Real Weddings~ Katharine & Neil

 

Katharine and Neil are a couple of pretty cool locals, from Onetangi, and it's always rather special when we get to be involved with a Waihetian Wedding! They had a perfect clear blue sky day, which is rather essential when hosting a beach ceremony! Onetangi Beach is their favourite beach, and the ceremony was set up in the shade of a beautiful old Pohutukawa Tree. We adorned the aisle with natural bamboo stakes with hanging bud vases, natural sisal runners and the tree with white lanterns and a gorgeous shell chandelier. 

   
The happy couple were whisked away for a scenic helicopter flight and photos at a neighbouring Island, landing back at Rangihoua The Venue to join their guests for the reception.  Due to the perfect weather, outdoor dining amongst the Olive Grove was set.  Long tables with natural linen napkins, hanging festoon lights and olives all around. This could have been the South of Italy, the relaxed vibe with family and friends, locally produced olive oils, wines and even a home brew!  It all made for a very beautiful evening for a very lovely couple. Congratulations Katharine and Neil!

 
Photography: Knight Hou  | Ceremony Styling: Sophia & Amanda @ My Waiheke | Brides Hair: Amanda Sands Hair | Brides Make-up: Island Beauty | Venue: Rangihoua The Venue

Real Weddings~ Katherine & Andy

Katherine married Andy on Waiheke Island this February, in true Waiheke style. When I met these two back in 2012, I instantly knew that they were truly, madly and deeply in love, and couldn't wait to be a part of their special day. They both have a great sense of humour, guaranteeing that their wedding day was going to be loads of fun- which it was! Chardy Ridge was the chosen venue, complete with a magical glade which made for a beautiful ceremony backdrop.  Emma Hughes was our wonderful photographer behind all these beautiful images, and her work I must say is yet again simply divine.  

 
 

These rocking Sass & Bide bridesmaids dresses, in a copper sequin, were a real hit and definitely added to the 'sparkle' on the night. 

 

I loved dressing up the glade for this ceremony- the magical enchanted woodland made the perfect backdrop, and offered some much needed shade on a hot Summer's day. We designed this beautiful arch, which was such a perfect backdrop for a gorgeous ceremony! The flowers are by Wildflower, and I adore the inclusion of Olive branches in the arrangements.

 

The My Waiheke Vintage Lawn Games were a real hit, and always great entertainment for the guests. With Croquet, Quoits and Pentanque in the set, a good flat lawn is all you need to have a little fun.


Platinum Hire provided this amazing marquee, which included the hexagonal end, clear sides, Artik light domes and draped silk lining. 

 

 

It's so awesome when we can bring in those personal elements to a wedding, something I look for with each couple. Katherine owns a great Herbal Dispensary store, so it was only fitting that the guest favours were beautifully wrapped sachets of fresh loose leaf teas, with four flavours all hand selected for the occasion.

 

And for the lovers of all things savoury, why not try a 'Cheese' cake, this special cake was designed and created by our very own Rebecca at The Cake Parlour- and yes, there was loads left over for the following day festivities!


Photographer: Emma Hughes Photography | Catering: Gill Stotter | Cake: Rebecca @ The Cake Parlour | Lights: La Lumiere | Marquee: Platinum Hire | Venue/Accommodation: Chardy Ridge, Waiheke Island | Celebrant: Irene Armstrong | Wedding Co-ordinator & Stylist: Sophia @ My Waiheke Weddings & Events 

Brides Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair & Make Up: Kate Smith | Brides Gown: Jane Yeh | Bridesmaids Dresses: Sass & Bide |  Grooms Attire: Crane Brothers 

Join us on Pinterest

Pinterest one of my favourite tools for inspiration and designing 'look boards' for my clients.  There is so much inspiration to choose from, with great DIY projects, creative ceremony ideas, table scapes and a plethora of wedding boards to browse through.  If you've not already checked out Pinterest, I highly recommend you do, I know you want to! A great place to start is to have a browse through our My Waiheke Pinterest page where you'll find boards on wedding gowns, cake ideas, colour palette love, flowers, stationery along with something for the vintage bride, the bohemian bride and an array of other lovely ideas.

Here are some of the things I love from Pinterest.

    

  

All images courtesy of Ruffledblog.com

Photobooth on Waiheke

The Amazing Travelling Photobooth is indeed an Amazing Memory Making Machine.  I first got in behind the mysterious red curtain back in December, at our Christmas party. I must admit that I was an instant fan, (along with all our friends who were there!) I just couldn't get enough of it! We gathered up a suitcase of fun props, made some signs and voila- there was a constant queue all night, and everyone got to go home with a fun momento from the party.  Just last week I sat down with some of the best photos from the night, collated them together and had them all framed up. I smile each time I look at it hanging on my wall. I can also now personally say that this is a great addition to any party, and that the memories do live on!  I don't think I'll be able to host a party without one now;-)

We were pretty chuffed to be chosen as the local agents for the booth, and have enjoyed helping our clients bring that extra element of fun to their special event.  We have two amazing booth operators, Mike G and Johnny, who are both charming hosts.  Word got out fast when The Amazing Travelling Photobooth first arrived on the Island, and we've had the pleasure of being at some awesome events, including some great weddings and parties at some of our favourite venues like Stonyridge, Mudbrick and Cable Bay.

