Article by Johanna Osborne

When planning a wedding everyone wants the same thing – a great day, precious moments and special memories. We often get asked for ideas on how to add that certain “je ne sais quoi” to give your wedding the veritable icing on the cake. But how to achieve this? It’s all in the finer details and finishing touches. Here we show you how to make your wedding stand out as something just a little different with the smallest of efforts, but the biggest impact.

1. Bubbles! Not just for pre-schoolers, bubbles are a fun, glamorous and totally easy way to add something extra! You could go as far as to give each guest a small bottle of bubbles to blow – with the bride and groom’s name on the outside for added effect if desired. Not only will it keep your guests laughing, bubbles look totally magnificent in photos.
 

 
2. Confetti! Once again something so simple has the potential to create an amazing effect. And if it’s biodegradable then really there shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Another alternative are rose petals – but make sure these are white, as red can stain your pretty white gown.
 
3. Ice ice baby! An ice sculpture could be quite the talking point for your guests and done right, has the potential to really glamify a reception
 
4. Up, Up and away! Balloons are a gorgeous decorating item and great prop for photos. We love the gorgeous oversized balloons available now from Hiremaster, so cute.
 
5. Sign your name! A guest book gives your guests the chance to make their mark and leave a special message for the bride and groom. Another favourite – short video taped messages during the course of the evening. Makes for hilarious viewing later, and gives the bride and groom some more memories to cherish.
 

 
6. Sweetheart! Candy stations are all the rage at the moment. After dessert is done and dusted, what’s nicer than something else to nibble on?! Treat your guests to gorgeous delights in bright colours that bring out their inner child.
 
7. I scream! If candy isn’t your thing, ice cream is bound to be. How about serving little cones of gorgeous ice creams later in the evening? Trust us, your guests will be grateful for the nightcap. There are some great ways of doing this – just ask Trish at Simply Foods!

8. Baby one more time! Nothing is more touching than hearing a young voice recite a gorgeous poem. How about getting one of your nieces, nephews or baby cousins to read a love poem in the church or reception? It will give you 10/10 for the cute factor.

9. Music! Nothing beats a live musician – whether it’s a violin or harp in the church, a pianist during dinner or a live band during the evening. Music can completely transform the vibe and mood of your celebrations. Ambience is everything.
 
10. Say Cheese. Photo-booths are the hottest activity to have at your wedding. Fantastic entertainment for the guests and cherish memories to keep forever! We are so lucky to 3 great companies in Wellington for you to choose from.

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

When I first laid eyes on my now-husband across a crowded room, I said to my girlfriends “There’s the guy I’m going marry”. They thought I was stark raving mad. After all, I hadn’t even spoken to him at that point! Well, maybe there’s an explanation to my madness after all. I’ve always been a firm believer, and now here’s the proof…

Researchers recently turned brain scanners on people to find out the effects of love on the brain. Their findings? The time it takes for a person to fall in love is about one-fifth of a second!

They also found that 12 areas of the brain work together during the love process. They found that love’s effect on your brain is a high- similar to the rush people get from cocaine.” Source- www.omg-facts.com

As if we needed a reason to fall in love and enjoy all it has to offer, but now we have it – get high the natural way, feel good and enjoy falling in love!!

Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. Mark Twain

 
Article by Johanna Osborne

What happens when a wedding planner gets married? In our own Paula Bevege’s case, the answer is exactly what you’d expect. Namely, a fairytale extravaganza that has to be seen to be believed. And I was among the lucky chosen ones to attend her magical day.

It’s true a picture speaks a thousand words, and in this case that’s no exception. The photos document a day of exquisite taste, fine details, small touches, big impact and massive emotion. It was a day of enormous happiness, heartfelt laughs and genuine excitement. Everyone that took part shared in the abundant amounts of love and joy of this once in a lifetime celebration.

As Wellington’s most popular event planner, Paula Bevege has organised more weddings and swanky parties than you can imagine. So she not only knows what works, but what it was that would work for her and her groom specifically. Paula’s wedding ended up being so incredibly unique and full of thoughtful touches, that it would be almost impossible to imitate in its entirety.

It’s fair to say that the day Paula Bevege and Blair O’Neill got married they truly pulled out all the stops. Wellington’s beautiful landmark The Opera House hosted both the ceremony and reception. Palm trees, gorgeous flowers and stunning decorations transformed the venue into a true dream wedding site. Paula was accompanied by the most gorgeous flower girls ever, her precious daughter amongst them. All were dressed in handmade frocks (created by the bride and her mother) with crochet merino boleros. The magnificent blooms were provided by the bride’s sister, Katie Bevege, a well established and highly skilled florist.

Paula looked simply breathtaking in a divine French pink lace design by Alison Blain, who sourced the fabric especially on a trip to Sydney. Most noticeable – the blush colour of Paula’s gown, and the fact that Paula was on the forefront of fashion with this selection, being one of the first brides to go pink… with many more to follow suit. Blair was dressed by Frank Casey, and made a very handsome groom. Amber Jane Bain captured all the divine photos of happy couple, as well their large, close knit family, who all played a special part on this important day.

