by Johanna Osborne

Introducing ‘Mrs’ – the first official scent of the Wellington Wedding Show!

Some people are born with a nose. Not necessarily a prominent nose like Gerard Depardieu’s famous one, but rather a nose that is keen and sensitive to the smells of the world around us. If you have ever read ‘Le Parfum’ by German author Patrick Susskind you will know what I mean. For out of all of our senses, smell is sometimes underrated, when in fact it determines so so much.

We all have our first memories of fragrance and how it affected our lives. From the musky scent that you recall on grandma’s cardigan when she squeezed you close, to the crisp aftershave your grandfather heavy handily splashed on, to the precious first bottle you ever owned. I remember the perfume I wore when I first met my husband and so does he. There’s nothing like a smell that awakens the senses and brings back amazing memories, or even better, helps you create new ones.

And of course I’m not alone, for there are those that are so passionate that they have made an entire career out of the wonderful world of fragrance. And that is who we are talking to today, the master of scent, Francesco van Eerd himself. Francesco is the talented and charismatic owner and Director of Fragrifert Parfumeur. You may recognise Francesco from his performances at the Frank Kitts Market or his ‘Pecha Kucha’ presentation at Downstage, or perhaps you have been lucky enough to have been gifted one of his marvellous creations by a loved one. Regardless, being a Parfumeur is a true art and we are extremely lucky to have someone of this talent right here at our fingertips.

Right now the hottest thing globally is to have a scent crafted specifically for you. Your very own signature scent, your personalised fragrance! It’s all the rage in Hollywood, and we never thought we’d have the same privilege. But we are very excited to announce that is exactly what we have done – right here in little old Wellington! Francesco van Eerd has created for us an exclusive fragrance called ‘Mrs’ which we will be giving to some of our lucky brides-to-be at the Wellington Wedding Show on the 5th of May in the TSB Arena. Nothing beats that!

The brief for our ‘Mrs’ fragrance was simple – we wanted it to be a light perfume that makes brides feel happy. For Francesco this allowed a fair amount of latitude and scope to delve into the various fragrance families, and he did not disappoint. He shares; “After spending some considerable time exploring the floral oriental and chypre categores, I decided that while classically beautiful and chique, they would be too heavy to fit the brief. In the end I chose instead to go for a bright and sunny floral combination of the heliotrope, rose petals and lily, adding undertones of white musk to give stamina and maturity. I then added just a touch of the incredibly refined Italian Iris for finesse and sophistication, and voila! Mrs was born!”

Francesco proudly goes on; “While it is obviously impossible to please everybody, I am confident that ‘Mrs’ will make most brides feel ravishingly beautiful, sophisticated and vivacious and add a ‘frisson’ of splendour to the most important day of their lives!” We could not agree more with his prediction!

We could not help but ask Francesco for some tips when selecting a fragrance; “Never choose a perfume without having tested it for at least a day. Impulsive perfume purchases often end up languishing in a forgotten cupboard somewhere. Never smell a perfume directly from the bottle. You will only get the top notes and miss the heart and base almost completely. Smell from a smelling strip, or better still, spray some on yourself so you will get the full ‘picture’.” To experience a slow-motion version of a perfume and get a better appreciation of the various stages of development, Francesco recommends spraying it onto your clothes or handkerchief instead of your skin. It will ‘develop’ at a much reduced speed when compared to spraying it on the (much warmer) skin. He also advises to trust your instincts; “Asking your friends which perfume they like on you is all good and wonderful, but you are the one who has to live with it. If you don’t like it, don’t let anyone talk you into using it. Trust your own nose.”Francesco cites the classical L’Heure Bleu (Guerlain) and of the more recent offerings Black (Bulgari) as some of the best the perfume world has to offer.

We feel giving a perfume as a gift is a great idea, particularly a Bespoke one that has been carefully created especially for the recipient. It is an involved process, which makes it all the more special and unique. Francesco agrees; “Perfume is communication. If you care to learn the language of fragrance (or use someone who has), you can use them to not just give your beloved compliments but affect their feelings, even touch their innermost beings. It truly is a most intimate and personal of presents, and the gift of a well-chosen perfume will instantly propel you into the inner circle of your recipient’s friends.”

So next time you are at a loss as to what to buy your loved one, remember there really is nothing sweeter or more romantic. Just ask the master himself, Francesco!

