Gather Magazine: 2018 Bridal Special

G AT H E R I N G L O V E I N T H E N O R T H

REAL WEDDINGS

4 real weddings to inspire your I Do’s and where to find their style...

MEET: OUR EXPERT PANEL

Read the intel on how to get the best results from 5 of your most important suppliers

LET’S ELOPE!

Tips for planning when you don’t want to plan

ECO-CONSCIOUS WEDDINGS

Creating a small footprint, packed with style

MEET: TRISH PENG

International couture gown designer

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GIFT GUIDE, SUPPLIER D I R E C TO RY , OV E R $ 1 K I N GIVEAWAYS AND MORE...

2018

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hello.

Welcome to our very first Gather Magazine annual bridal issue! This has been such a long time in the making, so it’s wonderful to see this special edition come to fruition.

Northland is a beautiful place; we are so lucky to have some of the most stunning scenery and beaches just a short drive away. This special issue was created for our love of the region, and in the hope to show you, our readers, what a brilliant location Northland can be when choosing a place to celebrate your own love, and guide you in the right direction when creating your dream team of suppliers.

Gather is created in the small seaside town of Mangawhai, created by myself with a small team of passionate, freelance “This special issue contributors. Mangawhai is a relaxed holiday town was created for our just north of Auckland. love of the region, Like most of Northland, is a great to show you, our Mangawhai place to escape to for a readers, what a mini break, and a place brilliant location where many couples decide to tie the knot so we Northland can be are very lucky to call this when choosing a place home!

place to celebrate In this special, we have chosen three real weddings your own love.” from our region to share with you, and we of course thank our wonderful couples for sharing their special days with us all. Each wedding day is as unique as each couple, complete with our style picks from their days.

Alongside our weddings, we’ve created some amazing features that we hope will not only provide inspiration, but help you with some of the most important aspects of planning your wedding day.

Gather is all about bringing you the best, curating and collecting what we love in our signature Gather style. So please, enjoy our wedding special and celebrate all things love with us.

E D I TO R I N C H I E F & C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R +64 21 1476 476 | jessica@gathermagazine.co.nz

www.gathermagazine.co.nz

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Contents BRIDAL SPECIAL | 2018

Real Weddings + Style Inspiration 2

Lauren + Lance

A country wedding that exudes happiness

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Jess + Cal

Relaxed, bohemian and free spirited beach wedding

15 Shona + Ryan

Stunning elegance overlooking Russell

20 Clare + Todd

A classic affair with a moody Mangawhai backdrop

Signature Cocktail 25 Blushing Bride

Gather Magazine + Blush Gin cocktail collaboration

Shopping 25 Wedding Registry Edit

A Gather curated registry, packed with style

Bridal Directory 28 Advertising Directory

Wedding specialists servicing Northland & Auckland

Giveaways

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31 Win with Gather

Over $1,000 in giveaways, exclusively for our readers

Features 32 Finishing Touches

Meet: Trish Peng, couture gown designer

34 Let’s Elope!

How to plan your elopement when you don’t want to plan anything at all

36 Keeping It Green

Tips for planning an eco-conscious wedding, packed with style

Meet The Experts

Hear from 5 key experts on getting the most from your suppliers

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Greg Campbell & Cat de Silva: The Videographers

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Kelly Hudson: The Stylist

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Zane Torkington: The Entertainer

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Jana Allen: The Photographer

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Vanessa Lockett: The Florist

OUR COVER Photography Danelle Bohane Location Russell, Northland NZ

BRIDAL ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Greg Campbell, Photographer | Wild & Grace, Photographers| Danelle Bohane, Photographer | Keryn Sweeney, Photographer | Chantelle Tournier, Food Editor | Cat de Silva | Greg Campbell | Kelly Hudson | Zane Torkington | Jana Allen | Vanessa Lockett | Karina Williams, Sub-Editor

lauren & lance

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REAL WEDDING: LAUREN + LANCE

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REAL WEDDING: LAUREN + LANCE

Lauren Price and Lance Vazey were married in the small Northland town of Maunu, just west of Whangarei, where Lauren’s father has a farm and the reception was held in Kokopu, just north of the area at the Kokopu Town Hall.

The family farm has a beautiful glade shaded by huge totara trees and surrounded by a flowing river at the back of the property. After visiting one day, the couple knew it was the perfect spot for the ceremony.

“Northland is a special spot to both of us. We have always spent a lot of time there. I grew up in Whangarei and Lance’s family have a beach house in Northland” says Lauren.

The couple was engaged for 2 years before tying the knot, their best advice to couples planning a wedding is to remember that it’s about you and your commitment to one another, to keep a ‘big picture’ perspective.

“We found it really helped to sit down at the start and write down the three most important aspects of the wedding for each of us, this became our vision for the day. Then when we were getting caught up in details and stressing we would go back to our original priorities.”  THE LIST

Venue: Kokopu Town Hall, Northland Photographer: Greg Campbell Photography Bride’s Dress: Natalie Chan Boutique, with vintage veil Groom’s Attire: Barkers Florist: Renee at Jardinbell Hair: Hazel Newman Earrings: Zoe & Morgan Celebrant: Pamela Head Catering: The Tin Shed Entertainment: Pat for President 5

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REAL WEDDING: LAUREN + LANCE

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Wedding Style File: 1. Lace trim veil $395 from Alma J Bridal Boutique | 2. Flossie earrings $299 from Zoe & Morgan | 3.

Found My Animal dog lead $96.90 from Smack Bang Store | 4. Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid $54 from Mecca Cosmetica | 5. Kirsten heels in pewter $369 from Kathryn Wilson | 6. Gracie lace blouse $650 and Juliet skirt $1,950 by Natalie Chan Boutique | 7. Nomade by Chloé Eau de Parfum 50ml $105 from Sephora | 8. Essie nail polish in Blushing Bride $22.99 from Farmers | 9. Nars ‘Atomic Blonde’ eye shadow palette $94 from Mecca Cosmetica  7

jess & cal

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REAL WEDDING: JESS + CAL

After meeting each other at medical school in Australia, Cal & Jess have been spending their years together exploring the world.

