engaged wedding magazine

DIAMONDSCHOOSING THE BEST DIAMOND FOR YOUR BUDGET

engagedMarch 2009

LOVE YOUR DRESS! Celebrating gorgeous brides

The Ultimate GiftThe perfect present for couples

who have everything

VISUAL IMPACTDove and butterfl y

releasesBoys Will Be BoysTips for the stag night

WIN A WEDDING DRESS TO THE VALUE OF $2000! DETAILS INSIDE

GET YOUR SKATES ONSo you want a truly memorable wedding?

. . . f rom exquis i te menus and s tunning venues, to seamless event management , le t Urban

Gourmet create a beaut i ful and unforget table day for you.

12187 Urban Gourmet Wedding Ad 05 PH.indd 1 14/11/08 5:03:55 PM

A DAY TO REMEMBER...

phone: +64 9 366 3086email: [email protected]

www.urbangourmet.co.nz

Cover photo by Delphinewww.delphine.co.nz

Notes from

the Editors...

Hope you all had a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day!

Over the last few months we have been covering weddings in various locations: on the beach, at a winery, at one of our top hotels or at an island resort. This month we have something a little different - a special on those weird and wacky places to get married. Who could forget getting married in a lighthouse or on roller skates?

And then there are those little extras that make your day special, like butterfl y or dove releases, choosing the perfect ring for the groom, and how to make the perfect speech (and what not to say!).

For the boys we have some advice for the best man to make the stag night one to remember, and not one the bride would like to forget!

But the biggest news of all is the competition that City Bridal and Simply Exquisite are running where you can win a wedding dress! Check out the interview with Vera and Rositta on page 10 and fi nd out how you could win!

Tim & Deborah

Advertising Enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 09 8455925

Post:PO Box 137101, ParnellAuckland 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 initally specifi ed otherwise.

: engaged : March 2009

79WEIRD, WACKY, WONDERFULUnusual wedding ideas

VISUAL IMPACTDove and butterfly releases 62

RINGING THE CHANGESThe changing face of gents’ jewellery

58

THROUGH THE LENS

70BRIDE DIARYWe follow two brides as they prepare for their wedding day

20 66

BOYS WILL BE BOYSTips for a memorable

stag night54


22

NAIL ITBeautiful nails for your wedding

68

table of contents

84

WEDDING SPEECHESEverything you need

to know

34

LOVE THE DRESSCelebrating beautiful wedding dresses

DECADENT DESSERTSYummy dessert bars


Have your cake and eat it too with The Langham

The Langham’s new bespoke cake making service has been officially launched and features an array of cakes in a variety of flavours, sizes and designs - enough to make even Marie Antoinette squeal with delight.

The Langham’s Executive Chef, Ofir Yudilevich says that the special occasion cake service is a welcome addition to the repertoire of food and beverage facilities offered by the hotel. “I am proud to have world class pastry chefs working at The Langham, and their exquisite cake making and decoration skills can now be enjoyed by all.”

The cake making service is available to anyone who would like to place an order and guests staying in house for a special occasion can order ahead of their arrival at the hotel.

The cakes will be priced from $85 depending on the style and size and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required. A brochure with the cake services will also be available and orders can be placed by calling 09 300 2852 or emailing: [email protected]

Beautiful pink cake boxes will also be available for the delivery of cakes of a certain size, and will complete the bespoke cake making service - Langham style!


Beauty plus

City Bridal and Simply Exquisite are incredibly pleased to announce that their City Bridal PLUS range will be available from mid-March. The collection will be in sizes18-28+ and each pattern is influenced by extensive research on hundreds of real customers’ measurements. They have based their sizing on realistic models, meaning CityBridal PLUS gowns fit and flatter you like no other.

www.citybridal.co.nzwww.simplyexquisiteonline.com

Let them come to you...

Airbrushed Angels are now offering a complete mobile service: airbrushed makeup, hair services, lash and brow tinting, brow shaping, and now, their new spray tanning service! The experts in spray-on makeup, the ladies at Airbrushed Angels are now extending their experience to giving you a perfect tan!

They use Xpoze Natural Tanning, a New Zealand-made, ordourless, practically organic and fast drying spray and can come to your house, hotel or office. Your tan is done in a mobile booth and dries quickly, allowing you to go back to work (or play) straight away!

www.airbrushedangels.co.nz.

What’s New


March

Twilight Entertainments Wedding Exhibition 15 March 2009Wingatui Racecourse, Mosgiel, Dunedin www.weddingexhibitionco.nz

Wedding Dreams Bridal Expo29 March 2009 TSB Bank Arena, Wellingtonwww.weddingdreams.co.nz

April

Dunedin Wedding Show5 April 2009 Edgar Centre, Dunedinwww.weddingshow.co.nz

The Wedding Show19 April 2009 Aotea Centre, Aucklandwww.weddingshow.co.nz

Auckland’s Premier Wedding Expo19 April 2009 ASB Showgrounds, Aucklandwww.bridalshows.co.nz

Bride & Groom Magazine Show 26 April 2009Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland

May

Christchurch’s Premier Wedding Expo3 May 2009 Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurchwww.bridalshows.co.nz

Nelson’s Premier Wedding Expo17 May 2009 Trafalgar Centre, Nelsonwww.bridalshows.co.nz

Wedding Shows


Sunday 19th of April 2009, Aotea Centre, Auckland CityFirst wedding show of the year!

A romantic 7 day honeymoonin Rarotonga

A $5,000 Diamond RingOne lucky bride will take home a $5000diamond ring

A $2,500 Wedding Entertainmentpackage including DJ & MC servicesfor your ceremony & reception byNick Logan, one of New Zealand’stop wedding DJ’s.

WIN

WIN

WIN

SAVE... $5.00 OFF!Discount off the price of one single entry ticket. *Bring in this coupon to the show and receive $5 off regular door entry price.

Sunday 19th April 2009, Aotea Centre, Auckland.

Fabulous Fashion Shows

Gift Bags for the first 100 brides through the doors

FREE parking at the Civic Carpark (valued at $8.00 )

PLUS... Show tickets include entry for all Grooms into the ‘Im The Man Workshop’

For more information and seminar details go to

www.weddingshow.co.nz

PLUS

*Go to www.weddingshow.co.nz to receive your $5 off coupon


If you haven’t heard yet, City Bridal and Simply Exquisite are giving you the chance to win a wedding dress.

We sat down with Vera Wang from City Bridal and Rositta Chong from Simply Exquisite to talk to them about their generous prize and their fabulous approach to wedding dress shopping....

Engaged: Vera and Rositta, tell us about your showrooms. Vera: We have two showrooms - City Bridal here on Mt Albert Road, Mt Albert and Simply Exquisite on Newton Road, Eden Terrace. Rositta runs the showroom in Eden Terrace, which opened in October last year.

Engaged: Tell us about the process for brides wanting a wedding dress from either City Bridal or Simply Exquisite. Vera: Both of our showrooms are appointment only, which means each and every bride gets our full attention and the showroom to herself, without other clients popping in to scan through the available dresses and interrupt her trying on process.

Rositta: We sit down and have a talk to the bride about what she would like and then make suggestions about dresses, both within her ideal dress style and also dresses that may suit her. If the bride has seen a dress in a magazine that she likes, it is great if she can bring that picture in for us.

ExquisiteSimply

Vera: Once she finds a gown she likes, we arrange to have it made by our manufacturers. It takes about 6-8 weeks for dresses from our City Bridal Range, and 10-12 weeks for dresses from our Couture line.

Engaged: What is the difference between your City Bridal Collection and Couture Collection? Vera: The City Bridal Collection is our signature line of bridal gowns, and there is something for everyone from sleek silhouettes to hand-beaded embellishments. These high fashion gowns offer the look and feel of luxury, at amazingly affordable prices.

The Couture Collection features luxurious silks, crushed metallic organzas, elegant tulle and exquisite laces, and are known for their timeless elegance, sophistication and most especially their attention to detail. The gowns are ultra chic with delicate crystal accents and luxurious silk fabrics.

