WEddINg FEATuRE Happy Ever After

Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012 | 23
W EDD I N G F EATU R E
ever
happy after
Savings add warm glow to winter wedding option
Before you battle the crowds to find a venue and
suppliers for your summer wedding, why not
spare a thought for winter when wily wedding
planners can stretch their dollar further, while
maximising the romance of the day.
There are big savings to be made and more choice
to be had by targeting venues and suppliers, from
caterers to photographers, in their off season - and
you may be able to book them at much shorter
notice than you think.
Some popular local venues offer themselves for
winter weddings (between April 1 and October 31)
at as little as half the regular rate, with a range of
added incentives.
Travelling guests will find their accommodation is
cheaper and less crowded too.
Fireside ceremonies have their own magic and fur
throws and shawls add a dramatic layer to bridal
couture that’s equally fitting in a horse-drawn
carriage, vintage car or stretch limo. Meanwhile,
men will feel more comfortable suiting up for the
occasion.
Consider the pleasure of mulled wine, hot chocolate
shots, liqueurs or special coffees as warming
welcomes for wedding guests. Add soup or other
traditional winter fare to the menu.
Be liberal with floating or scented candles, which
can be readily colour-matched to any décor.
Embrace rich autumn colours and umbrellas
as great photo props (remember, even summer
weddings can’t be assured of a dry day), but have
A fashion-forward choice for winter wedding footwear is the non-white boot – either in a bold shade for
the stylish and modern bride, or a neutral beige or taupe for the more traditional bride. Selecting nonwhite boots would also be appreciated by bridesmaids who can re-wear them.
some glamorous inside locations in mind as well a
grand staircase, ballroom, covered verandah or stone
or timber fireside all have their charm.
If you have your ceremony and reception at the same
venue, you and your guests won’t have to worry
about braving the weather.
Ice sculptures, crystal and even snow globes, all
make perfect sense at a winter event.
Perhaps put your savings towards a tropical getaway
for your honeymoon, or follow through with a
winter escape that will demand plenty of cuddling
up and romantic fireside moments.
24 | Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012
John Phillis
happy after
ever
John
Phillis
Marriage Celebrant
WEDDING FEATURE
Marriage Celebrant
Experienced, in all indoor and outdoor
ceremonies
and happy
assist ceremonies
Experienced, in
all indoor
andtooutdoor
with your planning.
and happy to assist with your planning.
Mangawhaiand
and Mahurangi
Mahurangi specialist.
Mangawhai
specialist.
Phone: 09 4314850
Phone: 09 4314850
| Mobile: 021339329
Mobile: 021339329
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
Hair services
• Cuts • Colours • Styling
• Bridal and Formal Styling
• Keratin Straightening
Beauty services
your total hair & beauty
experience
7 Wood St, Mangawhai
• Bridal and Formal Occasion Makeup
• Facials • Massage • Manicures
• Pedicures • Waxing
• Eye and Brow Treatments
Ph 09 431 4981
www.secretz.co.nz
25% off all
Diamond Rings
• Dress Rings
• Engagement Rings
• Eternity Rings
18 Neville St, Warkworth (opp Local Matters) • 09 425 7404
Warkworth jeweller Bruce Warren says that when it comes to diamonds, quantity
does not necessarily mean quality.
Diamonds stand test of time
While your fiancé may be a “diamond
in the rough”, the diamond on your
engagement ring is probably over
a billion years old and was formed
under immense pressure, so won’t
improve with age (or nagging) and
should be at its best when it slides
on to your finger.
Beautiful, strong, and durable,
diamonds are widely accepted
as a symbol of eternal love and
commitment, but according to FB
Warren Jeweller’s Bruce Warren, big is
not necessarily better.
With more than 50 years’ experience,
he hand picks the diamonds he sells
in his Warkworth store, taking into
account characteristics known as “the
four Cs” – colour, clarity, carat and cut.
Colour is key to their visual appeal.
Generally, the less colour, the better.
