15 minute read
59 Weddings
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable of your life, so picking the right venue, hairdresser, makeup, ring, dress, food, cake, entertainment and photographer are the final pieces to your perfect day. To help with the decisions this engagement season Nelson Magazine takes a look at some of the best local businesses in the region who can help bring your ideas to fruition and make your day one to remember.
Wedding of Phil Butler + Marlou Voss, photo taken on Mount Richmond.
SOPHIE MILSON
Choosing forever rings
Once upon a time, choosing wedding rings was a quick decision, often made during the hustle-bustle of big day planning, and emotionally eclipsed by the spotlight-grabbing engagement ring. Not so now, says Halfdan Hansen, owner of Nelson-based Jens Hansen Jewellers, which handcrafts wedding and engagement rings for clients worldwide. “Today, many couples want wedding rings that reflect the style of their custom engagement ring,” Hansen says. “This creates a ring set that’s unique to the couple and features a shared design sensibility. Essentially, the rings are made to be together.” Wedding rings of the past were usually plain gold bands, but contemporary custom designs often include diamonds and other gems, says Hansen. Engravings are increasingly popular, allowing couples to celebrate their promise with meaningful words in their chosen language. After all, your rings are highly symbolic. You’ll wear them forever, so it’s important you love them,” says Hansen.
A magical Nelson wedding venue
Nestled in seven acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens, Fairfield House is one of Nelson’s most prestigious historic homes, which has gracefully overlooked the city since 1872. Fairfield’s beauty, character and warmth make it the ideal wedding venue, offering a diverse range of indoor and outdoor spaces. When couples book Fairfield, they have the entire place to themselves from 7.30am to midnight – including use of the meadow, courtyard, ballroom, and gallery. The home’s grandeur and stunning natural surroundings lends itself to any style of wedding, from rustic to formal – so you can celebrate your own uniqueness. Whether you want a picnic, a barbeque or formal 5-course dinner, the choice of catering is yours, and you also have control over the alcohol you bring to the premises. “I so enjoy showing couples this beautiful venue and talking through their ideas to see how we can make them happen with ease,” says Catherine, manager of Fairfield House.
Gourmet food from a truck
Casual gourmet food is Beat Kitchen’s specialty. They cook with seasonal ingredients and global influence to create a wide range of menu options. Talk to Craig and his team about your favourite dishes and how they can incorporate them into your bespoke menu. Beat Kitchen built its food truck to be a self-sufficient commercial kitchen and bringing their own kitchen ensures that your meals are prepared onsite meaning they are fresh and get to you as the chefs intended, it also allows you the freedom to choose a venue from a long list of options, even if it doesn’t already have a kitchen facility. Their unconventional serving style is not only efficient, requiring less staff than usual and minimising food waste, but it also encourages your guests to mingle and chat with others and adds some fun and interaction to your event. Pick a spectacular or unique venue, or a nice low-key spot and let them take care of your catering needs. Visit beatkitchen.co.nz or @beatkitchennelson on social media for more information (including menu options).
The longest marriage was 86 years and 290 days. Herbert and Zelmyra were married on 13 May 1924 in North Carolina, USA
Get married at Shantytown
Popular heritage attraction and museum Shantytown Heritage Park is home to the West Coast Events Centre. With two large facilities, it’s suitable for small to large weddings and events. Their team is well versed in event planning, with over 500 successful events under their belt, including more than 50 conferences. The centre offers unique indoor and outdoor options, including an historic interdenominational church, which was built in 1866. The outdoor spaces feature a backdrop of native rainforest and pioneering history. You can even catch a heritage train ride up the line and utilise private paddock space beside their vintage sawmill. The saloon is a perfect reception venue, with fully licensed bar and standard or custom food and beverage packages available. Through bifold doors, the guests can step into a traditional style hall to enjoy a personalised buffet or drop plate meal, then ramp up the celebrations on the dance floor!
Dream it, create it, enjoy it
For your special day, you can celebrate with your dream wedding cake that uniquely reflects you as a couple. Jenna, the owner of Cakes on College, says every couple is different, so each cake is tailored especially to them and their wedding. “I work with clients to bring out those special details that take their cake from being beautiful to something that’s truly special.” A council registered full-time decorator; Jenna is classically trained with over a decade of industry experience to draw on. Her cakes, fillings, and icings are all handmade using traditional quality ingredients, with a focus on her client’s personal tastes. All of her wedding clients are offered beautiful cake tasting boxes as well as a relaxed remote consultation session. You can view Jenna’s gorgeous creations on her Facebook and Instagram pages. For a stunning bespoke wedding cake that tastes incredible, contact Cakes on College via social media or email cakesoncollege@outlook.co.nz.