From Mayan temples to Guatemalan jungle medicine clinics to camping on beaches in Mexico, eventually leading themselves back to New Zealand.

This intrepid couple have spent a lot of time on the ocean, with a passionate love for sailing, the pair have sailed from New Zealand and around the pacific, visiting Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

After many trips to beautiful Northland over the course of their travels, Cal & Jess decided that the winterless north was the place to get married. The wedding was held at a farmer’s wild beach, looking out at the entrance to the Bay of Islands; where Cal & Jess first sailed together.

The wedding was a relaxed affair, packed with friends and family finished with a perfect sunset.  THE LIST

Reception Venue: Onewhero Bay, Kerikeri & Private Beach Photographer: Wild & Grace Bride’s Dress: Anna Campbell Bride’s Shoes: Forever Soles Foot Jewellery Groom’s Attire: eBay & AliExpress Florist: Susie Potato Hair: Samantha Nichols Make up: Laurel Stratford Celebrant: Pete Gentils Cake: Cake by Nicky Savage Catering: Di Bigwood

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REAL WEDDING: JESS + CAL

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REAL WEDDING: JESS + CAL

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Wedding Style File: 1. Clara gown $POA from Rue de Seine | 2. Hair Resort by Kevin Murphy $49 from Rodney Wayne | 3. Plain paper parasol (81cm) $23.60 from Wah Lee | 4. Little Honey Flawless Bronzer $45 from Mangawhai Pharmacy | 5. Nude by Nature Infusion Lip gloss in Coral $26.95 from Farmers | 6. Coco gown $2,910AUD from Grace Loves Lace | 7. Dr Barbara Sturm Glow Drops $231 from Mecca Cosmetica | 8. Feather Kisses necklace by Boh Runga $169 from Walker & Hall | 9. MIU MIU L’eau Rosée Eau de Toilette $83 from Sephora | 10. Desert Rose barefoot sandals $90AUD from Forever Soles 13

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REAL WEDDING: SHONA & RYAN

shona & ryan

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REAL WEDDING: SHONA & RYAN

Shona and Ryan Evans organised their wedding from London, UK and settled on Russell in Northland for their special day.

“Russell is a beautiful, quintessentially Northland location where we’ve spent a lot of summers with family.” Says Shona, “we were very lucky to have our ceremony in a stunning private garden overlooking the bay, which we followed with our reception in the town hall. It was full of character and right on the water front. It ticked all the boxes and everything fell into place.”

After meeting through mutual friends and getting engaged, the couple spent a year planning the day.

Shona says the best advice she can give from a practical standpoint is to allow more time and effort to plan the details, especially if you aren’t using a ‘one-stop-shop’ style of venue.

“And to consciously take everything in and to enjoy yourselves. It might be a cliché, but it really is an amazing day, so consciously take it all in and enjoy it.”  THE LIST

Reception Venue: Russell Town Hall Photographer: Danelle Bohane Bride’s Dress + Veil: Dror Geva Groom’s Attire: Paul Smith Florist: Leaf & Honey Hair + Make up: Paige Best Celebrant: Ida Birch Cake: Shona’s cousin, Kim Godfrey Catering: The Gables Restaurant Entertainment: Whangarei Youth Music string quartet 17

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REAL WEDDING: SHONA + RYAN

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Wedding Style File: 1. Signature solitaire ring from $5,495 from Meadowlark | 2. Stella by Stella McCartney Eau de Parfum $73 50ml from Sephora | 3. Cassie gown by Karen Willis Holmes $POA from Paperswan Bride | 4. Harlow gown by Tara Lauren $POA from Love Marie (Sydney) | 5. Amore smokey quartz and gold ear climber earrings $239 from Silk + Steel | 6.

Climax mascara by Nars $38 from Mecca Cosmetica | 7. Lipstick in Scarlet Blaze $30 from Karen Murrell | 8. Kokomo heels

by Tony Bianco $179.95AUD from The Iconic ï‚— 19

clare & todd

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REAL WEDDING: CLARE + TODD

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Clare and Todd Wickenden were married in Mangawhai on a moody and rainy day, but that didn’t stop them for a moment. The couple both hold Mangawhai and Langs beaches close to their hearts, and had created a lot of happy memories together in the area.

The contrast of the stunning rural views with the tones of the local surf beach have made for a stunning back drop.

Having been together since meeting as teenagers, the couple had a stylish yet relaxed wedding where family was key.

Despite being engaged for nearly 20 years, the wedding was planned in a mere 3-4 months. Clare’s dress was purchased on Etsy and expertly tailored.

When thinking about that kind of planning, efficiency comes to mind, but Clare also adds “Don’t worry about little details, the most important part of the day is the two of you being there with your friends and family.” Which is key to creating the day that you want.  THE LIST

Reception Venue: Bennetts of Mangawhai Photographer: Keryn Sweeney Bride’s Dress: Alex Veil Bridal Bride’s Shoes: Mischka Badgley Groom’s Attire: Custom made suits Florist: Little Leaf Florals Hair: Robyn Munro Make Up: Natalie Dent Celebrant: Diane Anderson Cake: Our Little Kitchen Co Catering: Scoff Catering Entertainment: DJ Murray Sweetpants 22