Under a GIA (Gemological Institute
of America) alphabetical rating system
D-E are rare colourless (white) gems,
F-I are white to the eye, while below
Lynda Spivey
Registered Marriage Celebrant
388 Old Kaipara Rd, RD1, Warkworth
p. 09 422 5040
m. 021 203 2757
e. [email protected]
K a noticeable yellow or brown tint
reduces their value.
Clarity is the cleanliness of the stone
and tiny imperfections (or inclusions),
which may only be visible under
strong magnification, are reflected in
clarity rankings.
A “carat” equals 200 milligrams (0.2
grams). However, weights of smaller
diamonds are usually expressed as points
equalling one hundredth of a carat each.
Cut is not the shape of the diamond
but how well it is faceted to reflect
light, affecting its brilliance and
sparkle, however, Bruce says few gems
are badly cut these days.
The unofficial fifth C is cost.
“With huge variation in diamond
quality and values, it pays to ask to see
things within your budget,” he says.
Strength and security of the diamond’s
setting should also be assessed. Claw
settings should be sturdy and 6-8 claws are
more secure than four, while a “rubover”
setting, with metal right around the
stone, is both strong and popular.
When it comes to wedding rings,
there’s plenty of choice these days
in terms of metal and style, though
the traditional favourite is the classic
D-shaped gold band.
Bruce says it has remained popular
for good reason. Commonly offered
in nine or 18 carats and a range of
different widths, it doesn’t catch on
things or get easily damaged, can easily
be resized and, like a good marriage,
has stood the test of time.
Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012 | 25
WEDDING FEATURE
ever
happy after
Choosing the perfect gown
Keeping up with wedding gown
trends can be a challenging task,
as a myriad of commentators
offer sometimes conflicting views.
However, keeping your own
priorities to the fore, you can soon
identify the features that will be best
for you.
Trawling through the many wedding
websites reveals a few key elements on
which most pundits agree, including
illusion necklines, a preference for
tulle and organza, and plenty of
texture through fabric, layering and
adornment.
Illusion necklines give a strapless look,
while sheer fabric or lace subtly veils
skin that would otherwise be exposed.
Boleros or “wedding jackets”, in
varying styles and fabrics depending
on your dress and the climate, are also
part of an increasing cover up, playing
both a practical and aesthetic role.
Detailed and textured corsets are
another notable trend, while the
colour palette has extended from
white to through ivory, blush, apricot,
lavender and a few bolder tones.
Alternatively, you can try splashes of
colour on a traditional white wedding
dress through trims, belts, sashes,
floral embellishments and bows,
considering your own skin tones first
and, of course, coordinating with your
bridesmaids’ colours.
Pick and choose what you like to
inspire your vision, but don’t let trends
entirely dictate your style. Focus on
your body shape to accentuate the
positive and wear a gown that looks
and feels great.
A contour-hugging sheath or mermaid
style that flares at or below the knee is
not for everyone, but there are plenty
of kinder cuts to choose from, like the
traditional A-Line gown that fits the
torso and flares at the waist.
0800
0800WARKWORTH
WARKWORTH
Bridal
Registry
Let us help you
celebrate the big day.
Wedding dresses with plenty of
texture are proving a popular style.
The full-skirted ballgown style, as
designed by famous gown designer
Vera Wang for reality superstar Kim
Kardashian, emphasises the waist
while masking hips and thighs, while
an Empire line traditionally drops
from below the bust line in a long
loose skirt that helps disguise the
stomach area.
Take time to try different styles in the
presence of a friend whose feedback
you trust and consider taking your
ideas to a dressmaker to get a unique
and tailored look.
If you already have everything for the home, or you
can’t quite afford the honeymoon you really want,
then the Flight Centre Bridal Registry is for you.
With Flight Centre’s Bridal Registry your guests
contribute to your honeymoon as their gift, and this
allows you to enjoy the honeymoon of your dreams.
Call 09 422 3302, visit us at 54 Queen Street or
email [email protected] and let one of our
consultants do the rest.
fli100178
Book for a free wedding quote now!
