Engaged Magazine - Issue 45 - June 2012

REAL WEDDINGS

Three Gorgeous Spreads

INSPIRATION

Ideas for your DIY wedding

IT’S ABOUT YOU TWO

Preparing for the commitment

JAPAN HONEYMOON

06/ 2012

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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 ~

Cover Credits: Photo by Vanilla Images www.vanillaimages.co.nz Couple: Courtney & Sam

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.

table of 108 KYLIE & CHRIS

HONEYMOONING IN JAPAN

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MARK & DEE engaged

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INSPIRATION

COURTNEY & SAM

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What’s Child’s Play!

Ok, it might not be new, but it is new to us as we’ve just found out about this fantastic service. If you have children attending your wedding reception, why not organise a table especially for them - this will not only make them feel part of the wedding, but will also mean you won’t have to worry about damaging your venue’s expensive crockery!

Child’s Play hires out mini tables, seats, cups and plates as well as a huge array of toys to keep the little ones amused! And all really reasonably priced!

What’s more, they also have loads of things to make the grown-ups tables look gorgeous as well.

Check them out at www.hiretoys.co.nz

s New Look & Feel Your Best It is without question that men are more involved in the planning of their weddings.

From the romantic proposal to how they are styled for the most important day of their lives.

Equmen Core Precision™ Undershirts will ensure the groom and his groomsmen look and feel their best on their wedding day.

• Picture Perfect Wedding Day • Stabilizes Core and Posture to reduce Nervous Tension • Ensures the Groomsmen Look in Control on the Big Day • Promotes Circulation to get You Through the Day • Controls Temperature so you can Enjoy Your Happy Ever After www.equmen.com

FROM THE WEB

Hershey Kiss Candy Stickers

Personalized stickers perfect for the bottom of Hershey Kisses and Mini Reese Peanut Butter cups

Buy This Here

Buy This Here

Wedding Favour Boxes Over 60 colours to choose from.

Measure 1.75 inches x 1.75 inches x 1.75 inches

Customisable quirky wedding invitation / order of service

Buy This Here

Chalkboard Heart Centerpiece Decoration

Buy This Here

Customisable Table Number Luminaries

Buy This Here

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Courtney

Sam

PHOTOS BY VANILLA IMAGES www.vanillaimages.co.nz engaged

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REAL WEDDINGS

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This month, Chris from Vanilla Images shares with us the gorgeous wedding of Courtney and Sam. As you will see, Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relaxed demeanour helps to capture images that show the true essence of the day.

Enjoy!

Photographer: Vanilla Images - www.vanillaimages.co.nz Ceremony: Avondale Kingdom Hall of Jehovahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witnesses Bridal Party Photos: Auckland Domain Reception: Aboard the Ocean Eagle http://www.oceaneagle.co.nz/ Dress: Brides Boutique http://www.bridesboutique.co.nz/

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Kylie Chris

PHOTOS BY JESSICA PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.J E S S I C AP H O TO G R A P H Y. C O . N Z

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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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Vanilla Images

Website: www.vanillaimages.co.nz Email: chris@vanillaimages.co.nz Mobile: 021 023 94008 Qualified Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography Auckland and Northland

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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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Amy Schulz Photography

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

Images by Andy Currie Photography www.andycurriephotography.co.nz

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Dee and Mark have shared their gorgeous photos with us (taken by the talented Andy Currie Photography) - both from their wedding and the subsequent Trash the Dress shoot.

Dee gives us some background in her own words...

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

My husband (I still smile when writing that word) Mark and I got married on 12 Nov 2011 at St Marys catholic church and we had our wedding reception at Melton Estate.

Mark and I met on a blind date when I was visiting New Zealand for my girlfriends wedding in January 2006.

We had the long distant romance until I moved here in September 07.

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We got engaged on the steps of the Sydney opera house on 28 March 2010 although I didn’t want to walk up the final few steps as we had just completed the Sydney harbour bridge. This is a source of constant amusement for mark and our friends.

Mark and I had the most amazing day, it is the first day of my life that beat every expectation that I ever had. My family came from the UK and Mark’s family came from Australia and Canada as well as parts of New Zealand. It was quite stressful at times with the wedding planning. Mark and I had spent months searching for the right venue and finally found the Rydges and decided on John of God in Halswell. The earthquake had other ideas for us, we lost the reception in April 2011 and the church after the June earthquake, so it was a change of plan.

Our photographer was Andy Currie and he done the most amazing job, I can not recommend him enough.

