From the beautiful bride … We had been together for nine years when Jase proposed to me via a message nestled in a giant fortune cookie. He had organised a pre-30th birthday back home in NZ, a week shy of my real birthday, and presented the cookie to me in front of a restaurant room full of friends.

We decided to celebrate our marriage just over a year later at Waiheke, mainly because we love the low-key and get-away vibe of the Island, and being foodies that we are, Mudbrick with its delightful menu and fabulous views was definitely the venue that ticked all the boxes. We only felt slightly disconnected with planning and coordinating the wedding from afar, as the wonders of the internet, several blogs, and the help of our bridal party, made narrowing down great options, much easier.

I had so many favourite moments of the day, everything from the excitement of waking up early to see a glorious sunrise, to getting ready with the girls amongst the buzz of the Waiheke house, and hearing the excitement of the girls playing bridal games with the boys. I loved tip-toeing on the sand to see Jase for the first time in my dream dress, travelling in a tiny blue convertible with my bridesmaids with piles of tulle squished in the front seat, and finally seeing everyone’s smiling faces as I made my way down the beautifully petalled cobble stone aisle.

The day was also full of surprises with Jase gifting me a “mrs” necklace in return for a song and dance from the bridesmaids and myself. Jase was also brave enough to get down on one knee during our vow exchange. At the reception, our MC rapped his welcoming speech and later on, after we performed our surprise first dance, we got surprised right back with a flash mob dance performed by our bridal party and guests!

The advice I would give to future brides is to just go for what you love and like the look of. Seek the opinions of your friends and family if you need, but also stay true to what you believe would genuinely fit your wedding day vision. For those that don’t feel the need to have your wedding day filmed, we really do recommend it. bubblerock were not only a joy to have with us, but really captured and prolonged the living memories of our wonderful day.

I am so thankful for all the help from family and friends, especially with our DIY arrangements and many thanks to the fabulous suppliers, with some, whom we’ve befriended in the planning process! To us, the wedding day & night was meant for celebration, laughter and love. With perfect sunny weather, our wedding was exactly that.

Photographers: Coralee & Alex | Videographers: bubblerock | Grooms Tux: Ted Baker | Shirt: Politix | Bowtie: Spurling | Groomsmen’s attire: Hallensteins | Bride’s Chinese Dress:  “Cheong Sam” | Bride’s Gown: Pronovias from Brides by Francesca | Bride’s veil: Marisol Aparicio | Bride’s shoes: Aldo | Bride’s Bracelet: DIY with materials from Tessuti | Earrings & headpiece: Jenny Packham | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Sheike | Hair: Terry Chan from BC Hair & Spa | Makeup: Sox Teng from Sox Teng Makeup & Wardrobe | Flowergirl’s outfit: Cotton On Kids | Bouquets & buttonholes: Vicki from Wildflowers in Waiheke | Photobooth & Photobooth props: DIY + Etsy | Table adornments, flowers & aisle petals: DIY with flowers sourced from Pip at Bloom Brokers | Wedding invitation & stationery: DIY | Wedding croquembouche: Ma Cherie | Wedding venue: Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant | Celebrant: Rosemareyn van der Sluis | DJ: Adam Antonevic organised by DJ Marrs

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You’ve probably heard us say this a time or two (or a million), but it’s something we seriously can’t help: we love paper.  Gorgeous invitations, pretty save-the-dates, beautiful programs… you name it and we’re there drooling over it.  Which is why we are oh-so-obsessed with Foglio Press, the sweet stationery studio that knows a thing or two about fab paper goods.  From custom invites to ready-to-order goodness, you’ll be setting the tone for your big day with high-quality paper and designs that simply scream chic.  So, spend some time getting to know them better… and be sure to enter their amazing giveaway!

From Foglio Press… Foglio Press is a custom invitation studio in Atlanta with an eye for classic style and modern details. Our specialty is creating one-of-a-kind invitation and stationery suites for stylish couples who love high-quality paper and want the details of their wedding day designs to shine. We guide each client through an in-depth design process, ensuring that every aspect of their stationery suite is uniquely theirs, and perfectly reflective of the wedding style and mood of the day. The result, of course, is a keepsake invitation suite to treasure for years to come, and a wedding day experience perfectly accented by personal details and exquisite craftsmanship!

For couples who love Foglio Press’s signature style, but are looking for a more simplified process, we also offer our Ready to Order collection, which can be found in our Etsy shop.  

For more details on our custom design process and a portfolio of featured projects, visit our website.