REAL WEDDING: CLARE + TODD

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Wedding Style File: 1. Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel Eau de Parfum $100 50ml from Sephora | 2. Vintage inspired earrings (code 3628e) $125 from Astra Bridal | 3. Laura faux fur wrap $79.99AUD from Forever New | 4. Colorstay Overtime in Bare Maximum $34 from Farmers | 5. Straight pearl veil $210 from Alma J Bridal Boutique | 6. Isora gown by Zavana Bridal $3,650 from Jessica Bridal | 7. Sarah vintage wedding set $4,495 from Coco Florence | 8. Giana embellished shoe $225USD from Badgley Mischka | 9. Tutu De Monde dress from $215 from Little Bambinos (stock may differ) ď‚— 24

BLUSHING BRIDE GATHER COCKTAIL

C E L E B R AT E : B LU S H I N G B R I D E C O C K TA I L

THE

Recipe by Chantelle Tournier Photography + Styling by Jessica Whiting

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of fresh diced rhubarb 1 cup of frozen mixed berries 1 Tbsp of sugar 2 Tbsp of water Juice of a lime Blush gin Soda water + edible roses for garnish RHUBARB REDUCTION

In a pot over a medium heat place rhubarb, mixed berries, sugar and water. Simmer for 10-15 mins and remove from heat, slightly cool. Add lime juice and blend until smooth.

MIXING YOUR DRINK

In a low glass, add 2 tablespoons of your rhubarb reduction, add 30mls of Blush Gin, top with soda water. Garnish with edible roses. Allow a few moments to settle, and enjoy right away. ï‚—

G AT H E R + B LU S H G I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N

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CAFÉ | SHOP | FACTORY www.bom.co.nz Photography by Jonny Scott

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Top row, left to right: Harvest Planters from $59.90 from Citta | The Grinders by Menu in Hunting Green and Beige $139 from Sunday Homestore | Clam bowl $119 large from Father Rabbit | Monroe cork coasters (set of 4) $12.90 from Citta | Amber champagne glass by Broste Copenhagen $31.10 each from Capricho | Middle rows, left to right: Moscow bath towel $189 from Ottoloom | Wedding Guest Book, From This Day Forward

SHOPPING: WEDDING REGISTRY EDIT

THE REGISTRY EDIT Compiled by Jessica Whiting

Putting together a wedding registry can be daunting. Here are our top three tips for putting together your own registry and of course some beautiful inspiration. ++ When adding items, select products that can be considered a gift on their own rather than lots of little things ++ A great idea if you don’t need much ‘stuff’ is to put together a registry of wines to build your own collection ++ Ask your favourite stores if they offer a registry service, we love Sunday Homestore for this great service 

$74.90 from Sunday Homestore | Cutliver 100% linen duvet cover set $428 from Father Rabbit | La Chamber Cookware Tagine $159.99 from Alex & Corban | Seguine Vessels from $19.95 from Freedom Furniture | Handwritten Love card $8.99 from Alex & Corban | All Day Tray $129 from Ico Traders | Bottom row, left to right: Round chopping board $25 from Moodstore | Smoke carafe by Broste Copenhagen $75.50 from Capricho | Renee Boyd stoneware mugs (various colours) $36 each from Paper Plane Store | Five O’Clock Somewhere Flask $54.99 from Alex & Corban | Woollen herringbone throw in Olive $229 from Paper Plane Store

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bridal directory WEDDING SPECIALISTS SERVING NORTHLAND + AUCKLAND

T H E L O V E LY R E G I S T R Y

gift registry Be spoilt for choice with The Lovely. A gift registry service that lets you create and share your own beautifully-curated registry. Choose gifts from anywhere and wishing wells for anything on your own personalised registry page. www.thelovelyregistry.co.nz

WAIPU GLAMPING

SHONA STEVENSON

accommodation Waipu Glamping overlooks native bush and is your opportunity to experience an affordable and unique coastal getaway. Ideal for couples with room to accommodate friends, family and even the dog. Breathe-Relax-Unwind. www.waipuglamping.co.nz

make up artist Allow Shona to make you feel radiant, light and glowing on your special day. Offering extensive experience, Shona works with your features to put your best self forward. Working around the beautiful Northland and Rodney areas. www.shonastevenson.co.nz

TWO FOXES STYLING

FLOWERS & FLAIR

hire + events + styling Our team are creators, coffee addicts, floral junkies and midnight elves. We design events from top to bottom, to the last detail! Let’s colour outside the lines and push boundaries and we’ll show you how awesome a party can be! www.twofoxes.co.nz 28

floral artist With studios in both Auckland and Mangawhai, Flowers & Flair was born out of a love of flowers and a passion to create. We love working with each individual or couple to create something inspiring and magical for their event. www.flowersandflair.com

BRIDAL ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

INSPIRED HAIR BY ROBYN MUNRO

OH GOSH

bridal hair stylist An award-winning bridal hairstylist, Robyn’s talent for special occasion hair has been cultivated through extensive experience and passion. Book with Robyn either in salon or on location in the Matakana Coast area and beyond. www.inspiredhair.co.nz

graphic + web design Offering all kinds of creative design. From invitations, menu design and place-cards to your very own wedding website to guide guests through your wedding details, RSVP’s or book accommodation. Contact Jessica to discuss your ideas. www.ohgosh.co.nz

M I S S B OTA N I C A L S

LOWRIDER4HIRE

florist Vanessa is a floral stylist with 19 years experience. With a passion for bringing out the true essence of clients’ individual ideas, and coupling them with her own edgy and unique style to curate a beautifully styled theme. www.facebook.com/missbotanicals

car rental New Zealand’s only road legal 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, as seen in the movie Training Day (2001). We’ll be there to cater for your special day, event or media presentation, contact us to secure your dates and arrive in style. www.lowrider4hire.co.nz

AROHANUI CABINS

S H E R R Y K I TC H E N C AT E R I N G

accommodation Leave it all behind and unwind at this luxury, off grid site.

