by Johanna Osborne

It’s not often that Paula and I are teetering down Willis Street in high heels and a long gown on a Monday night. But when Shika Braddock’s VIP invite landed in our inboxes, it was more than enough to lure us out on a drizzly Wellington night. We both donned our finery and got ready for a fun evening out.

The occasion? Shika Braddock Couture has relocated to a newer, bigger and grander store at 186 Willis Street. Not that we needed the address- the red carpet and paparazzi flashbulbs inside and out were clue enough that this was where the party was at. In attendance were numerous industry professionals, loyal customers and even the Thai Ambassador himself. All those who love and support Shika, her passion and her amazing talent.

Shika’s designs are rather magnificent. The racks are full of glorious colours and styles, many boasting sparkly detail. Whether it’s a wedding dress, a bridesmaid’s gown or a gorgeous frock for a special event, Shika Braddock Couture has an unsurpassable selection. For someone like me who can’t sew nor draw to save myself, I am in awe of Shika’s talent. She can listen to you describe a dress and can sketch it as the ideas unfold in your head. Shika has the ability to turn a glint of a dream into a stunning reality for you.

 
At the event we were thrilled to be recognised by some lovely girls who we met at the Wellington Wedding Show earlier this year, and they shared with us that they too are having their gowns designed by Shika.

Lauren Mann, the current Miss Wellington, was the host of the evening. She did a wonderful job and cut a stunning figure in her aqua-blue Shika Braddock couture gown. The many photographers in attendance on the evening were kind enough to share some of their images with us, and today we show you a sample of these.

To see what all the excitement is about, visit Shika’s new store at 186 Willis Street – and don’t forget to stop by Shika Braddock’s website too! But before you head off, check out some photos of the big event…

The stunning new store at 186 Willis Street

Some of Shika's beautiful designs

Beautiful bridal wear

Shika Braddock with the Miss Universe New Zealand Contestants

Paula and I on the red carpet at the grand opening

by Johanna Osborne

We were very excited to be asked to join all the other fabulous exhibitors at this year’s Wairarapa Wedding Expo, held on Sunday 19th August at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park Masterton. We had heard wonderful things about this event, and we were not disappointed.

It was a delight to see so many familiar faces and amazing professionals there, and the day was a whirlwind of chatter, excitement and tons of information. The exhibitors certainly pulled out all the stops and there were plenty of stunning stalls with great services on offer. We met so many wonderful brides-to-be and their amazing partners, friends and families – and the joy was infectious. So many lovely stories, so many different wedding ideas, so many possibilities!

We were of course delighted to hear that so many of these brides have already firmly marked Sunday 16th September in their calendars – the date of our upcoming Wellington Wedding Show, only a few weeks away now with plenty of amazing exhibitors booked to attend. This will once again be a big show, with lots of variety and inspiration on offer. Wellington’s Old Town Hall will host us this time around, and we can’t wait to see all the elegance, glamour and style packed into this stunning venue. We will also be launching issue #3 of Mr & Mrs magazine on this day, with everyone through the door being the very first to get a look at our hot new magazine. It truly is going to be an amazing day – see you there!!!

And of course last but not least – some photos of our special weekend in the Wairarapa … have a look- maybe there’s someone you know?

The Wellington Wedding Show, Sunday 16th September, Old Town Hall – 10.30am to 3.30pm

PS: Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page (Wellington Wedding show) for further updates and information

Our goodie bags – copies of issue 1 & 2 of Mr & Mrs magazine inside

The Wellington Wedding Show/ Mr & Mrs magazine stand

Paula and I ready for the day!

Paula and her husband Blair, who was an amazing helper on the day

The first of many gorgeous bridal parties – one bride, 4 bridesmaids... how exciting!

Another excited bride and her loyal bridesmaid

A cute couple planning their wedding, the “lucky” guy is indeed Lucky, for that’s his name!

Another local couple planning their big day

We love the colour coordination with our exhibit design!

Mother and daughter shopping for wedding ideas!

These guys were amazing – 2 sisters in a family of 9 are planning a double wedding, and we just can’t wait to see the photos and hear all the details. Perhaps you will hear all about it in an upcoming issue of Mr & Mrs magazine?!

Vanessa from Lush Lashes and our Paula – both these ladies look amazing, and in part owe their fresh faced dewy eyed look to their amazing lashes. Truly to die for!

The fantastic Dion from the Amazing Travelling Photobooth was a huge hit on the day – and he now has a new application that can electronically send you your amazing photos within seconds of the shot being taken. Snazzy!

Mr & Mrs magazine and Providore cupcakes – what more does a girl want?!

The beautiful ladies from Mercy Belle wowed the crowds with their gorgeous wedding dresses – newly launched and totally stunning

Paula’s gorgeous little daughter Rose carrying our precious orchids and a City Fitness balloon

Rose and my little boy Milan enjoying a drink and snack in the bar – just like grown ups!

