Then it was onto another stunning family location to marry the gorgeous Iona and Adam, at Adams parents family home The Cherry Tree Vineyard. There really is something very special about performing a wedding ceremony at the family home and this was no exception. With the stunning Cloudy Bay Range in the distance, the family and friends who had travelled vast distances from Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, UK, and Sri Lanka were treated to the most magnificent vista, on one of Marlborough clear blue sky days, this was a truly memorable family celebration with a tearful song Promise sung in German, by Iona’s friends Andrea, there was not a dry eye amongst the family and friends gathered to witness the union, of Mr and Mrs Tyney - There’s no hiding their expectant baby… a beautiful boy Alec Fraser Tyney… Congratulations s happy for you.

Shout Out to:

Venue: The Cherry Tree Vineyard home to Rod and Jenny Tyney

Wedding Dress: Lainee Herdsmen

Flowers: The amazing Janine at Verve Flowers

Reception Venue: Wither Hills

Photographer: Ruby & Wolf

Another scorcher awaited family and friends gathered up the Waihopai Valley at Singing Bridges Vineyard, to celebrate Nikky and Haydn tie the knot. They say love can be found in the most unexpected paces and this was certainly the case for Nikky and Haydn who meet through a dating app “Find Someone” and they certainly did that, One date and they were hooked.

Soul mates for ever, shine on you two loved ones, Congrats Mr and Mrs Mearns

Shout Out to:

Photographer: David James

Wedding Venue: Scared Hills Singing Bridges Vineyard

It was a hot Norwester that greeted family and friends to celebrate the marriage of Deanne and Hamish at the Old Barn on the 5th January. It is fair to say that Deanne and Hamish’s romance had been one of “good things take time”, and having spent a few years travelling across from Perth to NZ, they finally decided they had something special, something so true.

It was fantastic to see all of Deanne’s family who had travelled across the ditch from Perth, to celebrate their marriage, and Marlborough didn't disappoint, it was truly a magical wedding. Remember there is always someone for you - congratulations Mr and Mrs Sutherland

Shout Out To:

Wedding Design: Got it Covered

Photographer: David James

Venue: The Old Barn

Photographer:- Jessica and Paul Jones

Caterer: Feast Merchants

Key words; True, love, family, vows, marriage, together, laughter, companionship, perfect, partners

First Marlborough wedding of the season and it was hot hot hot… Clare and Isaac said ‘I do” at the groom Isaacs’ parents family bach in Blackwood Bay with the iconic Marlborough Sounds as a back drop. This ceremony could not be more perfect…Beginning with Fly My Pretties processional song Singing in My soul and the added touch of some hot marriage tips from young cabin crew, and a couple of wise salty sea dogs, this ceremony definitely captured the hearts of all the family and friends that attended, and here are the brilliantly talented and creative Mr and Mrs Burrough

Shout out to:

Photographer: David James Venue Provided by Parents: Jenny and Stuart Burrough

Caterers: Fairweathers

Wedding Gown: Anita Gates (Amsterdam)

Florist: Verve

Key Words:

perfect, match, ceremony, commitment, marriage, tips, lifetime, love, families, vows

It was a cool twilight wedding at Everybody’s, in Imperial Lane, that greeted family and friends who packed upstairs and down to witness a Aimee and Finn along with their gorgeous daughter Quinn say “I do”. And although there had been a traumatic incident with the brides father Chris, the day before, having been hit by a lime scooter, it was touch and go as to whether he was going to be able to walk Aimee down the aisle, nothing could dampen their spirits as it all came together on the day. I reckon the photos speak for themselves, it was truly a beautiful family celebration. Meet this couple of cool cats Mr and Mrs Keogh

Big shout out to

Photographer:

Flowers:

Wedding Dress:

Venue: Everybody’s

Key words,

marriage, ceremony, I do, love, family, vows, bride, groom, my, person,

Now both Frances Cullinane and Peter Allington said they felt like the luckiest couple, but I have to say that I felt like the luckiest celebrant to have the privilege of marrying this very special couple. And it was made all the more special for me because Frances is the daughter of a dear friends Deborah and Jont Cullinane, - it is always such an honour to be asked to perform your friends family wedding ceremony. And to top it off the ceremony was at Mantells in Mt Eden, which is such a stunning venue, and as you'll see the floral arrangement created by Frances Aunty made for the most romantic jaw dropping backdrop, everyone was in awe. Overall it was truly an unforgettable wedding.

