Engaged Wedding Magazine - Issue 36 - Sept 2011

09/ 2011

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SIMPLY SYDNEY AL FRESCO RECEPTIONS GIFT REGISTRIES AMANDA WIGNELL SHOWCASE WIN A DIY FLOWER PACKAGE

...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...

Spring! Yay! Even if the weather is still a bit miserable, the promise of spring brings a whole new light to wedding planning.

Now, you can begin to envisage the long summer evenings that are perfect for having your wedding.

Cover Credits:

Photo: Amanda Wignell Photography www.awp.co.nz Couple: Leslie & Stuart

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.

This month, we explore the idea of taking full advantage of summer evenings and have an outdoor wedding reception.

Not only is this a great way to add your own style to your wedding, it can also save you a penny or two.

We also have a great photographer spread from the award-winning Amanda Wignell.

She has some amazing photo that we are sure you will love.

Finally, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to check out our competition where you can win a DIY wedding flower package courtesy of DIY Wholesale Flowers!

Have a great month!

Tim & Gabrielle

table of WHAT’S NEW

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PHOTOGRAPHERS 50 SHOWCASE 8 INSPIRATION 102

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REAL WEDDINGS 4

contents 40

OUTDOOR RECEPTION 32

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COMPETITIONS

WIN! WEDDING FLOWERS

This month DIY Wholesale Flowers have generously given us one of their DIY Wedding Packages to give away!

This package includes 100 Roses (you have a choice of colours) + fillers worth a value of $238.00 To enter, you just need to go here, enter your details and answer the simple question.

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SIGNATURE TREE Instead of having a guestbook, why not go for a signature tree. These trees let guests write small messages in the leaves of the tree.

USD$50 http://www.etsy.com/listing/78986174/weddingtree-guestbook-alternative

PERSONALISED BRI

A great prop for wedd a lovely gift for the b bridal hangers are a gre characters.

USD $20 http://www.etsy.com/list ding-hanger-black-finish

Inspiration

With the New Zealand dollar so strong at the moment, we thought that we would look at some cool wedding accessories available overseas. Enjoy!

IDAL HANGER

ding photos, as well as just bride, these personalised eat idea. Can fit up to 13

AGED WEDDING TAGS Great to use for labelling wedding favours or for place names, these aged wedding tags look great!

USD $28.50

ing/77904940/custom-wed-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80889935/150-agedwedding-tags-for-favors-custom

$100 & Below $100 & Below have launched their new website where you can buy stunning jewellery for $100 or less.

When we asked Sarah from $100 & Below what inspired her to start her website, she said the following: â&#x20AC;&#x153; I love jewellery but wanted to buy quality pieces of jewellery that either worked well with my existing jewellery or created a talking point as stand alone pieces.

Everything I had seen and coveted cost the earth!! My aim was that every piece of jewellery I sold must be under $100 and that I would personally wear every single piece.

Each piece has been carefully selected to work well both as everyday wear or for a special occasion.â&#x20AC;?

www.100andbelow.co.nz

What’s New WEDDING FLOWER SAMPLER BOX DIY Wholesale Flowers has introduced a great new product - the Wedding Flower Sampler Box. This lets brides-to-be can order a “sample” of 10 stems of either roses and/or carnations so they can “colour swatch” their proposed wedding flowers with the bride and bridal party outfits, the table arrangements, the theme of the wedding etc. They send out each stem labelled by variety so the bride knows what to order come her big day. The samples also gives the bride an idea of the exact colour and flower head size to create the inspirational wedding flowers For more information, visit: www.diywholesaleflowers.co.nz

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

The Grea

OUTDOOR tips for HOSTING AN AL FRESCO RECEPTION

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It may only just be the beginning of spring, but it is enough to get us thinking about gorgeous summer weddings. Summer weddings are ripe for an outdoor setting such as a beach or garden. Take advantage of the long days with an afternoon wedding, or highlight the glorious sunsets by saying your vows as the sun goes down behind you. And before you automatically think of moving to a reception venue for the celebratory meal, why not think outside the square and keep the festivities outdoors?

