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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...
Cover Credits:
Photo: Lisa Wilson Photography www.lisawilsonphotography.co.nz Couple: Guy & Hayley
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.
Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it amazing how quickly the year has flown by. With less that four weeks until Christmas, many of us are spending more time planning for Christmas and less on our weddings. However, the Christmas and New Year bring with them an abundance of sales which canny brides-to-be can use to buy all of the little items associated with weddings. There are normally plenty of savings to be had, so make the most of it! This month we have a huge spread from Lisa Wilson. She has a relaxed photography style which captures amazingly natural images - make sure you check it out. We also have an interview with the lovely ladies from Weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz, as well as a great article on honeymooning in Queenstown. Enjoy!
Tim & Gabrielle
table of MINERAL MAKEUP
WEDDING FAVOURS
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REAL WEDDINGS
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WIN! CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Melissa Redfearn who won last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Contact TriWoman competition! Melissa and three friends have won entry into a TriWoman event as well as a prize pack!
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WIN PERSONALISED UNO CARDS Mattel games are celebrating UNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th birthday, with the launch of the limited edition MY UNO- personalised UNO cards, unique bomboniere and quirky thank you gift for the guests with featuring photos from the big day. MY UNO ($19.95), allows UNO fans to electronically design cards using their favourite photos online. One deck of cards can use anything from 1 to 108 different images. http://myunocards.co.nz/ We have five packs of personalised UNO cards to give away. To enter, just complete your details here.
This summer Te Papa plays host to some of the most inspiring wedding garments the world has seen, with Unveiled: 200 years of wedding dress from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The fabulous collection allows visitors to walk in the shoes of singer Gwen Stefani and model Dita Von Teese, as well as find answers to questions like “why is the traditional white wedding dress popular across so many cultures?” and “what do wedding dresses say about the social conditions of the day?” Then there’s the ever-favourite celebrity wedding, and the designer dresses that go alongside. Thanks to the huge worldwide media appetite for celebrity weddings, designers like Norman Hartnell, Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Vera Wang have had great opportunities to expand their designer talents, and Unveiled is a great chance to be up close with their works. An absolute must in this exhibition is the chance to feel the catwalk inspiration of Christian Lacroix and his creation “Qui a le droit?” embellished in gold leaf and chenille embroidery. To complete the fuller picture of haute couture, Unveiled complements its exhibition of bride and groom wear with a selection of delicate footwear and accessories, intricate lingerie and exquisite headwear. Unveiled also takes a step into the here and now, with three of New Zealand’s top designers creating fabulous garments especially for this exhibition – their works will be released in time for Unveiled when it opens on 17 December 2011. Te Papa acknowledges the support of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London for providing the exhibition as well as the support of curator Edwina Ehrman who will be in residence for the duration of the exhibition.
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New WEDDINGFAVOURSMADE4U.CO.NZ Do you cringe at the thought of trolling the internet for hours looking for bits and pieces for your wedding favours from a bunch of different suppliers and then, when you finally get them, spending hours and hours assembling them? Help is at hand! Weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz has launched its website which lets you order a wide range of beautiful fully-made wedding favours. Check them out at: www.weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz
Also, make sure you check out our interview with Lillias and Marcia from Weddingfavoursmade4u on page 16!
70% off everything at beads glorious beads! This is the perfect chance to get some fantastic jewellery for you and your bridesmaids. Our good friends at Beads Glorious Beads have decided to shut up shop and this means that they are selling everything in store with huge discounts - at least 70 percent off everything! As well as their gorgeous beads, the sale includes superb Swarovski crystals and pearls. So whether you want to make some amazing jewellery for yourself or your bridesmaid, or add some sparkle to your dress, or even create some unforgetable wedding favours, now is your chance! Visit www.beadsgloriousbeads.com for more info or head into their store in Kingsland. The sale finishes on Saturday 17 December so get in quick!
AT L EAS EVE T 70% RYT HIN OFF G!
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
Minerals Magical
Make-up has come a long way in the last century, and even decade. From lead-based foundations to pancake make-up to barely-there cream foundations to the big news today: mineral make-up.