One of the highlights of the entire event was after the heartfelt service, when all the guests were ushered into the reception hall. The entire stage of the Opera House had been transformed into what could only be described as a regal banquet scene of the utmost elegance. It was a true spectacle and a treat for the senses. The lighting was like something I’d never seen before. Adrian from Backlight was the master of illusion responsible for magically making the most stunning chandeliers appear above the long elegant tables, and creating an unbelievably romantic ambience throughout the evening. The Mission Choir joined us for a surprise performance prior to dinner, which made for an incredible impact. Nosh served up the mouth-watering food, and grand piano music accompanied us through our delicious meals. After the beautiful speeches, the guests were guided into a dessert lounge, which was like stepping into an ueber-cool Parisian jazz lounge circa 1940. With desserts beautifully displayed and Shaken not Stirred performing for all the impressed guests, this evening just couldn’t get any better. But then again, what did we expect? The master of event planning truly outdid herself this time!

“Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always.” – Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) Italian Epic Poet & Philosopher

Article by Johanna Osborne

Do you ever wonder how the wedding specialists do it when they tie the knot themselves? I got to ask that very question when I spoke to the divine Penny Evans. Penny has been a professional photographer for over 10 years and owns and runs her own photography business, Inspire Photography, with her business partner Simon.

As a guru of weddings, and having photographed well in excess of 150 of them over the years, Penny has seen it all. And she remains as passionate about it today as the day she started – “I just love it!” Penny explains “I just love the process. A photographer is usually one of the first, as well as the last person a couple getting married has contact with. I enjoy giving advice and guidance in the beginning and seeing it all come together on the day. The wedding album should reflect that, and it’s such a joy seeing it all come together”.

So when it came time to plan her own wedding, Penny looked towards her treasure trove of previous experience and took what she knows to work and adapted it to her own situation. Penny is a vibrant, positive and happy person, and her relaxed yet organised nature makes her incredibly popular with her clients.  For Penny it made sense to go for a low-key wedding, which was “all about being with the people we care about most”. Held in Nelson where Penny grew up, the day shaped up to be the most stress-free and happy occasion a bride could wish for.

In fact the whole affair is rather “fairy-tale-like”. Penny met her now-husband Steve on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. One encounter at Sweet Mother’s Kitchen and 2 years later, they became husband and wife. How romantic!

Penny’s secret to making her big day so successful? She’s lucky enough to count some of Wellington’s best photographers amongst her close friends. Her talented business partner Simon shot beautiful images, and the renowned Kate Macpherson took stunning photos prior to the wedding. Prior? Yes, prior! Penny swears that having photos before the wedding is the key to a more relaxed event.  Penny and her husband Steve were able to spend over an hour with Kate having relaxed, romantic shots taken before their guests arrived, thus allowing them to spend every minute with their nearest and dearest after this. There were no long absences, and most importantly no missing out on the party. Penny says “This way of doing things gives you a lot more freedom to enjoy the day and spend time with your guests”.  Interestingly Penny adds that most couples she works with, who do choose to have their photos taken beforehand, end up being very glad they did, and in hindsight many couples often wish they had done so.

As an extra note Penny shares with us “One thing I do recommend if you are going for a big wedding is to get a wedding planner. Weddings can become all consuming, and planners are worth their weight in gold. Our wedding was small and intimate, but if you are planning a big lavish event, it’s good to pass it to someone else who will have it all running like clockwork. Let yourself have as much fun as possible and enjoy the ride”. Sage words from someone who knows the business well!

As we admire Penny’s beautiful photos one thing becomes clear – this is one lady who knows how to create special lifetime memories, whether it’s for herself or her treasured clients.

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

There is no place more exquisite than Wellington’s Dockside. Those that know me and know me well, have probably either shared a wonderful meal there with me, or heard me rave about one. I have such fond sentiments for this excellent establishment, for it has hosted many lunches, dinners, coffees and drink catch ups over the years– and they are all part of my best dining out memories.

Dockside’s setting alone is undeniably one of the best in Wellington. Front row seats with the majesty herself – the wonderful glorious ocean. Nothing is more fabulous than sitting outside on the stunning deck sipping a cocktail on a balmy evening, or soaking up the rays during a champagne lunch. And even during our somewhat sun-starved summer, Dockside still makes you feel warm and cosy with the help of their retractable roof and warm heaters. And that’s why I love coming here in winter too.

Dockside has long been synonymous with fabulous after-work drinks and romantic dinners, and recently the already divine menu has been “shooshed up”, and the new season offerings leave you wanting to try every single course more than once! With the arrival of Bluff oyster season, Dockside is sure to be booked out fast with many clever men taking their ladies to sample these divine aphrodisiacs. I’m sure my husband will be no exception.

Recently I dined at Dockside twice in one week and the meals were 5 star. I had the most amazing snapper of my life – the freshest most divine fish I have ever tasted – and that’s saying something. And the chocolate ganache – oh my god – a better dessert I have never had! Dockside has truly spoilt me!

Ideal as a venue for a relaxed catch-up, a group dinner or a romantic night out – I can’t recommend Dockside highly enough.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” George Bernard Shaw