A picnic wedding may be just the ticket for those brides and grooms eschewing a traditional sit-down, reception dinner. Picture the scene: Picnic tables with gingham tablecloths and picnic baskets each containing plates, cups and some delicious goodies such as baby bagels filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, curried chicken salad, ham and brie croissants… delicious finger food befitting the relaxed, laidback style of the wedding. Or your own BBQ, complete with chef (or have all your guests cook their own food!). Minted lamb back straps or marinated minute steaks cooked on the BBQ, alongside some delicious corn on the cob wrapped up in tinfoil and smothered in butter and black pepper, served with some lovely summer salads… …finishing off with some lemon curd tartlets and maybe the odd chocolate brownie... Guests strolling up to a drinks table used to serve home-made lemonade or sangria along with pitchers of ice water, sliced lemons...

It’s a perfect recipe for a relaxed, casual wedding that doesn’t break the bank!

Completing the theme The picnic-themed wedding can incorporate all of the elements of a traditional picnic, and by carefully selecting your decorations, you can add to the overall garden or beach feel.

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If you decide that you would like to get married at the same venue as the picnic, your bridesmaids could be in the floral theme carrying big baskets full of wildflowers or if the wedding is in spring why not choose a venue that is surrounded with spring flowers like hyacinths, daffodils and camellias.

For a summery, natural experience use fresh fruits and vegetables to decorate, perhaps including clementines and cumquats in your flower arrangements, or simply filling a large vase with bright yellow lemons.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget lighting as a source of decoration. Imagine candles lit with fragrant flowers accenting the exchange of the vows or bringing light to an evening wedding with torches and strings of lanterns in the trees.

Continuing the picnic theme, include lawn games like bocce ball and horseshoes. And sack races are always a good time, especially after a few beers!

Things to remember When deciding upon the location of the wedding, take into consideration the weather for the time of year. If the wedding is to take place during the summer, remember that heat may be a factor.

Bugs are also something to consider - you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want your guests being covered in mosquito bites by the end of the evening!

Have an alternative plan arranged just in case of bad weather. This could be the rental of a tent, moving to an inside area, or changing locations. Check tent rental prices prior to planning an outdoor wedding to prevent last minute shock. Just knowing your options will alleviate those unnecessary worries to keep your mind at ease.

Whatever you decide, your wedding day will have a uniqueness and your guests will be sure to enjoy the day.

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Packages from $1495 www.visionworks.co.nz engaged

REAL WEDDINGS

Sindhura & Jonathon

Married at Auckland Museum 4 October 2010 engaged

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RELAXED

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This month, we are fortunate to have a beautiful spread of photos from Amanda Wignell. Amanda has an amazingly relaxed style that enables her to capture classic images brimming with personality.

You can see from her beautiful images why she has won a number of Kodak Gold Awards and is a NZIPP Master of Photography.

Enjoy! www.awp.co.nz

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Renee & Matt

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Leslie & Stuart

Married at The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga 28 January 2011 engaged

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Josh & Diney

Married at City Impact Church, Browns Bay 12 October 2010 engaged

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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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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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FEATURE

The

Gift

There is no doubt that having a gift registry is the easiest way to ensure that your wedding gifts are something that you actually want / need. They also reduce the chance of receiving the same gift from multiple people.

There are, however, a number of registries out there - some cater to a single store, whereas others let you have gifts from multiple stores. Which one is going to work for you?

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Single Store Registry A good example of the single store registry is Country Road. A retailer of both homewares and clothes, Country Road’s wedding gift registry allows brides and grooms to choose products from the Country Road range to add to their wish list.

Once you work out the slightly confusing process, you can sit back at home, surf the Country Road website and add items till your heart’s content.

The registry can be refreshed or updated at anytime and you have the ability to email the list to your friends and family. Guests can purchase online or in any Country Road store.