Foglio Press is happy to give away one set of 25 letterpressed calligraphy thank you notes to TWO lucky SMP readers! To enter, please comment below and let us know what modern details you look for in a custom invitation suite!  The winners, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, May 31, 2013.  For terms and conditions, click here.  Good luck, lovelies! xo

So, you’re engaged, and now it’s time to plan the biggest day of your life.  You’ve always dreamt of a beautiful, stop-you-in-your-tracks affair, but you’re not even sure where to start.  Well, lovelies, meet Natalie Bradley Events, an amazingly talented group of planners and designers… and your new best friends.  Because that wedding you’ve always imagined?  It’s now at your fingertips with a trusted team that will take away every last headache and make the entire experience of planning your big day oh-so-memorable and oh-so-fun.  And , really, what’s better than that?

From Natalie Bradley Events… Are you looking for a planner who “gets” you, who understands your needs, your style, your personality and your budget concerns?

I know you’ve been looking for something different, so you can capture exactly what you envision for your dream wedding. Yes, it’s about the details. Yes, it’s about delighting (and even wow-ing) your guests. Yes, it’s about celebrating your love for each other… and your family. And yes, it’s also about having fun in that process of creating, too.

What’s really incredible is that you can truly create the wedding you desire without a lot of the stress or headache that many couples experience, because you have help every step of the way.

Get inspired with some of these real weddings, see what it’s like to work with us, and see what options you have to choose from! The sky is the limit. Let’s have some fun!

Photography: LaCour Photo + ZoomWorks Photography

Welcome to the family, Foglio Press and Natalie Bradley Events!  We are so happy to have you! xoxo

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About ClauPhotograpy…What makes ClauPhotography stand out in a multitude of other professionals? We are simply unlike any other studio. Each couple’s experience is unique. Their journey with us is memorable, and individualized. I am the principal photographer at each wedding. My assistants know my work and work alongside me within my style as second and third photographer (depending on size of event). Check us out on facebook here. 

Wedding planner : Sandy Corzo-Raton, A-List Events, Inc.| Cake: Todo Dulce (Vanilla, Chocolate, Almond) | Flowers: Flowers by Gerardo | Decor by: Flowers by Gerardo | Concept & Design: Bride and A-List Events, Inc | Hair and makeup: Yaneth Gray | Stationery: A-List Events, Inc. | Photography: ClauPhotograpy | Cinematography: Bonnelly Films | Entertainment: EMG Entertainment | Catering by: Mena Catering

Welcome, welcome ClauPhotograpy! We are thrilled to welcome you to the SMP Destination Family! xoxo

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We can obsess over photography like it’s no one’s business, and when it comes to spending our entire day swooning over beautiful images, Lani Elias has us hook, line and sinker.  An oh-so-talented photog raised in New Zealand, she captured our attention from the very second we laid our eyes on her amazing portfolio of work.  Need proof?  Check out the gorgeous images below and then head over to her website for even more inspiration… and to say hello.  You’re going to love her.

From Lani Elias Photography… I was first introduced to photography at a young age. Growing up with a dad as a photographer, our home was filled with beautiful photographs, each holding a unique story. I was raised in New Zealand where my fondest memories embody the simplicity of nature and its rich light and colour. From the pastel hues of the ocean, to the green rolling hills and tussock covered mountains, my work is very much influenced by nature and light, relationships and love.

It is my absolute blessing to capture the stories of many couples, families and individuals. My simple, honest approach to photography focuses on celebrating the essence of love and life found in front of my lens.

I am based in Manitoba, available throughout Canada and worldwide.

You’ve been dreaming of your big day since before you were even engaged, and now that it’s time to start planning, you want to make sure your wedding is just the way you always dreamt it to be.  Enter Prelude to a Kiss Wedding Stylists, a boutique planning firm that knows just how to turn your life-long vision into an absolute reality.  Led by the amazing Kasia Juras-Azcurra, you can be rest assured that every detail and every moment is being cared for… stress-free.  Can’t wait to meet this talented bunch?  Head on over to their website for even more pretty.

From Prelude to a Kiss Wedding Stylists… Prelude to a Kiss Wedding Stylists is a full service planning firm specializing in event styling and tailored event packages. They service events of all sizes and design needs, from sleek and modern galas of 400+ to intimate homespun affairs. Their signature mark is to work with clients to infuse a sense of personal style and fashion into every aspect of the planning journey and event design, resulting in a one of a kind event for each couple.