Engaged: Is there a trying on or consultation fee. Vera: No, it is free of charge.

Engaged: Your new plus size range arrives in March. You must be very excited about it. Rositta (who is almost jumping up and down on the couch in her excitement!): I am so proud to have been involved with Vera in designing the


plus size range, City Bridal Plus. We will have sample sizes available in the 18-24 range, and the ability to make whatever size the bride needs. A lot of brides go into stores and, when they try on a sample dress in a size 10 or 12, find the whole dress shopping experience to be discouraging. We want to make wedding dress shopping something uplifting - every bride deserves to feel and look beautiful.

Engaged: Is there any style that is currently more popular than others? And what are your predictions for the future? Vera: I spend a lot of time researching fashion (bridal and normal) on the internet or on my business trips overseas. The current trend seems to be for empire line dresses but my prediction is that we will see a move towards trumpet shaped silhouettes, with gowns fitted to the hip and then flared. New Zealand girls tend to go for fairly simple, elegant styles.

Engaged: Do you offer any other services besides wedding dresses? Vera: We have a range of jewellery, veils and also our own range of Cinderella bridal shoes in white or ivory. Brides can also get their bridesmaids’, flower girls’ or mother-of-the-bride outfits from us. We have a selection of dresses: the bride simply chooses the fabric and colour (with 80 colours to choose from!) and we get it made!

Engaged: So, what did the two of you wear when you married? Vera: I wore a very simple off the shoulder dress, with ivory lace at the neckline and in the train. I designed it myself, but had it made.Rosetta: My wedding dress was the very first one I made. It was long-sleeved organza, with lace and beads.

City Bridal and Simply Exquisite are running an amazing competition - they are giving you the chance to win a wedding dress of your choice to the value of $2000 from their City Bride range!

To enter, print out the entry form from the latest issue of Engaged and take that along to either City Bridal’s stand or Simply Exquisite’s stand at any one of the Auckland wedding shows listed on the entry form. Good luck!

: engaged :March 2009

http://www.bridalshows.co.nz


Ti��? H��mo�� e�is��r�

T�i� �� T�i�?

No More Toasters!


Toaster, baking dish, vase, table cloth, toaster… To avoid a

‘retro’ feel while opening presents on your wedding day, consider a Honeymoon Gift Register – the gift of a shared experience that will be treasured forever.

Gift registers have moved from etiquette-breaching

presumption to a 21st century sensibility, an easy and practical solution to the ever-tricky wedding gift that keeps both guests and the bridal couple happy. A world away from the days of Glory Boxes, it’s now widely recognised that by the time a couple get married they’ve usually accumulated all the essential household items and new ideas are needed.

But what happens when you have not only the essential household

items, but also most of the frivolous ones you desire too? In fact, as your wedding day approaches, rather than ponder present ideas to suggest to your equally-stumped guests, you prefer to daydream of the luxury, romance and adventure of your magical honeymoon…

What �e real�y, real�y want

The wedding is paid for, now you’re both looking at your leftover

funds and trying to decide how far that will stretch for a honeymoon and your chance as a couple to blissfully relax after organising intricate and consuming wedding details. Contributions from your friends and family could make your honeymoon more affordable and even more memorable, enabling you to lengthen your holiday, upgrade your accommodation or add luxuries such as spa indulgences, tours or activities.

Everyone has experienced the cringe of an undesirable present.

It’s the regret that it’s not something you wanted mixed with regret that, despite the best of intentions, the giver has wasted their money on this gift. How much easier for both you and your guests to relax knowing that any presents are going towards something so wanted, and something so priceless, as the shared memories of a honeymoon.


It ’s so easy...not just to fall in love...

All guests have different budgets but the same aim, which is to give you

a meaningful and wanted present. While store gift registers require you to have the foresight to include a wide range of gifts to suit any budget, even easier is leaving it up to your guests to choose an amount to contribute to your romantic holiday. Easier too for guests planning a collective present, for example workmates chipping in for a combined contribution to your gift.

A Honeymoon Gift Register means you don’t have to pre-choose individual

items you would like as presents, which can be a god-send as the time-consuming business of organising a wedding already leaves little time for avoidable extras. Make decisions at your leisure. As your Honeymoon Gift Register builds you can mull over where and what you want to do on your honeymoon. Your guests will also thank you for making it easy, removing their need to drive to a store and peruse the items on a gift register.

Check in with your Honeymoon Gift Register at any time before your

wedding to keep track of the growing amount and let it inspire your honeymoon ideas! Prior to your wedding you will receive a list of who contributed to your register, making it easy to send out thank you cards.

The best present you’ll ever pack

For ex-pat couples returning home to New Zealand for their wedding or

even just returning to their home town for their wedding, an obvious question is “How do we bring home our presents?”. A Honeymoon Gift Register packs itself, an experiential present that will be remembered forever.

So that’s the good…now what about the bad?

But what about the surprise?

Everyone loves the ideal of giving a present that is received with surprise

and genuine appreciation. There is some truth that a Gift Register takes the spontaneity out of gift giving, but the huge consolation is that guests know they are getting the bride and groom what they really want. Until now in New Zealand, wedding registries have largely been at homeware stores, but even this has become much harder in recent years as couples are getting married older and, in most cases, have already lived together and have their home décor and essentials well established. A Honeymoon Gift Register is a great option to offer your guests – they will always have the choice to give you a surprise present instead.

And why not just give money?

A Honeymoon Gift Register is essentially a growing fund

of money however guests will be reassured knowing it’s going towards a cherished honeymoon rather than groceries! If you think your guests would prefer to give a more ‘tangible’ present, give some thought to personalising your register with fun extras. Depending on where you’re going, include the option for guests to buy you a dinner for two at your resort, a resort spa voucher or tickets to local attractions, events or activities. This allows guests to add a personal touch to their present and follow up to find out how you enjoyed it.

Some guests may feel uncomfortable with the bride

and groom knowing exactly what they spent on their gift. Counteract this by always giving guests the option to choose that the value of their gift will not be disclosed.

The ExpertsTonia Timmins is the Wedding and Honeymoon Expert at Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel. Tonia and the team at Bon Voyage contributed extensively for this article and we are grateful to them for sharing their extensive expertise with us.

Make sure you see them to organise your beach wedding: their many years of experience, plus Tonia’s exceptional organisational skills, travel expertise and creative flair will help you create the island wedding of your dreams!

www.bonvoyage.co.nz

http://www.bonvoyage.co.nz

The Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel Honeymoon Gift

Registry:The perfect overseas honeymoon needs a specialist travel agent, crafting a honeymoon that will take your breath away. For engaged couples planning an overseas wedding, Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel offers a Honeymoon Gift Register.

How it works:

The engaged couple write what they would • like printed on their Gift Registry card and supply any photos they would like included on the card. Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel produce the Gift Registry cards and give them to the couple to send out with their wedding invitations.

We can add details of your register to your • Personal Wedding Website, which we create as a complimentary service for couples planning an overseas wedding.

Guests make contact with us to make a gift, • by phone or in person, and receive a receipt and a Wedding Gift Voucher, which they can send to the engaged couple.

Before the wedding, the engaged couple • receive a list with all necessary information to send thank you notes, including the name of the person, any accompanying messages and the amount of the contribution (or it can be anonymous depending on the wishes of the guests).

Weddings in Paradise

“Choosing Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel to organise my wedding travel arrangements was the first decision that I made, and by far one of the best! Tonia has such a broad range of knowledge in destination weddings, her advice was invaluable! From arranging packages for my family all over New Zealand to helping me choose the right resort for our wedding. We not only had the perfect wedding, we also enjoyed a fabulous holiday with our family that we will never forget.”

Stacey and Chris Morunga

October 2008

Expert in Paradise!Tonia Timmins is our Wedding and Honeymoon Expert, using her exceptional organisational skills, travel expertise and creative flair to design beach wedding and honeymoon packages. All wedding packages we feature are at resorts Tonia has visited, enjoying the hospitality and charm of island paradises in the quest to find the best Pacific wedding and honeymoon destinations.

