To celebrate the up and coming launch of Mr & Mrs issue 3 at our spring show, we’re releasing issues 1 and 2 online, Enjoy!

by Johanna Osborne

It was a passion for bone china from a bygone age and an eye for her grandmother’s precious antique pieces that sparked a life-long love affair of all that is vintage for Susan Hesp, who is now the proud owner of gorgeous boutique vintage china hire company Heirloom Vintage Tableware. As a child, Susan loved nothing more than visiting her grandmother and “being trusted with the best china at tea time. A visit to my great-grandmother would see me glued to the old rocking chair for the entire visit – a loved antique piece, which I still have today. I have been collecting “old stuff” all my life, much to my grandmother’s amusement!”

When someone does something because they love it, they are bound to be good at it. And Susan Hesp is no exception. You simply have to browse her amazing website to see all the glorious pieces on offer – from stylish teacups with matching saucers, beautiful hand worked linen and tiered cake stands (very en vogue and in high demand right now, she informs me), to my favourite – the hollow stem champagne saucers- the list goes on. The variety and options are endless, each piece so beautifully reflecting the era and time it comes from, in pristine condition yet containing many stories and secrets of the past. It’s easy to understand the fascination. Susan has a true eye for the beauty in vintage china and glassware, and spends a lot of time going to auctions, fairs, and shopping online to build up her ever-growing supply. It’s all so elegant, so chic and harks back to an era where drinking tea and dining was a ceremonious event, and everyone wore their finery to enjoy something truly special.

As a hard working lawyer in a fast paced commercial law firm for over a decade, Susan excelled in the legal field. But she has now stepped out of the hustle and bustle to focus on her strong creative side, and Heirloom Vintage Tableware lets her do just that – create and enjoy. Passionate about history, Susan is always researching and learning more about the pieces she owns.

Susan is a pleasure to be around; a personable and capable lady who gives off a calm aura, just what brides and grooms in the flurry of wedding planning need. And it’s their good fortune that Susan particularly enjoys working on weddings. She has some wonderful ideas and inspiration for table set-ups and decoration, and is able to assist couples not only with the hire of the pieces, but also the overall styling if they desire. She explains “Weddings are what I love to do most. I love a good project and something with a bit of scope to satisfy my creative streak. Helping a couple plan table settings for a wedding is a huge amount of fun for me.” Susan shares that she recently helped a bride who has chosen pastel coloured dresses for her bridesmaids to match pastel coloured china in various shades to create an overall theme, which will no doubt look amazing on the big day! An online service also exists to make things even smoother and easier for anyone wishing for something old fashioned, in the very modern way of clicking a button!

Current trends are interesting Susan explains; “I’ve witnessed quite an increase in the last 6 months. The vintage trend of the last season is still big, but has evolved once again; a trend within a trend if you like. People are putting pieces together slightly differently now, mixing eras and styles. High teas have always been very popular, but now anything vintage at all is in high demand. It’s so much fun working with different couples and helping them find what would suit them best.” The thing that gives Susan the most joy of all is people sharing her passion, and “loving it for what it is”. She says; “People seem to get so much pleasure from it, and that’s a pleasure for me.” And it’s that joy which motivates Susan to share some of her most prized possessions, some of which she is “quite emotionally attached to, with anyone needing vintage styled event.

The process for hiring anything from Susan’s range is very simple. Whilst the website gives a great overview, Susan is more than happy to organise viewings of pieces and table settings for brides and grooms. She can also organise delivery and pick-up, and can assist in decorating tables on the day, if requested. And in most recent news, Susan has joined forces with the fabulous Trish Perrins from Simply Food to create a whole high tea package – with delicious food supplied by Simply Food, and tableware by Heirloom Vintage Tableware. The package includes delivery and set-up, pack-up and clean up. For brides and grooms looking for a simple yet tasteful way to celebrate their nuptials, a “high tea wedding reception” is an elegant way of having a beautiful wedding reception that can cater to almost any budget. Add in a glass of champagne in hollow stem champagne saucers in true ‘high tea’ style to complete the package. It’s a different and elegant way to have fun, without being elaborate and serving 10 courses, yet still being very special. This new and exciting package option will be launched at the upcoming Wellington Wedding Show where couples can learn more about what’s on offer, and what Susan can do to cater to their needs.

So are you coming to our show THIS weekend? Don’t miss your chance to chat to the delightful Susan Hesp and check out Heirloom Vintage Tableware’s glorious stand at The Wellington Wedding Show this coming Sunday the 16th September at the Old Town Hall!

“The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort and refinement.”- Arthur Gray

Susan's favourite place setting of the moment. The pattern is called ‘Merrivale’ by Paragon

Susan describes this as pretty and delicate - we think she's right!

Just gorgeous!

Fit for a queen and her king!