Since being established in January 2007, Prelude has serviced countless weddings and events and continues to grow and expand, taking on new and exciting ventures. (All wedding related of course!) What remains, and always will, is the personal service received by each one of their clients directly from the company founder and principle stylist, Kasia Juras-Azcurra. Working closely with each couple from start to finish ensures the planning process is nothing but enjoyable. Guided by years of experience, couples have the pleasure of being involved every step of the way without the stress and time commitment of the typical wedding planning process. Limiting the amount of weddings she takes on yearly allows Kasia to ensure she has the time required to give each couple and event the attention it deserves, ensuring no detail is missed.

And don’t forget: Prelude to a Kiss is offering 10% off a full planning package* to SMP readers! *Package minimum applies. Max value of $500. Mention this SMP post when contacting for booking.

Photography: Mugshots Photography + Taylor Jackson Photography

We have a pretty diverse group of lovely ladies (+ gentlemen) here at SMP, but one thing we can most definitely agree on?  We love reality TV.  So, when we had the chance to introduce you to the amazing Anaid Productions, the talented team behind some of your all-time favorite shows, we got a tad bit (read: a lot bit) happy.  Especially when they told us they were looking for their next big stars right here in the pages of SMP.  So, if you love reality programming and think you have what it takes to light up the small screen, check out the info below.  Good luck, lovelies! xoxo

From Anaid Productions… Truly, madly, deeply in love… but against all odds?

Anaid Productions is casting for a new reality TV series and we are looking for recently engaged, dynamic couples that come from two very different backgrounds. Be it cultural, ethnic, age, religious, or other undeniable differences – we want to hear your story!

Interested couples should e-mail a photo of themselves along with a short bio to casting@anaid.com by Friday, May 31st. Please include the story of how you met and some of the challenges you face in making it to the big day.

Want to know more about the series?

NEW REALITY SERIES HIGHLIGHTS THE GROWING SOCIAL TREND OF MIXED-UNION MARRIAGES IN CANADA

For interfaith, cross-cultural and multi-ethnic couples, wedding planning can be a time for uncomfortable conversations: When should our parents meet?  How will the ceremony honour our family traditions?  Will God be mentioned — and if so, whose?

The new reality show will tackle these questions, while sharing stories on how different cultures can blend: the quirkiness, the compromises, the highs and lows… and, of course, the romance.

Mandy Quon, a 29 year-old Chinese born Canadian, and Ajit Nakhwa, a 33 year-old Hindu East Indian, are among Canada’s growing number of multicultural couples. The Edmonton lovebirds, who will tie the knot in August, knew right away that it would be a challenge to plan a spiritually and culturally balanced wedding.

“Our families are very different in just about every way. Wedding traditions, religious practices, beliefs about family involvement, how they spend and save money. The process of planning a wedding that respects the traditions of both cultures has been a delicate process,” said Quon.

Anaïd Productions is currently looking for dynamic couples who are recently engaged, or about to be engaged, from different backgrounds – cultural, ethnic, generational, religious or other undeniable difference – for the development of the new reality series.

“We are exploring the unique stories and perspectives of couples as they face unexpected, sometimes hilarious, interesting challenges throughout their wedding preparations and their big day,” says Executive Producer, Margaret Mardirossian.

Interested couples are invited to send a photo and short bio to casting@anaid.com by Friday, May 31st.

About Anaid Productions:

Anaid Productions is a Canadian television production company that produces both non-fiction and drama series. It was established in 1993 and have offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Edmonton, Alberta. Anaid Productions has produced the following: The Family Restaurant, Hail Mary, The Quon Dynasty, The Rig, Taking it Off, The Liquidator, The Tourist, X-Weighted and X-Weighted Families.

Welcome to the family Lani Elias Photography, Prelude to a Kiss Wedding Stylists and Anaid Productions! We are so happy to have you! xo

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About Angel Rivera…Angel Rivera’s exquisite bridal collections offer contemporary couture that are a new standard of modern opulence for brides. Rivera’s signature silhouettes come from his eye for fit and rich detail. He designs fitted bodices that are accented by remarkable skirts and trains which extend layers or mirror a detail found elsewhere on the gown in a grand scale. Rivera’s fabric choices and embellishments radiate romance and are the ultimate for any modern bride who wants a lavish bridal gown, with a completely feminine and figure-flattering design. Angel Rivera was inspired to become a couture bridal designer not only because of his eye for fit and form, but also because he wanted to be a part of making bridal gowns which he considers to be the “most important and memorable” gowns a woman will ever wear. Rivera worked with industry’s top fashion and bridal houses before starting his own line in 2009. Rivera uses his extensive training in couture design and pattern making to create his exclusive line, making gowns that boldly show new directions and shapes but still reference traditional notes of romance, nostalgia, and charm.  I invite you to look at some of my favorite selections from the Angel Rivera Spring 2014 Collection.