Introducing the fantastic Mr and Mrs Cullinane - Sooo Happy.

Such a gentle start to the wedding season, which began for me Auckland in the early weeks of November, and continued on down to the Mainland in Marlborough where I had such a fantastic wedding season with so many different venues and wedding styles, from a nightclub wedding in Imperial Lane Auckland, to a back and beyond Waihopai Valley Vineyard Wedding at Singing Bridges, just to name a few distinct locations. Read on to discover more of the iconic Marlborough locations to get yourself hitched.

Key words: lovedones, Soulmates, marriage , everydaylifecelebrant,

celebrate, ceremony, Promises, adventures, I do, Bigday

Do not let the budget run away on you!

I have had some great feed back on setting the budget from two brides who tied the knot earlier this year in very different ways.

The first Couple married at their family bach doing a lot of the preparation themselves. Whilst the second couple used two different venues, so the values vary accordingly, but the one constant remains. Do not let the budget run away on you. So here are their hot tips and Best Advise, on The Budget.

Charlotte and Chris Married and reception at the family bach

Best Advice:

What is your Best Budget Advice?

Track every cent from the beginning to get an accurate overall cost. Make a spreadsheet and keep account of it. It ensures you know what your expectations are.

What was the deciding factor in setting your budget.?

Deciding number of guests and location helped with this but primarily what we had to spend dictated this.

What was by far the biggest expense?

Catering.

What did you decide was the best value for money?

Using a family home to get married it was free....

What were you prepared to spend the most money on? OR, where did you place the value?

Value was placed on the overall experience, so including personal touches that weren't expensive but made people feel special and the overall day different to other weddings.

What did you save money on by doing it yourself?

Entrees and dessert table, although you have to have a lot of hands on deck to help with this and in the end it only saved us a little bit.

Kate and Liam Married at Paripuma - Reception at Allan Scott Winery

Best Advice:

What is your Best Budget Advice?

I definitely think it is important to sit down together as a couple before you start the wedding planning process that way you are both on the same page when it comes to how much you both want to spend.

What was the deciding factor in setting your budget?

The main factor for us was doing our research into what vendors we really wanted and from there we set the budget accordingly.

What was by far the biggest expense?

The biggest expense for us was probably our reception venue, at Allan Scott Winery. Kylie Cornelius is the wedding co-ordinator there and she was so lovely and helpful organising everything we needed all we had to do was turn up ! It was well worth the extra expense as it was hassle free for us.

What was the best value for money?

Best value for money was easily our photographers (Jessica Jones Photography) and our videographer Josh Hutchinson from Choice as media. The video and photographic memories they created for us is just priceless!

What were you prepared to spend the most money on? OR, where did you place the value?

It was our wedding/ reception venue - Paripuma and Allan Scott Winery, followed closely by our photographers. Seriously Jess and Paul are just amazing!!

What did you save money on by doing it yourself?

I am a very uncreative to person and I really wish I was one of those incredible people that can whip up their own wedding stationary etc but sadly I’m not. So I did hardly anything myself.Once again we were so lucky to have incredible vendors here in Marlborough such as Leanne from Vanilla Hayes who created our beautiful invitations and stationary.

Happy planning!!!

Arohauni

Christina at everydaylifecelebrant

www.weddingandfuneralcelebrant.co.nz

Hello!

Is that ring burning a hole in your pocket? have you decided its time to take the plunge and drop a knee, and ask that special loved one in your life to marry you?

Then congratulations you are on your way to the chapel of love. There are however a multitude of exciting things to plan and conjure up to make your special day unique, memorable and totally your own.

Welcome to my blog entry, focusing on my Six hot tips to help you say “I do”. So you’ve set the date now it is time to get down to business.

Hot tip No. 1

The Budget:

Resist the dreaming and do the budget Before you do anything else.. Try not to ignore this, it is your No 1. Priority, have the discussion with family so that everyone knows what the expectations are, especially if the respective families are going to contribute, be as transparent as possible.

Hot tip No. 2

Your Wedding Style - Plan It:

Sounds obvious, I know but think about the style of your wedding, is it going to be just the two of you + immediate family or the full noise bridal party, formal traditional, casual relaxed, do it all yourself and rope in your mates and loved ones.

