them. Your meeting with them should be comfortable and easy – you want to make sure you have a good rapport with the celebrant as they will be a big part of your day. Also look for someone who has a professional approach as you need to feel sure that all of your paperwork will be in order and that they will turn up at the right time on the right day! When talking with the celebrant, you may like to ask them the following questions: • How much will you be involved in the ceremony? Some celebrants like to write and deliver the whole ceremony; others like to work with what you have written. • How do you work with couples? Do they like to have a couple
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of meetings to get to know your personalities and personal styles or do they just meet with you once before the wedding? It is good to meet with the celebrant a few times – most importantly to find out what they will say at the ceremony and whether it suits you and your vision for the day! • How much do you cost? Celebrants tend to cost from $350 up to $800. If the celebrant you are speaking with is particularly cheap (or expensive!), you might need to find out why. • What training have you had? How long have you been a marriage celebrant? This will give you an idea of their experience with everything from public speaking to handling unexpected problems. • Can we speak to a couple you have married recently? Do you have pictures of the ceremony? References are always good, and if you can see photos you can see how professionally the celebrant dresses when officiating. Remember they will be in a lot of your photos! • Do you have any ideas for vows or readings that you can share with us? Is that part of your service? Celebrants are usually a mine of information and will quite often have a resource kit of suitable ideas for couples. Your celebrant is a big part of your day. They should be able to help you relax, yet take a controlling role in the ceremony so that it runs smoothly. They will feel honoured to have been chosen to help you celebrate and should make your day memorable for the right reasons, just like you deserve!
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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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Task
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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
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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
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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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