Francesco van Eerd
Perfumer/Manager
Fragrifert Parfumeur
The best perfumes that never were…
Wellington, New Zealand
(04) 9348290
027 6071852
www.fragrifert.co.nz

Francesco distilling daphnes

by Johanna Osborne

Amidst the easily accessible Ngauranga junction where all important roads meet, lies the new premises of Hiremaster, Wellington`s much loved event and party hire company. Those from Hutt Valley, Wellington City, Porirua, Wairarapa and Kapiti alike can access these divine showrooms with a short hassle-free drive and ample parking. This Wellington owned and operated company has time and time again proven itself as being innovative and customer focused over 40 years it has been in operation. And this new venue is just one of the many bonus points that will get brides-to-be furiously ticking off their trusty checklists – a one-stop-shop found has been discovered!

A large and exciting new showroom greets visitors, and those requiring inspiration will soon see what amazing transformations can be achieved thanks to the vast array of options, ideas, items and effects on offer inside this “magic cave”.

We chat to Anna Graham, one of the many competent staff members on site, and she proudly tells of her favourite items, and let us tell you, there’s quite a few! “We have over 50 different styles of vases and candle holders, so there is definitely something for everyone. One of the great things is that because we have been operation so long, we have accrued a huge range of equipment that has gone in and out and back into fashion over the years. We have a great range of vintage inspired equipment such as silver cutlery, bone china, silver serving equipment, silver candle holders, birdcages, high tea stands, champagne saucers, vases and table runners in a huge range of colours. The shelves here are like a giant treasure trove!”

With the trend now more than ever being towards creating not only a beautiful wedding, but a unique experience with all the trimmings, amazing atmosphere and finer details galore, Hiremaster has every single base covered. Perhaps one of the most effective touches Hiremaster can offer is lighting. Anna shares; “I am loving all the amazing lights we have! Festoon lights and rice paper lanterns are a must-have at the moment and our customers can’t get enough. We also have new chandeliers, which are a very simple 5 head glass chandelier but produce an amazing effect. It’s just so easy to change the look of a venue with good lighting.” From personal experience we could not agree more, and cannot stress enough how good lighting affects the mood, ambience, photographs and overall energy of the party. Lighting is key!

Of course another one of Hiremaster’s specialities are marquees, and this summer has been a total dream for celebrating within these glorious white tents. “They always look amazing. White roof and wall linings make a marquee look so pretty, and clear walls are also a must so that you don`t miss out on all the scenery around you.”

Those at a loss of how to put together a brilliant wedding “stage” can relax. Hiremaster has been doing it for years, and they do it oh so well. They can create for you a complete venue with flooring, marquee structures, furniture, catering equipment, lighting, heating, crockery, cutlery, glassware, linen, serving equipment, and we kid you not, they even have a kitchen sink! On the flipside, if it’s little or basic that you are after, you are still in the right place. There is no minimum hire and no order is too small. If it’s just 10 glasses or a couple of table cloths that you need, you will still receive the same stellar service. Anna shares; “Half the fun of our showroom is that you are welcome to come in and play around with the table settings, so that you can see what it will look like. We have a huge range of chair covers, sashes, runners and different style of cutlery and glasses so you can work out what you like best for your wedding or event.”

Having worked with Hiremaster countless times, our team at the Wellington Wedding Show can attest to the ‘can do’ attitude, efficiency, work ethic and friendliness of the team. Most of all, the results are truly stunning. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what you want – the jaws of your guests to drop when they lay eyes on your special setting, on your amazing day! There is nothing like a one-of-a-kind party to suit a one-of-a-kind couple.

As a wedding specialist in her field, we could not resist asking Anna for some final expert tips on what every wedding must have. See what she has to say below…

1. A photographer that you can trust to capture all the moments of the day.

3. A venue and a back-up plan! As lovely as Wellington is on a sunny day, we all know how quickly that can change in the rain. So it’s important to take that into consideration. On the other hand when Wellington does put on a stunner of a day it’s important to have some sun shade for people.

Wellington City Hiremaster Event & Party Ltd.
16 McCormack Place
Ngauranga
Wellington 6035 – New Zealand
Phone: 04 3852000
www.hiremaster.co.nz

by Johanna Osborne

Good Morning Sunshine! Oh, feeling a bit tired today and you think it shows? You are not alone my friend, but worry no more. We have something wonderful that will fix you right up, all shiny and new. Ready to tackle the weekend with dewy glowing skin!

The fact that us gals (and guys!) at the Wellington Wedding Show and Mr and Mrs Magazine are fond of Antipodes products is an understatement. We totally adore their gorgeous beauty products, with lush natural deliciousness embodied inside each and every vessel. We use them religiously and swear by them, we aren’t kidding you! So of course now that something new and fabulous for our skin has hit the shelves, we are all over it like dieters on a box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. But it’s not just humble folk like us that are devotees, Evangeline Lily (of Lost and Hobbit fame) is a huge supporter of Antipodes, claiming the products “take years off your face”. And that’s saying something, when a star who has access to the world’s best and finest products touts our very own NZ brand as one of the best. We totally agree of course, after all I’m really 94 but everyone tells me that I don’t look a day over 35. Must be the Avocado and Rosehip Faceoil! But rather than me telling you what I think, hear it from the horse’s mouth (a very glamorous horse of course). Below is a press release from the mothership herself, and boy oh boy, if you aren’t racing out to get yourself a shiny new pot of Mineral Foundation, then I will be highly surprised!

