Love Me Do turns 2!

We had so much fun today celebrating Love Me Do's second year in business with an amazing high tea runway event at The Thomas Green in Gore.  Amie + Sacha pulled out all the stops to produce a birthday party to top all others complete with gorgeous real models who paraded the gowns through the crowd giving everyone a close up glimpse of the beautiful fabrics, cuts and detailing.  Sacha + Amies motto, "Love the skin you're in" was the perfect reflection for the day as the models in all their beautiful sizes showed off dresses especially chosen to accentuate their most amazing features, be it curves or signature tattoos.

We are so excited to have been invited to be a part of the celebrations, and joining with a host of other collective vendors, we were honoured to be showcased alongside Southland Celebrant Sharyn Payne, wedding photographer Fern McAulay, Framing Good photo booth's Rod + Sammi and the Love Me Do girls themselves.  We were able to share a little bit about who we are and our hopes and dreams for the collective, and whilst public speaking is definitely not a talent of mine, it was a great opportunity to connect with a lovely group of brides to be.  Sharyn entertained with a rundown of ceremony formalities and Fern gave some great tips on choosing a photographer who you really click with, as she pointed out, you spend more of your wedding day with your photographer than you do with anyone else so it really helps to like them! Amie + Sacha had some amazing giveaways and a bunch of lucky ladies went home with some epic prizes, including an engagement shoot from Fern and full bridal styling package from I Do Crew amongst many others!

Rod and Sammi captured snaps of the brides and guests with their fabulous Selfie Mirror photobooth, which added a great interactive element to the afternoon and would be a hit at any event. Fern and I got in on the action too and tested it out!

Wowed by the makeup and hair stylist talent we found today we have some exciting new additions to the Collective we will share soon!  The Thomas Green set the scene beautifully for what was an amazing afternoon and we loved every minute.

Beautiful women in gorgeous dresses with a lovely crowd to top it all off, Happy Birthday Love Me Do! Well done Sacha + Amie and your crew of amazing helpers! Looking forward to next year!

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.