Wedding rings to treasure forever
Benjamin Black Goldsmiths can bring your dream rings to life. Custom made for both the bride and groom, your rings will be designed and handcrafted exactly as you envisioned. Be it wedding bands, a diamond solitaire, or a custom signet ring, your rings will be made by hand and made to last forever.
Benjamin Black Goldsmiths can design for you a unique monogram, entwining your initials, to engrave upon a signet ring as a stylish and meaningful wedding band. Open right through the holidays (apart from statutory holidays), call in to their Bridge Street gallery and talk to the team about creating a unique design perfect for you. benjaminblack.co.nz | blackmatter.co.nz
The world record for the longest kiss is 50 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds! This was during the ‘Kissing Marathon’ held at Ripley’s Museum in Pattaya.
Ivy + Manny at Cable Bay
PHOTOS BY FRANCESCA
Start your day at Mabin House
It’s your wedding day! After all the planning, stressing and counting down the days, it’s finally here. So what is your plan for the morning of your wedding? The answer should be pamper yourself of course. Mabin House Skin and Body Sanctuary will treat you like you deserve to be treated on the biggest day of your life, and ensure you have the most wonderful wedding morning possible. Senior beauty therapist and owner, Tina, says she loves having brides and their wedding party visit. “We can do everything including wedding prep like helping your skin looks its best, tans and nails, and on the day makeup, and provide a relaxing place to hang out and enjoy getting ready.” Tina’s daughter Jess manages the business and says it’s a gorgeous place to visit. “It’s the perfect place to relax take some time out for yourself and let us pamper you. We enjoy taking care of brides and see them right through to their big day.” From natural day looks to evening glamour, the team at Mabin House listen to you and will deliver exactly the look you are after. Their beautiful boutique setting is perfect for group bookings and is also a great option for a hens party.
Queen Victoria is credited with starting the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 — before then, brides simply wore their best dress.
A personalised ceremony
Emma is a young, fun and affordable celebrant and MC. Her background in radio means she’s no stranger to MCing and being in front of a crowd. Emma has MC’d events for smaller gatherings like the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards, to the Weetbix Kids Tryathalon, from atop a shipping container with more than 2000 people in attendance. Emma brings this wealth of experience into her weddings and will work alongside you to lend support or advice as you navigate your way through the incredibly fun, and sometimes stressful wedding planning phase. Emma takes a fresh, non-traditional approach towards your ceremony, working with you to craft the ceremony you desire. She’s also available for your wedding reception to control the timing (and drunk uncle) ensure the cake cutting isn’t forgotten and make sure speeches are organised and kept short. Contact her to have a yarn about your wedding day.
Tayla + Logan at Founders Heritage Park
PHOTOS BY FRANCESCA
Your Perfect Match
Let them eat cake!
Unforgettable, delicious and customdesigned cakes for your wedding.
Cakes for all Occasions cakesforall.co.nz P: 027 245 8633
Make your day glamorous
Laura’s makeup expertise and relaxed nature are the perfect additions to your wedding day. Laura loves to hear your vision over a coffee (her shout!).
Makeup Artistry with Laura P: 027 218 5632 makeupartistrylaura
Celebrate your beautiful bond
Your enduring love deserves a symbol that’s just as beautiful. From classic unadorned bands to something totally unexpected, their experts can help guide you through the process.
Louise Douglas Jewellery A: 191 Hardy Street, Nelson W: louisedouglas.com Wedding cars in a class of their own
Arrive in style with an experienced chauffeur in a luxury vehicle. For the ‘Perfect Match’, a team member is available as a registered celebrant to complete the package.
Executive Limousines Nelson P: 03 545 1765 E: info@executivelimousines.co.nz W: executivelimousines.co.nz
Beautiful skin without needles or pain
Help your skin look its best with gentle light therapy for a wide range of skin conditions, including rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles and acne. The length of treatment depends on individual needs, and each session includes a facial and 20 min LED session.
Inspiring Beauty and Massage Phone Rose on 027 246 2449 W: Inspiringbeauty.nz
Not your usual wedding photographer
Guaranteed smiles and fun, Francesca’s photos will capture exactly how you felt in that moment.
Photos by Francesca P: 027 479 5857 E: hello@photosbyfrancesca.co.nz W: photosbyfrancesca.co.nz photosbyfrancesca.nz
Photographer for humans in love
This is your legacy, let me capture your story, your adventure.
Sophie Milson- Nelson Photographer E: sophiemilsonnz@gmail.com sophiemilson.com
Unique bridal gowns
Jill can design with you, your perfect wedding dress, from classic sophistication to ostentatious Steam Punk. Your first consultation is free.