CRUISES & TRAVEL

Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel8a Cleveland Road, Parnell, Auckland Ph 368 6804 www.bonvoyage.co.nz

http://www.bonvoyage.co.nz

: engaged : August 2008

Rebecca and Phil are one of the

couples Engaged is following in

the lead up to their wedding.

Both Australian, Phil and Bec have

decided to have their wedding in Australia,

where the majority of their families and friends are located. Bec,

30, is an Environmental Manager and Phil, 29, is a Project Engineer

(Construction). They met through a mutual work colleague and

have been together almost 4 years (although both admit to

admiring each other from a far before they met!!). Phil proposed to

Bec during a weekend away in Wellington in September last year:

Phil popped the question by organising a surprise 5-star hotel room

(Bec had booked them into a backpackers), a bunch of fl owers,

champagne, a card with “will you marry me” and, of course, the

ring. Rebecca and Phil have decided that they want to try to plan

a sustainable wedding. As you will see, this has presented a number

of challenges...

“Well, two months til the big day now!

It’s a pretty important time, deciding on hair styles, fl owers,

wedding cakes and vows.

The bridesmaids have had a second fi tting for their dresses

which were made by a local designer. They look even better

now that they fi t! And the girls can see themselves wearing

them again for other occasions after the wedding which is

more sustainable than a single-use dress. Having said that,

I am grappling with trying to fi nd some shoes for myself. I

Rebecca & Phil

Bride Diary


currently have a pair of white slip on shoes but they are not very

comfortable so I’m looking at purchasing a pair of shoes just for

the special day. Perhaps I could dye them after the wedding

to try and get more than one wear out of them.

I’m booked in to meet a fl orist to help decide on the fl owers

I will hold. I am keen to have some native fl owers in season,

I think this would be more sustainable rather than choosing

fl owers that need to be grown in a hot house out of season

(and hopefully cheaper too!).

We are still frantically making invites to be sent out to give

people as much notice as possible.

We have wasted lots of paper in the attempts to refi ne the look

of our invites, there has been lots of drafting and redrafting so

I’m feeling pretty guilty about that. I guess the best we can

do is make sure that we recycle all our waste as I did have my

heart set on paper invitations.

I have had to learn to master a guillotine to ensure we get straight

cuts, as well as tying bows and fastening them with pins and

glue. In hindsight, I see we have chosen a really complicated

design with different sheets of paper, different types of paper

and two types of ribbon. This has made putting the invitations

together quite a big task. They certainly look impressive though,

so I hope they will be appreciated by our guests.

Oh well, back to the invitation making! More to come next

month!”


We are now entering a new phase of wedding culture, the dessert bar. The dessert bar is a selection of petit fours, mini desserts, cupcakes, tarts, rice crispy treats, shot glasses of chocolate mousse or even mini ice cream cones. The list is

endless!

In the past a traditional dessert buffet offered home-made goodies from all the family members, but today caterers can offer not only a wedding

cake but decadent desserts as well. I have to say I love wedding cake but today they are becoming more and more expensive and sometimes they are not as inspiring as you would hope. With the dessert bar, the world is your oyster. Imagine your guests eating mini key lime tarts or even a chocolate fountain surrounded by mini marshmallows and beautiful fresh fruit.

DessertBars


Your wedding breakfast is one of the major aspects of your

wedding day. Its time for your guests to relax together, families to meet, and your wedding to be

celebrated.

Ph: 03 443 4129 or 021 304 293

www.wanakacatering.co.nz

The dessert bar is a great way to provide a range of desserts that please your guests who have different food issues and preferences. It’s also a

great opportunity to offer more options so as to satisfy more guests and great way to save a little cash, because this is a great DIY project. Break out your best recipes, ask friends and family for their help, and fill in blanks with your favorite childhood sweets. Use either coordinated serving pieces or cheerful china that your friends and your family can provide. Vary the height of the serving platters, use lots of pretty linens and add a little greenery, and away you go!

And what about a lollie bar as well. Think of different glass bowls of varying heights and sizes filled with chocolate fish, jaffas, pineapple

lumps, mini pinkies, jet planes and even a peanut slab or two. Surround the bowls with personalized bags or Chinese boxes and a spoon and watch your guests enjoy their memories.

Serves 4 people

225g good quality dark chocolate – chopped up70g butter – cut into pieces350ml cream2 large eggs1 tablespoon of Amaretto – or any alcohol2 tablespoons honey

In a bowl slowly melt the chocolate and butter together then remove from the heat. In a separate bowl, semi whip the cream until it forms soft peaks, and in a third bowl whisk the eggs and honey until light and fluffy, then fold in the amaretto, melted chocolate mixture and then the cream. Make sure you do this gently as not to lose too much air. Pour into some small wineglasses or shot glasses and leave to chill for at least and hour before serving.

Another dessert bar alternative is an ice cream bar in the hot summer

months. Arrange a variety of delicious ice creams and sorbets in ice buckets on a table with sundae bowls and have a selection of toppings such as hot chocolate or fudge sauce, crushed walnuts, fruit toppings and whipped cream.

If your wedding is in the colder months why not try having a dessert bar that

is seasonal, for example mini apple and rhubarb pies, brioche bread puddings with crème anglaise and a comforting decedent hot chocolate with a liqueur at the ready.

So if you’re looking for a little more than cake, consider the dessert

bar. Its fun, it’s practical, and it’s oh so chic!

Decadent Chocolate Mousse

: engaged : February 2009

WIN YOUR WEDDING DRESS!City Bridal is giving you the chance to win a wedding dress to the value of $2000 from its City Bride range!

To enter, just print out the entry form, fill it in and drop it off at one of City Bridal’s stands at any of the following

Auckland wedding shows:

Bride & Groom ShowSunday 26 April 2009, Ellerslie Event Centre, Ellerslie Racecourse

The Wedding Show (the Simply Exquisite stand)Sunday 19 April 2009, Aotea Centre, Auckland Central

Auckland’s Premier Wedding ExpoSunday 19 April 2009, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Click here for the entry form

PLUS: Visit www.weddings.co.nz for a chance to enter a second draw for another $2000 wedding dress!

http://www.weddings.co.nz/engaged/citybride.html


Nail it!One thing that often gets overlooked in any beauty preparations are

your nails. In everyday life, we often concentrate on our face, hair and body, forgetting that your hands are going to be very much on show during your wedding day.

Almost every guest will ask to see your ring and the photographer will almost certainly take a picture of your hands entwined with the rings clearly visible.

So what do you do to get your nails in ‘look at me’ condition?

Going naturalIf you intend to ‘go natural’ with your nails, you will need to start 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Have weekly manicures (either at a salon, or using the do-it-yourself process below). Ideally, your nails should be fairly strong to start with and you shouldn’t be a nail biter – if nail biting is an ingrained habit, any wedding nerves might make you start up again, undoing all your good work!

Here’s how to give yourself a manicure:

Remove any old polish. Acetone-free nail polish remover is less drying and * more gentle on the nail. Often it is better to hold a remover-soaked cotton ball or pad on the nail for a few seconds, then press downwards and pull towards the tip of the nail.

Use an emery board or file to shape the nail. File from corner to centre and * don’t file in a see-saw motion: this can cause the nail to split or ridges to appear on the nail. Aim for a rounded or square shape as these shapes are the strongest.

Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. This softens cuticles * and removes any dirt. After you remove your hands from the water, push the cuticles back (gently) and clean under the nail edge using an orangewood stick. Never cut your cuticles – this is one step left to the professionals as if the cuticle is cut incorrectly, the nail can die!

Dry hands thoroughly and then apply a base coat to your nails. Allow the * base coat to dry completely, then apply two coats of your favourite colour, followed by a shine sealer.

Nails should be left to dry for at least an hour: this means avoid getting the * car keys out of your pocket, washing dishes, hanging out washing, typing…sounds like a perfect time to sit back and get your man to give you a foot rub!

Lastly, apply a good quality moisturiser to the hands and cuticles. Try doing * this a couple of times a day and feel the difference!