Overlooking rural Mangawhai, and just five minutes from the village. Perfect for couples seeking something unique, offering cosy beds, campfires and all the essentials. www.facebook.com/arohanuicabins

caterer Run by cousins with infectious style and personality, Sherry Kitchen Catering creates delicious, healthy, contemporary cuisine. A hands on team, offering a full range of services, including hireage, service and bar staff for larger events. www.instagram.com/sherrykitchencatering 29

GOLDEN DAYS PHOTOGRAPHY

FOOD BY CHANTELLE

photographer Mangawhai based photographer Jana Allen captures milestones, moments and memories. Everything from the big days, to the little moments you share with your family, loved ones and animals. Contact her to discuss or book a session. www.goldendaysphotography.co.nz

caterer Experienced caterer for all kinds of events throughout Northland. Dinner or cocktail parties, engagements, weddings, corporate events and more. Discuss your requirements and experience flavour filled menus. www.foodbychantelle.com

HEADZ OF HAIR

HAIR BY JADE

hair stylist Nestled in picturesque Mangawhai Heads, Headz of Hair is the ultimate destination of choice for your hair needs. Call us to chat about one of our Gold, Silver or Bronze wedding packages to suit your requirements. www.facebook.com/headzofhair17

hair stylist Let Jade create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for your special day or big event. Personalising hairstyles to suit your face, hair type and overall style in a beautiful way.

Travelling to you, ensuring your day is stress-free. www.hairbyjade.co.nz

GINGERBEARD WEDDINGS

photographer Document your wedding day through subtle, film-like story telling with photographer, Paul Williams. He curates the intimate moments of your day, telling your own unique story.

Working globally and taking bookings for NZ Jan/Feb 2019. www.gingerbeardweddings.com 30

B A C H S TAY

accommodation Looking for the perfect holiday home or bach for your summer break? Check out our wide range of properties in and around Magical Mangawhai or talk to us about listing your property with your local experts. www.bachstay.co.nz

Little Honey’s Flawless Bronzing Kit glides on easily to give you a streak free golden tan and includes their Flawless Bronzing glove for fuss free application. Dry to touch within 10 seconds and is enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro Vitamin B5. Little Honey leaves you with a beautiful, natural looking tan. Perfect for a warm, tropical honeymoon! Win one of three Little Honey Kits valued at $55 each.

C AT H Y P O P E S T U D S

Garnet is known for balancing your energy, bringing serenity and inspiring creative thoughts and tendencies. Garnet is considered a lucky stone for love and success, and can help to change your thinking to a more positive perspective. Gather has one set of Garnet and Rose Gold studs to give away, valued at $139.

GWYNETH HULSE DESIGN

Beautiful, eye catching and handmade geometric treats from Gwyneth Hulse Design, each piece is hand-crafted from New Zealand Kauri and will add the perfect finishing touch to your space.

We have one succulent pot and one set of coasters to give away, a total value of $102!

GIVEAWAYS W I N W I T H G AT H E R

With all this wonderful love, we thought we’d share some with you too! We’ve teamed up with a few of our favourite brands to give our Gather readers some sweetness.

TO ENTER: Email giveaway@gathermagazine.co.nz with

BRIDAL GIVEAWAY in the subject. Include the prize you wish to win, your full name and delivery address if you are a lucky winner!

FINISHING TOUCHES

A little style(ing) goes a long way... We have two copies of Finishing Touches by Kate Alexander valued at $45 each to be won, packed full of Kate’s professional styling tips and tricks.

SABEN HANDBAG

Debatably the most coveted piece from Saben, Tilly’s Big Sis is an organised, medium-sized style that allows you to carry all the essentials while looking effortlessly chic. Clever internal pockets and card holders make for a bag without the bulk.

We have one Tilly’s Big Sis bag from Saben, valued at $350 to give away.

T&C’s: Giveaway closes at 5pm Friday 9th November 2018. One entry per person. Winners will be drawn at the discretion of Gather Magazine. Prizes are as described on this page and are non-transferable or redeemable for cash. Open to NZ residents only. Winner consents their details and are to be used for Gather Magazine promotional purposes. Entry into this giveaway is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.

PURITI 20 UMF MANUKA HONEY

Be one of the first people in New Zealand to try the brand new Puriti Manuka Honey, with eleven counterfeit measures, they are jars of the best quality honey you can find across the globe. We have one 500g jar of 20 UMF Manuka Honey to give away valued at $325 a jar.

M O O D P I C N I C TA B L E

The perfect addition to your next picnic! The mini Picnic Wooden Table holds 2 x wine glasses or beers and small snacks such as cheese and crackers. We have one picnic table to give away, valued at $49.90 31

G I V E AW AY S : W I N W I T H G AT H E R

3 X LITTLE HONEY BRONZING KITS

f inishing touches

Photography + Words by Jessica Whiting

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Fast forward to today and Trish has two beautiful studios, one in Epsom, Auckland and the other in Los Angeles over in the United States; working with brides across the world, including many who have chosen to tie the knot in Northland. Trish produces a collection once a year, with around 10 designs, forming the base for many of her brides that is added to and evolves each year.

Specialising in custom made wedding dresses, I wanted to find out more about the process and misconceptions about custom dress design.

Often thought of as more expensive and out of reach, “not at all” she says, “ having a custom dress made can often be a similar cost to buying something ‘off the rack’ especially by the time you have had it tailored to your figure it can cost around $1,000 or more to customise properly.”

not a scary process” she says, “it’s not like we have a chat and the next time they come, they see the final dress and it’s not what they had imagined. It’s a careful process through each stage.”

I ask Trish about redesigning and repurposing vintage into her designs, “absolutely” she replies, “I’ll often get brides wanting to incorporate something into their dress, from a little element, to the whole thing. I had one bride that we included lace from her late Nana’s dress as a little heart sewn into the bust of her gown, it was a really personal detail that turned out beautifully.”

