MARGARET WREY BRIDAL l THE INTERVIEW

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

I’ve always created wedding gowns for family and friends since studying Fashion Design at uni.  I wanted to finish my full time role as a Garment Technologist while still in London and making dresses for clients and how amazing they feel in their gowns is really fulfilling.  I’d come up with the name from the first and last names of my 2 grandmothers so it all fell into place.

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

I usually wake up around 7am, scroll through emails on my phone to see what is ahead for the day then get up and play with my dog who is usually sitting outside my window waiting for me to get up!  I have breakfast while replying to emails then head out to my studio, which is in the back garden so not far away. The rest of the morning will usually be pattern-making, sewing, sketching, depends on the current clients needs.  After lunch I walk the dog as he waits outside my studio until he gets more attention, bringing me his lead at times. I’ll finish the afternoon with much of the same and then either make a salad from the garden for dinner, go to yoga or have a wine, all depends on the day!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

Easy going backyard style weddings.

YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING DRESS CURRENTLY IN STORE?

It’s a real toss up between my latest jumpsuit Victoria or floaty gown Rosie….

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING (IN REGARDS TO YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE)

Ensure to wear what you feel most comfortable in, whether it is a suit or gown, you’ll look more relaxed and enjoy the day better.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

I was playing golf with my grandpop, something I am not good at and was really only there to drive the golf cart….. He told me to take my time, relax and not try to hard.  It’s useful advice in everyday life :-)

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO… Cook better

TV SHOW YOU WISHED WAS STILL ON AIR? Sex in the City

NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION? Probably back to London, hopefully with a beach stop on the way!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SELF? Do it all the same again, do it better and have more fun doing it!

http://margaretwray.com/

KIWI CAPTURES l THE INTERVIEW

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

I arrived home from living overseas to get ‘a real job’ and attempt to settle down. After 6 months I realised that was not going to be happening and that I needed to follow my creative passions and build a business that could work around the lifestyle I wanted to live.Attending a full summer of my friends getting married got me totally hooked on weddings. I mean could there be a better job than photographing happy people surrounded in love?!

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Coffee. Instagram. Emails. Then either editing/shooting/location scouting/marketing/tutorials/planning or having meetings that involve coffee. The beauty is that no day is ever the same and you never know what inquires you will get that day!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

Animals at weddings! Who needs flowers when they can have puppies?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING (IN REGARDS TO YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE)

Know that this is your day and you can run it however the heck you want to. You don’t have to follow the cookie cutter timelines. Want to do your first look up a mountain for sunrise? Do it. Want to say your vows at midnight under the stars surrounded by 100 candles? Sounds amazing. Want your pets to be involved in your big day? Let’s make it happen! It is too easy to be pressured into pleasing everybody else when really this day should be about you, your partner and your love story. We as photographers understand that and can help you create a custom timeline, so we can get those epic shots and still let you spend time with all of your guests and family.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes. – Mistakes teach you important lessons. The biggest mistake you can make is doing nothing because you’re too scared to make a mistake.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO…

Scuba dive. I would love to be able to explore some of the incredible dive sites in Egypt! I need to commit to learning and getting my license one day.

NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION?

USA – I am heading over for Coachella in April next year and planning to get some one on one mentor sessions with a couple of my favourite destination wedding photographers!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

You can make your dreams come true. Never lose that focus. It might take longer than you planned, but it will happen.

https://www.kiwicaptures.co.nz/

What exactly is a 'styled shoot'?

You will hear us talking lots about styled shoots and sharing lots of photos and videos of the shoots we are apart of, but, what even is a styled shoot?

A styled shoot is a collective, group effort between a variety of vendors collaborating together to produce a BEAUTIFUL bridal setting that inspires couples to include similar aesthetics in their own wedding. These shoots are also a way for vendors to showcase their skills and services in a creative way, often thinking outside the square.

CAm from we The collective I photo with love photography

Similar to a fashion editorial, it should tell a story through photography. However the significant difference here is that a "styled shoot," as the wedding industry has dubbed it, involves a lot more than just fashion. All the little details are included and are vital to telling the story.

i DO CREW AND sACHA MEGAN mua I PHOTO WITH LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo Fern McAuley Photography

Sometimes a shoot will have a goal of being published in a magazine or on a blog and will require certain aspects/looks depending on which magazine it is to be submitted too.