Just imagine the amount of tea parties and fun gossip this set has witnessed

I would be very impressed to sit down to this at a wedding

My favourite!

by Johanna Osborne

Ladies and gentlemen, fire up your engines! The Wellington Wedding Show is only ONE WEEK away! This time taking place at the gorgeous Old Town Hall, it will once again be an extravaganza and a treat for all the senses. The Spring show will be slightly smaller and more “boutique”, allowing you more time with each supplier to ask all the important questions. There will still be plenty of amazing photographers, hire ware companies, wedding dress and suit designers, honeymoon and jewellery options, not to mention food, decorations, florists, transport and entertainment… the list goes on! You don’t want to miss out on seeing all the most fabulous companies under one roof – the cream of the crop will be in attendance. This is your chance to meet them face to face, and see how they could work their magic on your special day.

Everyone through the door gets a copy of our brand-spanking new Mr & Mrs magazine, edition 3 – out on the day of the show!!! With a photo shoot that will make you weak at the knees, and stories of real life romance and weddings, you won’t want to put it down. A wonderful source of inspiration, many brides have cited Mr & Mrs as one of their favourite wedding tools. And you too can feature in Mr & Mrs magazine… simply send us your wedding photos, and who knows?! You might just be selected as our next cover couple, just like Martine and Renze below!

We won’t keep you much longer as we know you are very busy planning your special day, but we can’t wait to share ours with you on Sunday, September 16th at the Old Town Hall. It’s a biggie! Mark it in your calendar and see you there!

by Johanna Osborne

Mel Waite is one of those people you can’t help but like. She’s bright, bubbly and full of energy. But more than that, she is also incredibly talented. Mel is one of Wellington’s top wedding photographers, and her reputation precedes her. With the ability to really “see things”, Mel’s high school teachers recognised her talent early on, and she excelled in photography classes. There was no doubt what her vocation was to be.

What makes Mel so good at what she does? The results speak for themselves. Many a happy bride and groom will remember Mel years after their wedding, and greet her like an old friend. They remain incredibly grateful for those amazing moments she captured forever.

In addition to her natural talent, it’s Mel’s mindset and approach that make her such a star. She shares; “If you book a wedding photographer, book someone who you are going to get on with. You are going to spend more time with them than anyone else on your day. It’s important you like them and they make you feel at ease.” Mel invests a lot of time with the bride and groom in the lead up to the wedding, as well as on the day, and she enjoys doing what she can to help. With 20-30 weddings per year, she knows a thing or two about it all; “I always say it’s only my opinion, but I’m happy to share it.” And her wise words never fall on deaf ears, with many couples thankful for the guidance. Next to a wedding planner, a photographer really is the best source for timing and planning on such a big day, where being organised truly counts.

Mel always comes prepared, armed with an “emergency kit” full of magic goodies that can fix almost any problem. Amongst these treasure are plasters, a needle and thread, safety pins, double sided tape, Panadol, tissues, wet ones, breath mints, floss, lipstick and gloss, Hill Cook’s famous solutions buds … the list goes on. Mel prides herself on going the extra mile; “I try to make things run as smoothly as possible, which in turn will make everyone much happier. And it shows in the photos, which means the bride and groom are happy. It’s all about making the day as stress-free as possible, and I don’t mind one little bit doing extra bits and pieces that are beyond my scope. It’s worth it in order to make sure everyone is having a good time.”

Mel’s tricks don’t stop there. Impressively, she always packs a picnic for the bridal party. She finds this to be a great way to boost everyone’s energy levels, and also relax the boys, who Mel finds are always “much happier to pose for photos after a beer!” Making it a positive experience is important to Mel; “I want people to enjoy it and have a good time whilst having their pictures taken. And also I want them to look back at the photos and feel that they look like themselves. I carry that theory through in terms of post production- I touch up spots etc but I want people to look like people, and not have plastic Barbie skin. So I don’t overdo it at all.”

Mel’s advice for brides and grooms looking for someone to photograph their day is simple; “Go for a professional, spend that money, you won’t regret it. Wedding photography can’t be redone. You are going to hold and treasure the photos from your wedding for the rest of your life.” In terms of budgeting, she also has some good words of wisdom; “Weddings can be expensive. You don’t have to go all out with everything. It’s a good idea to work out early on what’s important to you, and focus on that.” She adds; “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and request to see sample albums. Visit more than one photographer, so that you are completely happy with your choice.”

After chatting to her, I get the feeling that if you have Mel by your side when you tie the knot, that it will be a very happy journey indeed. Mel knows how meaningful it all is, and she appreciates the opportunity to play a role in it: “I just love being part of someone’s special day. It’s the most exciting day of a couple’s life, and to be part of that happiness, joy and excitement is great.” It’s a pleasure Mel certainly does not take for granted; “To be able to give a couple photos that they will cherish and remember forever is so special. I am so very lucky that I get to do what I love, and that it makes others so happy as well.” And that I believe is the mark of someone who truly loves what they do!