Need help?If your nails have a tendency to split (or you have a habit of biting them!), artificial nails may be for you. Made from a wide variety of materials, artificial nails can either look as natural as real fingernails or be miniature works of art. Most brides go for the natural look: it complements the bridal look and won’t age in photos.

There are two main procedures for getting artificial nails. The first is nail tips. These are lightweight plastic nail-shaped plates that are glued on to the end of the natural nail and then acrylic or gel is applied over the entire nail. The second is forms. Forms are fitted over the nail and then an artificial nail is molded out of acrylic or gel on the nail. The form is removed, then the acrylic or gel is shaped and buffed.

There are a few popular materials for nails. Acrylics harden within 30-40 seconds after application and cures to final hardness after about an hour. Acetone is generally used to remove acrylics (a process that takes about 20 minutes). UV gel (which is a polymer resin) hardens under ultraviolet light. UV gel nails may be stronger and more flexible but more expensive. These type of nails are removed by filing or being left to grow

out. Lastly, there are fibreglass or silk wraps, which may be good for those allergic to the chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process. Fibreglass or silk fabric is cut to fit on the surface of the nail or tip and then is sealed down with resin or glue.

Nail extensions can take some time to get used to, so we would recommend having a trial at least two weeks before the wedding. You will also need to get the nails in-filled every two weeks, so that appointment should be booked for the day before the wedding. In-filling is necessary as your natural nails grow and the artificial nail moves with it away from the cuticle.

You can get your nail colour or art applied at the same time as the in-fills are done. Talk to your nail technician about colours and effects, remembering that some styles may date in photographs. Also talk to your manicurists about after-care for when you are on honeymoon.

Make sure you ask for recommen-dations for nail salons, as it is very important that the person applying the nails knows what they are doing. They need to know how to deal correctly with the chemicals they are using, what to do if allergies appear, and they need to be aware of the dangers of the nail separating from the nail bed, damaging the nail root. With a properly qualified professional, you will literally be in good hands!

Compliment, not clashYour bridesmaids should also have their nails done, so that their look is ‘polished’. This can be done during the preparation time the morning of the wedding (they can help each other out), or ideally, the day before so their nails have time to dry before they start rushing around after you!

Their nails should compliment yours, should not clash and preferably match each other.

Feet treatDon’t forget those tootsies! If you are wearing open-toed (or open-heeled) shoes, make sure

your feet get the same treatment as your hands. Book in for a pedicure or use the same steps as the at-home manicure above. And if your heels are a little, uh, rough, try slathering them with a heavy-duty moisturiser each night, slipping on some cotton socks and then hopping into bed to let the cream work its magic overnight.

It’s not just a girl thingRemember that the groom’s hands will also be on view. Treat him to a manicure a day or two before the wedding, and make sure he doesn’t intend to change the oil in the car between the manicure and the marriage!


About two years ago I arrived to do a makeup job and walked in to see a beautiful woman with outstanding eyelashes. I was completely overwhelmed when I discovered they were eye lash extensions. They looked amazing and were definitely attention grabbing but also so natural that I couldn’t believe they were not real. This was the beginning of my obsession! I have had the great honour of owning my own set of Celebrity Lash and absolutely LOVE them. I wake up every morning and admire Elisia’s work in my mirror. Although I mainly work doing hair and makeup in the fashion industry, I also do a number of weddings and feel compelled to tell everyone about the wonderful, attention to detail work that goes on at Cerise make up and lash bar. Many places do lashes but these lash stylists’ are true artists. Thank you Elisia.

Leisa Welch, Hair and Make up Artist

Celebrity Lash was recommended to me by a make-up artist friend of mine when I mentioned I was getting married. I’ve always been an eyelash curler / mascara girl so the idea of eliminating the fuss of all that really appealed to me, not to mention getting to choose the length and volume of my new eyelashes. For my wedding I chose longer, fuller, more dramatic lashes (as any girl would!) and the results speak for themselves. Not only did my eyes look amazing, there was NO risk of running mascara! Now, for everyday, I have changed to shorter more natural lashes. The fact that you can alter the effect with just one appointment is fantastic. There is an element of maintenance involved but it’s insignificant compared with the effect the lashes have created. I no longer have to fluff about with my curlers or worry about panda eyes in the morning and I’ve also found I now wear minimal make up as the lashes make me look and feel ‘made up’. I just pop on some lip gloss and I’m out the door. Thanks Rebecca and Elisia!

Erika Takacs

I´ve worked with Cerise for a number of years; their eyelash extensions are the perfect complement to the makeup we apply, particularly when the bride wants to look her best on the big day.

For lashes that are truly amazing and extremely natural looking there is only one place in Auckland to get your lashes done - Cerise. The lash business has boomed in the last couple of years but none are as expertly applied as they are by the girls at Cerise. If you want to make a feature of your eyes and have that gorgeous Angelina Joile or Eva Longoria look then you must get your lashes done for your big day or special occasion. They make such a difference ..they open your eyes up and make your look more feminine and pretty.

Amber Haldane, Makeup Artist

Testimonials for Cerise Makeup &

Lash Bar


CERISE MAKEUP & LASH BAREyelash Extension Specialist

3/386 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland09 3616 336 www.cerise.co.nz

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Love Your

Photography by Delphinewww.delphine.co.nz

Dress


For this month’s editorial shoot, we invited Delphine, an amazing photographer based in Christchurch, to showcase something new that she is doing… we’ll let Delphine (and her photos) tell the rest….

”The wedding dress. THE dress.

It’s in our nature as women to want to wear a princess dress sometime in our life. The kind of dress that make you look stunning, gorgeous and that would make your (and any other) man drop dead.

Unfortunately, not many of us have the opportunity to wear nice, big expensive dresses… unless you’re a Hollywood star, it’s very unlikely that you will get to wear such a baby in your life.

That’s where the wedding dress comes in: it is the garment you always wanted to wear! You get to choose it, spend money on it and have it fitted perfectly to you. Oh yeah - any girl’s dream! You’re dying to wear it before the wedding but can’t… what if your man sees you with it!

So there it is - gorgeous and hidden until the DAY. The big day.

In my short career as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen all styles, some that I liked more than others, but they all looked great! Which is funny, as I’m usually very picky when it comes to clothes. But I found that all my brides looked gorgeous in their dresses. Why is that? Well, the girl and her dress became ONE. They are made to be together on the day, like a team, and they complement each other perfectly. That’s why they look fantastic together.

With that in mind…

There is a trend in the US which is coming down here too. It’s called ”trash the dress” or, if you’re cool, you might want to say TTD. As its name suggests it, it’s all about trashing the dress. You go and play in the mud, set your dress on fire, go in the water etc. They get some interesting results, that’s for sure. I guess I would want to trash my dress if I was getting divorced or if hubby turned out to be a nightmare…

Call me a snobbish French but I don’t get the point. First I don’t like trashing things. Then, why would you want to trash the most beautiful dress you’ve ever had! Nah. But I loved the concept of having pictures taken of a bride after the wedding when the pressure is over!

I looked around and some photographers offer the TTD sessions. I wanted something


a bit different though. Something with a fashion feel though. So I thought about it and came up with my own little concept ’’love the dress’’. OK, I could have done better in term of name, I admit it (but I’m open to suggestions!).

I did a casting call thanks to weddings.co.nz and selected five girls. All different in term of shape and flavours. I took them to different locations to see what I could get and what could work. The girls were awesome, open to anything! One of them, Noriyo, wanted to trash her dress, so I offered to take pictures in the water. She had such a cool dress I wanted to make sure she’d do the photoshoot with me.

The sessions were fun, relaxed. We took our time, we had no pressure, it was great! A great experience for all of us. I received amazing feedback through my website and I am now offering these sessions to my clients. The girls are thrilled they have these pictures and had that special attention with their dress.