We LOVE styled shoots, bringing amazing teams together and creating epic stories and inspiration, plus… its always a bonus when you get to eat the some pretty amazing treats. If you ever want to be apart of one of our shoots please contact sophie@southlandweddingcollective.co.nz

Boho Wedding Trend - Macrame

If you’re planning a boho wedding then you absolutely have to include macramé details in your day. Not only is macramé totally on trend, it’s also great for wedding DIY (and we love a good DI). . As macramé is essentially ‘the art of the knot’, it really couldn’t be more perfect for weddings!

Elizabeth May Bridal

There are literally so many ways to include macramé in your wedding from huge hanging decorations to tiny details and even wedding favours or gorgeous headbands. There’s also nothing stopping you from using coloured macramé in your plans if you’d like to bring your boho colour scheme to life.

A macramé backdrop really sets the scene for your boho wedding. These are great pieces because they can be used for your ceremony, during your photos and then moved to sit behind your top table. Bring your backdrop to life with seasonal flowers, lots of foliage and other boho accessories.

VIa Pinterest

Betty and Co. - Blenheim, New Zealand

The boho bride loves to do things differently so don’t be afraid to use macramé instead of traditional wedding items. A delicate headpiece makes a really memorable alternative to a veil.

A macramé wrap is the perfect boho alternative to bouquet ribbons.

If you are keen to tackle some Macrame DIY you could try creating the boho alternative to chair bows and covers, a macramé swag is a great addition to your day. Don’t feel that you have to make hundreds either – you could just craft two, one each for you and your partner, if you’re short on time.

A gorgeous macramé ‘net’ makes a really fabulous place to hang your seating arrangements! Simply peg the seating details onto the macramé, decorate and hang. The open nature of this design means it’s quicker to craft than denser pieces.

Another super cute DIY is a macramé cake topper or decoration  

Macramé holders for suspended florals are a must have for your Boho wedding. If you’re going to make your own, make sure you know the size of the pot or holder so that your flowers are securely held in place.

Emily Adamson Photography

A macramé hanging behind your cake or dessert table will bring an empty wall to life and really highlight the cake below. A macramé piece this size will also slot neatly into your home after your wedding day too - bonus !

Here is one of our fav DIY vids, happy creating x

Engaged Now What ? | You & Me Collective Feature

  So you’re newly engaged and on Cloud 9!

Right now, we know it’s all a bit of a whirlwind of emotions - from where to begin planning, to budget stresses and late nights binge eating watching American wedding movies that are 100% unattainable (we recommend 27 Dresses or Mama Mia).

There are 1,000 thoughts running through your head - do I actually want that Fijian beach wedding or something extravagant? How to I announce on FB to maximise likes? Who will I pick as my bridesmaids without pissing everyone off? Will our parents go halves? We get it.

We’ve put together the perfect starter pack to ease your nerves and get you on the road to planning a kickass wedding. This makes a gorgeous gift for an engaged bestie or to treat yo’ self

Bride Business + Together Journal, Wild Hearts Mags Dameselfly Candle - Look at You Getting All Married + Shit

Whether you’re planning on tying the knot soon or a few years down the track, be sure to slow down and enjoy the sights along the way.

Here are our top 5 don’t-panic-babes-you-got-this tips:

1. Start brainstorming a date and venue. This will give you a good base and make you feel like you’ve got your shit together. People will ask you about this before you’ve barely had a chance to think about it, but it’ll help as a conversation starter to throw some ideas out there.

2. Fretting about your body shape or skin? Get stuck in to some exercise and healthy eating. It’ll help you ease the nerves and feel like you’re making progress from the get-go.

3. Go and get your nails done so you can take gorg photos of your ring. It’ll boost your confidence showing it off too, as we all know fresh nails give the impression of ‘I’ve totally got myself together’.

4. Get a good planner, such as our Bride Business to jot down all your thoughts. It’ll help you feel grounded and in control.