On 1 April this year Mark and I went out for the day with a few friends and Andy to ‘trash the dress’. This again was another highlight, although at the very beginning I did have some nerves at the thought of ruining my amazing dress.

Andy choose the locations and planned the whole day, it was such fun!

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DON’T FORGET: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU TWO Tips for preparing yourself for a lifetime commitment

By Amy McLaren

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ADVICE

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e get so caught up in planning for the big day, we lose track of what the day is all about – getting ready to spend the rest of our lives together. Here are five vital things you should do to prepare yourselves for that lifetime commitment you are about to make.

1. Share your top five values with each other Do you know what your fiancé’s core values are in life? Does he know yours? Most of us don’t actually know these until we sit down and discuss these questions to help us figure them out. For example, how do you both feel about family, problem solving, justice or creativity? As much as we think we might know our partner, we can never guess what their top five priorities are in life. Remember, assumption is the mother of all relationship muck-ups!

2. Find out each other’s love language We each need to know and be constantly reminded we are loved - but not necessarily verbally. Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages describes the different actions that communicate our love for our partner and the fact we need to speak in our partner’s love language to ensure they feel loved. Do the online survey at www.5lovelanguages.com.

3. Learn how to solve problems and resolve conflicts We don’t need to learn how to have conflicts – but how to get to the other side of them. There are proven skills that couples need to develop, as marriage is all about sticking together through the tough times. There will be tough times, which cannot be avoided when two people live together

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with different personalities. But the default resolution should not be separation. Conflict resolution is much simpler and less life-destroying!

4. Take an interest in your in-laws’ hobbies One of the biggest stresses on a marriage is bad relationships with in-laws. We can’t choose family, so we just need to learn how to get on with them. Most friendships are based in familiarity – so get to know your in-laws as people. Develop the boundaries between your upcoming marriage “zone” and your in-laws, in agreement with your fiancé, and the same with your own parents.

5. Come up with a financial plan for your marriage Let’s say you both do a values exercise and realise that creativity is in the top five for both of you. Your spending and saving targets should purchase things that let you experience more creativity in your lives and in your marriage. You won’t need a triple-car garage and three spare bathrooms, and those things will not make you happy. Neither will all the sacrifices you would have to make to get them.

Amy McLaren is a pre-marriage educator with No Myth Marriages, and author of the book The Ball & Chain and Other Stupid Myths. No Myth Marriages runs one-day couples workshops, taking new wedding couples through values exercises, problem solving skills, marriage zones and much more. Find out more at www.nomythmarriages.com.

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TRAVEL

Japan Honeymooning in

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All images courtesy of Japan National 109 Tourism Organisation

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

We began our Japanese experience as most travellers do, by arriving in Tokyo. There are many things that strike you when you first arrive in Tokyo - the order, cleanliness and surprising lack of English. With a typical western attitude, we had thought that with Tokyo being one of the major capitals of the world, everyone would speak a degree of English. This, however, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case - in fact, we found there to be far less English spoken or written than in Beijing.

However, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this put you off as no matter where we were, there was always someone willing to help these confused foreigners. In fact, this is one of the charms of Japan - dealing with the Japanese people who we found to be among the most helpful, friendly and courteous that we had come across in our travels.

Tokyo is definitely one of those places that transfixes you with its vibrance. No matter what time of day, there are always people about.

The city is full of contrasts - flashing neon lights create a stunning backdrop for the small sushi bars filled with the elderly Japanese regulars.

There is definitely an energy in the city that is hard to describe.

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

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

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Japan) will whisk you there very quickly and in comfort.

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

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

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There is an array of temples and beautiful gardens to visit.

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

One thing that everyone has asked about since we returned from Japan is the food. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to Japanese food than sushi (although all of the sushi that we had was amazingly good). There is also an array of other foods, from numerous types of noodles dishes, to Italian cuisine (by the sheer number of Italian restaurants, this seems to be an extrememly popular option for the Japanese), and, for those who just need a fix of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; food, there are plenty

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of western-style fast food outlets. So, even if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too keen on raw fish, there will be plenty to keep you going.

With some places, you head home with almost a sense a relief. However, with Japan we could have stayed for a lot longer. There is so much to see and do and, the more you see, the more you begin to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;understandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Japan. Japan might not on the surface have the romance of Paris or Rome, but if you like your holidays a little less traditional, it is definitely an amazing place to begin your married lives exploring together.

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The Checklist Engaged to 9 months before Task

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

9 months before Task

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

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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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