The final product can vary as to how long it takes to complete, things like intricate lace, or hand beading all add to the production time. The final gown is usually delivered to a client around two weeks before the big day, allowing for that final, perfection fitting and enough time to ensure nothing is left to the last minute.

“I love guiding my brides through the process and having them fall in love with their gowns along the way”

“With being custom made, the timeline is often around the 6 to 8 month mark”, brides will get in touch with Trish usually 6 to 12 months before the big day, and book a consultation to visit her in her intimate showroom or have a consultation over skype. “I always ask my brides to come with the ideas of what they like, or what they don’t like.”

Once sample gowns have been tried on and the basics have been chosen; such as necklines and silhouettes, moving on to fabrics and lace, Trish then sits down with her clients to sketch out a concept and a guide price can be established.

“Each gown takes around 3 to 5 fittings, with the first being created from a mock-up in a different fabric” she explains, “this mock-up is made to really perfect the fit and ensure that all the important details are perfect.” With this process, Trish is essentially able to build the dress and clients are able to see it evolve with each fitting, “it’s

Of course, with a beautiful couture gown, the shoes are just as important as the gown and headdress, which is what led Trish to create her next chapter of beautiful design. Working with Australian brand, Shoes of Prey, she has recently launched her own collection of custom designed shoes. Having met founder Jodie Fox in 2016, this felt like the natural next step to create a total customised experience for her clients.

With nine beautiful designs, each pair of shoes can be customised to the perfect shade to match the dress. The inner sole can also be customised and embossed initials can be added. “Each pair is as unique as the bride wearing them” she says.

Having a couture dress designed for you is such a personal experience, Trish’s space is beautiful, it’s cosy and full of amazing inspiration and Trish is a wealth of knowledge.

“Custom is a really stress free experience, I love guiding my brides through the process and having them fall in love with their gowns along the way. You become part of the wedding, and in some cases, I’m even invited along on the day! It’s wonderful to be part of such a personal journey.”  33

F E AT U R E : T R I S H P E N G

Gown designer Trish Peng is all about the finishing touches, couture in the best way imaginable for the happiest day of your life. Being a fashion designer has long been on her radar, from teaching herself to sew during high school to studying fashion at Whitecliffe in Auckland to graduate with a clear direction of where she wanted to be and a label already created.

let’s

elope!

Words by Jessica Whiting Photography by Foto Pettine Studio

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Planning a wedding can often feel like a lot of fuss, not to mention a huge amount of work that is often tinged with obligations.

It’s understandable that kind of wedding isn’t for everyone. An alternative to a more traditional wedding is an elopement, the ultimate in carefree romance, where caution is thrown to the wind and it’s all about you and your babe (or at least that’s the idea!)

Elopements can still be an intimate celebration, with just as much care and attention included as a larger, more traditional wedding.

An elopement saves a lot of your hard earned money, especially when most modern couples are saving for a house deposit, or have other financial commitments such as children or just life in general.

Instead of a huge wedding cake to feed 80+ people, you may only need a small cake or some decadent cupcakes.

Rather than kitting out an entire bridal party, you can focus on yourself with a beautiful dress or a crisp, well made suit.

Not to mention the agony over the guest list; especially when you can see pressure from other family members to invite people you might not know.

Elopements are proving to be a popular start to married life, and we can really see why! If an elopement is something you are considering, here are some of our tips for planning the perfect escape...

F E AT U R E : L E T ’ S E LO P E

GET YOUR PAPERWORK

BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER

Depending on where you decide to Consider booking a photographer, even elope to, there will be legal requirements if it’s your one main expense, you’ll you need to follow. want to document your special day.

Make sure you check those out well in advance so that you have time to gain the right licenses and paperwork, and then check again, just to be on the safe side.

CONSIDER A PLANNER

Especially great if you are eloping to a location you aren’t familiar with. A local planner will have loads of knowledge around local suppliers, any additional permits or legal requirements and of course where to take photographs.

P I C K A L O C AT I O N !

The world is your oyster, whether it’s something local, (Mangawhai is a beautiful spot...) or you want to head overseas, putting your money into a memorable holiday can tick off the honeymoon as well.

It will no doubt be important to share your celebration with those that weren’t there with you, even though you are taking a less traditional option.

YOU CAN STILL WEAR YOUR DREAM DRESS...

There are a few things that visually make a wedding a wedding, and your dress will of course be one of them.

This is still your wedding day, and you will no doubt want to look amazing and maybe have a few of those wedding trimmings. An elopement doesn’t mean you can’t have a stunning dress, fragrant flowers and even a small cake.

WHO YOU WANT THERE

It can be as large or as small as you like, if you do want just immediate family, give them a little notice of a few weeks. Don’t feel as though you can’t

invite anyone else along in case you offend them, such as your close friends.

People will understand that it’s your day and this is what you chose.

ANNOUNCE YOUR WEDDING

How you announce your wedding is important, you don’t want to leave anyone upset. Consider inviting friends to a party to announce the good news post wedding, maybe send the party invitations in the mail rather than over social media. Your celebration could even be seen as your reception; beautiful cocktail canapés and champagne are never a bad idea!

Everyone loves to celebrate a wedding.

TRUST YOUR INTUITION

An elopement is not always seen as a popular option and some people may try to talk you out of it. Trust your own instincts and ignore the naysayers! This is your day to celebrate however you see fit.  35

KEEPING IT GREEN tips for planning an eco conscious wedding Words by Jessica Whiting Photography by Bruno Cerver

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But it doesn’t need to be! There are a number of ways that you can be more conscious with your decisions, without having to sacrifice style. Choosing to do as much or as little as you like, it will all make a difference and future generations will thank you for it.