5. Start pinning themes and ideas. It’s the fun part, and it’ll help to get the creative juices flowing.

Finally, plan an engagement party, because pressies, but also it’s a chance to have a bit of fun and celebrate your new chapter.

Be sure to check out our next post on what to consider when planning your engagement party next month at www.youandmecollective.com

Love Stories - Sophie + Kaleni

How did you meet? We ran into each other a few times at high school at a few gatherings. I actually remember Kaleni introducing himself to me at a friends place before a party I must have been about 15 years old and he was like this massive guy (probably hasn't grown since he was 13) and said Hi and fobbed him off because I was so intimidated lol but he is actually just a big teddy bear! It wasn’t until we were at a mutual friends 21st that we actually starting chatting. I was living in Christchurch finishing off my last year at Teachers College and he had just returned from playing rugby in Japan. We caught up, had a pretty good night cutting shapes on the d-floor at  the Loney (where many Southland love stories will have started no doubt) and I guess the rest was history!


How did you know that your partner was the right one for you? So you know those corny movies you watch when the main character walks into a room, and their eyes meet and it feels like they are the only one in the room? That actually happened to us. I remember walking into the room where everyone was and I looked straight at Kaleni sitting on the couch, my stomach dropped, I felt butterflies it was insane - that is a moment I will never forget.

Tell me three things you love about your partner.He is the most amazing dad to our two children, his confidence in himself and that massive smile!

What are things about your partner that drives you a little crazy — things that only you could love. OMG- everything is a competition, from who has the best meal when we go out for dinner to who has the best music on their spotify playlist. - I don’t always win but he will never be able to beat me at Battleships haha

How did the proposal happen? I actually did not expect to get married, we have always done things ‘backwards or ourway, having children first and buying a home, marriage wasn’t something I had to do because I felt like we already had made a commitment to each other. After one of our very close friends weddings in Arrowtown, the whole drive home we chatted about what we would do if we got married, then who we would invite and when it would be, so we kind of just decided we would do it and surprise our friends and family with a Save the Date!

LIttle did I know that Kaleni was scheming behind the scenes and at his 30th birthday  I had planned for him (at the Loney of course) he proposed to me in front of our closest friends! I was so surprised I couldn't even say yes, just OMG !

If Hollywood made a story about you, which actors would play each of you? Mmm I would say The Rock for Kaleni, annnnd defo Eva Mendes

Fern McAulay's top five tips for nailing your engagement photos

#1 Be relaxed, it’s just you two as a couple and a chance to be a little more intimate - it’s helps with getting comfortable with your photographer.

#2 Bring ideas with you but remember that your photographer has their own style and can’t always copy/execute another photographer’s style.

#3 Engagement shoots can be at any location but are always nice if in a special location (first date, where he/she proposed etc)

#4 It’s about you as a couple so make sure you tell your photographer what you want and if you aren’t comfortable.

#5 Engagement sessions are fab because you get the chance to get to know your photographer and they get to know you!

How Jenna Met Bryn...More FM Surprise Proposal

How did you meet?

I first met Bryn for the first time at the Frog 'n' Firkin bar out with some friends when I was about 23 yrs old and the week before I was about to move to Christchurch, so a good 10 years ago. My friend knew him because he went to the gym she was working at. I remember thinking 'damn he seems a really nice guy pretty good lookin' too shame I had to meet him the week before I move away'.

I moved back to Invercargill three years later  and was out  with some friends at a bar and ran into him again. I thought 'OMG its him... and hes even more better looking than I remembered'. We hung out all night, exchanged numbers, he stayed with me that night and every night since!

What did you first think of your partner?
I remember thinking he was a really nice guy with a bit of a soft side when I first met him.. Haha I did remember thinking to myself when is this guy going to stay at his own place though at one part and one night he surprised me and said he wasn't coming over that night I thought thank god.. later did i discover that i missed his mug and we were inseparable from then lol.

Tell me three things you love about your partner.

I love that he is a kind-hearted, caring person, he is laid back and relaxed which is good for me because I'm highly strung so he keeps me real when I get crazy. The love he has for our 5 month old daughter is pretty special to see.

How did the proposal happen?

Bryn entered the More FM surprise proposal recently and won so it was definitely a special day. I will never  forget.

