by Johanna Osborne

Today we take you a little closer to Wellington’s top Event Planner, Paula Bevege. Paula has many years of planning experience under her belt, and has seen the dreams of hundreds of brides come to life. She runs her own successful business- Paula Bevege Events – and to top it all off, is now the proud owner of The Wellington Wedding Show and Editor of the Wedding Show’s very own magazine, Mr and Mrs! If anyone knows the wedding and party planning market, it’s Paula.

I met Paula 7.5 years ago as a newly-engaged bride-to-be, looking for someone to help set me on the right path. And Paula did just that – and what a God-send she was! I’m so very glad that through this encounter I got both my dream wedding, and a friend for life! I have attended numerous events Paula has organised, big, small and everything in between (including her amazing wedding!) and each and every one was stylish, classic and memorable.

Let’s sit down and enjoy a little glimpse inside the mind of a creative expert …

1. What are your top picks for current wedding dress looks?
My favourite this season is the classic chic, Grace Kelly inspired look – timeless and elegant.

2. What colours are you loving for bridesmaids’ dresses?
I love the monochromatic schemes, ivory, white, beige and soft pink.

3. Wedding themes you think always work well?
Elegant and simple is always is always stunning. The best themes are always undone not overdone.

4. Biggest wedding “trends” right now?
Stylists, planners, photo booths, candy buffets and vintage tableware

5. Every bride needs a ...
Kind, loving and understanding groom

6. Every wedding should have a …
Wedding planner, of course!

7. Which celebrity wedding would you most like to plan?
Brad and Angelina without a doubt. ( Kate and Wills would have been my first choice though!)

8. Best advice you can give to a bride?
My top 3 tips: Breathe! Step back, take a deep breath and enjoy. This applies not just on the wedding day, but through the whole planning process.Take the advice of your wedding suppliers, they are professionals and know what they are doing. And remember you are about to marry the man of your dreams. The marriage comes before the wedding, and they should stay in that order of priority. The rest is simple.