Where is it going to be indoor, outdoor, formal and traditional, casual and relaxed, atop a mountain, in a vineyard, Marlborough Sounds, Waiheke Island, Queenstown, or in your own backyard…

having decided the style and location now it is time for.

Hot tip No. 3

Book It:

Now don't muck around, BOOK IT - Especially if you are having an international wedding. It really does take the stress out of the day for everyone… and by everything I mean everything.

In no particular order but I am putting CELEBRANTS at the top of the list, the Venue, the Photographer, the Caterer, the Florist, the Music - band or DJ, Transportation, Hire gear,

PS we will talk about the hows and vows in the August issue

Hot tip No. 4

Save the Date

Now you know the style you can tailor design your invite, make a list then send the save the date invite out to family and friends.

Hot tip No. 5

Tailored Made

Now you’ve got the logistics sorted its time to think about yourself how are you going to look on the day, having narrowed it down, the dress and suit style might be a little easier to choose…along with the overall bridal party look, I think the more time you give it the better the result.. you don't want to miss out on your favourite designer, or that special lace, bow tie, or cuff links, it just puts the icing on the wedding cake…

Hot tip No. 6

Legally Yours

Three months out from the wedding it is time to apply for your wedding licence check it out go to www.govt.nz

Next month I will discuss Hot tip No.1 with some Best advice from newlyweds .

Arohanui

Christina at everydaylifecelebrant

I hate to be the one to say it but now is the time to book your celebrant. With two weddings booked for this year and three weddings locked and loaded for 2019, I feel the wedding fever beginning to rise. So if you are getting in the mood to plan your nuptials now is the time to book your celebrant, it definitely takes the hassle out of the lead up to your BIG DAY if you have the ceremony all done and dusted.

And it is so easy just email me to make a date to meet up, I’m always keen to hear all about your wedding plans and to offer any ideas and advice as required.

Check out my website for details on contract and step by step process to getting hitched.

My final wedding for the Marlborough season was at the stunning native coastal sanctuary - Paripuma, where the gorgeous Liam and Kate tied the knot, as the threatening rain clouds hung above family and friends.

Everyone gathered was so excited to see this lovely couple finally make it official, after 8 years of being together, there were a few tears, and a whole lot of joy and laughter. And as you can see the bride was radiant. And here are the happy couple… Mr and Mrs Falconer.

Title: Tied the Knot

Shout out to:

Rosa Dillion owner of Paripuma - native coastal sanctuary

Photographer: Jessica and Paul Jones

Musician: Anna

Then it was on the road to Kaiteriteri to marry the gorgeous Charlotte Bowie and Christopher Mundell along with their bonnie daughter Rosa.

The wedding was held at the amazing Bowie family bach overlooking Kaiteriteri - the setting was breathtaking…The bride and groom wildly happy, the Bowie and Mundell family were brimming with happiness and pride and the international guests added a vibrant flavour to this very special ceremony.

It was all round good times for this fantastic family and here are “The Actual Mundells” and daughter Rosa.

Title: Modern Love

Shout out to:

Photographer: Nicholas George Photography (Nelson)

The Bowie Family

Tables: Jess Bunting at Betty & Co (Blenheim)

Caterer: Kudos Catering

It was a different story on the 2nd of February, the day was promising, I awoke to a bright and sun shiny day but by 3pm it was 13°C and wet… however half an hour before the ceremony it was downright humid, so the decision to have the ceremony under the much loved oak tree at the Old Barn in Malthouse Rd was made. Sharon and Richard’s spirits, were high even as the rain fell, and as you can see by the picture they had a fabulous day. Mr and Mrs Kennard with their beloved dog Archie (the ring bearer) who incidentally was so well behaved…

Title: First & Only Love

Shout out to:

Photographer: Jessica Jones

Caterer: Feast Merchants

Another hot day awaited the ceremony of Cassidy and Jackson, the rays beat down in this stunning iconic family vineyard in New Renwick Road. The ceremony captured the hearts of all the family and friends that attended, with over 45 of their friends from Australia attending it was a true testament to the strong family and friendships they have nurtured. Theirs was a truly magical, and heartfelt ceremony, and here are the brilliantly awesome Mr and Mrs Wilkes!

