by Johanna Osborne

Where has this past year gone? It’s crazy to think that a few very short months ago we were ogling winter boots in the shoe shop windows and now summer has well and truly descended upon us, and so has all the fun and frivolity that comes along with our favourite season. Balmy evenings (with the odd weather bomb thrown in for good measure), BBQs, parties galore, Christmas cheer, and of course our favourite thing of all – weddings a-plenty! With this glorious season in full swing it’s a joy to see so many of the beautiful and excited faces we met at the Wellington Wedding Show earlier this year (and last) now tying the knot in their very own gorgeous weddings. We love hearing about your special days and seeing our many photographer friends share snippets of your memorable moments. Oh, we simply live for this stuff!

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas today we’d like to thank you all for being who you are. You are important to us, many of you have shared something with us, whether it’s a small or large part of your dreams or actual weddings, whether you are simply thinking about attending the Wellington Wedding Show in the future, or whether you have been to every single Show so far and have read MR & MRS issues 1-5 cover to cover. We appreciate all of you, love hearing from you, adore having you at the Shows and we thrive on sharing the excitement and wonder that comes with planning a wedding. There are few moments in life as special as your wedding day, and we feel so privileged that you have allowed us to be a small part of that with you. We thank you for your support, for reading our blog, following our Facebook and Twitter pages, for attending our shows, for reading and appreciating our very own magazine, MR & MRS. We thank you for everything, for YOU are what makes our Show so special!

And last but not least a big toast to our exhibitors. These are the amazing people who put their hearts and souls into creating a magical wedding just for you. They are the best in the business and the cream of the crop. Our exhibitors are who they are because they understand the wedding industry, they get that each and every wedding is special and unique and they are the perfect people to help you personalise your special day. Our exhibitors are experts in their field, have vast imaginations and a can-do approach second to none. You just have to see their stands at our Show to know that these guys mean business! And who doesn’t want someone like that on their side when planning the most important day of their lives?

So today we toast to you ALL – for making the Wellington Wedding Show special and for choosing to celebrate with us. Cheers to making memories!

We look forward to plenty more online interaction with you all in 2014! It’s only going to get better with the next Wellington Wedding Show on Sunday April 13th – and not only will you gain entry into the most amazing Wedding Show yet, you will also receive a pass to Wellington Fashion Week allowing access to the VIP bridal Fashion Show the day before… that’s one way to bring the gorgeous and enjoy a totally amazing weekend full of beautiful things and magical ideas with those you love most. See you there darlings, we simply can’t wait!

And until then stay fabulous, we love you just how you are! Cheers old sport!

xoxo Paula, Johanna, Katie and Craig

by Johanna Osborne

It is the time of the year where children’s faces light up and adults breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a time of mistletoe and wine, celebration, magic, relaxation, delicious food, refreshing bubbles and a sense of accomplishment. Another year complete, all the preparation done, only thing left to do is enjoy it all and relax! Oh how I love Christmas and celebrating.

As a child in Germany I remember the ‘Christkindl’ coming on Christmas Eve and it leaving us beautiful gifts to find under the tree. There was something so special about how it was dark and snowy outside, and inside the fires were burning and the eggnog flowing (for the adults only unfortunately). The air was thick with celebration and magic had truly come alive. It was in everyone’s faces, young and old and all eyes were sparkling. I remember falling asleep under the tree surrounded by my gifts, as it was simply far too exciting to go to bed. It was the best Christmas ever.

It’s these moments that stay with us forever and shape how we see Christmas later in life. The child inside is always there, and it’s simply just a matter of staying in touch with that inner sense of awe and wonder to reawaken that excitement and spirit that makes Christmas oh so special.

For me personally this Christmas is an exceptionally profound one. It’s my last in New Zealand, at least for now. A few short days later we will be saying goodbye to our home here, our dear friends and our much loved family. It’s harder than I ever thought it would be. A few days ago I had my first taste of the heart wrenching goodbyes that lie ahead, when I farewelled one of my very best friends overseas, and she will return here once I’ve already gone. My first painful and very real goodbye, my first experience of what it’s like to leave and start over. It’s not easy. I’ve since said goodbye to a few more of my best friends and it sure doesn’t get any easier.

If anything this experience has taught me how lucky I am to have what I have. I don’t believe I’ve given up any of it, as my friends and family will be with me in my heart no matter where I am. But it is extremely humbling, grounding and also somewhat terrifying to realise that I have had it so good here and that I am walking away from a beautiful life and jumping into the unknown. We shall see where this leap of faith takes us! One thing is for sure, it’s bound to make us stronger.

But in the interim it’s about appreciating what we have in our lives, the amazing friendships and connections we have made, and the incredibly loving relationship we share with our family. And taking those things with us wherever we go. They are the biggest blessings of all, nothing the Christkindl leaves under the tree could ever compare with the special people and connections in our lives.