So if you already had your wedding and feel like wearing your dress again, you should try to find a photographer in your area that could do the job. And there is no rush, you don’t have to do it just after the wedding, as long as the dress fits you, go for it! It’s fun and worth it. You’ll have a blast looking at the photos in 20 years ! “

You can check out my ”love the dress” on my website :www.delphine.co.nz

Paula DockrilNoriyo NakaiKate FlemingJanna D’AthAnne Farrelly

The Models


BrighouseHandmade Jewellery

and Design

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Cornelius Jewellers

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Handmade Engagement& Wedding Rings

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The stag night, bucks’ night, or bachelor party… hands up all those brides who, as soon as they hear those words, imagine strippers and their dearly beloved chained to a lamp post in the middle of Queen St? It’s enough to strike fear into the heart of any bride-to-be, with legendary stories of stag nights gone wrong

circulating via email or word-of-mouth. Or imagine the degree of trepidation felt by some grooms – how much does he trust his so-called best mates and does he really think he will have both of his eyebrows at the end of the night?

It doesn’t have to be all bad.

The bucks’ night should be thought of as a bonding experience for the groom and his besties. A chance to hang out together as single men for the last time, to swap outlandish tales of past conquests (half of which probably aren’t true) and to reminisce about good times had.

In our inaugural issue of Engaged, we gave some tips for organising the best hens’ night ever. Now here are our tips for the best man, groomsmen and any others responsible for the groom’s last night of freedom.

will beBoys

Boys


Boys

PlanningPlanning of the stag do is normally left to the best man, so if you are reading this and you aren’t the best man, you might want to pass it on...

Try to plan as early as possible. Get a few guidelines from the groom as to what he wants. Sure, it is your number one duty to embarrass the hell out of him, but having the groom paralysed by fear at the thought of getting up close and personal with a stripper doesn’t make for a good night for him.

Find out who the groom wants to invite along. Get suggestions from those invited and get an idea as to budget. Is the groom the sporty type? Adventurous? A wine buff? Try to tailor the night to the groom’s interests and make it memorable for him. This does require a bit of forethought. Just meeting at the local and deciding from there on the night doesn’t usually make for a special night.

If your activities are spread out geographically, think about transport so no one is responsible for driving. Allow plenty of time to get from venue to venue. Organising drunken men is like herding cats and takes a little more time and effort.

Planning will also ensure you avoid scheduling the stag night for the same night as any major rugby or cricket fixture.

SolidsIt’s a great idea to plan on eating something during the day. Whether it’s a pie after your first paint ball session or a picnic with your wine tasting tour, get some food into everyone. Or just go for a kebab at 3am. Your choice.

More on moneyEspecially at the moment while times are tough, make sure you let everyone know up front what the costs are (including or excluding drinks) and get a commitment. Some sort of pre-payment is always a good idea when booking activities – you don’t want to be left with a big bill for a confirmed booking when half the party pull out due to funds being ‘a bit tight, mate’.


EvidenceMake sure you take loads of pics. You can use this to blackmail the groom later. Just kidding. The photos will be a reminder of what great mates the groom really has. Really.

Video, on the other hand, isn’t necessary. Posting a video of the stag night on You-Tube probably won’t endear anyone to either the bride or groom! The old adage of “what goes on on tour, stays on tour” is a good one to follow.

Big BrotherMake sure you look after the groom. Hopefully he will wake up the next day, remembering everything and regretting nothing. It is your job to remember that he has planned to marry his sweetheart for a long time and he doesn’t want to jeopardise that with a drunken pash with some girl he has never meet before. You don’t have to babysit him, just keep an eye out. He is your best mate after all. And for God’s sake, don’t lose him.


Some ideas:Head out on a fishing weekend - hire a charter boat and go

and catch the big one!

Spend the weekend surfing

Off-road biking or quad bikes

Jet boating

Paintball

Go karting - hire out a track and organise a full Grand Prix competition

V8 car racing

Back yard cricket - set up a full tournament

Lawn bowls - use your local bowling club (the beer is normally pretty cheap as well!)

Sumo wrestling

Bungy Jump

Bridge Climb

Wine tour

Pub crawl - find pubs that brew their own beer and go on a tasting mission

Team cocktails

Organise a ride in a rally car

Go clay-target shooting

Have a weekend of golf - tour some of your local golf clubs

If you aren’t any good at the real thing, have a mini golf tournament

Hire out a private dining room at a nice restaurant and treat yourselves to a degustation menu

Ten pin bowling tournament

Poker tournament


Ringing the ChangesGreg Holland talks to Engaged about the changing face of gents’ jewellery


Last month we looked at the sparkly part of your engagement ring, the diamond!

Like the café society of old where all that was on offer was an uninspiring filtered coffee, a luke-warm pie or stale club

sandwich, the jewellery industry has also evolved and grown greatly. We have come a long way since the days where three main high street chain stores all selling unnervingly similar items were all we had to choose from. Today we have abundant choice. And the traditional notion that the jewellery industry is almost exclusively a female domain has also changed.

Historically, men have had few choices when considering jewellery for themselves. All the glitz and the glamour, the

sparkling jewels and the inspirational designs have been reserved for the ladies. Not so anymore. The good news for the boys is that they now have many varied and inspiring options available that take them far beyond the limited horizons of the plain gold band.

Now, when a couple sits with their jeweller to discuss the design of their wedding rings, equal time and attention is given

to the man who is also looking for something personalised and distinctive to wear. Consider this: when a person chooses to get married and wear a ring as a symbol of this unity, they are placing on their finger something they will wear for the rest of their life. Furthermore, it is something they will quite possibly pass on as a legacy to someone they love. Why wouldn’t they then invest in something that represents their taste or that says something about their character and is totally unique to them?


Distinctive, Unique and Inspired

My wife and I for example, both wear wedding rings that had much thought poured into their design and that epitomise who we are. Hers is

a contemporary 8mm wide platinum band with 64 diamonds set in two rows around its circumference and weighs 22 grams. However my wedding ring, a Mokume-gane design, is also strikingly different. Mokume-gane is a Japanese mixed metal laminate technique quite literally translated as “wood eye” that personally I find fascinating. It is similar to that used in the production of Samurai swords. They are both rings that we are happy and proud to wear every day. It is the story and sentiments attached to a piece of jewellery that makes it special and makes the wearer feel unique. When a customer has an idea for their ring, no matter how unusual or different it may seem, it is important that they share it with their jeweller because it is the vital starting point from which everything evolves.

We simply work from the theory that if a customer can describe their ideas then we can translate that into a sketch for them, and if we can sketch it,

then we can make them into a reality! It really is that simple.

Gemstones

An interesting trend that jewellers are noticing is men incorporating gems into their wedding rings. The more reserved or private man may choose to have

a diamond or coloured gem set on the inside of the ring so the stone is unseen and lies against the skin. But many men are getting bolder and more inspired with their rings, shrugging off ‘tradition’ and getting adventurous. Diamonds are now appearing on the outside of many gents’ rings and some are choosing to incorporate gemstones such as green and blues sapphires for a truly distinctive and unique feel.

When getting to know a client, a jeweller will recommend suitable stones for them based on the particular lifestyle of the wearer but also listen to the

needs and wishes of the customer. The hardness and durability of the stone is the first consideration. Generally diamonds and sapphires work well due to the fact that they are the hardest gems, but tourmaline may work if the wearer leads a less active lifestyle or takes greater care when wearing their ring, or they can also be used in pieces such as cufflinks that really don’t ‘wear’ like a ring does.

Of course, the colour of a stone also needs to be considered, but the beauty of coloured gems is that they come in an almost endless array of colour that

is sure to match the wearer’s style and taste.

The bottom line is to ask lots of questions such as where does the metal come from, what if any is the environmental impact of the mining of their metal,

where do the gems come from, and where are they cut, what warrantees or guarantees does the jeweller give. Be informed so you can make a decision you can be comfortable with one that will last a life time.

So, whether you are male or female, remember to be true to yourself, and express the ideas and vision you have for your dream piece of jewellery. The

end result will be a piece that you are proud to wear for a lifetime and something that is truly you.

http://www.greghollandjewellery.co.nz


Every bride wants to create a little bit of magic on her wedding day. With confetti, rice and balloons being frowned upon for environmental reasons, a lot of ceremonies

are now including dove or butterfly releases to provide a stunningly visual way of celebrating the couple’s first moments as husband and wife.

