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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... First of all, I would like to thank everyone for the amazing feedback that we received from the Model for a Day Competition photoshoot. It was so nice to receive so many great comments on how fantastic Alicia looked! Given it has been getting a bit nippy recently and some of you aer probably getting the winter blues, we thought we would get a few competitions up and running this month!
Cover Credits:
Photography: Unique Visions Photography www.uniquevisions.co.nz Model: Tessa
Advertising Enquiries: Contact: Tim Hamilton Email: info@engaged.co.nz Phone: 021 448817 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.
First, we have some movie tickets up for grabs - Something Borrowed comes out in August and we have five double passes to win! Next is the Abeeco Bee Venom Mask (bee venom masks have become all the rage with even Kate Middleton having used some) - we have three pots of Bee Venom Mask to give away. Finally, to celebrate Jessica Photographyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth birthday, we have a themed photoshoot for a lucky reader to win! The shoot will even be featured in an upcoming issue of Engaged!
Of course, there are also great articles to read and a brilliant photo spread from Unique Visions Photography. Enjoy!
Tim & Gabrielle
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table of COMPETITIONS CANDLES
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WIN A THEMED SHOOT 40
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COMPETITIONS Celebrity Beauty treatment now available in NZ The Beauty industry has been abuzz since the royal wedding with reports that Kate Middelton and other well-known celebrities have been using a bee venom mask made from New Zealand Bee Venom. Bee product specialists, Abeeco, have announced the addition of their own Bee Venom Mask to their skincare product range. Dubbed internationally as the natural alternative to Botox,
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the Bee Venom contained in the mask is used to fool the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung. This in turn stimulates the production of the naturally occurring chemicals collagen and elastin, thereby creating a tightening and smoothing effect. The effects are cumulative, that is, the longer you use it the more obvious the effects will be. Until recently Bee Venom masks have only been available in the UK using Bee Venom imported from New Zealand. Abeeco, a NZ owned and operated company with nearly 20 years in the ‘Bee’ industry, is introducing their own Bee Venom Mask to the New Zealand market using the very best local Bee Venom and Manuka Honey. Managing Director, Des Sowden says, “It’s great to finally be able to offer this beauty product to New Zealander’s who can now enjoy this innovative facial treatment. Having worked with Bee Venom for years we continued to be amazed by the extent of its beneficial properties”. In addition to Kate Middelton, it has also been reported that the likes of Victoria Beckham, Danni Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer and the Duchess of Cornwall have been using skincare products made from New Zealand Bee Venom. Abeeco’s Bee Venom Mask is available for $89.95 (50mls) online at www. abeeco.co.nz or by phoning 0800 370 999.
WIN!
We have three containers of Abeeco’s Bee Venom Mask to give away! To enter, just click the link, fill in the details and answer the simple question! Click here to enter!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS! Jessica Photography is celebrating its fifth birthday. As you all know, Jessica Higueras has been amazing by helping us out with the Model for a Day shoot showcased in last month’s issue and so we thought we would help her out by letting you all know about her competition! She is giving couples a chance to win a themed photo shoot. What’s more the winner will have their shoot featured in an upcoming issue of Engaged! To check out more details, head to page 54!
WIN!
WIN!
TICKETS TO “SOMETHING BORROWED”! Friendships are tested and secrets come to the surface when terminally single Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) falls for Dex, her best friend Darcy’s (Kate Hudson) fiancé in the smart, romantic comedy “SOMETHING BORROWED” – In cinemas August 11 We have 5 double passes to give away! To enter, just click the link below, fill in your details and answer the simple question! Click here to enter
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Capturing the
EMOTION
This month we have four gorgeous couples captured by Brett Lees and Lissa Reyden at Unique Visions Photography. As you will see, Brett and Lissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos are stunning and offer a unique perspective on the traditional wedding photos. View more of their work at www.uniquevisions.co.nz
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REAL BRIDES
Tessa and Mikael 11
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Dress: Brooke Tyson Hair: Bea Ghanadzadeh Flowers: Mary Flinn Make-up: Taryn Light
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Tegan & Ben Dress: City Bridal Flowers: My Wedding Flowers Hair/Makeup: Amber Carroll
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Jacinda & Steve Dress: Astra Bridal Flowers: Angie J Hair: Natalya Garwood Makeup: Shelley Strange
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Danielle & Laith Dress: Donna at Indulgence Bridal Makeup: Amba at Indulgence Bridal Flowers: ordered from Van Leir Nurseries, Florist/arrangements: Jenna at Artistic Wedding Flower 31
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e your own unique jewellery. stom designs with delight. Beautiful wedding jewellery for eads for embellishment. you and your bridesmaids w.beadsgloriousbeads.com www.beadsgloriousbeads.com
sland Tce, Kingsland, Auckland
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FEATURE
Hair Comes the
Bride Hair accessories are a fantastic way to add the final touch to your wedding look. We asked Helena Dinnissen of Charis Accessories (www.weddingjewellery.co.nz) about what are the latest trends in hair accessories.