Mel has kindly shared with us some photos of a recent wedding she shot – Jacqueline & Richard celebrated their marriage in the Hunter valley. Have a look at the lovely photos below.

And don’t forget to check out Mel Waite Photography at the Wellington Wedding Show on Sunday 16th September at Wellington’s Old Town Hall!

Mel Waite Photography
www.melsfotos.com

04 2321180
021 312017

by Johanna Osborne

I am a little old school and somewhat traditional. I kind of like being that way. I know what I believe, but I am open minded enough to realise things aren’t black and white or cut and dried in life. I’ve been married nearly 7 years, so whilst that’s not quite spring chicken material, I know it’s not diamond anniversary stuff either. I’m not really qualified to dish out any sort of advice whatsoever, but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt – the school of life has a good way of teaching us a thing or two.

I was raised in a warm, loving home and my parents, regardless of the situation, always presented a united front. There was no doubt, if I asked my Mum and she said no, no matter how fast I ran into other room in an effort to beat the lightning speed telepathic communication between my parents, my Dad would not hesitate and give the same answer my Mum had delivered only seconds earlier. I grew up in what can only be described as a secure, stable and totally comfortable home. I felt I belonged, that I was important and most of all there was no doubt – I was deeply loved. This was the biggest and best gift my parents could have ever given me, for those feelings have stayed with me my whole life. And as we often repeat familiar patterns in life, I am immensely grateful for that foundation.

My grandparents were the same. They were somehow bonded, alike, and whilst they bickered from time to time, they were each other’s world. When my Oma sadly passed away, my Opa was packing his suitcase, ready to go and join her. He passed away just a few short months later, and I still believe it was from a broken heart.

My childhood played out at a time where most of my friends were lucky enough to have 2 parents in the home, and divorce wasn’t all that common. I’m not super old (although I might sound like it!) and I guess that made an impression on me. So for me agreeing to marry someone was always a serious decision. At the risk of stating the obvious, everyone knows agreeing to spend the rest of your life with someone requires a considerable amount of thought. But for some reason the whirlwind of the moment, the rose coloured spectacles and being in love with the idea of love appears to bamboozle some people. Not to mention keeping up with everyone else and what they are doing. Hollywood lighting speed engagements and massive wedding don’t help the cause either. Everyone is in love with the idea of love, yet subsequent divorces are on the rise. And that’s sad.

I don’t agree with staying in an unhappy relationship. But I do believe in trying your darndest to make it work. Especially if there are children involved. But if you can’t live in peace, then it’s best to get out. Sometimes divorce is the only option. But sometimes things can be saved, it’s just a matter of wanting it badly enough.

I guess the most important question then presents itself – how do you know if you are ready to get married in the first place? It’s a tough one to answer as everyone has a different view. Especially as common interests and shared passions in your 20s might completely change and evolve in your 30s, and you may end up being entirely different people- So how can you be sure that you belong together? Well, how does it begin? Remember that insanely amazing and crazy period when you first meet “the one” and suddenly nothing matters anymore? When your thoughts and feelings are all consuming? Your heart jumps to your mouth when he calls, or you know he is about to turn up to your house. You change your outfit ten thousand times and douse yourself in perfume and pop breath mints like peanuts. Well, this gorgeous person you have fallen in love with, the person you can’t get enough of, your very own 50 Shades of Grey if you like (yes bordering on cheesy now, I know!)– will you still feel this way about them in years to come? Can you see yourself loving them when they are a little rounder, a little balder, a little greyer? Can you see yourself wiping sweat off their brow when they have the flu, or holding their hair back when they are bent over the toilet? Can you see yourself giving up everything for this person? Would you still love them if they didn’t have money, a job or suddenly got so sick they needed you to care full time for them? It’s not the gorgeous stuff that tells us if it’s right, it’s the nasty, gritty things that test our boundaries and our capacity for love. We all prefer happy endings, so it’s important to think these things through. For there is nothing more amazing in life than that one true, pure love.

Emotional attraction is another factor not to be underestimated. Whilst you still do (and should) find your partner attractive, the emotional bond is ends up being what holds you together, and not just lustful thoughts. When you are apart, you miss not only your lover, but your best friend. The foundation of remaining faithful is not based on the fear of hurting the other, but the fact that they are the only one for you, and the only one you want! Accepting that whilst your relationship might not be perfect, there is no other relationship you’d rather have or be in. The grass is not greener and you aren’t even looking to check if it is. That ladies and gentlemen is how you know you are ready for forever. At least in my humble opinion. But then again if you are truly ready you wouldn’t be in any doubt anyhow.

Whilst fairytales might not be real, and life is tough and things aren’t always perfect, there are certain things that you should not compromise on. And love is one of them. It should be great and it should make you darn happy. Always!