Restaurant
Transfers
Restaurant
Transfers
Wine
Tours
Wine
Tours
Wedding
Wedding
HireHire
Airport
Pickup/Dropoff
Airport
Pickup/Dropoff
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.warkworthtours.co.nz
www.warkworthtours.co.nz
LIMOUSINE
LIMOUSINE
9-PASSENGER
9-PASSENGERSTRETCH
STRETCH
LIMOUSINE
LIMOUSINE
SERVICE
SERVICE
Chauffeured
ChauffeuredLuxury
LuxuryTransport
Transportfor
forAll
All
Occasions
Occasions
bloomsaloon_ad0212v2.pdf
1
27/02/12
5:57 PM
26 | Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012
WEDDING FEATURE
C
ever
happy after
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Choosing comfortable footwear on your wedding day will make all the difference.
Footwear comfort essential
Come in and see our stylish range of ...
Wedding Shoes
for your special day!
Faye Mathie
Phone 09 425 7534
3 Queen Street Warkworth
[email protected]
Dave Parker
QSM, JP
For Ceremonies Local,
Nationwide & Cook Islands
Phone 09 425 5006 Mobile 0274 849 935 email [email protected]
PO Box 581, Warkworth 0941, New Zealand
Marriage Celebrant - Available for Weddings on the Jane Gifford
Community relations ~ events Warkworth ~ Funeral Celebrant
Master of Ceremonies ~ Justice of the Peace
ot
Comfort is paramount when
choosing wedding shoes, but needn’t
be at the expense of glamour.
There’s much more to being a bride or
groom than walking down the aisle.
The bridal couple can expect to be
on their feet for vows, meeting and
greeting, making speeches, photos and
dancing and more dancing, which can
add up to hours.
Warkworth Footwear’s Faye Mathie
says quality brands combine the best
of both worlds, with a stylish finish
and quality construction, to ensure
the level of comfort necessary to fully
enjoy your day.
Heels that are too high can quickly
lead to foot, calf, knee and back pain
and sacrificing just a centimetre or two
in height can make a big difference in
comfort by the end of the day.
Those with ankle straps provide added
stability and support, while smooth
soles are best for dancing.
To successfully complement or match
the colour of your dress, it helps to take
your outfit, or a swatch of fabric, shoe
shopping with you. Even whites can
vary in their tone and the type of fabric
and any special embellishments on your
dress may influence the desired footwear
finish or whether any adornments are
appropriate. The event’s level of formality,
or any special wedding theme can also
have an influence on your choice.
In all cases, a decision on shoes should
be made in plenty of time to get the
required size and style. Shoes should be
taken to the final dress fitting to ensure
long hemlines fall in the right place.
A good choice also means you’ll get
plenty more wear out of your shoes
after the big day, she says.
Similar rules on comfort and style
apply for men, who should beware of
detracting from suits and photographs
with sub-standard shoes and take the
opportunity to dress up their look with
a modern, well-fitting pair that their
bride, and their feet, will appreciate.
Beauty Therapy
&
ust
ats
Nail Creations
for all pre-wedding & wedding
head to toe pampering
For all your fashion accessories
Come
instore
with your
outfit and
get expert
advice on
mixing and
matching
ASB Building, 17-19 Queen St, Warkworth • Ph/Fax: 09 425 9516
email: [email protected] • www.notjusthats.co.nz
AVAILABLE FOR AFTER HOURS APPOINTMENTS
Facials  Waxing  Tinting  Spray Tans
Collagen Induction Therapy  Gel Nails  Acrylic Nails
 Manicures  Pedicures  Electrolysis
 Make-up  Body Wraps  Massage


Alison Wech
C.I.D.E.S.C.O, C.I.B.T.A.C, dip Beauty Therapy,
dip Electrolysis, dip Body Therapy, dip Nail Technician
46 McKinney Road, Warkworth
Mobile 021 051 3661 • Phone 09 425 7776
[email protected]
Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012 | 27
WEDDING FEATURE
ever
happy after
Harnessing flower power to
the bride’s best advantage
Director of Romance Bridgette Robinson was pleased with the interest shown in
Ascension’s first-ever Bridal Fair.