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So, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fuss all about? Mineral make-up is made from naturally occurring minerals, with one of the key ingredients being zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is widely touted as a sunscreen but also is said to possess anti-bacterial and inflammation-reducing properties, which are excellent if you are battling acne. The other ingredients that make up mineral make-up are generally titanium dioxide, mica and talc. It is non-comodegnic (or, in plain English, non-pore clogging) so it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t irritate the skin or even penetrate it, which also makes it an excellent solution for those with sensitive skin. Most mineral make-up brands are all natural but make sure you check the label for dyes, fragrances and mineral oils, which can, for certain skin types, cause allergies. Mineral make-up is not just for sensitive skins or those prone to acne. For mature skins, mineral make-up can help to minimize wrinkles and fine lines as it reflects light. For dry skins, the minerals can trap moisture in the skin, keeping the skin hydrated. For those with small pimples, scars, brown or red spots or even Rosacea,
Not just for the girls We know you men think that makeup is only for models or those on TV or in the movies. The reason it is used is to make the model or star look like they have flawless skin, deflect light, cover blemishes (including shaving nicks) and produce some amazing photos. Normally it is the bride who goes to a lot of trouble to look perfect in her wedding photos, but now the guys can too! Mineral makeup is incredibly natural, so it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look like you are covered in girly goo!
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mineral make-up can cover them. It has excellent staying power and, for those on a budget, a little goes a long way. And lastly, an all natural mineral make-up is perfect for those concerned about the chemicals they put on their skin.
The best way to use mineral foundation Practice, practice, practice. To ensure an even coverage, the best way of applying mineral make-up is to firstly apply a face primer. A gel primer is best for photographs as it has less oil and will produce less reflection. Primers are designed to smooth out the skin, creating a silky canvas for the mineral make-up. Use the brush supplied with the foundation. A soft, natural, short, firm brush is best. Swirl the brush against the holes in your mineral make-up container. There should be just a light dusting of powder on the brush. You can tap any excess off. Use a circular motion to apply the foundation to your face, starting in the middle of your face at your nose, chin and forehead. Repeated circular motions, or buffing, will ensure even distribution of the powder. It is best to apply several lighter layers, rather than one thick one. Mineral make-up can ensure your perfect foundation stays put for your entire wedding day. The light-reflecting and skin-smoothing properties will also make sure you look flawless in those all-important photos! You can find a selection of Colorevolution 100% mineral make-up at Pureskin - www.pureskin.co.nz
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FEATURE
Do me a
FAVOUR
TEN QUESTIONS WITH LILLIAS AND MARCIA FROM WEDDINGFAVOURSMADE4U.CO.NZ
New into the market, Weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz is hoping to bring a new level of service to the wedding favour market. We catch up with Lillias and Marcia and find out what makes their service stand out from the crowd.
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First of all, tell us a little bit about what you offer.
L&M: We take the stress out of wedding preparations by providing wedding favour gifts all made-up in beautifully decorated boxes or bags of the bride and groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice and colour. In the Auckland area we will deliver free to the venue. Throughout the rest of the country there will be a delivery charge. E:
What made you start weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz?
L&M: Wedding favours are a big part of weddings in Europe and in the USA and we have both spent a great deal of time preparing wedding favours for family weddings in the USA. We saw a gap in the market to provide a similar service here. The sourcing of delightful gifts and the preparation of the bags/boxes etc take considerable time and we felt that we could do all of this for weddings. E:
What are the advantages for people using weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz?
L&M: Couples are able to choose from a wider range of gifts, bags, presentation and costs, which we prepare and present therefore
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releasing the couple from this time consuming and arduous task, but still allowing them to have their personal input! So really, it is the best of both worlds - you get to create your own personalised wedding favour but we make them for you! E:
Often people think that it will be easier and cheaper just to make their own favours. What are your views on that?
L&M: Yes that is true, there are a range of fairly cheap gifts on line. However finding an appropriate gift for male, female guests and children can take a long time, as does the decorative presentation of the gifts. By the time you end up sourcing the products (normally from a number of different suppliers) and sitting down putting together favours for each of your guests, it has cost more than you think, in both money and time. By using Weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz, it is just another thing they can cross off their list! E:
Some people are foregoing wedding favours all together. Why do you consider it important to have wedding favours?
