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March 30, 2017 by Veronica

Nelson Winter Wedding – 7 Reasons you should consider this option.

We may be enjoying a late Indian summer at the moment, but there’s no doubt that the winter months are not too far away… But that shouldn’t stop you planning your special day, in fact a Nelson Winter Wedding can be just as perfect as summer time nuptials in the region! Here are 7 reasons why…

The sun still shines in winter. Nelson has a fabulous climate, whilst winter days may start and end with cooler temperatures, your Nelson winter wedding could likely still benefit from a corker of a day! Between June and August the average daytime highs sit at 13 degrees C, that’s not too shabby!
Look better for longer… Without high summertime temperatures everything from your cake, to your flowers, to your makeup, will look better for longer!
You won’t need a rainy day venue. I find that a lot of couples who plan summer weddings, end up planning two! They may have booked an outside venue, but they always need to secure a rainy day venue as well. The chances are that for a winter wedding, you will only be planning an inside venue… That means less planning and less stress. It’s a #winwin situation.
About that venue… You’ll have more choice. Venues for summer weddings can get booked up years in advance, but plan a Nelson winter wedding, and you’ll likely find much more availability.
Party of the season. Would you believe that wedding fatigue is a thing? As a celebrant I will never tire of attending beautiful ceremonies. But apparently as a twenty or thirty something year old, some people suffer from wedding fatigue, with their friends beginning their journeys to married life at the same time. So step away from the crowd and get married in winter to ensure your wedding is the social event of the season!
Smile for the camera. Winter days often don’t have the same sun and shading issues, so your photographer will thank you for choosing a winter wedding. Your photos will look fabulous with snow capped hills in the background.
Let’s talk $$$. Your wedding could cost you less as venues and other suppliers may be happy to charge lower rates in winter. If your guests are traveling from afar they can take advantage of cheaper flights and accommodation out of the high season.

If you’re planning a Nelson winter wedding and would like to find out more about how I can help as a celebrant, please contact me HERE.

December 14, 2016 by Veronica

Wedding rings-Tips to choose yours in Nelson

You’ll be wearing your wedding rings for the rest of your lives, so they have to be perfect. Good news for the person proposing, unlike choosing an engagement ring, on this occasion you don’t have to do it alone. Buying your wedding rings is something you can do with your loved one… What fun for a day out in Nelson!

As a Nelson Wedding Celebrant, I’m often asked about the place of wedding bands within your ceremony… Your wedding rings importantly symbolise your love and commitment for your partner, marking the beginning of your lives together.

As a gesture of commitment you may choose to follow the tradition of buying each others ring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose them together.

Here are my top 5 tips for choosing the perfect wedding band in Nelson.

Set a budget – Being sensible doesn’t need to take the romance away. In fact, it signifies the first steps on your road to a strong, happy and healthy relationship. You will make decisions and choices together, and many of these will be financial. When you budget for your wedding bands, you’ll need to consider the type of metal you prefer, whether you’d like embellishments (stones) and/or engraving.
To match or not to match – You and your partner might be a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t mean your wedding rings have to look the same. Some couples like the significance of matching bands, but if you like gold and your partner prefers platinum, don’t fret. Remember you’re wearing these for the rest of your lives, so choose something you love as much as your betrothed!
Perfectly practical – When you choose your ring bear in mind that you’ll want to wear it everyday. There’s no point in choosing a diamond encrusted, platinum wedding band, if you’re going to be worried about wearing it to work.
Don’t delay – Start your search for your wedding bands early. Once again, these are going to be with you for the rest of your lives, so you don’t want to rush a decision or the fitting of this important piece of jewellery.
Talk to an expert – Visit Benjamin Black Goldsmiths in Nelson. Benjamin is a wonderful craftsman who creates exquisite hand crafted jewellery, designed to last for generations. He specialises in custom made jewellery, including your wedding rings!

November 18, 2016 by Veronica

Wedding Makeup & Hair – Nelson Favourites

Everybody wants to look and feel their best on their special day; now I’m not going to profess that I know all about wedding makeup and hair, but I do know a few Nelson people that do!

I’ve lived in Nelson my whole life, and that’s why I’ve put together my Little Black Book, so I can share with you my local knowledge of fantastic suppliers of wedding services in the Nelson region. It’s a resource that I constantly update, so check back for new recommendations, and if you’re looking for something I don’t have covered, tell me and I’ll put my feelers out for the best in the business!

But back to wedding makeup and hair, I’ve had a chat with my favourite suppliers, and here’s what I’ve discovered.