Belfry launches wedding expo
A uniquely Matakana bridal fair was
held at Ascension Wine Estate on
March 4, attracting a diverse audience
from brides-to-be to mothers-of-thebride.
The estate’s ‘director of romance’
Bridgette Robinson says the theme of the
fair centred mainly on summer colours
and trends. A second fair, planned for
May 20, will focus on winter weddings.
“Summer is understandably a very
busy time for weddings – a lot of
couples choose to announce their
engagement over Christmas/New Year
and then begin planning the wedding
the following year,” she says. “It’s not
unusual for Ascension to have four
weddings in one weekend over summer.
“But winter weddings can be just as
beautiful with their own atmosphere
so that’s why we’ve chosen to focus on
them in May.”
Trade stalls at the fair represented
Ascension’s
preferred
suppliers.
They covered florists, cake makers,
photographers and make-up specialists,
lighting, transport, stationery and
entertainment suppliers.
Elizabeth
Jayne
Bridal Galleryc
French Lace c Beautiful Laces
Silks Satins c Bridal Fabric c Headwear
Flowers are a great addition to any
wedding, but should complement,
rather than compete with, the bride.
Therefore, it is important to have
brides’ and bridesmaids’ dresses
finalised before flower arrangements
are designed, says Maria MortonJones of Maria’s Florist in Warkworth.
New Zealand-trained, Maria has a
decade of experience including work
in the USA and the UK and says florist
bookings are best done in person,
ideally three months prior to the
event, although some require longer.
When going to see your florist, take
along dresses, fabric samples or photos,
to provide a clear picture of the event’s
colour palette and style. Make sure you
discuss any special themes and your
budget, which will also have an impact
on the right flower and bouquet choices.
Themed events demand specific
innovations, like the black butterflies
and ribbons Maria recently integrated
into a black and white wedding, or the
peacock feathers she used with wrist
corsages to suit a peacock-theme.
“A lot of people don’t realise that
they can incorporate any personally
significant item with their bouquet,
perhaps their grandmother’s brooch or
other heirloom jewellery.”
A teardrop shaped bouquet is ideal to
accentuate a train.
Bouquet choices depend both on the
dress and the person wearing it.
“You won’t want an over-the-top
bouquet that detracts from the style of
a simple dress. Flowers are beautiful,
but the bride is the main attraction.”
Maria has noted a trend to natural,
cottage-style bouquets for more
informal weddings both in the UK and
in NZ. Vintage also remains a strong
influence, lending itself to traditional
flower styles, like the slightly antiquelooking Something Special Roses.
While it’s great to take in photos of
things that you like, don’t rely entirely
on the web for your inspiration,
as overseas florists have access to a
wider range of flowers and operate in
different seasons than florists in NZ.
where Pantry meets Kitchen
Stunning
Gift Registry
Options
Open:
Mon-Fri 9-5.30pm;
Sat 9-4pm; Sun 10-3pm
Showroom located in Browns Bay, Auckland
Ph: 021 478 999 Em: [email protected]
Visit our gallery at www.elizabethjayne.co.nz
Email: [email protected]
Web: tastematakana.co.nz
2-4 Neville Street,
Warkworth
Ph/Fax: 09 425 0302
28 | Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012
WEDDING FEATURE
ever
happy after
Pain-free dressing for grooms
... for sun or rain ...
(09) 425 6928 | www.parasoul.co.nz
W A R K W O R T H
MENSWEAR
Make your special day a breeze by
hiring your suits from Warkworth Menswear
“ We suit you best”
14-18 Queen Street • Phone 425 8408
Libby Dykes
marriage celebrant
Creating beautiful
romantic ceremonies
created especially
for you in a relaxed,
fun manner.
Phone 0274 966 654
[email protected] | www.rosemount.co.nz
Seeking a fuss-free solution for
dressing grooms and groomsmen
need not be at the expense of style,
if you take advantage of suit hire
services where experienced staff are
continuously involved in weddings
and familiar with the latest trends.
Warkworth
Menswear’s
Kathy
Woodcock says hiring suits is a simple
way to resolve men’s wedding attire
needs, offering plenty of personalised
choice and assured consistency
throughout the bridal group, right
down to the page boys.