As guests purchase from the list online, the item is automatically marked as ‘taken’ so other guests cannot purchase it, eliminating possible double-ups. However, if guests purchase from the physical shop, it will not be reflected in the online registry list. - this is the one downside to Country Road’s registry.

If your guests are buying online they will have the choice to include a card and write a message in it, to have the product(s) gift wrapped, to send the products directly to the bride and groom or have their purchase delivered to any other address. This last option is great if the guest wants to handwrite a card and deliver the gift personally.

There is no charge to set up a Country Road wedding gift registry. www.countryroad.com.au

One Stop Internet Shop Another type of registry is where gifts are sourced from different suppliers and listed on one website. Guests are able to purchase directly from

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the website.

Tying the Knot has a huge range of exciting gift ideas and quality brands, including gifts that are a bit different and honeymoon destination vouchers. This makes Tying the Knot’s registry a perfect choice for those who have all the ‘standard’ homeware products and are looking for gifts outside the square.

Brides and grooms have the ability to rank gifts in order of preference and to see which gifts are the most popular choices on the registry (which we think is a great idea for those having trouble deciding what they want!). Again, changes to the list can be made at anytime.

To personalise the service, Tying the Knot allows couples to attach notes to their guests and provides complimentary registry cards and regular email updates so you know what has (or hasn’t!) been purchased from your list.

Guests have the ability to part-purchase items or to purchase gift vouchers so that you can select a gift at a later date. Gifts are personally wrapped with a card attached and are delivered on a date chosen by the bride and groom just after or before the wedding Tying the Knot’s registry is also free. www.tyingtheknot.co.nz

Online Multiple Store Registry, In-Store Purchase Thank-you.co.nz is an Australasian service where the bride and groom have the ability to create a unique gift list from unlimited stores or service providers worldwide. The choice of gifts is all yours, whether it be homewares, honeymoons or horseriding.

For this type of registry service, you pick the presents you would like and list them online. Your guests look at the list, select the gift they would like to purchase, tick it off the list (so other guests know it has

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already been purchased) and then go to the store or service provider to buy it. Cash contributions to larger ticket items are also available.

The list can be edited as many times as you like and has the added bonus of a summary of what guests have purchased from which store available for up to six months after the wedding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect when doing thank you notes!

The cost of thank-you. co.nzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registry is a one-off registration fee of AUD$45. www.thank-you.co.nz

Online Multiple Store Registry, Online Purchase Like thank-you.co.nz, Not Another Toaster also allows couples to create their own unique bridal registry list including gifts from any store, anywhere. It allows guests to collectively contribute towards larger items and also offers non-conventional gifts, luxury items, honeymoon experiences, home renovations, charity groups or a combination of all of these. The difference with this type of registry and the one above is that contribution towards the gits

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is made online – the guest is not involved in the purchase of the item itself.

Not Another Toaster is an independent bridal service that provides personalised customer service and encourages brides and grooms (or guests) to visit them in their office. Their service includes unique professional registry cards, distribution of hard copy registries (for those not online!), 24-hour telephone or online helpline, registry setup support, and so on. Monetary gifts or contributions to, for example, renovation funds, are sent to the couple’s nominated bank account.

The one-off set up fee is NZD$150.00. www.notanothertoaster.co.nz

Honeymoon Gift Registers The final type of registry that we are going to look at is the honeymoon registry. These days it is often the case that couples have been together for a number of years before getting married and have accumulated all of the household items that they have room for. So, instead of getting more things that you probably don’t need, why not get your guests to contribute to your honeymoon.

Bon Voyage Cruises and Travel is one travel agent which offers this service.

One of the main advantages is that, whereas with a traditional registry you need to consider gifts at different price points to suit all of your guests, with a honeymoon registry the guests can donate as much or as little as they want.