As soon as you mention doves, the words peace and love come to mind. They are a symbol of purity and grace, with the white dove in particular being seen as a symbol of new beginnings, fidelity, prosperity and true love. As Doveblessings put it ‘as a symbol of true love, doves choose one partner and mate for life, therefore doves are a very fitting addition to any wedding’. So, what actually happens in a dove release?

Brides and grooms have the choice of a hand release or flock release. In the hand release, the bride and groom each hold a dove, both of which are released at the same time. The flock release involves the bride and groom releasing two birds from their hands or a box, plus a larger number of doves being released shortly afterwards to join the original two in the sky.

Dove and ButterflyPhoto: Susanna Burton Photography

Releases

Dove and Butterfly

The release can be accompanied by the reading of a poem, scripture or some writing personal to the couple.

Doves are trained from a young age to return home and are especially selected for this ability. There are a couple of requirements for the release to be successful and to ensure the doves make it home in time: they need to be released in good weather and at least one hour prior to sunset to give them time.

With butterflies, the symbolism is about new beginnings, good fortune and joy. When released, the butterflies seem to weave amongst the guests, as if making sure everyone gets some of that fortune and joy.

Butterflies can also be released in a number of different ways. The first is where selected guests (including the wedding party) are given a box with a single butterfly in it and those guests then release the butterfly at a nominated time in the ceremony. The guests releasing the butterflies may be pre-selected, or the boxes with the butterflies may be distributed much like traditional confetti or bubbles. Alternatively, a mass release of the butterflies can be arranged.

For centuries throughout the world, in many cultures and traditions the

white dove has symbolized new beginnings, fidelity, prosperity and

everlasting love.

Doveblessings

For the ultimate wedding gift, we offer Ceremonial White Dove Releases, as a true symbol of Love. This is a very fitting addition for the most

intimate home ceremony or the grandest fairytale affair. From only $295.00 - View our website for packages

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Releases


Generally, Monarch butterflies are used as they are strong and suited to the transport and packaging required for the release. Being cold-blooded, the butterflies are kept in cool and dark conditions whilst transported so that they go into a natural hibernation-type sleep. At the ceremony, the butterflies are warmed up when they are distributed to guests, which makes them amenable to flying when they are released. Of course, if it is a cold, windy or rainy day, the butterflies won’t want to come out of their sleepy state and therefore butterflies cannot be released on these types of days. Like doves, butterflies also need to be released before sunset so they can find food and shelter. They should also never be released inside.

Apparently there is an ancient butterfly legend that says if you want a wish to come true, whisper it to a butterfly!

the perfect setting

Tom Pearce Drive Auckland Airport 275 8880 www.butterflycreek.co.nz

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The Wedding Dance for the Bride and Groom.

Steptacular Dance Tel: 09 813 1101 Mob: 021 375 996Email: [email protected]

Your Day, Your Way.

Leonie SmythMobile Make-up Artist

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From a simple bouquet to the most elaborate event, your individual style will be catered for.

The Team at Starz will provide you with a professional service working within your budget.

www.starzflorist.co.nzBEADS JEWELLERY CLASSES

Create your own unique jewellery.Custom designs with delight.

Beads for embellishment.

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6 Kingsland Tce, Kingsland, Auckland - Phone: 09 815 1177

Beautiful parasols for your weddingWith options for both sun and rain, you’ll look

fantastic and be completely covered.

www.parasoul.co.nz


Kylie & Hooksy

Bride Diary

Kylie and Hooksy met 18,000kms from home on a hot summers day in London at the NZ Food & Wine Festival (complete with their favourite NZ culinary delights and the sounds of Dave Dobbyn in the background). Six years

later, after much travelling, moving back home, buying a dog

and a house together, Hooksy popped the big question on

their favourite west coast beach, Muriwai. Kylie is a marketing

manager with Goodman Fielder and Hoosky has his own

business as a builder.

“Hooksy has really great taste in clothes so I just decided to

leave him to sort out what he and his groomsmen wanted

to wear. He knew what colour scheme we were working on

based on the mood board, so I thought it would all go pretty

smoothly. We’d already made the decision that Hooksy was

going to wear shorts as he really wanted to wear them for

the beach wedding (even though our parents were pretty

dubious about the whole thing).


So one day during the holidays he decided to go out and

get it all sorted for him and his groomsmen. Firstly he went

to Working Style but the clothes were not casual enough

for what he wanted. So he went back to his old faithful

store, Marvel in Ponsonby.

They were amazing. They actually took the time to help

him pick out all his clothes and let him take them home

without paying to show me. Hooksy was so excited to

show me too!

He’d chosen these really stylish khaki green shorts with a

slight stripe in them that had been sewn in and a white

linen shirt. They looked great on him and really suited him

but I was really worried about the white clashing with my

ivory dress and also how the green shorts were going to

work into the colour scheme which was more of a light

bright green than a khaki colour. I think Hooksy was a

little disappointed that I didn’t love it.

One technique I used to try to work out how the colour

scheme might work for the bridal party was to take pictures

of Hooksy in his outfi t and me in a bridesmaid dress, cut

and paste them to get to the right numbers and lay them

all out on a powerpoint slide. I added in a picture of my

dress from on the internet to see how it worked all together

(I didn’t show Hooksy though of course!). I think the thing


Bride Diary

that stood out for me was that the groom really did need

to look different from the groomsmen otherwise he just

blends in too much and that white linen clashes with ivory

silk!

So armed with the picture we went back into Marvel the

next day to see what we could fi nd that would work better.

We were really lucky because they had the exact same

shorts in black!! I was so stoked as the khaki was a bit of a

problem. The sizing available wasn’t good, but the lovely

people at Marvel said that for any sizes they didn’t have

they would buy more fabric and get them made and do

any alterations that needed to be done for free.

Then onto the shirts. Hooksy really didn’t want to wear

black as he was worried he would get really hot waiting

for me on the beach in the sun. Then Marvel managed to

fi nd a nice thin airy black shirt for him and I promised not

to keep him waiting too long on the beach!

Hooksy was now all in black (and he looked really hot in

his outfi t as he really does suit black). His groomsmen had

black shorts and the white linen shirts that Hooksy had

selected initially. So $1,400 later we had everyone sorted,

all from the one shop. Marvel were brilliant!


I remember reading in a magazine that it is really easy to

forget about the groom’s clothes and I think that, even if you

trust your partner to go get the clothes, you can have quite

different ideas about how you want it to all work together.

At the end of the day, you want your photos to work the

best with the two of you. If you clash it won’t suit anyone, no

matter how well all the bridesmaids and groomsmen look

together. But it is even more important that the groom feels

comfortable, you want him to remember the amazing time

he had, not how hot he was in his woollen suit on the beach

sweating in the sun!”


Through the Lens

Showcasing Photographic Excellence

Photograph by VisionWorks Photography

: engaged : March 2009engaged

Website: www.amyschulz.co.nz Email: [email protected]: 0211556071Wellington and Nationwide

Amy Schulz Photography


Susanna Burton

Rob Driessen PhotographyWebsite: www.rdphotography.co.nz Email: [email protected]

Phone: 04 479 7769 Wellington

Website: www.susanna.co.nz Phone: 09 528 5717

Auckland

Master NZ Institute of Professional Photography

Master NZ Institute of Professional PhotographyMulti NZIPP & Kodak Gold Award Winner


Website: www.uniquevisions.co.nz Email: [email protected]: 09 817 7014 Mobile: 0274 913 061 Auckland

Brett Lees, Unique Visions Photography

Qualifi ed Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography

engaged

Website: www.carmenhancock.co.nz Email: [email protected] Phone: 021 226 7848 or 03 4488331Central Otago

Carmen Hancock Photography

Winner of “Kodak Professional Wedding Gold Award” 2007“Kodak Professional Wedding Gold Silver Merit Award” 2008


Website: www.suzannemcnatty.co.nz Email: [email protected] Phone: 09 435 2500 Mobile: 027 277 5990

Northland and Auckland

Suzanne McNatty Photographic Design

Qualifi ed Member NZ Institute of Professional Photography


Russ FlattWebsite: www.russfl att.com Email: russ@russfl att.comMobile: 021 997886Auckland


Website: www.WeddingPhotography.co.nz Email: [email protected]: 021 623 207

Nelson, Top of South Island

John-Paul Pochin

engaged

Website: www.veronicagunn.co.nz Email: [email protected] Phone: 04 976 4493 Mobile: 021 239 2991

Wellington

Veronica Gunn Photography

BDes Photography, Hon.