Be yourself – Don’t go for a brand new look on your big day, you want to feel comfortable, and drastic changes won’t help you feel like yourself.
Don’t DIY – Remember that your wedding makeup has to last all day, (and it’s likely to be a hot summer’s day!) Plus you’ll want to look radiant in your photographs. To that end professional wedding makeup is a great investment. The lovely Kate from KO Cosmetics is a true professional. She has years of experience in the fashion, styling and beauty industry, and she’ll enhance your natural beauty.
Be open to advice – When it comes to your hairdo trust your stylist. Show them pictures of your dress and take any headpiece to your initial consultation. You might think you want a stylish up do, but trust their experience and be open to suggestions. The team at Ursula Harris are responsible for the tamed tresses and glamourous locks of many a Nelson bride.
Practice makes perfect – Do book a trial for hair and makeup. I know that you’ll be crazy busy, but it really is important to fit these in, and it will help calm your nerves knowing that it’s all organised.
And relax – Take a little time to treat yourself and indulge at the spa prior to your big day. Woman Beauty Day Spa in Nelson, offer a Tropical Paradise Ritual as part of one of their Bridal Packages.

October 19, 2016 by Veronica

Nelson Weddings – 5 Perfect Venues

I’m often asked for recommendations of my favourite venues for Nelson weddings, and my answer is always the same… In this beautiful region I’m proud to call home, we are quite literally spoilt for choice!

There are so many fabulous venues to hold your ceremony, and of course, we’re also lucky to be blessed with generally good weather, so outdoor venues are definitely in the mix.

Nevertheless, I’ve tried to make some tough choices in this blog, and list my 5 favourite venues for Nelson weddings or civil unions. So, in no particular order…

Fairfield House – Nestled in seven acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens, Fairfield House is one of Nelson’s most prestigious historic homes. Its spacious verandas and unique observation tower have gracefully overlooked the city since 1872. Fairfield House is a magical wedding venue.
Thackwood Cottage Garden – Thackwood Cottage Garden is nestled in a fourth generation, 300 acre Farm, situated just 14km north of Nelson City. A love of the land has lead to the development of a two-acre English Cottage Garden as creative as it is filled with magical fragrances and secrets to discover. You may choose from two beautifully landscaped lawns for your ceremony, or you may hire both. You and your guests can meander through the garden at leisure, and take advantage of the many photo opportunities.
In the park – We are blessed with some beautifully kept horticultural parks in Nelson; these include, Isel Park, Broadgreen, Miyazu Gardens, Fairfield parks, Queens Gardens and the Chinese Gardens. For more details on holding your ceremony at one of these parks visit the council website.
At the beach – Need I say more? We are surrounded by stunning coastal parks and beautiful beaches. One of my favourite places for a beach wedding… Breaker Bay, Kaiteriteri.
In a vineyard – Petite Fleur at Seifried Estate is a fabulous setting for your ceremony and reception. With a specially designed function centre offering different sized rooms, that will suit different types of weddings from small and intimate to those on a grander scale. Plus you’ll always find something suitable to toast the happy couple!

September 20, 2016 by Veronica

Wedding services – Tips from a favourite Nelson caterer

When it comes to wedding services it’s often a good idea to check out any referrals that might come your way. A recommendation from a friend or somebody in the wedding business is always a good place to start your search for photographers, florists, jewellers, and of course caterers! That’s why I developed my Little Black Book resource, so I can share my knowledge of the experts I’ve met throughout my years based in the beautiful Nelson region.

I’ve asked the lovely Carol Shirley, from Gourmet Catering Nelson, to lend a hand with today’s blog post. Carol’s been catering for weddings throughout the region for many years. She’s known throughout the wedding services industry in Nelson, and guess what… She catered my wedding too! So I have first hand knowledge of how delicious her food is, and how easy she makes the process of choosing the right food to celebrate your special day.

I asked Carol to share 5 tips for perfecting your wedding catering, here’s what she said…

Be realistic with your budget – It’s really important that you have good quality food, and that you have enough of it. People will remember the special words you and your partner said to each other, they’ll remember how lovely you looked as you took your first dance, but they’ll also remember the food!
Don’t underestimate the amount of canapes you’ll need – Experience has shown me that canapes are a really important element of your wedding feast. Your guests need something to eat while they’re sipping drinks and waiting for the reception to get into full swing.
Trust your caterer – Let them guide you on your food choices. They’ll have a good idea of the type and amount of food you should be serving depending on the timing of your ceremony.
Dietary requirements – Make sure you’re aware of any of your guest’s special dietary requirements prior to your big day. You could send a little card out with the invitation, asking it to be returned with the reply; or depending on the size of your wedding party just phone around your guests.
Get undivided attention – Find out who is going to be overseeing your catering on the day. I like to personally oversee every wedding that Gourmet Catering caters for. That’s why I will only commit to one wedding on any given day to ensure that your special day is a success and is stress free.
– CAROL SHIRLEY – GOURMET CATERING

If you would like to contact Carol about the wedding services she offers, visit her website for more information.

Nelson Winter Wedding – 7 Reasons you should consider this option.

Wedding rings-Tips to choose yours in Nelson

Wedding Makeup & Hair – Nelson Favourites

Nelson Weddings – 5 Perfect Venues

Wedding services – Tips from a favourite Nelson caterer

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