I am also very fortunate to have the love of a tolerant, brave and kind man who supports me unconditionally and understands me when I don’t even understand myself. I couldn’t ask for more. With Stephen and Milan by my side I feel empowered and most of all very very blessed to take this next step in our lives.

So as 2013 draws to a close and a new beginning stretches itself in front of us I am sure I am not alone, and that for many of us 2014 might hold some scary unknowns. Let’s be brave together, feel the fear and do it anyway! We can do it, let’s live a little, let’s be courageous and let’s push ourselves that little bit further. See you on the other side my friends! And in the meantime Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for your support, reading our blogs, following our FB and Twitter pages and of course being so devoted to our pride and joy – MR & MRS magazine. We love having you along for the ride and couldn’t do it without you. You rock! And don’t worry, I will be back with more… I may be moving country but I won’t leave your side, lucky lucky you. Kiss!

xoxo Johanna

by Johanna Osborne

 

2013 has been a truly dazzling year for weddings and we have rounded up some of our favourite trends for you to enjoy and ogle over. Nothing like gaining inspiration and taking excitement up a notch when looking all the beautiful ideas and options out there. Sigh, if only we could get married every year!

Lighting has been HUGE this year! Candles, fairylights, show-stopping chandeliers, anywhere and everywhere from inside grand ball rooms to marquees and even trees!

The gown! For several years now, body-hugging silhouettes have reigned supreme in bridal fashion. Fall 2013 collections, however, reversed that notion. Designers such as Reem Acra, Vera Wang and Lazaro sent light and airy ball gowns down the runway, reminding us all that sometimes more is more!

Back detail! We just love the idea of shimmering 360° with detailing on the back of your dress. How gorgeous! And 2013 has seen plenty of designers, and subsequently brides, following this trend.

Gatsby everything! With the unforgettable movie release came a massive resurgence of vintage weddings: elaborate headpieces, feather centerpieces, Art Deco venues, cocktails galore and sparkles everywhere!

Lazer Cut Stationery! Fancy fancy, my oh my! Wedding stationery has been taken to new heights with bespoke laser-cut designs. Precise and elegant, this is one way to ensure your invite has a firm place on your friends’ and family’s fridges for many months to come.

Lounge Lizard! Although the reception lounge has been big for a few years now, 2013 continued to see couples opting for comfortable couches, plush pillows and romantic curtains to set the scene for a place where guests can kick up their feet, mingle and relax the night away.

Top of the morning to you! Brides have been reverting to more sleek and classic styles, and the sophisticated top knot has been a big favourite this year. We love it! What a great way show off pretty earrings, your slender neck and of course pretty necklines too.

Sweet tooth! Nothing could or should ever steal the wedding cake’s halo, but 2013 has seen the sweet table reign supreme for another year. Brides and grooms have given their guests something to really savour on those lounge chairs and we agree that finishing off on a sugar high is a perfect way to end the night!

I scream! Another alternative (or addition, why not do it all?!) to inject some sweetness is the ice cream/gelato cart. Your guests will love it and the photos opps are endless. Ice cream is a good time filler for afternoon photographs and a nice way for guests to have fun in the sun. Equally as a night time dessert (with fireworks or sparklers!) could also prove a huge hit.

Cocktails! Hand crafted drinks with unique and sometimes surprising favours have made their way into the wedding scene this year, much to everyone’s delight. Naming cocktails after the bride and groom using funny nicknames or jokes that guests appreciate has been one way of trademarking weddings as unforgettable and truly unique!

You + me! Personal touches have been as popular as ever in 2013. Monogramming and labels make it easy to give something a custom-made feel. By adding a monogrammed sticker or even creating your very own wedding logo to stick onto your favours, the welcome bags etc, you automatically put your “stamp” on your day.

Garlands galore! On chairs, table runners, backdrops, headpieces, cake toppers and more. Their versatility and universal appeal will ensure that we will be seeing more of them.

Blooming gorgeous! Soft, lush, romantic, the peony is one of the most-requested wedding flowers ever! But with the bloom available for only two months out of the year, brides need a backup or a very very good fake.

Bite me! Bite-sized finger food has been an extremely popular accompaniment to all those divine cocktails and enables brides and grooms to incorporate different styles and flavors into their wedding.

Wine and dine! Just because hor d’oeuvres are a major trend, does not mean plated dinners are any less in style. In fact, the fancier the better. Gold silverware, sophisticated vintage dining sets – it all goes with the Gatsby and vintage trends perfectly.

Minty fresh! Pretty much as beautiful and vibrant as it sounds, mint coloured bridesmaids dresses or general minty accents on the day have gained popularity this year and we can see why. A perfect match to peach or blush.