Angel Rivera would like to offer a 10% discount on any purchase of an Angel Rivera gown that can be used at The White Dress Bridal Salon in Corona Del Mar 949-723-0121, and Kinsley James Bridal in Walnut Creek 925-330-9228 good until Friday, June 14, 2013 simply mention this SMP post and we will gladly include the discount in your gown purchase.

Welcome, welcome Angel Rivera! We are thrilled to welcome you to the SMP California Family! xoxo

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Scout and Charm is basically the answer to the prayers of Brides all around the world. Props and decor with a sweet vintage feel all at your disposal to give your big day that personal feel? Does it get any better? We don’t think so. And they have it all ladies and gents, so be sure to check out all the goodness on their sweet site.

About Scout and Charm…Renee and Yolanda are the co-owners of Scout and charm and are the greatest of friends. We are based on the Gold Coast, Queensland however frequently service Sydney, Byron Bay and their surrounds. When planning our very own weddings we found it so hard to find the vintage, rustic and homemade resources that we were both after and hence decided that it was the perfect business to venure into. So around two years ago Scout and Charm was created!

We both absolutely love our job! (not many people say that!). We love trawling through flee markets, traveling the world and seeking out hidden prop shops to find the perfect props and decor for our next events. We are also addicted to Pintrest and wedding blogs like Style Me Pretty, keeping us up to date with the wedding industry trends.

As a giveaway we would love to offer our brides 10% off their complete styling package when they book and confirm a wedding with us before 30th September 2013. Brides must tell us they read about the offer on Style Me Pretty for this offer to stand.

They say you just know when you slip into the dress of your dreams, but I would like to say that same feeling happens when you walk into your dream wedding venue. Which I am sure is exactly what happened to each and every Bride that set foot in Wandin Hunter Valley. It’s what wedding venue dreams are made of, and you can see why right here.

About Wandin Hunter Valley…Wandin Hunter Valley is situated in the Lovedale area of the lower Hunter Valley on the slopes of the Molly Morgan Mountains with views over Pokolbin towards the Brokenback range. A perfect backdrop for your perfect day – a unique venue to create the memories that will last a lifetime. Perfect for wedding parties, the 100 acre estate boasts an on site restaurant, spacious function centre, and five separate accommodations set amongst rolling vineyards, beautifully manicured lawns, and natural bushland.

Various locations on the Estate provide the ideal setting for your wedding. The best way to make a decision is by walking around and getting a feel for the location. Our events team can give you a guided tour of the most picturesque locations on the property. The Cricketers Pavilion accommodates up to 120 guests comfortably, the room itself contains a baby grand piano, a dance floor area and band space, working log fireplace, glass windows overlooking the vineyard and lovely high-pitched ceilings. The perfect location for a sit down or cocktail reception. The covered verandah overlooking the cricket oval is ideal for dancing at the end of the formal proceedings and it can be open or closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Soft lighting within the pavilion and around the perimeter of the verandah add to the overall mood of this majestic venue. Make Wandin – Hunter Valley the place where your dream wedding comes to life.

Plain and simple, beautiful blooms make my heart sing the prettiest of songs. So when I set sights on the works of art crafted up by Blooms On 18, I just about fell out of my chair. Dare I say floral perfection? Why yes I do, and you can see even more of their gorgeous work here.

About Blooms On 18…Blooms On 18 is a premiere home studio, a comfortable place where I get my inspirations to create unique bouquets by blending colours and textures that are visually unforgettable. I love what I do and it shows! I want to create a unique bouquet with your imprint on it. So let’s get comfy over a glass of red, some snacks and have a good chat about your wedding flowers today.

Blooms On 18 is offering one lucky bride a free bridal bouquet valued at $250, by simply sharing your favourite “Fun and Loving” moment with your fiancé in a short paragraph in the comments of the post. Winner will be announced on 31st May 2013.  Winners will be chosen at random. All those who enter a comment is eligible for 15% off bridal party flowers! 

Welcome, welcome lovelies! We are thrilled to welcome you to the SMP Australia Family! xoxo

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