GOWN

An aspect that many brides do not want to compromise on, and rightly so! You will no doubt want to feel beautiful and elegant. Consider including vintage pieces in your day; a veil, slip, bolero jacket, or even the gown. By having the right tailor, you can adjust these things without contributing to the huge environmental impact of the fashion industry.

If vintage isn’t your cup of tea, consider finding out when your favourite designers are having a trunk show.

Designers often sell off samples or cancelled orders for a reduced rate.

Not only will you save on some of your budget, you might find something you would have otherwise overlooked.

BRIDAL PARTY

Of course you want your nearest and dearest standing alongside you to look their best. Men can easily hire suits, if a tailored suit isn’t already a staple in their wardrobe. But many women are often left with a dress you’ll never wear again in the back of your wardrobe, which is a waste no matter which way you cut it.

Consider choosing dresses for your bridal party in a neutral colour that they can wear again, select accessories and flowers that match your themed colours. Just like the bridal gown and accessories, look to vintage pieces.

Not only does this save on new items being manufactured, you can often find something unique and special giving your outfit a point of difference.

There are a number of great fashion hire stores such as Designer Wardrobe where you can hire or purchase from for a fraction of the price.

FLOWERS

Discuss with your florist to see if they can source local and in season blooms rather than imported varieties. If you must have peonies, consider planning your wedding around when they are in season, (which is late October to mid January, if you must know), or find a close alternative to your favourites.

Utilise your florist’s knowledge and expertise!

Consider having cut flowers for just the bridal party, using transportable green walls for backdrops, or potted plants for along tables. If you have purchased the plants, they can go in the garden when you are done! Or give them to your guests, Nana Flo and Aunt June will be chuffed.

Petals or small leaves also make for beautiful confetti, and of course don’t leave rubbish behind. The confetti shot is usually a ‘must have’ for most couples as they exit the ceremony!

VENUE

Having your ceremony and reception in the one place not only makes it easier for guests, it saves on unnecessary transport between locations. Lots of venues will also have a space for your guests to wait while you have portraits taken, so it keeps everyone happy.

Choose a venue you don’t have to decorate. It sounds obvious, but many town halls, as cute as they are, are a blank canvas which is a lot of added work. There are so many venues designed for weddings; see what you can find that needs minimal fuss but has a great impact.

If you do need ‘things’ for your wedding, it’s tempting to purchase items just for your wedding day, but consider hiring as much as you can.

Not only does this mean you don’t have to find homes for everything after your wedding, there are so many companies that are kitted out with hundreds of multiple items; need 15 gold tealight holders or glass jars? They’ll have them.

Need to source 150 matching napkin rings, champagne flutes or oatmeal linen napkins? Don’t panic, hire them.

Festoon lights for the entrance? It’s ok!

Hire them. Plus, they will be delivered for you and taken away while you are sleeping in the next day.

Discuss with your venue about recycling and waste management. Do they offer plastic alternatives? How do they get rid of all the rubbish? Do they compost? All questions that any venue should be happy to answer, and hopefully have a robust plan in place.

GIFTS

Having a registry is always a good idea.

Nowadays most couples have lived together prior to the wedding, so it’s not about setting up a house from scratch like it used to be. Having a registry not only means you are only given things that you would like to have, but you aren’t left with four toasters and an unnecessary amount of wine glasses, and you can choose eco friendly gifts.

If you don’t need gifts, consider asking for donations to a favourite charity, or simply donations to you as a couple beginning your lives together, or for your honeymoon. Heaven knows you’ll need a holiday after all this!

S TAT I O N E R Y

As a designer, I have a penchant for stationery and all printed goods, so it’s hard to write this part! But, there is a lot of waste in printing when it comes to weddings.

For your save the date, get a beautiful email designed for you, (you can still print a copy for Nana Flo to pop on the fridge). You could email your invitations, but I’m not sure I could quite bring myself to do that... rather, look to have an RSVP website made and direct guests there, allowing them to see venue information, menu options, your registry link and of course RSVP; which makes it a lot easier for you to keep track of. I’ve done this for so many brides to be, it’s a great way to save on return postage!

Rather than a menu or a schedule of service, have a sign made for when guests enter the reception. If you must print anything, ensure the paper stocks you are using are responsibly sourced (just like Gather is), or made from recycled paper.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Like anything, it’s fabulous to support local. If you are having your wedding in a small town like beautiful Mangawhai, look to support the local economy and engage local suppliers. Not only will they have great working relationships with other suppliers in the area that you might need, they can help you find other suppliers and don’t have as far to travel.  37

F E AT U R E : A N E C O C O N S C I O U S W E D D I N G

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful, time consuming and expensive things you can embark on. Layer on top of that the overwhelming responsibility to be more mindful about your eco footprint, like so many of us are trying to be, and it’s yet another element to add to the stress.

MEET THE EXPERTS W E D D I N G V E N D O R A DV I C E

Gather Magazine has scoured the best in the business from across our region, to bring you top advice on five of the most hired wedding professions.

All the questions you wish you could ask, or wished you knew to ask!

Cat de Silva & Greg Campbell,

Owners of Greg Campbell Photography Cat & Greg are the defintion of a power couple; a photography and film making super duo. Based in Mangawhai, you can often find them travelling all over New Zealand, it was great to pin them down for their expert advice!

Many couples are opting for a video of their big day to complement beautiful wedding photography. In a growing and competitive market, there is something out there to suit every couple’s style and budget.

Wedding videography captures aspects of the day that can’t be experienced in photos - like the little interactions between you and your loved ones on the day, the wavering of your voice whilst you say your vows, the movement of your dress as you walk down the aisle, tears rolling down cheeks or the laughter from your guests in reaction to the snappy one-liners the best man hurls at the groom.