Name three memorable experiences you’ve been through together as a couple.
memorable experiences we've had together would be buying our first home together, getting engaged and the birth of our beautiful daughter.

What are things about your partner that drives you a little crazy — things that only you could love.
3 things that drive me crazy about Bryn would be when he lets me tell a story and then I realise he isn't even listening to any of it! Or when he drops crumbs on the floor straight after I have luxed and he always leaves his wet towel from the shower on the bed.

More Fm Surprise Proposal Shout Out

Organised- More FM

Ring - Skelts Jewellers 

Florals - Ambrosia Designer Florist

Styling + Props - Something Borrowed Ltd 

Photography - Dominic Cook Photography

Videography - We the Collective

Cake - The Urban Kitchen

Music - Sam Cullen Music

Supported - Southland Wedding Collective 

Love Stories - Cam from We the Collective

How did you meet?
We met through friends, then didn't see each other for a while and then happened to bump into each other one night at an event. The rest is history.

How did you start dating?
Well, we started with a semi long distance relationship. We live about 1hr and a half away from each other and I would make the commute to Wellington almost every weekend. My petrol money spending was out of control! Haha!

How did you know that your partner was the right one for you?
You can't explain when you know someone is "The One". It's a thing you have to experience for yourself. You just know.

Tell me three things you love about your partner.
Her drive and tenacity to get things done, her terribly dry jokes, and her undeniable skill to make the best home baking any human being has had the privilege of consuming.

What are some of your partner’s quirks? What are things about your partner that drives you a little crazy — things that only you could love.
Loose hair. Like.. every where. But I pick up anyway.

How did the proposal happen?
The day I proposed, Chloe had had a pretty stink day. Her phone got stolen that afternoon too so it made for a complete write off of a day.
I had finished a gig that I was DJing (Yes.. I was a DJ) shot to the Warehouse, bought her a new phone and raced over to Wellington to surprise her - all the while the ring was safely hidden in my bag. I get to her flat, go into her room where she had shut herself into. Chloe was fast asleep so in-abruptly woke her up and gave her the new phone to which she was mildly stoked about. I then rummage through my bag and say to her "Oh and here's the SIM card..." and then I whip out the ring and somehow find myself on my knee - like it was one fluid motion. I ask her if she'll marry me, she starts to cry and says Yes. Again, the rest is history.

How would you describe the dynamic of your relationship? 
Not sure how we would describe our dynamic but we are a pretty - get things done, take no prisoners - style of relationship. Someone once said we were a 'power couple' ?

What values are important to you as a couple?
We value family and showing up. Being new parents we realise how important it is to be present in people's lives. "Being there is 80% of the job done". Being kind, honest and genuine - no beating around the bush type stuff either. And we are big believers of treating people the way we would like to be treated.

If your love story became a movie which actor would play each of you ?
Oh easy. I would be 1980's Arnold Schwarznegger with an M-16 strapped to my back and Chloe would be.. maybe.. Sophie Vergara from Modern Family?

How did the proposal happen?
The day I proposed, Chloe had had a pretty stink day. Her phone got stolen that afternoon too so it made for a complete write off of a day.
I had finished a gig that I was DJing (Yes.. I was a DJ) shot to the Warehouse, bought her a new phone and raced over to Wellington to surprise her - all the while the ring was safely hidden in my bag. I get to her flat, go into her room where she had shut herself into. Chloe was fast asleep so in-abruptly woke her up and gave her the new phone to which she was mildly stoked about. I then rummage through my bag and say to her "Oh and here's the SIM card..." and then I whip out the ring and somehow find myself on my knee - like it was one fluid motion. I ask her if she'll marry me, she starts to cry and says Yes. Again, the rest is history.

How would you describe the dynamic of your relationship? 
Not sure how we would describe our dynamic but we are a pretty - get things done, take no prisoners - style of relationship. Someone once said we were a 'power couple' ?

What values are important to you as a couple?
We value family and showing up. Being new parents we realise how important it is to be present in people's lives. "Being there is 80% of the job done". Being kind, honest and genuine - no beating around the bush type stuff either. And we are big believers of treating people the way we would like to be treated.

