Today we have something extremely special to tell you about. Prizes are always good, but this one isn’t just good, it’s absolutely amazing! Every brides’s dream is to have a pamper day of total luxury leading up to her wedding, and this package makes that dream come true. You can win a luxury bridal package valued over $2,500 simply by entering at the Wellington Wedding Show on the 5th of May in the TSB Arena. Too good to be true? Maybe, but trust us, this prize could be yours!

The lucky winner of our swoon-worthy prize will be given a glamorous floor length silk robe from For Every Minute as well as a gorgeous chemise, full bridal make up including a trial, consultation and 25% discount for the bridal party courtesy of the Penny Rose Mobile Styling Specialists, a manicure and pedicure at the Finishing Touch, a delicious selection of gourmet canapes from the Canape Company, two bottles of beautiful bubbles from Regional Wines and Spirits, a case of sparkling water from Antipodes and one night’s accommodation at the Wellesley Boutique Hotel for the romantic wedding night, including a late check out and breakfast. And the cherry on top – your wedding will be featured in the Autumn 2014 issue of Mr and Mrs magazine!!

We are super excited to present you with this opportunity to win and wish you all the best! Make you sure you enter at the divine For Every Minute stand at the Wellington Wedding Show and keep your fingers and toes firmly crossed. We can’t wait to meet and pamper our winner. xoxox

by Johanna Osborne
 

by Johanna Osborne

We are very fortunate that we live in a day and age where everything is so much easier and convenient. New inventions, ideas and ways of doing things make our lives so much more hassle-free, and when you are a bride-to-be with a lot on her plate already, that’s exactly what you need. Judy and Mary from Fabulous Favours are like magicians who can pull the best treats right of their hat, especially for you. You see, Fabulous Favours specialises in wedding favours, a task that has been known to cause many a bride angst and stress. Judy and Mary can take all that away by offering you countless options of unique gift ideas, personalised to you and your guests. They do it all, you just need to pop your gorgeous favours on the table for your happy wedding guests to find and enjoy!

Judy tells us a little more about how this clever little business got started and how Fabulous Favours can help you too.

1. Where does your inspiration come from?
Our inspiration came from both of us putting together New Zealand inspired wedding favours for family members in the USA! These weddings – Mary (son) on Pacific Coast & Judy (nephew) Washington DC were put together with a Pacific theme to reflect both grooms association with New Zealand. Guests at both weddings loved them! Putting these together we both realized the time it took to find suitable favours and then assemble them for the wedding. Although favours are an added cost, we take away the time and stress for the bride!

2. Which are your most popular favours?
The jandal bottle opener is the most popular followed by the charming Pacifica fairy Christmas decorations & the lovely wooden coasters, bookmarks and pens made in Rotorua. There has also been obvious interest in our latest product, the delightful telephone charms.

3. How can customers go about ordering/selecting:
Customers can order on-line from our website, but often prefer to contact us via email or phone to discuss colour schemes etc. We are happy to meet with brides in Auckland to show them our products or we can make up a favour from a request and send a photo for approval.

4. What other services can you offer?
We deliver to brides homes or venues in the Auckland region and others out of Auckland are packed with great care and couriered to brides throughout New Zealand, the USA and the Pacific Islands. We have also done gifts for Corporate Christmas parties & for sending or taking gifts overseas.

5. Anything else we just have to know about Fabulous Favours?
We put a great deal of time & effort into personalizing the bags in the colour scheme and theme of each wedding. We are also happy to source gifts a bride may request or to do just the packaging if the bride has bought her own gifts!

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And there we have it – easy, convenient and lovely. Fabulous Favours are based in Auckland but can easily liaise with you via telephone and email, and the ladies are happy to ship anywhere in the country (and beyond). As new exhibitors at the Wellington Wedding Show you are now able to see firsthand what it is Judy and Mary can do for you – simply stop by their stand and say hello at the Show on the 5th of May at the TSB Arena!

www.fabulousfavours.co.nz

by Johanna Osborne

 
There is a new kid on the block – a venue like no other that has brides and grooms in a flurry to get an appointment to view, and guests raving long after the event. Sudbury has everyone talking and frankly, we are not surprised!

If it’s a scenic rural wedding destination with all the trimmings that you seek, then Sudbury is your golden ticket. Located in beautiful Peka Peka, Sudbury offers views galore, beautiful horses grazing the lush green fields, stunning converted stables for celebrating, as well as many gorgeous spots for serving drinks and celebrating alfresco in the most elegant of fashions. Country chic has never looked or felt this good!

Sudbury also offers luxury accommodation. Cottage 103 is perfect for the bride and her gaggle of bridesmaids to get ready in. It even features a stunning outdoor bath and makes for the perfect escape for the bride and her groom after the wedding. A short 2 minute stroll down the road, Cottage 103 offers the lavish tranquil escape that all newlyweds need and deserve!

With the revered Capitol Catering overseeing the mouth-watering menus, and the venue being managed by Paula Bevege Events, it’s plain to see why this is tranquil rural escape is such a hit – it offers one place that takes care of everything. Once you find Sudbury you find great style, the very best of taste and the invaluable peace and reassurance that every bride and groom crave.