ANTIPODES MINERAL FOUNDATION

Healthy, flawless, hydrating & skin-perfect

Bestow a healthy, flawless, hydrating and skin-perfect appearance with fine-textured foundations that not only smooth blemishes and pigmentation flaws, but also help actively improve the health of your skin. Antipodes® Performance Plus Mineral Foundation with SPF 17 features Vinanza Performance Plus® which is scientifically shown* to improve skin health by decreasing trans-epidermal water loss, leaving skin moist and hydrated. It also decreases the excessive melanin production that causes freckling and pigmentation, and reduces undesirable redness or
facial flushing.

Antipodes®’ range of lightweight foundations is suitable for all skin conditions, including normal, oily, blemish-prone and rosacea. Apply regularly throughout the day and evening in conjunction with the core essentials of the Antipodes® Scientific Natural Make-up™ collection.

Wellington stockists: Kirkcaldie & Stains, Common Sense Organics, Antipodes® Store Wellington Airport
 

by Johanna Osborne

If you are a sucker for romantic comedies like me then you would have seen your fair share of wedding themed flicks over the years – ‘The Wedding Crashers’, ’27 Dresses’, ‘Bride Wars’, ‘The Wedding Planner’ amongst others, and of course let’s not forget the famed 2011 movie ‘Bridesmaids’ . And whilst the bride rightfully plays the lead, her trusty bridesmaids are never far behind. The spotlight is bigger and wider than ever before, and the bride’s right hand women are taking centre stage right along with her, now more than ever before.

So the question begs to be asked, just who is the modern bridesmaid? A planner in disguise, willing to walk over hot coals to please the bride, relinquishing all personal opinions at the door and being a “yes-woman” for the 12 months leading up to the wedding? If the stereotype of some of the movies is to be believed, then a bridesmaid works harder than the bride in an effort to make sure everything stays on track and pulls together on the big day. Of course, along the way there’s always a mammoth collision caused by some ill-guided misunderstanding, a big feud, some mournful time apart, followed by a remorseful heart to heart where true feelings and opinions are finally aired out. And as entertaining as that might be on the big screen, it’s not quite as appealing in real life. And perhaps that’s the lesson here, we are not in la-la land after all, so it’s better to speak your mind from the get-go and don’t let any unsaid things simmer during the preparation time. A year can seem like a decade when you consider all the stuff that’s condensed into this sometimes fraught time.

And really that’s what’s truly important anyway, shaping the day, making it a celebration of the couple and the various people who are part of their lives. Diversity and difference should be celebrated, each bridesmaid should be given a task that suits their personality and skills, something to give her purpose and make her feel like she’s contributing without asking too much or putting her in an uncomfortable position. Asking a wallflower to make a speech could be taking things a little bit too far, but ask the party girl to plan the dance list and you could be on to a winner. The efforts and capabilities of the modern bridesmaid are not to be underestimated – they do so much these days! Anything and everything from organising elaborate kitchen teas and hens’ parties right through to helping plan the big day itself, the favours, the order of ceremony, even assisting in coordinating their own outfits and accessories. To some this is a delight, to others sheer horror. But most brides know themselves and their friends well enough to gage how much they can ask before exhausting their friends. And of course some brides love to do it all themselves, and relish the responsibility and organising “high” they get from it all.

It’s always good to be clear about what you envisage and expect. If your friends know what you are thinking, then you are all on the same page. And that can lead to a totally awesome bonding experience. The journey to the altar, although primarily between man and wife, also involves the wife and her numerous ladies in waiting- her trusty bridesmaids. Nothing beats this stuff! The heart to hearts, the shopping excursions, the discussions over colours and styles, the get-togethers, the fittings, the morning of the wedding and the time spent getting hair and makeup done whilst sipping champagne. It’s magical. Besides marrying your sweetheart, the time you spend with your bridesmaids could quite possibly be the best part of your wedding. It’s all a bit like getting ready for the school dance, except this is the biggest most elaborate dance of all, the last one of your single life. And who better to share it with than your best friends?