That’s all folks!

by Johanna Osborne

To say we love weddings is an understatement. Therefore, in addition to those we feature in ‘Mr & Mrs’ magazine, we would like to bring you some stand-out, unique, romantic, up-to-the-moment real life weddings from right here in Wellington. And today we start with a very cool couple…

When Zac and Hannah tied the knot on the 2nd day of the 2nd month of 2012 their guests were in for “a simple day that was relaxed and quirky”, just the way the happy couple had envisaged. Zac and Hannah combined traditional elements with fun touches, which provided a joyful reflection of their personalities.

The pretty bride walked up the aisle to an acoustic version of Foo Fighters, Everlong, which set the tone for the slightly off-beat, yet totally fantastic wedding. And as one of “the grand dame” Erskine’s very last couples to ever celebrate their wedding there, this event certainly gave the historic venue one final hoorah. 3 foot helium balloons scattered the halls and petanque and quoits were at the ready out on the lawn for any eager takers. Guests were also pleasantly surprised to find a little joyful something waiting for them at their tables: namely a classic tin wind-up toy doubling as a cute name tag holder, which made for cute and clever keepsakes.

Simply Food served a wonderful array of delicious goodies, and Paula Bevege Events supplied the gorgeous blooms. The bride looked stunning in a beautiful Astra Bridal gown and the groom was dashingly decked out by Hallensteins. We Do Photography captured the incredibly beautiful and fun images of the day. Last but not least – Zac and Hannah cruised into forever in a very cool 66 Dodge Pioneer, on loan by good friend Steve.

We think this looks like one mighty fine and totally awesome day! Congratulations Zac and Hannah! Check out the photos below and for more amazing images head over to WeDo Photography’s blog on Zac and Hannah’s wedding.

by Johanna Osborne

If the title hasn’t scared you away, then it’s my pleasure to tell you more about the wonderful Wairarapa Wedding Expo 2012. Only a few days away now – this coming weekend in fact!!! – the expo is an event not to be missed! With plenty of premium exhibitors in attendance (us included!) brides and grooms will love checking out this interesting show to be held at the gorgeous Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Masterton on Sunday 19th August.

Of course we are supremely excited to be coming along as exhibitors! Paula and I will have our
Mr & Mrs stand ready and waiting for all eager brides and grooms, and will once again be giving away our popular magazine and other goodies. We also can’t wait tell you more about our brand new edition of Mr & Mrs magazine, due out at the Wellington Wedding Show on the 16th September.

With the Wairarapa a hot destination for weddings these days, we can’t wait to chat to some brides and grooms considering this beautiful corner of the world as a place to say ‘I do’. Or alternatively to those who are seeking a city destination for their nuptials – we can help with it all. What an exciting time of your life – and we feel very lucky to play a small part in it.

Come say hi and check out our ‘Mr & Mrs’ stand– we have so much to share with you! xoxox

by Johanna Osborne

As you have probably noticed, we are still buzzing from our fantastically fun and exciting photoshoot at the gorgeous Wharekauhau Country Estate a couple of weeks ago. So needless to say, we were beyond thrilled when a whole bevy of gorgeous images landed in our inboxes this past week, providing a most wonderful reminder of a day well spent. Yes, Kate MacPherson outdid herself once again and produced some stunning photographs for our next issue of Mr & Mrs Magazine.

In addition to the high fashion images, Kate also captured some fantastic teaser shots – and today we are giving you another sneak peek behind the scenes. It’s amazing what goes on: the amount of primping, preening, checking, pulling, smoothing, steaming, de-linting, touching up is insane… nothing is by chance, yet somehow everything is natural and gorgeous. The wonderful world of magazines and photo shoots is such an intriguing and multi-faceted one – one minute you are in a 5 star living room, the next you are wading through mud holding an umbrella! From handling precious designer dresses, de-linting a jacket, deciding which sparkly baubles go with which gown and what hairpiece looks right, to working with the very best professionals there are – it’s all go, it’s full on, it’s busy and it’s the best fun ever!!

With this coming edition of ’Mr & Mrs’ our mission is, once again, to provide you with a glorious selection of unique, stunning looks and styling ideas for your big day. We have some beautiful designer, off-the-rack and vintage options for you, and we can’t wait for you to see them in their full glory! And wait, there’s more! ‘Mr & Mrs’ also contains pages and pages of real, local and recent weddings, and we give you the low-down of who and what each couple used to pull off their amazing celebrations in such style. Get your copy at the Wellington Wedding Show on Sunday September 16th at the Old Town Hall! And in various cafes and shops around the city thereafter. See you at the Wedding Show!

xoxo The ‘Mr & Mrs’ team

PS Don’t forget to check out Kate MacPherson’s amazing behind the scenes photos below…

Leonie getting ready for her close up in a divine fur from Astra Bridal

Lane camera-ready and Craig taking a well earnt rest

Riveting conversation and rosebuds - the perfect way to end a magic day!

Tons of primping, preening and fussing - just like a real wedding!

Handsome Lane getting some last minute touch ups from our amazing Carl

A little powder and some bobby pins go a long way!

Some more behind the scenes action

Here comes the bride!