Check out Sudbury’s brand new website, designed by our very own designers, Graphic Solutions www.sudbury.co.nz

Come and meet owner Janine for yourself at the Wellington Wedding Show on the 5th of May in the TSB Arena. And read even more about the extraordinary Sudbury Mr and Mrs issue 4, which will be released at the Wedding Show! We have a hunch Sudbury is only just getting warmed up, this is one place you have to see to believe.

xoxo

by Johanna Osborne

Coconuts Travel Marketing gets us excited at the thought of swimming in crystal clear waters with beautiful coloured fish and then drying off in the warm tropical sun whilst sipping cocktails… it’s the honeymoon of the Gods!

With our gorgeous summer suddenly having beaten a hasty exit and the much cooler winter temps settling in for the long haul, there is no better time to consider an exotic tropical getaway than now! And there are few people more qualified to talk about the what, where, how and why of such an escape than the guru of Pacific travel- Director of Coconuts Travel Marketing, Raumati Wikaire.

As a new exhibitor to the Wellington Wedding Show we would firstly like to extend a big welcome to this fabulous company. Better yet, we should say Bula Vinaka or Kia Orana! With some of the best moments of my life having taken place in the Cook Islands and Fiji, I can honestly testify to the fact that there are few (or perhaps no) places on earth more beautiful, pristine, tranquil and romantic. A destination wedding in such a location is just the bee’s knees of weddings! For a honeymoon such a trip is a must – a true reward for everything and a great way to start your marriage in 7th heaven; for an engaged couple it makes for a wonderful escape from the planning and preparation; and for a couple already married for several years, it’s the ideal way to reconnect, spend some time one-on-one and really get back to the romance and adventure that such an escape offers. I firmly believe if more couples travelled to tropical islands, then half the problems out there would almost solve themselves. Nothing beats the blues better than sunshine, white sand and a pina colada!

 
But that’s enough out of me, let’s hear what Raumati has to share about paradise and how you too can make your way there.

1. What exactly does Coconuts Travel Marketing do?
“We do all sales and marketing with our respective resorts – destination weddings with or without friends & family, a honeymoon or maybe just a holiday. The resorts we will be representing at the Wellington Wedding Show are in the Cook Islands – Club Raro Resort (value for money with personalised friendly service in a great location); Fiji – Plantation Island Resort (affordable and great for families with a stunning beach) and Lomani Island Resort (adults only, boutique, fantastic welcoming service) or for something super special The Havannah in Vanuatu (small, intimate and definitely decadent!)”

2. What do brides and grooms need to know about you?
“Each resort has their very own dedicated Wedding Coordinator, so they take care of all the nitty gritty whilst you relax and enjoy yourselves. We’ve been there ourselves with a destination wedding, we know what you’re going through and can help you along, point you in the right direction and give you tips and advice during the process. Plus we get paid by the resorts so no extra outlay for you!”

3. What deals/special offers would you like to share with brides and grooms at the Wellington Wedding Show?
“Some great honeymoon offers at all resorts including a free bottle of wine and fruit basket. A fantastic wedding package offer at Plantation Island Resort is NZ$3500 for EVERYTHING! That’s your wedding ceremony including bouquet, decorations, marriage certificate and set up; your wedding reception including dinner & drinks for 30 guests, wedding cake & 4 nights accommodation for the bride & groom.”

4. What is your ideal honeymoon suggestion?
“The choices are endless, however I’d think about what you usually like to do together in your spare time? If you’re active then driving a scooter in Raro or kayaking and paddleboarding in Fiji may be ideal, if you’re a foodie then The Havannah is definitely a must, or if you just prefer to lounge by the beach with a cocktail and have some “us” time, then any of these gorgeous destinations would suit.”

And there we go; , not that we needed anything to whet our appetite, but all this talk about cocktails, beaches and relaxation has us making a mental note to plan an escape very soon! Why not stop by Raumati’s stand at the Wellington Wedding Show on the 5th of May in the TSB Arena to see what she can do for you?

Coconuts Travel Marketing
07 872 8143
021 242 7004
[email protected]
www.coconutsmarketing.com

by Johanna Osborne

Fashionistas alert! This is one post you don’t want to miss. If you are after a beautiful wedding gown, or bridal couture design that is made to measure especially for you, then Rasha Taylor Couture is your heaven-sent gift.

Rasha Taylor’s award winning talents have long caught the attention of critics and she has been featured in many news forums for her amazing designs. As Wellington TOP SHOP Overall Winner 2012, this designer really knows how to give her clients what they want – beautiful dresses for every occasion. As specialists in wedding dresses, designer bridal wear, bridesmaids dresses, evening & ball gowns and cocktail dresses, this studio certainly has something for everyone.

With an amazing range of gowns, as well as a complete couture designer service that is uniquely tailored to showcase your individual style, you will not be left wanting for more. Rasha Taylor can turn your ideas and inspirations into reality in only one visit, as she is a skilled designer. The smallest inspiration can be interpreted and brought to life.

We are honored to say that Rasha Taylor Couture is one of our new exhibitors at the upcoming Wedding Show on the 5th of May at the TSB Arena in Wellington. Don’t miss your chance to meet the designer herself and see some of her designs up close and personal.

Rasha Taylor’s Studio is located at 208 Main Street Upper Hutt, and is open by appointment only. To make your appointment click here