As the local agent for Auckland suit
hire company, Dress Circle, she says
customers can peruse the catalogue
of around 22 NZ-made suit styles, be
measured and try on a few different styles
in store. However, for a full range of
options and final fitting she recommends
visiting Dress Circle in town at least six
to eight weeks prior to the big day. Suits
can then be delivered via the Warkworth
store two days in advance of the occasion,
allowing a local pick up in plenty of time
before the big day.
Dress Circle manager Chai, says the
current trend is towards two-button
single-breasted jackets and flat front
trousers accompanied by a well fitting
shirt. While black remains in favour,
lighter colours including greys and
charcoals are becoming more popular,
as grooms seek a point of difference.
However, he warns that they can limit
the range of suitable accessories.
Suits come in short, normal and tall
cuts, that can be further tailored as
necessary, but Chai points out that
slightly more generous fits are often
more comfortable to wear.
Those seeking a cooler and more
casual look are opting to lose the jacket
all together, in favour of just black
trousers, a waistcoat, matching tie and
white shirt. An option is to give only
the groom a jacket, while groomsmen
The traditional morning suit with a
silver waistcoat, shirt and tie, finished
off with a top hat.
match through waistcoats and ties.
In order to coordinate with the
bridesmaids, it helps to bring in some
of the bridesmaid dress material. If the
colour is unusual it’s easiest and more
cost-effective to wear black waistcoats
and match or custom-make the ties.
A tailor-made suit for the groom is
an option, however, it’s important to
choose a standard style that will be
consistent with the group’s hired suits
and ideally, will be of use to you after
the wedding day.
Dress Circle styles are regularly
updated, with a contemporary twobutton Middleton jacket recently
added. Inspired by the royal wedding,
it features a notched lapel and single
vent at the back.
Chai says while he is happy to offer
guidance, he always respects customer
preferences.
“While we offer advice, it’s ultimately
their choice what they wear on the day.”
Beach Inspired.
NEW LOCATION - Shop 1, River View Plaza, Kapanui Street, Warkworth. 09 425 0056
MM199
Great ideas and accessories for a Beach Theme
Wedding. Gifts with distinction for the Bride and
Groom. Enquire about our Wedding Gift Register.
Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012 | 29
WEDDING FEATURE
ever
happy after
Lasting Puhoi connections
W
P
y
d
en
arish C
ak
es
 Elegant and delicious cakes
 Custom designed cakes
 Mix & matched cakes
 Complete line of delicious designed
cakes for weddings, birthdays
and special occasions
Wendy Parish Cakes
09 425 8779 or 027 223 5862
www.wendyparishcakes.co.nz
Cakes for Special Occasions
Isabelle
Rogers
design
Let us
make you
A rare treat for Murray and Yvonne Dickson (nee Schollum) on their 50th wedding
anniversary was assembling their entire wedding party for the occasion. Murray and
Yvonne were married at Sts Peter and Paul Church in Puhoi on February 17, 1962
and now live in Kaukapakapa. Yvonne says the secret to their long and successful
relationship has been good communication and joint decision-making. They have
three children and one grandchild. Pictured then (top) and now, from left, Trevor
Quinn, Marlene Clark (nee Wright), Murray and Yvonne Dickson, Margaret Wenzlick,
Gordon Flexman, Wilma Scott (nee Dickson) and Ian Schedewy.
Mystifying musical choices
There are no prizes for guessing titles of the most popular wedding songs;
the radio waves abound with suitably classic and love-themed tunes. However,
UK wedding dance company First Dance reveals some of its clients’ more
unconventional choices for first dance songs include the theme tune from the
Muppet Show, Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye and even the theme tune to
Coronation Street.
feast
catering company
look & feel perfect
on your
special
day!