SOURCE: Weddings Illustrated, The Bridal Guide, Brides Magazine UK, The Huffington Post

by Johanna Osborne

Today we are keeping it light and fluffy, so if you don’t like superficial swooning, then it might be best to avert your gaze to the next Time Magazine. For all others, you’ve been warned! Today it’s about eye candy. My oh my, there’s just nothing like on screen couples so gorgeous they make you wonder if there is even any good looking DNA left in the world for anyone else!? And it’s not only their beauty that stuns us, it’s also their chemistry. That certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes the romance transcend the screen, and unsurprisingly more often than not, love has flowed over into real life for these stars as well.

Let’s start with our all time favourite. It wasn’t over then, and it’s still not over now! We hear whispers a real life romantic reunion could be in the works for these two gorgeous stars of The Notebook. Nothing would make us happier. Allie and Noah forever!

Perhaps a little centre of left field but for many Star Wars fans, nothing was more exciting than seeing how these two fell in love. It made the dark knight lovable and injected some much needed romance into this infamous sci-fi flick. Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala are the best thing about Star Wars in my humble opinion.

I still remember being totally in awe of how beautiful Diane Kruger was in the film Troy. She truly did a great job playing the role of the woman who launched a thousand ships. Together with Orlando they made a dreamy pair!

Things didn’t end well for these two, but Daisy and Gatsby had an undeniable chemistry and filled the screen with more glamour than we could ever have hoped for!

Honey Rider was not labeled the ultimate Bond girl for nothing. Ursula Andress and Sean Connery sure made a smouldering pair.

Olivier Martinez and Diane Lane set our screens on fire in their smoking hot movie Unfaithful. We loved it!

Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz’s Blow was one hell of a movie. The high life, the glamour, the craziness and the ultimate downfall. This was one sexy on-screen couple.

Who didn’t love this movie and these two together? A match made in box office heaven!

Her incredible beauty made up for his freakish weirdness, and together they make a timeless couple in movie history.

Carry Grant and Grace Kelly – need we say more? To Catch a Thief was certainly all the better for having these two paired together.

Ryan and Reese – this is where real life romance began for these two. Sadly it didn’t last, but their chemistry was plain to see in Cruel Intentions.

Clearly we are rather fond of Reese! She also made one half of a very gorgeous couple alongside Robert Pattinson in Water for Elephants. The costumes and glamour had us at the first sparkle!

Look at these pretty babies! Christopher Atkins was the lucky dude that got the jaw-droppingly beautiful Brooke Shields all to himself on the Blue Lagoon.

Last but not least we have Jessica Alba and Paul Walker. I know I’ve said it before, but I loved these two together in Into the Blue. Possibly the two most good looking people to ever grace the earth. I loved them as an on screen couple in this deep sea diving flick, and was devastated to hear of Paul’s recent tragic death. Thanks to film however, he can live on forever.

And what do you think? Will these two be the hottest couple ever after Fifty Shades is released? Filming is underway and we shall see the results in 2015.

by Johanna Osborne

Christmas comes but once a year and therefore we really must enjoy it for it all it’s worth! It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed with all that’s going on at this busy time, but the true magic of Christmas should never be overlooked. So whether you are throwing a festive party, having a pre-wedding celebration or getting married around this merry time of the year, here a few of our favourite seasonal ideas that you might just like to use for your very own special occasion!

1. Christmas style sweet treats! No one can resist smiling at these little cuties!

2. Christmas is a great style inspiration. Snow whites and pops of red, sumptuous fabrics and elegance. It’s too pretty to ignore! Holly was regarded as sacred by the Druids, and they believed it had magical powers of protection. What better plant to include in your groom’s boutonniere? And whilst red isn’t really a traditional bridesmaid colour, we quite like the dramatic effect of the super elegant dresses.

3. Winterwonderland! We don’t have snow at Christmas here (or at any other time of the year!), so there are a few options. You could either celebrate your wedding in the middle of winter (mid winter Christmas) or you simply create a winter wonderland of your own! It’s a bit of work but the efforts would be well worth it to see all your guests come alive as their inner child awakens.

4. If snow is not your thing but Christmas is, then these little ideas are meant for you. How cute is this version of a guestbook? Have all your guests write love notes and advice on Christmas ornaments and hang them on a tree! What could be a better gift the following Christmas as you hang up your new decorations and read all of the wonderful messages your friends and family left for you to enjoy the year before. We also love the woodlandy Christmas style centrepiece and the DIY Christmas themed guest favours!

5. Entertainment is the best at Christmas time as everyone is cheerful and in the festive spirit! Magical mistletoe, funny festive photos, and vintage transport all make for great pictures and amazing memories. And even if the weather outside is not frightful, who doesn’t love a spiked coffee and sugary donut? Way to give your guests a second wind for the dancefloor!

Whatever your taste, whatever your style, there’s just something unforgettable about Christmas romance! Embrace, enjoy and savour it!

SOURCE: The Bridal Guide, All Women Stalk, Martha Stewart Weddings