Bridal Wear by Jill Alexander A: Founders Park, Nelson W: madcatdesign.co.nz
Take the stress out of your wedding day
Work with a qualified event coordinator to oversee all aspects of your vision for your special day.
Pop Up Events P: 021 954 498 W: popupevents.co.nz Personal and heart-warming ceremonies
Annie is an experienced, personable, and enthusiastic celebrant. Annie is also well versed in cross cultural ceremonies.
Annie Leather Celebrant P: 027 212 1300 W: annieleathercelebrant.weebly.com
The perfect wedding day smile
On a day that will be full of smiles, make sure your teeth are looking their best. Current offer, $169 for your 60-minute treatment (RRP $599).
Sparkle White Teeth P: 027 246 2449 W: sparklewhite.co.nz
Add the finishing touches
Feel pampered on your wedding day with nails by Marie .
BeeDazzled Nails P: 027 823 4844 @beedazzlednails
Phil + Marlou on Mount Richmond
SOPHIE MILSON
No ring, no entry!
We live in a world that is easy for us to get the things we want. If we want a new car then we have tools in place that allow us to finance this. If we can’t be bothered cooking, then we have places where we can go and order a meal. If we don’t have a sheep out the back to eat or a cow to milk, we can buy that as well.
We have what we want and if we want something else then we can achieve this.
So why do so many males procrastinate over proposing? Have they thought of getting married? Of course they have! Are they afraid of commitment? Some might be. Are they in a relationship where they are getting what they want and if they were married it won’t change anything? Possibly yes. So that’s where things need to change. If we want something, then we can all achieve this. It works both ways…No ring, no entry.
Love at first bite
When you contact Viva la Vaca you can expect to receive a personal experience as the team like to work with their clients every step of the way so that the menu you have at your event is exactly what you want. Viva la Vaca use premium products which are sourced locally, including freedom farmed and grass-fed meat, and work with seasonal produce so you can experience the flavours at their best. Whether you’re after a banquet, a two or three course meal or a street food menu, Viva la Vaca will work with you, sharing their passion, creativity and love of all things food by crafting flavoursome bespoke meals for your wedding.
weddings catering events
Contact us for enquiries at: hola@vivalavaca.co.nz or 021 155 6948 www.vivalavaca.co.nz vivalavaca.nz
A romantic country garden wedding venue
Whether you are planning a grand affair or something more intimate for your wedding, our region has the perfect setting to celebrate, entertain and relax. Set on six acres of spectacular scenery in Hope, Gardens of the World is NelsonTasman’s premier country garden wedding venue. Traditional and formal, or relaxed and casual, you can select from a wide variety of romantic gardens. Gardens of the World also provides the ultimate backdrop for both professional and informal wedding photography with billowy blooms in the rose garden, the dappled light of the birch grove, the lilypond boardwalk and the wonder of the white garden at night. In between, you will find arbours, stone bridges, a herbarium, rose gardens, a native New Zealand forest, a rippling lake and formal fountains. At Gardens of the World, they appreciate that attention to detail is essential to ensuring a perfect day and can help with planning around the ceremony, reception, and transport. They are happy to host your wedding ceremony, the signing of the register, your photos, and a toast/nibble post ceremony.
Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition.
WE BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE LOVE AT FIRST BITE WITH EVERY DISH AND THE EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE SOMETHING TO REMEMBER. Viva la Vaca provides catering in the “top of the south”. We pride ourselves in providing a personal experience and like to work with our clients every step of the way to develop a bespoke menu - full of the flavours you love.
Summerset Richmond Ranges Memory Care Centre
Summerset Richmond Ranges Memory Care Centre provides modern apartment living enabling our residents to continue to lead active, positive lives in a safe and homely environment.
Our Memory Care Centre o ers a range of spacious premium apartments. Each apartment has a double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a spacious living area and kitchenette. We are proud to help people living with dementia get the best out of life and have been accredited by Alzheimers New Zealand as a Dementia Friendly organisation.
For the latest information on visiting our villages please call the sales manager or visit summerset.co.nz/covid-19
Our industry-leading Memory Care Centre design is based on world-class dementia living
The design of our Memory Care Centre creates a connection with nature, in keeping with the latest biophilic principles. This holistic approach has many proven health benefits including stress reduction, improved cognitive performance and enhanced mood. Every facet of our Memory Care Centre has been thought through to help stimulate memories and reduce confusion and anxiety. Memory Care Centre features include: • dedicated, professionally trained staff who work closely with residents and their families to understand and support them through the changes they will be experiencing • a circular design so residents can move freely and securely • the sensory room which houses interactive activities to engage all senses • a central courtyard garden that allows residents to move freely between indoors and outdoors