FIND A STYLE YOU LIKE

Watch as many videos as you can by videographers you are considering and try and find a few aspects that really appeal to you. Examples of things to look for are colour filters, fancy transitions between scenes, timeline changes, the use of drones, sliders or other specialised equipment - and if that’s all too complicated, do you like 38

the ‘vibe’ of the video? Once you’ve seen a few and you have an idea of the style of video you enjoy, you can start honing in on videographers that suit your expectations best.

CANDID VS DIRECTED

Some videographers capture candid moments and record the day as it unfolds remaining behind the scenes, while others will set up shots and direct you in posing/actions to get certain creative shots. Consider whether you want a lot of interaction with your videographer (remember there will be a photographer to talk with too) or if you just want them to mostly remain behind the scenes.

COVERAGE

How much of the day do you want captured? Do you want footage of the guys and girls getting ready? Bridal portraits? Speeches or first dance?

Most videographers deliver a 5-10 minute final video, but some can do ‘full coverage’ of parts of the day also.

AUDIO

Do you want voices recorded for any part of the day? Some couples wish to have their vows recorded and maybe the speeches too, or perhaps snippets of audio from throughout the day. Ask your videographer what process they use and why.

A lot of extra work goes in to capturing good quality audio as well as editing time too, so it’s worth considering well before the wedding.

BUDGET

As a rule, budget about the same as photography. As with all things, it is true that you get what you pay for. This isn’t to say that you have to choose a more expensive vendor to get a lovely video, but cheaper options may come with compromises. It definitely pays to research and talk to videographers about their experience, backup contingencies, timeline and the way they deliver your video - all these things should also be covered in your contract.

MEET THE EXPERTS: WEDDING VENDOR ADVICE Photographer credits: Top row, Kelly Hudson. Bottom row, Sophie Lewis

Kelly Fogden, Owner of Best Day Ever Events Kelly is an accomplished event stylist and has recently relocated to the winterless north from Queenstown (lucky us!) Gather loves her style of understated elegance, so we made sure to get the best tips for our readers...

When hiring a stylist it’s no different than hiring a photographer; it’s best to find one that suits your ‘style’. There are many styling companies out there to cater to different looks, but finding one who suits you both doesn’t have to be daunting. Look at their past work on their social pages, such as Instagram and website, this will help you decide if they are right for you and the right fit for the look you are wanting to achieve.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ‘STYLIST’ AND A ‘PLANNER’

Many people are often unsure of the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding stylist. A planner takes care of logistics and making sure all the boxes are ticked such as sourcing options for celebrants, musicians and catering; they also create time lines to being there on the day to ensure things run to plan and so much more. A stylist is the person who takes care of all the visual details; the lighting, tables, centre pieces, florals and more. Often I describe it as all the ‘pretty things’!

W H AT W I L L A S T Y L I S T D O ?

You can expect a stylist to offer more than one package option for you to consider. This can include full design and styling for couples who have a couple of ideas but really want to let a stylist take these ideas and create a cohesive look. They can take care of sourcing, booking, collecting and returning items, finding suitable florists, obtaining quotes and bringing all the ideas in the design to life on the day.

Many stylists also offer on the day styling, where creative couples have done all the leg work themselves and designed their own look and sourced hire items, a florist etc and just need a stylist to pull it all together, often in a short time frame.

of wedding planning as most details to be organised are usually covered by a stylist. I think the major benefit of a stylist is that they save you hours upon hours of running around. If time is money, then you will pay them off very quickly by them doing all your leg work. Think of all the emails and calls to multiple companies to attain several quotes, as they’ll be doing all that.

Your stylist will know which companies have what and what they specialise in.

More often than not, they know who offers the better deals and can pass those on to you.

LEAD UP TO YOUR WEDDING

When it comes to the days leading up to your wedding and on the day, a stylist BENEFITS OF A STYLIST will take away a lot of the stress, not only on you, but on your friends and A stylist will be an extra cost to your family because they are there setting wedding, but when you look at the up, doing the hard work and long day — overall cost of a wedding, it will be a comparatively small part of your overall leaving you to enjoy your day! No bride needs to stress about hanging lights budget, yet can have a big impact to and making sure the finer details are your day being beautiful and going smoothly. They take care of the majority done. Leave that to us.

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Zane Torkington,

Owner of GrapeVinyl Events & Lowrider4Hire Zane Torkington is an experienced DJ, event producer and even has his own classic car hire company, so naturally Gather wanted to hear his expert opinion. We asked him to write us a few of his best tips for planning your perfect wedding entertainment.

Photographer credit: Emily Raftery Photography

Your big day is on the horizon, and you’re ready to start booking the music. If you’re like most people, it’s one of the last details that you get to on the wedding agenda, but it can also be one of the most important, and it’s not one to leave to the last minute as music acts get regularly booked sometimes months in advance.

If you come across an entertainer at a bar, club or event that you like, don’t be shy to have a quick conversation to see if they are interested in playing at your wedding. Keep it short though as they are working, but be sure to quickly exchange contact information, and follow up in a few days.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

The sound system is an important consideration; the size of the room and how many people you are catering to will be a factor. When talking sound systems with a sound hire provider or DJ/Band, make sure that you have the approximate amount of guests you’ll have, as well as the size of the room, and get a recommendation to suit.

It’s important to ask yourselves a few questions like; what type of music do you want? What times of the day, and for how long in total? Do you want a live band, a DJ, or both?

Consider how you want the music to flow, i.e. slow music early, background music for dinner and party music later.

When you are dealing with musicians and DJs, their styles and genres vary significantly. If you don’t know where to start, speak with your wedding planner or a booking agent.

BUDGET

When it comes to booking live bands, expect higher hireage costs, larger sound set up requirements, more sound gear and shorter set times than a DJ. Ask yourself what are your realistic budgets, both for the sound system, the DJ and live acts (if you are having one).