If your love story became a movie which actor would play each of you ?
Oh easy. I would be 1980's Arnold Schwarznegger with an M-16 strapped to my back and Chloe would be.. maybe.. Sophie Vergara from Modern Family?

What values are important to you as a couple?
We value family and showing up. Being new parents we realise how important it is to be present in people's lives. "Being there is 80% of the job done". Being kind, honest and genuine - no beating around the bush type stuff either. And we are big believers of treating people the way we would like to be treated.

If your love story became a movie which actor would play each of you ?
Oh easy. I would be 1980's Arnold Schwarznegger with an M-16 strapped to my back and Chloe would be.. maybe.. Sophie Vergara from Modern Family?

Check out more about Cam here

WEDDING INVITATION IDEAS

If your  like most couples, you want your wedding to be unique, personal, and a memorable experience for your guests. The first glimpse of your wedding is your invitations. You want to be sure to the tone, theme, and overall feel of your wedding from the moment your guests open their mailbox. Check out some of our top picks below, make sure you pin your favourites to Pinterest x

Nostalgic Photography | Vendor Spotlight

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

I have always wanted a creative job! After studying photography and learning the technical rules I loved there was room to break these rules and create a different style that some people were looking for. Feedback from my friends, family and Facebook following is what gave me the confidence to start. a business

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Coffee!!! First comes coffee then comes a list. I enjoy being away from my computer for at least 30 mins in the morning to really make a goal of what I would like to have achieved by Friday and how I will get there. I have little jobs like answering emails, invoicing, updating my website & planning for upcoming shoots. There is always photos editing to be done but a very large portion of my day involves planning. I am always trying to think of new ideas to reach people that may not know about me or to up skill in areas I feel my photography needs to improve. I also sell plywood prints which can take up a lot of my time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

I’m not much of a trend follower. I love brides to choose what thy want without any influence of what is right. I am into natural and minimal set ups, lots of natural leaves and dark lips!

ADVICE FOR BRIDES TO BE PLANNING THEIR BIG DAY?

This is your day!!! Do not forget this. What is right for someone els may not be for you and that’s totally cool! That’s what makes us great. Choose from your heart and plan from your heart. To me there are no rules. I have so many brides with all sorts of plans that are very different and I love that!

ANY TIPS OR TRICKS YOU CAN OFFER BRIDES TO BE ?

Consider all options. For photos, you may want to do them before your ceremony which means your make up is fresh and your day is spent with guests! This does mean seeing your future husband before the ceremony so it may not work for you but it can be a great idea for people wanting to make the most of their guests.

 FAV PLACE IN SOUTHLAND TO VISIT?

Catlins!!! 

To find out more about the super talented Jordan from Nostalgic, check out her page in our directory where you can contact her directoy. 

Donna Rae | Vendor Spotlight

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?
It was always a dream of mine to become my own boss one day, and the bridal industry was absolutely perfect for me. 
Like most people, I simply adore weddings and everything bridal. Coupled with my passion for glamour, dressing up and being a hopeless romantic, Brides by Donna Rae was formed.

AKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS
Saturdays are the busiest days of the week for us. Kay and I are always fully booked, running back to back bridal consultations to help our brides find their perfect dress. 
Our consultations are for approximately 90 minutes.  During this time, we will chat with our brides to see what they’re looking for, and work with their body shape and budget to find the perfect gown.
We have a beautiful private New York inspired bridal changing suite, where the brides’ family and friends can relax and enjoy all the glamour of our bridal consultation.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?
Your wedding day is the only day of your life where you can over dress and get away with it J. What better way to do that than with a ruffle ball gown in a gorgeous baby pink shade.
I love the different shades that are coming through.  We seldom see brides picking plain ivory, but more ivory champagne, ivory gardenia, ivory petal or ivory mocha.  These rich tones allow the lace to pop and bring more drama to your dress.

OUR FAVOURITE WEDDING DRESS CURRENTLY INSTORE? 
I have so many favourite dresses…..For my body shape, Marlene by Award Winning Sophia Tolli would be my absolute favourite. This dress comes in a jaw dropping mocha colour which is a real show stopper.
Marlene has the drama of the frill skirt, which creates spectacular photos, and the added bonus of a corset back which creates an incredibly flattering silhouette. The added sparkle takes this dress to the next level.

nother favourite would be Sophia Tolli’s two-piece dress, Maeve. With the detachable over skirt, this dress has the drama for the ceremony and the sexy silhouette for the reception….simple stunning. 