VisionWorks PhotographyWebsite: www.studioname.co.nz Email: [email protected]: 09 123 4567 Mobile: 021 123 4567Auckland




engaged


Website: www.visionworks.co.nz Email: [email protected]: 09 845 5925 Mobile: 021 44 88 17

Auckland

VisionWorks Photography


Are you slightly weird, wacky and wonderful? Want a wedding that is truly memorable and different? Have

a passion that led you to meet and fall in love with your beloved?

We have covered the usual wedding venues in previous issues of Engaged, but what about some of the more unusual ceremony ideas? Before turning the page for a few of the interesting wedding ideas that we have heard of, read the advice below for those who are thinking of holding a wedding that is just a little bit outside the square.

Extraordinary venue, extraordinary planning

When you use a non-traditional idea as the basis of your wedding, there will be some non-traditional problems that you will face. For example, if you are getting married in a church, you know that there will be room for everyone to sit and watch the ceremony. No matter where you are getting married, you need to ensure that your guests can fi rstly, get there and, secondly, see and

hear the ceremony. This may take some extra planning depending on the ‘venue’ you have chosen.

Your planning skills need to be supercharged!

Your fi rst step should really be to investigate whether your dream wedding is in fact possible. Contact the theme park or the zoo and fi nd out whether they will host a wedding, what the hours for functions are and whether you can get sole use of venue. Check with aviation authorities as to whether they will allow a crowd of ‘civilians’ onto a airport tarmac. Find out whether 100 guests in a tiny ice bar will cause the ice to melt.

Unique people, unique theme

Most of all have fun with your theme. Go all out, matching invitations to dress styles to decorations to venue. Bring your unique personalities into play and highlight why you choose such an unusual wedding!

Weird, Wacky... Wonderful!


Does the thought of firemen make you go weak at the knees? Are you or your beloved volunteer firemen/women? Perhaps getting married on the top of a fire truck with your friends and family gathered around is for you? Choose fire engine red accessories or have the groomsmen wear firemen hats....

Come from a farming background? Grown up knowing the cycles of farm life - the feeding, the sowing, the shearing, the hay making? If you are thinking of getting married on your farm, having your ceremony on the back of a hay-filled wagon may be ideal. You could involve your farm pets in some way to complete the theme. Just remember to think about the dust from the hay and how it will cling to your dress. (And we will refrain from making comments about rolling around in the hay here!)

Or you could make like the couple in the UK and get married on the wings of a (parked) plane. Your nearest and dearest could gather around, looking up at you, listening to vows containing references to taking off in your new married life, coping with any turbulence, and always remembering to enjoy the flight. Think of bridesmaids dressed in retro airline hostess outfits and your groom in a pilot’s uniform. This one requires a bit of work with aviation authorities!


This one is not for the faint-hearted! The ceremony is performed while the rollercoaster car is at the station. The bride and groom, bridal party and as many guests as fit (and want to fit!) are seated in the carriages. Once you are pronounced man and wife, the coaster takes off - thrilling!

With a hot air balloon wedding, the ceremony takes place on the ground, with the guests gathered around. The couple are then released into the sky after the ceremony. Imagine the photos!

Is your partner the light of your life? The beacon that guides your way? When you add in the extra symbolism of this lighthouse (at Cape Reinga) being at the top of New Zealand, you can come up with some very romantic themes....


Rollerskating or rollerblading nuts? Did you meet at the local rollerskating rink? How about saying your vows on rollerskates? Of course, your celebrant and bridal party may need some practice!

The ultimate in themed weddings - the Las Vegas wedding. Whether you elope to the real Las Vegas or use the elements as a theme, a Vegas wedding can be a lot of fun... a celebrant dressed as Elvis, gambling chips on the tables, and a whole host of appropriate songs - Viva Las Vegas!

This one is a little harder to co-ordinate, but for something truly different, an underwater wedding could be your thing. The problems? Well, you can’t wear a fabulous dress during the ceremony for one. The next is a great number of your guests won’t be able to witness the ceremony unless they are water babies like you. But for one of the most intimate and natural ceremonies, an underwater wedding has to be at the top of the list.


Do you and your future husband or wife love animals? Then maybe a zoo wedding is for you. Weddings at twilight with the sound of birds calling and lions roaring is a highlight for many guests. Theme your stationery with animal motifs.

This one requires a bit of coordination (and money!). Ski bunnies and hiking enthusiasts may find the idea of getting married on top of a mountain appealing. Getting your guests and yourselves there is the hard part, but it can be done!

And going with another ‘cool’ theme, an ice bar wedding can be something different. Rug up against the cold and snuggle up against your husband for warmth. Imagine taking that first sip of champagne from a glass made of ice! The one thing to note is the length of the ceremony - ice bars will only allow you in the bar for a certain amount of time.


Engaged’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

I’d Like to Thank....

Speeches…not many of us like making them. Our palms sweat, our hearts race, we speak too fast, trip over our words, and when the speech is over,

take many minutes before that fluttery feeling goes away. Of course, some people are naturals. For those of you that are not, we have Engaged’s tips on how to survive.

The first and most important thing to remember is that the people you are speaking to are your friends and family. They love and care for you and are not there to criticise or pick holes in your speech or speaking style.

The second is that preparation is vitally important. Give yourself time to draft and write your speech and time to practise it. This process helps you feel comfortable about the pace and content of your speech and makes sure you don’t forget anyone – especially not your new husband or wife!

It helps to know the traditional things you should include in your speech as that provides a good framework. The following are set out in the order speeches are traditionally made.

Your wedding is a truly memorable day. Allow yourself enough time to make sure your speech matches the occasion. Practise, practise and more practise will have you speaking like a professional!


The Groom

The groom will reply on behalf of himself and his new bride. He should:

Thank his father-in-law for his speech and the comments in it;• Thank the bride’s parents for such a beautiful daughter and allowing him to • marry her;Thank his own parents for everything they have done throughout his life;• Thank the guests for coming and their presents;• This one is extremely important – tell his bride how wonderful (and beauitful!) • she is and how lucky he is to have her;Thank his best man and acknowledge the friendship and support he has • given; Thank any helpers (see the what not to say box for tips);• If a close family member or friend is absent, express regret that they cannot • be there to share the day;Propose a toast to the bridesmaids.•

Father of the Bride

The bride’s father traditionally speaks first. In his speech he should:

Say how proud he and his wife are of their daughter;• Welcome his new son-in-law;• Welcome the groom’s parents;• Say that he is very confident of the new couple’s future together and impart • any words of wisdom about successful marriages. This is not a chance to lecture!! Short and sweet is best;Toast to the bride and groom.•

The speech, as with all of the others following, should be peppered with stories about the bride (and groom). Make sure you read the rules about what not to say!


Best Man

The best man will reply on behalf of the Bridesmaids:

Offer thanks on behalf of the Bridesmaids for the groom’s toast and adding • a few compliments of his own toward them;Make a comment about how lucky the groom is to have found the bride;• Talk about what a good friend and man the groom is;• Read any telegrams or emails;• Advise the program for the rest of the evening (if the MC has not already • done so).

Anyone else?After these three speak, the father of the groom, the bride or any other guest may wish to speak. To ensure it is not a free-for-all, make sure everyone knows who is going to speak and firmly, but gently, limit the number of speakers if necessary.

If you wish to open the floor to any of the guests to speak, ensure that the MC takes control of the situation: often the guests will have been drinking for a couple of hours prior and the speech might become a bit of a drunken ramble!