You will then be presented with a list of who has contributed (but not how much) so that you can do your thank you notes. If some of your guests would prefer to give you something a bit more tangible, you also have the option of having specific activities on the list (such as spa vouchers, or a scuba diving trip) which they can purchase for you. www.bonvoyage.co.nz

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FEATURE

SIMPLY

SYDNEY engaged

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Images courtesy of Tourism Australia 71

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here is no doubt that Sydney has it all - history, culture, sand, surf, sun, fun and food. With flights over the ditch getting cheaper and cheaper, it is a great place to spend your honeymoon.

Historic Sydney If you are keen to get a little bit of easy-going history on Sydney, a tour of The Rocks with Rocks Walking Tours is in order. The Rocks is one of the oldest parts of Sydney, first inhabited by the First Fleet of convicts that arrived in Sydney in 1788.

The area is rich with tales about the settlers and the indigenous peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of life in the area, with many original buildings still standing. These buildings have been lovingly restored and are dotted amongst cobbled lanes and courtyards. Our tour guide provided us with much information that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be available from guide books alone and we would highly recommend it.

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Aside from being an historically rich area, The Rocks and Old Sydney have a diverse array of shops and restaurants, including a delightful French style café and markets reminiscent of the South of France. Take your time exploring, including checking out the inside of the buildings – we were amazed at the transformation of the bar Argyle from wool store to bar – definitely somewhere we would like to check out again!

The Grand Opera House On the opposite side of Circular Quay to Old Sydney is the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Immediately recognisable as a Sydney icon, the Opera House sits at the end of Macquarie Street set against the back drop of the harbour and, without a doubt, is an amazing piece of architecture.

Designed by Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, the Opera House was inscribed in the World Heritage List in June 2007, with the World Heritage Committee declaring that ‘…it stands by itself as one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.’

The Opera House consists of two performance halls; one for opera and one for symphony concerts. These halls attract world class performers from around the world.

There are a number of tours inside the Opera House available. Or you may want to do as we did and admire the beauty of the structure from a nearby restaurant…there are a number of excellent venues along the walk to the Opera House After a leisurely lunch, it was time to hit the harbour!

View from the Water As part of a team-building experience, we were invited to get out on Sydney’s Harbour with Eastsail. Using four 10 metre yachts, we joined 32 others for some racing, much like the SailNZ experience in Auckland, but with different views!

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The experience is exhilarating – feeling the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face as you navigate both physical and mental challenges to try to out-race your opponents. Shame we didn’t win, but the fun is in the game, right?

If you have the chance to get out on the water in Sydney, make sure you do it! Be it this kind of experience or a ferry ride to one of Sydney Ferries’ multiple destinations, much of Sydney’s attraction is its beautiful harbour – again, much like Auckland!

Cooking Your Own The activity on the water had worked up an appetite and after a shower and clean up, it was off to dinner at Phillip’s Foote Restaurant, a well-known institution in Sydney. Located in Old Sydney in a historic building that used to be a sailors’ bar, custom agent and stable, Phillip’s Foote was turned into a BBQ restaurant in the 1970s.

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The restaurant is a little different in that you select your cut of meat and then cook it yourself on one of the restaurant’s BBQs. Your meat is accompanied by salad, vegetable and breads from the salad bar. They also have amazing beef and red wine pies! For travellers, it is like a little bit of home-cooking – your very own BBQ meal without all the preparation and cleaning!

View from the Street It’s not unusual when you are sightseeing to walk large distances. What a better way of ‘pushing play’ than exploring a new city.

Our Saturday in Sydney was spent walking part of the Harbour Circle Walk published by Sydney Coastal Councils Group. The Group has worked in conjunction with the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program (SSHAP) to improve access to and enhance the recreational enjoyment of Sydney Harbour. The Harbour Circle Walk is a 26km circle covering west of the Harbour Bridge and traversing over the bridge through North Sydney, Lane Cover, Hunter’s Hill, Drummoyne, Rozelle and back to the CBD. The walk has over 45km of optional walks and goes through bush, along beaches, down historic streets and over some of Sydney’s impressive bridges.