L&M: It has been a long tradition in Europe to give sugared almonds as a thank you to guests. These days couples like to give guests a special memento of their special day. We think that this is a delightful tradition. If the gifts are beautifully presented it can be a wonderful addition to a wedding tables. E:
What makes your wedding favours different from others available in the market?
L&M: Our gifts are almost all New Zealand made and many have a New Zealand theme (as do some of the bags). A lovely memento for both overseas and local guests. Our gifts have been thoughtfully chosen for guests to use or keep as a keepsake or memento, and can reflect the interests of the couple without being just an ornament for the shelf. We have heard stories from venues and wedding planners of other favours being left at the venues as the product was not of a good quality and not something a guest
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would want to take home. Ours are not like that at all, they are beautiful as are the bags/boxes we out them in. E:
As well as the product on your website, are you able to customise or make favours to fit a customer’s specific requirements?
L&M: Yes we offer the gift bags separately for couples that may wish to choose their own gifts themselves and put their favours together in one of our bags. Or couples can approach us regarding colour schemes or specific gifts/favours they may want us to source for them. For example, we have recently prepared a yellow and black theme for a couple to view and select from. E:
I see you are Auckland-based. Do you just supply the Auckland market or can you supply nationwide?
L&M: Yes we supply nationwide but there will be a delivery charge for outside of Auckland and the South Island. E:
How far ahead do people need to order their favours?
L&M: Some products could be supplied within two weeks like the ‘plant a memory’, wine glasses, soaps, and candles but it may depend on quantities required. However some specialised items like hand-made cup cake soaps could take up to two months for large quantities. E:
Finally, which is your personal favourite favour?
L&M: Lillias: I personally love the Christmas decorations. They are beautifully made and each year when when you hang them on the tree they are a constant reminder of a friend or relative’s wedding!
L&M: Marcia: I really love the cupcake soaps because they are frothy and frilly and make a lovely table decoration on the day as well as a delightful keepsake.
Don’t forget to check out www.weddingfavoursmade4u.co.nz to view and purchase the full range of wedding favours.
REAL WEDDINGS
Lucy & James
5th March 2011 Craggy Range, Hawkes Bay
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Natural This month, we have Lisa Wilson sharing a collection of her weddings. Lisa has a fantastically natural style, avoiding the contrived look of some photographers. She has a real skill at bringing out the personality of her clients, as you can see from the following spread. Enjoy! www.lisawilsonphotography.co.nz 25
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Pip & Jade
26th Feb 2011 Coney Wines, Martinborough
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Kat & James
26th March 2011 Coney Wines, Martinborough
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Guy & Hayley
12th March 2011 Brackenridge Resort and Spa, Martinborough
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Monique & Simon 30th April 2011 Wallaceville House, Silverstream
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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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Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland
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FEATURE
Advantage The Home
HONEYMOONING IN QUEENSTOWN
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It’s amazing the things that you take for granted. One of the things that we tend to take for granted the most is our amazing scenery and superb holiday destinations. We are forever looking for great deals on oversesas escapes when we have everything you need right on our doorstep. In particular, Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region are among New Zealand’s best treaures and this is where we head to this month. Beautiful in winter, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Queenstown isn’t just a ski-season destination. Long-sun drenched days feature during summer; fresh, green pastures in spring; a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow leaves in autumn: it is easy to see why Queenstown and the surrounding areas are a favourite with our visitors from overseas and perfect for an amazing honeymoon.
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The flight into Queenstown airport is spectacular in itself. It feels like the wings of your plane are going to bump the edges of the surrounding mountains and the views of the picturesque countryside and lakes makes you feel like you are flying into another world. The whole area has a romantic, postcard-like feel to it, which makes it the perfect place to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary. There are so many things to see and do in Queenstown and the surrounding areas that we couldn’t possible cover it all here. Instead, here a some highlights from our trip and things that we thing you shouldn’t miss.