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Whether you are marrying a prince or a plumber, you can’t go past hair accessories to finish off your perfect wedding day look. Choosing the perfect accessory starts with your hair style. Forget sharp hair lines and tightly pinned ballet buns, the latest looks are soft flowing locks, all out or effortlessly pinned back at the side or into soft curls at the back. To complete these effortless hair styles think vintage for your hair accessories, be inspired by the early 1900’s from glamorous cocktail parties to high tea on the lawn. Think Birdcage veils, fascinators, silk flowers and veils with embellishments of detailed lace, feathers, antique pearls and art deco styled diamantes.
Birdcage veils and Fascinators Nothing says elegance and sophistication quite like a fascinator or a birdcage veil. Versatility is the key, fascinators and birdcage veils are easy to wear with your hair up or out, you can have the veiling over your face for your ceremony and photo’s then casually folded back as you party your way into the early hours with family and friends. Fascinators and birdcage veils can be made from off-cuts or hem scraps from your dress to give you that perfect match, or choose a contrasting colour for a more playful look and don’t forget to add beading, lace and feathers for a real show stopper.
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“think vintage for your hair accessories, be inspired by the early 1900’s from glamorous cocktail parties to high tea on the lawn”
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Veils While veils always remain an essential wedding trend, with a little bit more styling you can create a masterpiece. A softer fabric than traditional bridal tulle can drape beautifully and create an elegant silhouette, or try lace or bedding edging for eye catching detail. If you do choose to wear a veil, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that it is the only thing you can wear in your hair. Most brides will take their veil off at some point and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to leave your lovely locks looking naked. Veils can be paired with tiaras for a regal look, or simple hair pins, hair bands and combs. You can even mix and match with a hair flower or fascinator that you keep in your handbag and when the time is right, swap your veil out and your flower.
Flowers Whether you are a bride on the beach, in the garden or walking the aisle or an elegant church, nothing says effortless elegance like a flower in your hair. Be inspired by a turn of the century garden party and try a flower wreath or soft silk rose tucked into your locks. Remember that though live flowers can be beautiful, they may not last the distance, but a silk or fabric flower will last forever and become a lovely keepsake and re-usable accessory. Flowers can be crafted to suit your look from your own fabrics to get that one of a kind style.
For you a handcrafted hair accessory to fit perfectly with your wedding look contact Helena Dinnissen of Charis Accessories www.weddingjewellery.co.nz
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Romantic FEATURE
Glow
TIPS for incorporating candles into your wedding
Like moonlight, candlelight conjures up images of romance. With the ability to add shine and sparkle to a room, candlelight is one of the most flattering lights, bathing everything in a soft, warm glow. So how do you incorporate candles into your wedding? Read on....
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There are many ways to include candles into all aspects of your wedding: they can be used in your ceremony, on the tables as centrepieces at your reception, in free-standing candelabras around the venueâ&#x20AC;Ś the possibilities are endless. They are a great way to add an air of romance to any venue. The choices for candles are endless. If you can think of a colour, you can probably find a candle in that shade. You choose a scent, and you can probably find a candle with that fragrance. Different heights, shapes and sizes are all available, so it should be no problem incorporating them into any wedding theme (OK, so choosing from so many varieties is hard, but a girl loves choices, right?). To ensure that the candle gives the desired effect and lasts for as long as you want, you need to think about is the material the candle is made from and the burn time of the candles. No one wants a puddle of wax in front of them at the dinner table! As burn times will vary due the quality of the candle, the size, the shape and the wick, it is best to buy a couple of candles and test them out before buying the whole lot.
Types of candle There are a number of different materials that candles may be made of. Each one has its benefits and disadvantages and may be more suitable for various uses. Parafin: The most widely available type of candle is made from paraffin. You will most likely find a greater range of candles available in this material. Quality does vary however so make sure you try them at home first. Softer candles (which have a higher oil content) burn faster than harder candles. Candles that are in jars are often softer than, for example, pillar candles.