A DJ can play for hours, but generally lacks the same type of live element. There are also DJ’s that have live percussionists/instrumentalists working with them which can give you a combination of both. As with anything, you get what you pay for.

F I N D I N G A N E N T E R TA I N E R

For a musician, a wedding can be the hardest type of event to prepare for and play to, due to the wide demographic usually in attendance. Specialist wedding DJs can be good if you want to be able to try and appease everyone in the room.

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SOUND SYSTEM

If you’re on the fence between the larger or smaller system, go for the slightly larger option so you don’t have regrets later. Woody Richards of the Stables Wedding Venue mentions, “Don’t under cater on the sound system.” He says, “You can’t really get a sound system too large for a space (within reason), as you can always turn volume down to suit.

But if you get a sound system that is too small, it won’t help create the vibe that you’re after.”

FINAL TIPS

Create a run sheet for your music schedule. You’ll likely already have a run sheet for the day in general, so copy this to a separate sheet and include the flow of the music.

At the end of the day, nobody knows what you want for music unless you make it as clear as possible, and your entertainment provider can help you with this if necessary.

For example, throughout dinner you might want background music with your favourite songs, first dance song, party playlist etc. The more specific you can get the better.

MEET THE EXPERTS: WEDDING VENDOR ADVICE

Jana Allen, Owner of Golden Days Photography Photographer Jana Allen is based in Gather’s hometown of Mangawhai. She has a relaxed and approachable style as a wedding photographer and can often be found wrangling pets and babies for shoots too (so she knows her stuff!) Naturally, we wanted some of her best pearls of wisdom for booking your wedding photographer.

GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO FIND ‘THE ONE’

I could be a little biased, but I really believe that putting aside some time early on, to find your perfect wedding photographer, is an extremely important part of planning your special day. In years to come, your photos are likely to be the only tangible memories for you and your loved ones to look back on, and you deserve for them to be ones you absolutely love. Finding the person who can do that for you, is definitely worth a little time and effort.

TELLING YOUR LOVE STORY

A good place to start, is for you and your partner to sit down and have a think about the kinds of photos that you really love. What is it for you that gives a photograph its wow factor? Do you love clean, bright and natural looking images, or do you prefer photographs with deep shadows and earthy vintage tones? Or do you love a timeless classic look? The way an image is edited can do a lot for the emotional feel of an image, so it is important that this aspect feels right for you both.

Photographic style is also an important factor to consider.

How would you like your story to be told? For some couples, it is the natural, candid images of themselves and their guests that hold the most meaning, and for others it is the more traditional formal shots. Often it is something in between.

Many wedding photographers will offer both the more formal shots, as well as documentary style coverage of the day. If you have a strong preference for one over the other, consider someone who specialises in that.

Once you have an idea of what you like, compile a list of possibilities. Start with their professional websites, but also check out their social media pages. Instagram is also a great way to get a feel for not only the style of a photographer but also of their personality and their passions as an artist.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N

Once you have narrowed it down to a few photographers who work in a style that you love, get in touch! Many photographers book out the wedding season very quickly, so do this as early as you can. I think it is extremely important to feel comfortable with your photographer. They are literally going to be in your face all day, on one of the biggest days of your life. I always like to take my wedding clients for lunch or a coffee date early on in our communication for this reason.

It is important for me to know that they feel I am a good fit for them, that we can work well together and that my presence won’t cause them any extra stress.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS:

Ideally, your photographer should be available to communicate with you during the lead-up to your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, or let them know if you have a specific vision or must-have shot. Your photographer should be happy to work together with you to achieve this.

PRICE POINT

Hiring a wedding photographer can be a significant investment, although many photographers will offer a variety of options to suit different budgets. So, if you have your heart set on a particular photographer who is out of budget, it does pay to have a look through their packages and see if they offer something that might work for you.

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Vanessa Lockett, Owner of Miss Botanicals

Based in Mangawhai, Vanessa is a seasoned floral stylist working year-round to create amazing blooms. Designing for weddings, corporate events and even running her own workshops, we were excited to have her share her top tips for hiring your florist.

Flowers go hand in hand with your wedding, and some say that flowers will set the tone for the whole day. Working with a florist that can see your overall vision is important. Here is my top advice for Gather readers when planning their day.

BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE

Often vendors are booked out over the peak wedding season and if you love a particular florist, you will often need to book up to a year in advance to avoid disappointment.

PLAN BY THE SEASON

If you have always dreamed of having peonies in your bouquet, don’t expect to find them mid-winter, (unless you don’t mind artificial). Do the research, you will often find things are more cost effective in the peak growing season.

It also pays to factor in things like extreme temperature which can affect the longevity of your blooms on the day, choosing a hardier variety if your wedding is in peak summer for example.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT BUDGET

If you want florals draping every corner of your venue, be prepared to pay for it. Most flowers and also foliage these days are not cheap and it takes time and skill to arrange them just so. Set a budget for your florals and be open and honest with your florist about this, we can then look to source product that fits your individual budget, hopefully giving you the result that you are after.

D E L E G AT E

It pays to designate a trusted friend or family member to oversee the finer details (if you aren’t hiring a stylist or planner), so you can focus on getting ready. You don’t want to worry about dressing the tables with flowers when you really want to be dressing yourself!

DO YOUR RESEARCH

If you have a good idea of the style you would like, cut out pictures or put together a Pinterest page/mood board.

Another great idea is to collect fabric samples from the dresses to take along to your consults, it all helps us to piece together and better recreate your vision for the big day.

F E E L C O M F O R TA B L E W I T H YO U R C H O S E N PROFESSIONAL.

I love it when brides trust me to bring their vision to life, but I also want them to feel they are 100% in the safe hands of a professional. It’s ok to to get a few quotes and then choose someone you feel fits your vision.  42

Photographer credit: Greg Campbell Photography