Where it all started: The Bungy One of the things that Queenstown is best known for is advernture tourism and at the top of the list is bungy jumping. Being the cowards that we are, we decided not to partake in the bungy jump, but instead watched other brave (or crazy) souls who did. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the original 43 metre bungy. Fearless jumpers leapt, dived, plunged and somersaulted off the bridge either alone or with a partner. Some looked scared but most were bold enough to come up laughing and smiling. The view from the bungy bridge over the Shotover River was enough for us: we preferred to look rather than topple into it! AJ Hackett also run the Nervis Bundy and the Nevis Arc, the world’s highest swing. http://www.bungy.co.nz/ $180 (includes a free t-shirt).
The great Kiwi invention: the jet boat Something else for thrill-seekers: the jet boat ride! Shotover Jets call their ride ‘Thrill Therapy’: your heart races, hands sweat and adrenalin rises as you race down the Shotover River, narrowly missing the sheer 77
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cliffs that provide a backdrop for the one of the most gorgeous bodies of water in the world. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even before your talented driver throws your boat into a 360 degree spin. Of course, you cool down at that moment: the exhilaration of the tight spin makes you forget that turning that fast in inches of water can only create a tidal wave that pretty much swamps everyone in the boat! http://www.shotoverjet.com/
For those who prefer a longer and slightly slower (only just) ride, Dart River Safaris offer an less touristy alternative to the Shotover Jet Boat. Starting from Glenorcy, the road out to the Dart River is an impressive drive in itself. The three-hour Dart River Safari then takes you deep into the heart of Lord of the Rings country, from the head of Lake Wakatipu into Mount Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by ancient forests, waterfalls, beautiful valleys and snow-capped mountains you truly feel like you are in a magical realm. Both trips are so different, it is hard to choose, so why not do both! http://www.dartriver.co.nz
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The TSS Earnslaw For those of you who prefer a more sedate pace, a gentle boat ride may be in order. A central feature in Queenstown is its magnificent Lake Wakatipu and the best way to explore this glorious body of water is on the TSS Earnslaw. Believed to be the only coal-fired passengercarrying boat in the southern hemisphere, a trip on the Earnslaw is like stepping back in time as you float surrounded by Queenstown’s alpine peaks. The ‘Lady of the Lake’ is almost a century old, having been launched in 1912. It still manages several trips a day, and you can choose a cruise only or combine the trip with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a view of New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Trips to Walter Peak can include a lunch or dinner. http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/
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Another must for the adventure lover is a trip with Nomad Safaris. A Green Globe certified business, Nomad Safaris operate personalised 4WD tours. With a maximum of six people per car, a ride in one of Nomad’s specially fitted vehicles gives you a completely different perspective of the Queenstown and Arrowtown areas.
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Whilst we are Lord of Rings fans (and this part of the country featured heavily in that trilogy), we opted for a breath-taking ride out through Skipper’s Canyon. Voted one of the top 25 most scenic roads by the British Automobile Association, Skipper’s Canyon features a road hand-hacked into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River. To get an idea of how ‘off road’ this trail is, most car rental companies will specifically prohibit you from using their cars on this road. The drop to the river is terrifying in places and the road is rather rough! Nomad’s tour takes you over the Skippers Suspension Bridge to the township of Skippers, where you can visit the restored school house. We were amazed, reflecting on the work required to create the road and how the miners and their families lived in the isolation of the Skippers Canyon. On the return trip home you have the opportunity to make like the gold rushers and pan for gold yourself! Now, all that adventure would work up an appetite in anyone, so on to the eating! http://www.nomadsafaris.co.nz/
Molecular delights: Saffron Once you have earnt your appetite, it is time to head to one of the many amazing restaurants in the area. We chose Saffron in Arrowtown, a restaurant renowned for its amazing cuisine. Pete Gawron has been cooking up a storm in his kitchen at Saffron for over ten years and it is a must-visit. As we were ushered into the intimate dining space,