Now that you have the framework for your speech, check out the following pages for tips on how to make your speech easier - on yourself and those listening!


Tips from the experts:Yes, we are repeating ourselves, but prepare your speech well in • advance. Make sure you haven’t missed anything out by reading and re-reading it.

Write or type your speech in a dark-coloured ink on easily • manageable cards. This will make the speech easy to read and, if you have memorised it, allow you to glance at the cards to prompt you if your nerves kick in.

Keep it short. Five minutes maximum is good. •

Try not to repeat yourself or certain phrases.•

Don’t forget to bring your speech! Double check before you • leave the house.

Be clear on what you need to say and what others will be saying • so you don’t overlap and bore the guests.

Don’t drink too much before you speak. Whilst one drink can • calm the nerves, several can turn you into a blathering idiot.

Speak slowly and clearly.•

It is best not to deviate from your speech as you could end up • saying something you regret.

Don’t forget to breathe!•

(Adapted from ‘Wedding Etiquette: The What, How & When of Weddings’ by Pat and Bill Derraugh.)


What not to say:The following are definitely out when making a speech at a wedding (or anywhere for that matter!):

Don’t tell dirty or smutty stories. There will usually be a wide range of • ages and sensitivities at the wedding and you don’t know who you will offend. If the story is about the bride or groom, this goes double! It’s a day for romance.

The above dovetails with any stories about the groom’s (or bride’s) • romantic conquests. Best to leave stories about any dodgy past in the past and instead stick with humorous anecdotes.

Don’t make a long ‘thank you’ list. Try to weave your thanks into the • wedding speech. You don’t have to thank the reception venue staff or other suppliers – instead, a better idea is to send a handwritten note after the event. Of course, this doesn’t apply if the mother-of-the-bride made the cake. Make sure she is thanked in the speeches.

Speaking of mother-in-law jokes, don’t do them. Generally they • aren’t that funny and you know there will be at least one or two mothers-in-law present that could be offended.

Use a bit of discretion. Check before mentioning a decreased family • member. Don’t mention family secrets like alcoholism or any prison sentences. Don’t talk about previous marriages. Remember the romance and fairytale feeling of the day.


Need Advice?

This is something that really frustrates me: We have been invited to weddings in the past where the invitation says ‘formal dress’ but people wear jeans! How can we get across to people that jeans are just not acceptable? To me, a wedding is a very special occasion and people should make the effort! You need to specify what your dress code is on your invitations. The main codes are as follows:

White tie: This is the ultimate in formality. Men wear black jackets with tails, black pants, white shirt, white waistcoast and white bow tie, while women wear floor length gowns. Appropriate for after 6pm.

Black tie: A little less formal, men wear black jackets, black pants, white shirt and black bow tie. Women can wear either long or short evening dresses. Black tie is generally worn after 4.30pm.

Morning suit: Black or grey tail coats, grey or black striped pants, white shirt, grey waistcoat and grey silk tie for men (grey top hat optional). Can be worn during the day time, so this is a good option for formal day weddings.

Lounge suit: This is a common one for weddings. It is suitable for day or night. A lounge suit is a dark business suit, white shirt and subtle tie (no cartoon characters please!). Like the above, black shoes and socks are

worn. Women should wear a dress, smart suit or cocktail dress (more suitable for late afternoon or early evening weddings).

Smart Casual: This is probably the dress code that causes the most problems with interpretation. Men should wear a suit with a white or light coloured shirt, tie optional. A tailored jacket and pants would also be acceptable, but definitely no jeans. Dresses or pants are suitable for women (again, no jeans). The style of the dress or top the woman wears with the pants will depend


a lot on the time of the wedding.

Cocktail: This code is generally restricted to after 5pm. A suit (preferably dark) and tie should be worn by the men, while women should wear a pretty dress (with suitably glamourous jewellery or bling!).

Formal: Definitely no jeans! Formal dress normally means a suit and tie for men, evening dress for women.

Informal: Again, informal does not mean jeans. Men should wear pants with a blazer or sports jacket. No tie is needed. Women should wear a dress, suit or skirt and top.

If in doubt when you receive an invitation, make sure you ask the hosts. It is an honour to be asked to attend a wedding, make sure you recognise that honour by making an effort!

About five months ago my dad gave me a large sum of money to buy a car and move. After I bought my brand new car, insured my car, moved, and bought stuff for my new flat, my fiancée asked me to marry him. Unfortunately, now I am looking at the wedding budget and realise that we won’t be able to afford it without some money from my Dad. Is it inappropriate for me to ask him for money so soon after he gave me such a large amount?

Money is a big concern for everyone at the moment and the fact that your Dad has just given you a large sum of money makes it even harder for you to approach him, we are sure. However, you are his daughter and fathers often want to make sure their little girl’s dreams come true. The best thing to do would be to sit down with him and ask him. Take your fiancée and your budget along, so you can all go through it so your father feels comfortable with what he may (or may not) be paying for. A lot of this (and with every good relationship) comes down to communication and negotiation. Let him know he needs to tell you if he simply doesn’t have enough money to give you right now - you don’t want to put pressure on him – he sounds like a wonderful father, having given you the money for the car! Make sure he knows how much you appreciate the money for the car. You may also be able to discuss alternatives, like postponing the wedding for a few months to allow you all to save some more money, working out how you can cut down on wedding costs or downgrading the car (ouch, I know that one may hurt!). Good luck!

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at [email protected].


Competitions & Giveaways

City Bridal is running an amazing competition - they are giving you the chance to win a wedding dress of your choice to the value of $2000 from their City Bride range!

To enter, you just need to print out the entry form from this issue of Engaged and take that along to either City Bridal's stand or Simply Exquisite's stand at any one of the Auckland wedding shows listed on the entry form. Too easy!

(Also note that there is a chance to go into a second draw for another wedding dress on www.weddings.co.nz!)



We have a copy of Ken Ring’s Predict Weather 2009 to give away. This best-seller allows you to calculate the weather for any given day of the year, including your wedding day! Ken Ring has examined lunar orbits and seasonal cycles, and analysed them with state-of-the-art technology to provide this easy-to-use weather forecasting system for the whole country.

The fabulous team at evolu has again supplied us with some wonderful giveaways! This month you can win one of twelve 30ml Rosehip Oils. This 100% pure certified organic oil is naturally rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, potent lipid-boosters that work at a cellular level to help promote cell regeneration and minimise moisture loss. Skin is rehydrated and softened and skin tone is rebalanced, restoring natural radiance and elasticity. The fine quality of the oil ensures it is readily absorbed and non-greasy, and its gentle action is suitable for face or body, mother and baby.

www.evolu.co.nz


WINNERS!Well, you’re all winners really, but here’s who won the competitions from the

February issue of Engaged!

evolu Face and Body Mist

Chris Chandler, Aliesha Brown, Amanda Conwell,Sharon Johansen, Hayley Schollum, Averil Tse, Rebecca

Fletcher, Laura Braid, Katie Foote, Laura Harrison, Catherine Bleackley, Amanda Hague, Andrea Dines,

Hayley Fuller, Richelle Millar, Hayley Deighton, Amanda Clancy, Melissa Sherlock, Kristin Giudici, Lisa Rogers

Cerise lashes

Lizch Kaivaha, Zoe Harris

DVD pack

Rachael McArthur

The Reluctant Little Flowergirl

Catherine Warren

To be in the draw for these great prizes is easy! We will be drawing the prizes on 28 March 2009 and everyone who is subscribed to receive our email newsletter at the time is automatically in the draw for all of the prizes on these pages (except for the City Bridal competition which you need to enter separately)...

If you are already signed up, you don’t need to do anything - you are in the draw! If you haven’t signed up yet, go to www.engaged.co.nz and enter your name and email address to receive our email newsletter - it’s as simple as that!

How to Enter


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* Only includes competitions feature on our Competitions pages and excludes the City Bridal competition. You must be subscribed on 28 March 2009 to be

automatically entered into the draw. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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