ADVICE FOR BRIDES TO BE PLANNING THEIR BIG DAY?
Start looking for your wedding dress early, as your dress sets the tone and dictates the theme for the wedding.
Having your dress style and colour organised well in advance, can make planning your special day that much easier.  We advise our brides to start looking for a gown at least 12 months before their wedding.
Wedding gowns can take between 4-6 months to arrive.  You will also need time to accessorize your dress with veils and jewellery etc and have several fittings with your dressmaker.

ANY TIPS OR TRICKS YOU CAN OFFER BRIDES TO BE?
Go to the toilet before you put your dress on.
When going to the toilet in your wedding gown, instead of turning around to sit down in a tiny cubicle, walk straight in and straddle the toilet. This way you don’t have to lift up your train, only the front of your dress J
Allow yourself 30 minutes on your wedding day to get dressed.  A corset back and buttons are time consuming.  This also allows time for a few dozen squirts of rescue remedy and cheeky wee wine.

TV SHOW YOU WISHED WAS STILL ON AIR?
Young and the Restless, not that I have time to watch it J

HAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SELF
Start saving now so you can go on your OE….if you don’t do it while your young, you’ll  never get around to it.

Ambrosia Designer Florist | Vendor Spotlight

What inspired you to create your business?

I wanted to combine my 2 passions in life - food and flowers so 'Ambrosia" was born. I had worked in floristry for over 10 years when I started brain storming the concept of floral designs with a food theme, the when we moved back to Invercargill 12 years ago, the opportunity arose for me to start my own business so I jumped at the chance!

Take us through a day in the life of your business

 I am at the flower market at 8am every day, Hand picking the freshest best quality blooms for the studio, the studio opens at 9am so the staff arrive and we set up and start creating the morning orders so the deliveries can start at 10am, once the morning is under control, we tidy the studio, create designs to be sold in store and look ahead to the afternoon orders, I'm often on the computer collecting website orders, answering wedding inquiries and planning upcoming functions. The afternoon deliveries start at 3pm and then its time to plan ahead for the next day. Every day is different in terms of the types of orders we do and the designs we create so it's always interesting.

hat is your favourite wedding trend at the moment?

 I love that Brides are embracing greenery! Wild, natural, free form bouquets are my favourite and Brides are loving that look this season!

Advice for Brides to be planning their big day? 

rust in professionals, we know what we are talking about, I hear of Brides spending hours and hours making and sourcing things for their wedding that they never use again afterwards, that's a lot of time, energy and stress doing something for the first time that a professional could probably do in a fraction of the time and save you the stress and when you way up the cost, you would probably find it cheaper to go with a professional.

Any tips or tricks you can offer Brides to be?

on't skimp on your flowers - I know I'm a florist and have to say that, but its true! Flowers really bring the whole theme of a wedding together, they create such a special ambience at your venue and make your photographs really come alive! When you look at all the props and accessories that people hire for their weddings, flowers are still a cheaper option.

What is your favourite place in Southland?

Riverton and the Caitlins - I LOVE being by the sea and amongst nature.

I wish I knew how to... 

Ski! I have never learnt and living so close to those beautiful snowy mountains, I wish I knew how to

TV show you wishes was still on air?

Frozen Planet - I love anything David Attenborough narrates about nature

What advice would you give your 18 year old self? 

ollow your passion - which is what my 18 year old self did and I wouldn't change a thing :)

Anna + Chris - REAL WEDDING

Venue: Anna's Family Home and Borland Lodge
 
150 guests
 
How did you meet? We met in a bar in Christchurch - there wasn't much that was really that romantic about it all! It didn't take many dates for us to realise that we had both met our match and as they saying goes - the rest is history!
 
Wedding style: Elegant, fun and relaxed!
 
What inspired theme/styling? Pinterest was a fantastic tool! There are soo many ideas on there and you could definitely waste a lot of time scrolling through!
 