bridal party ◊ alterations
bespoke wedding dresses
Upstairs at Bennett’s Mangawhai
Phone : 021 222 8730
E-mail : [email protected]
Intimate Apparel
Riverside Arcade, Queen St, Warkworth
Phone 09 425 8522
Contemporary food for all occasions
providing catering services for:
Weddings • Anniversaries
Corporate events • Dinner parties • Finger food
Picnic hampers
PO Box 738 Warkworth, Tel: 09-425 9694, Mob: 0274-318 740
email: [email protected] • www.feastcatering.co.nz
30 | Mahurangimatters 14 March 2012
WEDDING FEATURE
` Marriage Celebrant
` Civil Union Celebrant
` Funeral Celebrant
Pruning venue costs without
cutting corners on quality
Phone Dianne for bookings
021 425 654 or 09 425 4250
shonamakemeup
professional freelance make-up artist
ever
Dianne Haynes JP happy after
Celebrant
0212134585
[email protected]
To provide that finishing finesse to your wedding day, you don’t want to leave anything
to chance. Contact Shona to provide you with that finishing touch to create that “look”
every bride desires. Shona has a unique ability to make every bride look radiant.
Contact Shona to discuss your wedding requirements.
Based at Matakana - a popular wedding venue region, also available within the greater Auckland area.
Post-recession people are getting
weddings into perspective with a
prudent approach to their planning,
but that doesn’t mean they have to
skimp on the elements that make
the day special.
Venues don’t have to be a major
expense, although you may not have
the right garden for the event yourself,
talk to family and friends about theirs.
Community halls and sports clubs
are often ready-made for a crowd and
catering at a nominal sum, or consider
one of the northern region’s beautiful
regional parks.
Park weddings offer stunning
backdrops,
requiring
little
embellishment, although a consent is
necessary and a normal site booking
fee applies. If you plan to have
your reception in the park as well, a
refundable bond is charged and you
should ask about access, if necessary,
for catering vehicles. No amplified
sound or microphones are allowed
in the parks but acoustic music is
permitted, as are marquees.
Historic Couldrey House and
gardens in Wenderholm Regional
Park is particularly popular. Intimate
ceremonies for up to 30 people can
even be held in the Whitney Room
of Couldrey House itself, although
receptions aren’t allowed inside.
Scott Homestead in the Mahurangi
Regional Park offers shelter and kitchen
facilities to assist catering. Bookings for
regional park weddings can be made
up to a year in advance, although six
months is normally adequate.
With vintage still a viable trend, op
shops and online auctions can yield
special elements for everything from
decorations and table centrepieces to the
bride’s gown itself. Even with some postpurchase tailoring into the price you’ll
still have grabbed yourself a bargain.
Handwritten invitations and place
cards on recycled paper are simply a
personal touch that saves you and the
environment.
MM199
Bridal briefs
Groom’s cake food for thought
Some wedding watchers predict that groom’s cakes could be on the rise in 2012.
A long-standing tradition in the southern United States, a groom’s cake is a
gift from the bride to the groom. Typically just a single layer and smaller than
the main wedding cake it is decorated to reflect one of the groom’s hobby’s or
interests – a fisherman’s cake might be styled like a fish, a soccer player’s a soccer
ball and so on. (Think pre-schoolers’ birthdays and it seems you’ll be on the
right track.) Historically, the cake was sliced up and given to guests to take away.
Single women were supposed to sleep with it under their pillows in hope of
dreaming of their future husbands. Crumbs!
Cutting it fine
While billboards have revealed that All Black Dan Carter doesn’t really need a
suit to look good, his choice at his recent wedding was a morning suit with a pale
blue tie. However, the wedding photos came within a whisker of looking quite
different, as a flight delay reportedly saw his suit delivered by an Auckland tailor
less than two hours before the ceremony began!
sarahweber
Let Skywork Helicopters make your wedding
day a memory you will never forget! From a
grand arrival scooping down from the blue sky,
or being whisked away following the ceremony
to a unique venue of your choice; call us now
to plan your fairy tale wedding adventure.
Skywork Helicopters Ltd
(09) 422 7018
[email protected]
www.skyworkhelicopters.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Weber
021 20 53 279
[email protected]
130 Moire Rd West Harbour Auckland
The Hub Unit 13/6 Molesworth Dr Mangawhai
www.sarahweber.co.nz