Title: Lifetime Love

Shout out to:

Julia my go-to girl

Sarah at Got it Covered

Photographer/Cinematographer: Brent Crockett

The next ceremony was in Blenheim, this very happy couple Katie and James got married at Katie’s parents home - Dave and Jenny in Blicks Lane. An amazing group of family and friends gathered in steak sizzling temperatures, causing a serious meltdown of the cellphone with the spotify ceremony music, along with Grandma running late followed by the bridal party, after two false starts we finally got this couple hitched, and it was a cracker jack of a ceremony…

Introducing the awesome Mr and Mrs Bowker!

Title: Officially Yours

Big shout out to:

Sam the audio operator

Parents Dave and Jenny Stark

Caterer: Rebecca

It has been a wedding season to remember, the weather gods were out to challenge us in every extreme way imaginational. I did one wedding in sweltering 34°C the next week it was 13°C pouring with rain, but it didn't dampen our celebratory spirits one little bit. The show must go on… and on we did….

My first wedding of the season was a gorgeous couple Stacey and Alex, the setting was the equally amazing in the Gardens of the World, in Nelson. With rain threatening the entire ceremony, the fabulous newlyweds - Mr and Mrs Lean recessioned to canon confetti… and bubbles it was a fabulous family and friends ceremony.

Meet the very happy Mr and Mrs Lean!

Title: Better Together

Shout out to:

The team at 'Gardens of the World'

Photographer: Luke Marshall

What a super amazing event to be part of. Thank you so much to Jessica and the team for making it so easy to be involved, and for drawing the crowds to this inaugural event.

And a big thank you to all the brides who entered the draw for the fabulous Spy Valley Magnum of Rose and Eschelon bubbles.

Jess drew the winning ticket, and as you can see there was no cheating!!!

Congratulations to the gorgeous Iona who was the lucky the winner.

Check out the amazing pics taken by local wedding Photographer David James.

If you are in the throughs of planning your nuptials then this event is for you. So grab your, mum, your sisters, your cousins, your friends. Oh and most importantly your Loved One, and we will see you all at The Vines Village this Sunday from 11.00am - 3.00pm.

Only 24 hours to go!!

#LovedOnes2017

Photo Credit: Sara Hodson

Whoa we are on the countdown, everything is ready and I am really excited to meet with you all, this Sunday, starting at 11am.

Check out the interactive ceremony rituals I have on hand.

There is also a magnum of the fabulous Spy Valley Rose and Spy Valley Echelon bubbles up for grabs, to whet your appetite, the raffle will be drawn at 2.55pm just before the end of the day.

#LovedOnes2017

Photo credit: Jessica Bunting, Betty & Co.

After a colourful and dramatic wedding. Then check out this website www.etsy.com for confetti canons and amazing coloured smoke bombs. The smoke bombs come as a wire pull so that you can hold them in your hand or fountain sticks that will create an amazing backdrop to your celebration.

And let’s not forget the all time favourite, balloons, or sparklers to ignite your nuptial celebrations.

Oh so many ideas to explore to make your special day memorable and unique to you.

www.lovedones.co.nz

#LovedOnes2017

Photo credit: Etsy

Ever heard of a sand ceremony? This is a popular ritual for couples and families and sometimes couples children that want to express their unity in a symbolic way, by pouring coloured sand from separate vessels into one container. Typically each person has a different coloured sand.

It is a ritual that is usually enacted either after the vows or the ring exchange or after the pronouncement. However there are no hard and fast rules.

I will have coloured sand available for you to practice, as pouring sand from a vessel into one vessel at the same speed of pour is harder than you think… check out this website

#LovedOnes2017

Time to talk it up folks, and spread the word. Everyday Life celebrant is going to be at this amazing event, and I am really looking forward to meeting and talking through ideas for your upcoming nuptials.

One of the interactive ceremony rituals that you can try your hand is hand fasting. This ancient celtic ritual, was used in the beginning as a trial or a test to encourage a couple to cooperate and work as a team. Happy to say our thinking has evolved and today it used as a symbolic ritual, wrapping the cord or ribbon around the wrists the couple make a commitment to hold and support each other.

www.lovedones.co.nz

#LovedOnes2017

Photo credit: Pinterest.

I am really looking forward to participating and meeting with you all at the bespoke Loved Ones Wedding fair, Sunday October 1st at the Vines Village, from 11am-3pm.

This is an event not to be missed with a lot of interactive opportunities for the modern bride and groom, to explore. So put your best for forward and bring your loved one, your mum and bridal party to this inaugural event.

www.lovedones.co.nz

#LovedOnes2017

Photo credit: Nina, Pink Poppie Florist.