It’s so refreshing to see the importance of bridesmaids reflected in so many ways these days. They have a “presence” at the wedding, and stand out more than ever before. And we just love the more unique choice of dresses these days – different dress-styles and colours are so in right now! Just as each girl is different, so can their dress be! And yet it can all still blend gloriously. The time to be creative and inventive with designing your big day is now, more than ever before. It’s ok to be unique, to step outside the square, to dress your friends in what they want to wear. It’s all about making your wedding about you, and the relationship(s) that have brought you to this point. And whilst the groom is the apple of the bride’s eye on the big day, her gaggle of girlfriends are the ones that hold her hand, smooth out her dress and pat her on the back when her bouquet is shaking a little bit more than it should. That’s what friends are for. The emotional support is simply invaluable. So enjoy the ride and have fun with your bridesmaids!

And where does it all come from?

“The Western bridesmaid tradition is thought to have originated from Roman Law, which required ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart evil spirits (believed to attend marriage ceremonies) by dressing in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married. Even as late as 19th century England, there was a belief that ill-wishers could administer curses and taint the wedding. In Victorian wedding photographs, for example, the bride and groom are frequently dressed in the same fashion as other members of the bridal party.” (source Wikipaedia)

And here we have it… www.weddings.about.com cite the following as possible responsibilities of the bride’s maid…
 

A bridesmaid’s duties might include:

– Helping the bride shop for her dress and bridesmaids’ dresses
when asked, giving advice on decorations, favors, music, and more
– Helping the maid of honor to plan a bridal shower, and, if appropriate, chipping in for the costs of food, decorations, or venue
– Helping to plan a bachelorette party (this the bridesmaids may pay for or split the cost with the other attendees)
– Helping the bride dress (and stay calm) before the ceremony
– Providing moral support at all times
– Telling others where the couple is registered and other details, such as when they will return from their honeymoon, where to send gifts etc
– Being useful at the wedding reception. The couple may ask you to help direct guests to the guestbook, assist with a special moment, make sure that – vendors have arrived, or do crisis management. You might also want to stick around after the reception and make sure things are cleaned up and wedding presents secured.
– Being social. Be sure to talk to as many guests as you can, making them feel warmly welcomed. If there’s a dance floor, help get the party going!
– Consider throwing (or helping to pitch in for) a day-after brunch. These events are great to help the couple catch up with out-of-town guests, and have a more relaxed environment to socialize in.

by Johanna Osborne

Gosh it feels like we only just oohed and ahhed over last year’s Oscars, but sure enough the end of February always signifies may-jah glamour in Hollywood. It sparkles so bright we can almost see it from here! We gasped at all the right moments watching the parade of endless beautiful dresses and marveled over the poses, posture, glitz and glam.

Here are our team’s favourites, and the low-down of who they were wearing.

Oscar de la Renta was the choice of the night for Julia Roberts’ niece Emma. Love.

This Skyfall Actress’ dress took 120 hours to make, and was dyed with chamomile and golden rod, hand embroidered with vintage beads and chocolate wrappers! If that doesn’t deserve high praise for effort (and effect) then we don’t know what does!

The divine Naomi sparkled in an Armani Prive dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Roger Vivier bag, and Neil Lane jewels.

Much debate about whether she should make the list. Not loving the hair but Charlize Theron’s Christian Dior Haute Couture dress, Roger Vivier shoes, and Harry Winston jewellery make up for the severe do. British Vogue has picked her as one of the most stylish, and they certainly can’t be wrong!

High impact glam was Jennifer Hudson’s modus operandi and it worked –she caught everyone’s eye for all the right reason in her Roberto Cavalli gown.

38-year-old Amy Adams looked totally gorgeous in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Moa jewelry. So Carrie Bradshaw!

Jessica Chastain selected a jawdropping custom Armani Prive dress, Christian Louboutin heels, and Harry Winston jewels; “I chose it because I’m such a fan of movies. I love cinema so much,” Jessica said of her dress choice. “It’s a very ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President.’ It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour.” We couldn’t agree more!

Can you believe she’s 43? Catherine Zeta Jones’ choice was a bulls eye. This Zuhair Murad dress and accompanying Lorraine Schwartz jewels were a big favourite of ours. Gold never gets old!

Nicole Kidman’s L’Wren Scott gown was a dramatic choice that glistened like liquid molten rock.

How divine is this? Pregnant Jaime King looks absolutely darling in her peach rosebud dress. One of our absolute faves!

Last but certainly not least… Seems like if your name is Jennifer and you work in Hollywood, you are destined to be successful (think Aniston, Lopez, Garner…). This 22-year-old is no exception, not only looking amazing in a Dior Haute Couture dress, but also taking the Golden Statue home. She tripped on her way up the stairs and stayed cool and calm – not to mention funny! We love this girl. “Today was stressful and I had no time to eat. I’m starving,” Jennifer said during press interviews. We think it’s fair to say that at 22 years old she absolutely owned the red carpet, and more importantly the entire night! Kudos to Miss Lawrence.