Mum and I have very similar taste, and she can visualise how things will all come together so we worked together to pull everything all together. We really just had the goal of creating something simple, yet elegant and beautiful and I think we achieved that!
 
We didn't really have a theme as such but we did choose navy and silver as our main colours.
 
Splurge and save?
 
We did our best to choose things that were not over the top and extravagant and I can't really pick any particular aspects where we splurged or saved.
 
Chris and I decided right at the beginning that we wanted to have beautiful wedding photos that we could treasure forever so getting onto a photographer quickly was a key priority.
 
Music:
Walking up the aisle: This I Promise You - Ronan Keating
Signing the Register: Better Together - Jack Johnson
Back down the aisle: You Make My Dreams
Into Reception: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
First Dance: Wanted - Hunter Hayes
 
Photography : Heidi Horton Photography - Heidi's work is amazing! She and Matt are extremely talented and they are awesome people to go with it! Choosing Heidi Horton Photography was one of our best decisions I would HIGHLY recommend considering Heidi!

Videographer: Mainland Movies - we are really pleased we have our video! It's awesome to be able to relive our day and Gael and David were great.
 
Flowers: Ambrosia - couldn't speak highly enough of Shani and her team. I was over the moon with our flowers and had lots of comments on them. Better than I expected! Shani had great ideas and just 'got' what I wanted, even though I probably wasn't great at explaining my vision!
 
Venue: Family Home and Borland Lodge. Special to get married at home and then head up to Borland Lodge. Yes, it's in the middle of nowhere, but it is gorgeous! There is something quite cool about being out in the middle of nowhere with all of your favourite people in the world. We put a marquee on the lawn, which worked really well, and the facilities are perfect – our caterers (Country Manor) loved the kitchen! Another cool thing is that all of your guests can stay the night and keep partying the next day ;)
 
Entertainment: The Yardmen were our band and they were incredible! The dance floor was full from start to finish - so much fun and great tunes!
 
Celebrant: Tracy Kilkelly - relaxed and fun celebrant who created an awesome ceremony for us that really was 'us'. It was short and sweet as we had hoped and we'd highly recommend Tracy as a Celebrant!
 
Cake: The Cheeky Cake Company - our cake not only looked fantastic, but it tasted great too!
 
Transport: We were lucky enough to have friends drive us in their cars :)
 
Stationary: The Avenue Design Studio - Carmel is fantastic at what she does! We were stoked with our Save the Date's and Wedding Invitations. Carmel had great ideas and was fantastic at communicating.
 
Make Up: Kendyl Tuilagi - lock her in quick! Kendyl is absolutely fabulous! She made us all feel beautiful and our make up stayed on all day.. maybe even lasted two days ;) Not only does Kendyl do a great job, she is lovely, relaxed and fun to have around (just what you want on your wedding morning).
 
Hair: My aunty did my hair and Abbie Harris a friend, and the owner of Pulse Hair Design, did my beautiful bridesmaid's hair as well as my Mum's. She did a great job!
 
Brides Dress/Shoes/Jewellery: Brides by Donna Rae of course! I live in Christchurch but as soon as I knew that Brides by Donna Rae existed, I wanted to go and check it out and it was good call! Donna and Kay are awesome - they have an eye for detail and know how to make you feel special. My shoes were from Mi Piaci and my jewellery was from Lovisa!
 
Bridesmaids Attire: The girl's dresses were also from Brides by Donna Rae and their shoes were from Number One Shoe Warehouse. I gave them their jewellery as gifts in cute little boxes that I got off Etsy :)
 
Groom Attire: We purchased Chris's suit from Sergio's Menswear in Christchurch. They were really helpful and it was fantastic that they did all of the alterations and it was ready to wear when we left the shop.
 
Groomsmen: The guys suits were hired from Sergio's - the hire team was great and would highly recommend them.
 
Rings: Michael Hill
 
Wedding Hire: Our marquee was hired from Marquee and Party Hire along with all of the tables, chairs, lighting and decoration for inside the marquee. Pam and the team were great - nothing was a problem and it was fantastic having the marquee up a couple of days early so we had plenty of time to get things all set up.