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Soy wax: Soy wax candles are fairly new to the market. Developed as an alternative to petroleum or paraffin based waxes, soy candles are plant based and produce a clean flame, with relatively no soot given off. They burn for longer and give a brighter flame, reducing the number of candles needed to give the same light. They also burn at a lower temperature than paraffin, which means that candlesticks or containers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heat up as fast and be in danger of splitting or cracking. Soy candles are more expensive than parafin candles, but this cost can be negated by the fact that they normally burn for longer than the parafin candles, which results in you needing less candles. Bees Wax: An alternative to soy wax is beeswax. Another natural product, beeswax is clarified from honeycomb cells, often softened with vegetable oil to make it easier to work with. Again, there is some argument that beeswax candles burn more cleanly that paraffin-based waxes, but this is something that can be affected by the quality of the paraffin used. It is said that beeswax candles have a warmer, yellower flame than paraffin. They also have a rich natural aroma.
The sweet smellâ&#x20AC;Ś As well as providing a beautiful light, candles can emit wonderful fragrances, helping to create a mood in itself. Aromatherapists believe that true aromatherapy candles can help to alter the mood of your
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crowd. Try lavender to relax, bergamot to uplift or for outside candles, or try citronella to keep those pesky insects at bay!
Safety First! It goes without saying that candles can be a fire hazard. Accordingly, placement is extremely important. Candelabras should not be placed in walkways or where there could be children running. Table candles should be placed in the middle of tables, well away from peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleeves! Likewise, be wary of placing candles too close to curtains or floral arrangements or near open doorways where gusts of wind could cause flames to jump. Finally,
Brightspark - Personalised Candles Brightspark offers personalised handmade soy candles. You can design your own candle from various colours, fragrances and containers of different sizes and shapes. All Brightspark candles are made with soy wax which is cleaner, healthier and has a longer burn time than ordinary paraffin wax. Brightspark candles make a perfect table setting for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries or can be used to enhance the dinner table at home. Brightspark candles also make great decorations or a wonderful gift for a special person in your life. Brightspark even offers a refill service. For more information please email Mandy on brightsparkcandles@gmail.com 51
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beware of dripping wax and the potential for it to fall on someone or something, causing harm or damage. Make sure that you talk with your venue before you purchase any candles to see where you will be able to place them and whether they have any restrictions on the type of candles that you use. Safety talk over!
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t block my view! Another issue with placement of candles is thinking about whether they could potentially block anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view. This applies to both candles on tables as well as free-standing arrangements. As with any table ornaments, try to keep table candles at a height that guests can see over, rather than them having to peer around them to talk to others. Place candelabras around the edges of the room or behind tables so that guests can see the bridal table and the speakers.
Do me a favour! Candles need not just be for decoration and ambience. You can also give them to your guests as wedding favours as a reminder of your day. A number of retailers offer personalised candles or you can even personalise them yourself.
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Win your own themed photoshoot with Jessica Photography!
Jessica Photography is celebrating her 5th birthday and is calling all couples to participate in a great competition. The lucky winner will have a chance to get a free themed photoshoot on location in Auckland! To be in the draw, you just need to describe the idea for your ultimate themed shoot. You can be as imaginative as you like, although you need to be able to supply any props you want included in your shoot (borrow your cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports car, or perhaps your dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boat...). To give you some inspiration, over the next few pages we have some of the images from a themed shoot that Jessica photographed recently. Also, as an added incentive, the winning shoot will be featured in an upcoming issue of Engaged! Enjoy!
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Credits Jessica Higueras - Photographer and Set Styling Amber Davies for www. bridalbeauty.co.nz using MAC Hair & Make up and Styling Florence Hobbs Price - Set Styling Assistant Vintage Pieces+Clothing from Viva la Vintage: www.facebook. com/vivalavintagenz
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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
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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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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Style Arriving in
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FEATURE
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rriving at your ceremony in a horse and carriage is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular entrances you can make. It adds an air of romance to any wedding and looks amazing. As well as providing a unique form of transport, a horse and carriage also provides a fantasic backdrop for your wedding photos.
When considering whether a horse and carriage is right for you, there are a number of things to think about.
Point to point
Before selecting a horse and carriage as your mode of transport to the ceremony or between the ceremony and reception venue, think carefully about the distances between the venues and the route that needs to be taken to reach those places. Realistically, a horse and carriage should only be used where the distance to be travelled is relatively short. A distance of 20 kilometres between venues will not be practical, given that a horse and carriageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top speed is about 6 km per hour! When planning your route, aim to avoid any main highways. Check your intended route with the horse and carrige provider when booking it to make sure that there are no problems.