We started off with a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Woolwich Wharf where we started our walk towards Hunter’s Hill. The walk was a fairly gentle one, meandering through historic shipyards, past sailing schools, through parks, and down leafy suburban streets filled with impressive houses (both old and new), complete with short-cuts through alleys you wouldn’t know existed without the very detailed map.

Morning tea was at Hunter’s Hill and was rounded out nicely with a browse through the fantastic delis and French homewares store.

Our return walk to Woolwich Wharf took us over a slightly different route and gave us time to admire the sandstone buildings that are particular to the area. A picnic lunch in the park watching the sail boats whip past courtesy of the strong winds gave us enough energy to make it to the pub near the wharf for a quick drink before heading back to the city by ferry.

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The walks set out by Sydney Coast Councils Groups really get you in amongst the city and walking other sections of the Harbour Circle Walk are definitely on the list for our next visit to Sydney!

View from the shops There is something about shopping in Sydney that is so much better than shopping at home. While there are some shops that you recognise, you have much greater selection to choose from. There are also plenty of high-end shops for you to browse in - perfect for a bit of retail therapy!

As well as in the main city centre, you can also pop out to Paddington, Darlinghurst and Surrey Hills for a wide range of amazing boutiques. You also have the Bondi and Paddington markets to head to if you are after something a bit different.

Foodies delight On a recommendation from family and friends we also called in to see the David Jones Market Street Foodhall and immediately regretted not being hungry for once! The foodhall includes a decadent oyster and champagne bar, cheese and antipasto bars, sushi, juice, noodles, pasta, Panini, espresso, gelato and yoghurt barsâ&#x20AC;Ś plan a mini(or maxi-) taste testing session or buy things for a serious picnic!

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If you are around on a Saturday, make sure you check out the Everleigh Farmers’ Market. While it is a little bit further out (a quick train ride), there are over 70 regular stall holders and you can get amazing fresh goods.

View from above After viewing suburban Sydney from street level, it was time to take to the skies before the sunset.

Sydney’s Tower was opened in 1981 and is ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world. Standing at 250 metres, high speed lifts whizz you to the top of the tower, taking only 40 seconds from ground level (a better option than climbing the 1504 steps to the top!).

The view from the top is well worth the stomach-churning elevator ride. We looked down on the route taken on our walk, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the tiny—looking ferries scuttling about…and then out further towards the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s beaches. The diversity of the landscape is stunning.

After taking in the view, we headed off to try the Tower’s OzTrek, a virtual reality ride complete with real-motion seating and amazing sound. Fun!

As you can tell, Sydney is full of amazing things to see and do and we have only scratched the surface of what is on offer!

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Boutique Wedding Venue A wonderful wedding begins with a wonderful venue.

2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 Maginnity Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand

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T: + 64 4 4741300

The Wellesley Boutique Hotel located in Wellington's CBD has an ambience which is unique. Within the classical neo-Georgian building are facilities and appointments which make the Wellesley Boutique Hotel a superb wedding venue. Elegant drapes and carpeting, monogrammed silver and crockery, antique furniture, paneled walls hung with original paintings – all create an atmosphere of elegance.

But selecting the right venue is just the start. Food, wines, flowers and so many details are all important.

The Grand Dining Room is magnificently panelled in oak, whilst the high stud allows for natural light through elegantly draped windows.

This room caters for up to 120 guests banquet style or 200 for cocktails.

Our Grand Dining Room, where your reception will take place, is accessed via the sweeping staircase.

At the Wellesley Boutique Hotel we never forget whose wedding it is.

E: functions@wellesleyboutiquehotel.co.nz

Choosing the Wellesley Boutique Hotel means being able to call on the skills of our experienced wedding co-ordinator, who will work with you to ensure you create a wedding which suits your personal style – and your budget.

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W: www. wellesleyboutiquehotel.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

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.

engaged

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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