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the waitress brought an amuse bouche to sample. Pete astounded us with his knowledge of what was described as molecular cooking: we were served what looked like an egg yolk but was in fact a ‘bubble’ of Bloody Mary. As we placed the morsel in our mouths the soft ‘skin’ popped, releasing the liquid within – we knew then we were in for a superb meal. The amuse bouche was followed by chargrilled Wagyu beef with tempura prawns on satay sauce vinaigrette, with coconut and palm sugar jelly for me (which just melted in my mouth) and the scampi grilled with tomato, coconut and coriander dressing for him. This is an old Saffron favourite and well worth ordering! The mains that followed were just as delicious but unfortunately we didn’t have room for dessert. We did however, have room for a quick drink in the Blue Room, also owned by Pete and his fabulous wife, Melanie Hill. Yes, Saffron is expensive but for a special occasion it has to be my favourite restaurant in New Zealand. http://www.saffronrestaurant.co.nz/
Amisfield Winery Located at the turn off to Arrowtown, Amisfield is a stunning building and home to equally stunning wines. Aside from its excellent wines, Amisfield is known for its ‘trust the chef menu’. The chef chooses 6-7 dishes for you, ranging over 3-4 courses. We were in luck with fresh whitebait served on top of an excellent organic sour dour bread, followed by fresh asparagus and homemade ravioli. The chef then did his best with the rolling power cuts and served what was an outstanding meal that left us more than satisfied. One thing to be aware of is Amisfield’s early closing time. Their licence only allows them to open until 8pm, with last reservations at 6pm.
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Ferg Burger And before you think we only recommend the top dollar places, a visit to Queenstown is not really complete without sampling a Ferg Burger. A local institution, these massive burgers beat the chain restaurant variety hands down! We were sad to leave Queenstown and Arrowtown but knew we would be back â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hopefully sooner rather than later!
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The Checklist Engaged to 9 months before Task
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Announce your engagement, including notices in the newspaper Organise for your families to meet, if they haven’t done so already Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, MC, flower girls, page boys Discuss the type of wedding you want, including budget Compile a draft guest list (this will help determine venue size) Choose venues for the ceremony and reception Set the date and time for the wedding Choose and book the following: • Photographer • Videographer • Entertainment • Caterer • Florist • Transport • Wedding Co-ordinator • Celebrant Start thinking about your dress (you may need to book a dressmaker) Consider purchasing wedding insurance to cover those things that are out of your control which may result in the wedding being postponed or cancelled Have an engagement party
9 months before Task
Order your wedding dress Choose your accessories: veil, jewellery, underwear, shoes and so on Choose the attire for the rest of the wedding party as applicable: • Groom • Bridesmaids • Groomsmen • Flower girls • Page boys Select stationery including: • Invitations
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• Thank you cards/notes • Place name cards • RSVP cards • Seating plan • Envelopes Book a calligrapher Send out save-the-date cards Contact rental companies to hire equipment, marquees, tables, etc Organise gift registry Start thinking about your honeymoon
6 months before Task
Order bridesmaids’ dresses Order/book the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits Help your mother and mother-in-law with their outfits Discuss your beauty regime with your beauty therapist Book in for marriage preparation course if needed Decide on and order your wedding cake Book your accommodation for the wedding night Investigate accommodation options for out of town guests Choose and purchase your wedding rings Make any honeymoon reservations
4 months before Task
Book hairdresser and make-up artist Order favours Discuss menu options with caterer/venue, including wine selection Organise entertainment if you are having children at the reception Speak with the celebrant or minister and decide on an order of service, responsibilities, speech making, readings, etc. Set your rehearsal date Let people know if they will be making a speech, doing a reading, etc Purchase wedding gifts for each other and the wedding party Organise time off work for your honeymoon Renew passports if necessary!
2 months before Task
Post invitations Write your vows Have your hair and makeup trials (remember to take your veil etc)
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Organise dancing lessons for the first dance Organise your hen’s and buck’s nights with the wedding party Confirm: • Flowers with florist – do they fit with the theme, colours, dresses • Menu with caterer • Accommodation for yourselves and your guests Organise any legal work, for example, pre-nuptial agreements, wills
1 month before Task
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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.
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