Keep it clean It is a great idea to inspect the carriage before hiring it to ensure that you will be happy sitting in it in your wedding dress. This will also give you a chance to see whether it will fit everything that you will be taking (including your future husband!). If you wish to have the bridal party
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ride in the carriage with you on the way to the photo shoot, check whether the carriage is large enough for this. If the carriage is open to the weather, find out whether there is a roof available in the event that the weather turns nasty. Getting drenched on the way to your wedding isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the best way to start your day! When considering your route, check to see if the road you will be travelling on has any unpaved stretch: old carriages arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as impervious to dust and mud as more modern forms of transport.
Animals allowed? It pays to check with your venue as to whether they have any restrictions on allowing horses in the vicinity. Although this is rare, it is better to ask! Lastly, and as with all vendors, make sure you check what the contract for hiring the horse and carriage covers. Is the hire by time or by trip? Is there a difference if you have a different number of people? What happens in the event of a rainy day? Prices for a horse and carriage varies significantly depending on how long you hire it for and the size of the carriage. Some firms hire out by the hour (expect to pay from $250 per hour), while others have wedding packages (these tend to start from around $850). A horse and carriage is an extremely romantic way to travel and, as long as you do your homework, you can have the fairy tale entrance of your dreams!
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FEATURE
The
Stress-FREE Wedding
Sounds impossible, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? Almost without exception, weddings are stressful to arrange. But what about if there was a way to get married without having to worry about locations, seating plans, flowers and the huge expense that is normally associated with a wedding.... such a thing does exist! The Registry Office wedding!
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With many of us finding things financially stressful at the moment, many couples are seeking to dramatically reduce the cost of their weddings. Elopement and registry offices are now not dirty words: for many people they are an economic necessity. There is also a romantic side to it: there is a growing trend for couples to focus on the marriage, not the wedding. Falling in love and marrying the man of her dreams becomes the focus instead of the big party and expensive dress.
The Basics: A registry office wedding takes place at, you guessed it, a registry office (please see www.bdm.govt.nz for contact details). The Registrar will solemnise your marriage in the presence of two witnesses. Prior to the wedding, you need to apply for your marriage licence, stating which registry office will conduct your ceremony. You should make arrangements with the Registrar for a time and date for the ceremony so this can be included on your application. Registry office weddings are conducted during normal office hours, which are Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm. The date for the ceremony must be at least three days after you give notice of your intended marriage, but not more than three months after the marriage licence is issued. As mentioned earlier, the marriage needs to be witnessed. If you do not have suitable witnesses, the registry office can provide these.
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For Richer or For Poorer: The cost of a Registry Office marriage is NZ$173.70, which includes the ceremony and your marriage licence. Very cheap, when you consider the cost of hiring a venue and engaging a marriage celebrant. But does a registry office wedding mean a ceremony devoid of beauty and colour? Most definitely not! While there are standard vows to say, you are free to take your own flowers, wear your own gorgeous gown, have your man wear a suitably handsome suit, take cake! Or you can wear something both you and he feel comfortable in – how about what you wore when you first met or when he (or she!) proposed? You get to make your own choices. The ceremony can be all you want it to be, without the cost.
Shhh… What about those who elope to a registry office to get married? Before all the friends and family reading this groan in dismay about missing out, think about why a couple would elope. Aside from the cost factor, often weddings can be a very stressful event. There is pressure from family members as to how it ‘should’ be done, the migraine-causing choices involved in guest lists and table seating, political choices about bridesmaids and what they wear… Of course, the majority of the time, it is not like this and some couples revel in making wedding-related decisions and choices. Others do not.
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For those that find all the decision-making tiring, the focus can get taken up by minute details, and quite quickly, couples can forget why they are getting married: it’s not for the big party and pretty dress, it’s because they are deeply in love with each other. Many couples are choosing to concentrate on their loved one the entire day and on the marriage. Sometimes this needs to come at the expense of upsetting parents and friends and the easiest way to avoid this is to romantically run away and elope! Whilst family members might be hurt, gently remind them why you choose this route and that they should love you and the love between you and your spouse. But of course, friends and family do not have to miss out – there’s always the party or celebratory drinks afterwards (or when everyone finds out)!!
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visionworks
Packages from $1895 www.visionworks.co.nz
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
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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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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!
93
engaged