 

Fun times with the booth and our friends at Bubblerock

So as you can tell, we are pretty pleased to have our very own Amazing Travelling Photobooth here on Waiheke.  I am especially happy for you guys out there planning your special event, as you can now have the ease of booking one locally not to mention the $$ saving from the costs involved with bringing one over from the city.

Available for bookings all year round, we've also started to take bookings for 2014, so make sure you get your date secured with us, and we look forward to bringing the smiles and fun to your special day! The booth is available for either a 2, 3 or 4hr session and you can email us for the price list here hello@mywaiheke.co.nz.

Roll up, Roll up!! Book your Amazing Travelling Photobooth today!

Planning a Marquee wedding on Waiheke

I thought it might be time to provide some valuable information for those planning a marquee wedding on Waiheke Island.  I know, we have been blessed with an incredibly dry Summer this season, so rain hasn’t been the greatest concern, but as we all know one guarantee in New Zealand is that yes, it does rain!   Let us also not forget how valuable shade is on a scorching hot February day!  I've recently heard of some horror stories with flimsy marquees set up on Waiheke, that I would never wish upon anyone, especially on their wedding day! Some clients are poorly informed and not prepared should the weather turn bad. 

So here are some valuable points to consider when looking at your desired venue and planning your special occasion. These are all things I tell all my clients, to ensure for a hassle free and enjoyable event!

Factors to consider in selecting a Marquee for that perfect outdoor Wedding

The Basics

Having an ideal outdoor wedding needs proper planning and preparation. The number one important thing you have to have is a marquee. An outdoor wedding can’t be complete without it. As a wedding planner myself, I would never organise an outdoor event without one- it's always better to be safe than sorry!  Also, these days, a good quality marquee is not merly a tent or canopy, but rather a wonderful enhancement to a site.  In order to make the proper outdoor wedding atmosphere, a proper roofing to contain the area is very important. Setting up a temporary wedding marquee will help you create a perfect space for your celebration.

The Size & Structure

You will find that most marquees will come from the city (Auckland). Many of these companies offer a wide selection of event marquees, depending on your needs and budget.  They can be altered in many different ways, and have different sizes to suit your wedding style and guest numbers. 

Remember to think about what your table layout will be, if you need an area for a dance floor, catering service area, buffet and bar. Also you may wish to consider extra space to include the ceremony inside the marquee for wet weather.  

If your wedding or event professional were recommending something to you that is not water tight, weather resistant, or resilient to Waiheke conditions, then I'd be seriously questioning them!

The Site

Always have a site inspection carried out by your provider. This should really be included with their service! They will need to advise on access, layout and any potential hazards like underground pipes, roots etc. Make sure to check out the size of the area or lawn you intend to hold the wedding, depending on the amount of guests you expect to come.

Platinum Hire- Private Estate, OneroaThe Lighting

In making your choice for marquee hire, it is important that you make sure that it has the right lighting fixtures. The kind of lighting dictates the mood of the place. Wedding party stylists and planners should have the proper idea on the kind of lighting that would suit the celebration.

Image courtesy of Emma Hughes PhotographyThe Weather

Weather can be very unpredictable. So it is very important to include weather control options like having enough cover, offering heating and flooring options.  This will ensure that you and your guests will feel comfortable during the wedding celebration.  And lets not forget the walls!  Waiheke can be rather windy at times, especially on exposed sites, so you will want to make sure you have a good solid and secure structure, with fixed frames and walls that can be closed up if bad weather.  Walling can also come in a clear canvas, so you don't loose any of the view, and it will also help keep the warmth in during the cooler evenings. 

Who do we recommend? 

Here on Waiheke, we recommend Platinum Hire due to their incredible range, professional service, knowledge and experience on the Island. They also provide a local Waiheke based agent, which is a great assurance.  Make sure you ask your marquee provider, once  installed will there be someone on the Island should anything go wrong or need to be adjusted? 

With over 8 years of event experience on Waiheke Island, I have ended up working with a number of marquee providers, providing all sorts of styles.  It was based on thorough research, venue feedback, and a commitment to running successful, stress free and stylish events that I found a Marquee Supplier that I could trust.  Platinum Hire Marquees are truly the best in the industry, without a doubt.  They offer a superior service, and their range is of a high quality.  They are also very competitive on price, with none of those hidden extras that add up like freight and delivery. Platinum marquees are kept in excellent condition, and one thing I am always grateful for is that they are installed clean and tidy! So often I had attended marquee events in the past and noticed how old and grubby the stock looked.  I was so happy when Platinum Hire started servicing Waiheke Island, it makes it so easy for our clients and I know I can rely on them. With a whole range of marquees, from Garden to Traditional, Premium to glass walled VIP marquees they really do offer something for everyone.

If you're looking for a quality, great service and the best marquee's out, then there is only one answer- Platinum Hire.  You can visit their website here, call tollfree on 0508 627 7833, or enquire about your upcoming event on Waiheke here.

Platinum Hire setting up for a Private Event

Platinum Hire at Poderi Crisci