number five challenge
I remember embarking on the adventure of planning my wedding and being totally gob-smacked by the share number of out of this world wedding vendors there were- all of whom were wanting to make our day so special for us! Wedding planning, in turn, was a very positive experience for hubby and me and I was so grateful to everyone who made our day one heck of a good time.
I’m a big fan of sharing the love and getting to know people is one of my all-time fave things! So, I decided to take on a little challenge… the Number 5 Challenge.
My goal was to help promote the business of one vendor per week, for 5 weeks. They had to answer 5 questions in only 5 minutes. I can’t deal with how cool people are. I hope that you enjoy getting to know these cool kids as much as I did!
I’m a big fan of sharing the love and getting to know people is one of my all-time fave things! So, I decided to take on a little challenge… the Number 5 Challenge.
My goal was to help promote the business of one vendor per week, for 5 weeks. They had to answer 5 questions in only 5 minutes. I can’t deal with how cool people are. I hope that you enjoy getting to know these cool kids as much as I did!
number five: Bespoke Photography
If you are planning your wedding, I can almost guarantee you’ve been told about how quickly that BIG day goes, and without wanting to sound like a broken record, sadly, this is so true! Carl and I got married 2 years ago the other day (wahoo!) It seriously was the fastest, and one of the best, day of your lives. However, one of the other best days of my life was when I caught up with Krystle from Bespoke Photography and she handed me the most beautiful box filled with our wedding photos. I read the other day that you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory and that could not be more spot on. We feel so blessed that we had this gorgeous gal with us on our day to turn our moments into memories that will last longer than a lifetime. Yes, that rad day zoomed by at a rate on knots, but I am transported back to all those moments every time I flick through the precious pics that she so perfectly photographed. To know that these moments will follow us for the rest of your lives is something so special. Oh my gosh, enough about me, let’s meet Krystle from Bespoke Photography in Taupo. AKA: friend, mother, wifey, gardener, coffee lover.
Being in love with words, the best way for me to describe Krystle’s work is that ‘her pictures are poetry to me’. When I pour myself a yummy cup of coffee and scroll my way through her latest wedding snaps, I feel calm and my day is somewhat prettier than it was before. Krystle has an inspired vision for her photos and her love of light and nature makes for some seriously chic shots. You only have to be on her page for a couple of seconds to catch a glimpse of her distinctive style. Her images are all about the light. She captures the setting in a soft, sun-lit way which effortlessly contrasts the deep hues and luscious tones that the ever-lovely Mr NZ so kindly provides. In turn her images are romantic and refined, classic and candid.
Krystle is a storyteller, and she manages to narrate every love story in a way that is authentic and fun. I am the first to admit that it’s not easy to look at a lot of photos of yourself, but I can honestly say that I love every one of our images, for lots of different reasons. Krystle is genuinely in love with weddings and when you see her in action, she puts her heart (her very big heart, I must add) and soul into what she does. As she clicks away, she captures every dainty details and pretty piece that make each and every wedding unique. From bridal blooms to button holes, great gestures to the cutest cuddles, Krystle will grab it with her lens and tuck it away to give back to you later. She sees something in frames that only the most talented photographers can see, and in turn every wedding is personalised perfectly for the pair.
But this busy bee must slow it down sometimes. She balances her time between family, friends, fun, photography and florals in a way that makes it seem like she really is living the dream. She adores QT with her beautiful boys and tripping off to the lake or the beach to catch a drift of that salty sea air. When at home, Krystle’s green fingers keep her busy foraging in the garden and evenings on the deck with her hubby, red wine in hand, ideally a taco or two (she’s Mexican mad) are the little things that she loves.
Being a photographer, on such an intimate and romantic day, means this girl has all the heart eyes. Recently, she was at a wedding where a groom surprised everyone by getting up with the band and singing to his new bride, just before the first dance. Wow- serious goose-bumps over here!
She has been there to capture close friend’s weddings, brand new babies, soon to be mammas, and has been part of some seriously sweet styled shoots. Talk about emotional! She said that when she captures the groom standing there with tears in his eyes she has been known to well-up but she’s got some tricks to pull herself together! Not that we would judge if she didn’t. Weddings are so darn beautiful!
Krystle is one popular little lady and there’s no surprise that her weekends are jam packed with wedding goodness. She works hard- and loves to do so and it comes out in her pictures. She has featured in some of the coolest blogs and mags out there and seeing a wedding that she had photographed feature on an overseas blog was a pretty special moment. I can’t wait to see where we can find her goodness next.
In 2018, Krystle looks forward to seeing the lace gowns continue to wow us all- romantic, classic, timeless. She thinks hanging florals will frame reception venues and that couples may go for more of a stand-up cocktail evening, rather than a formal sit-down dinner. There are no rules these days and she Ioves it!
Robert Frank said, “Photography is a way of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever. It remembers the little things- long after others have forgotten.” And I think this quote is the essence of what Krystle and her camera do.
Well Krystle, like Salmonella Dub say, “we love your ways!” So, keep up the bloody terrific work. The wedding scene is so lucky to have you putting your creative stamp on things. You really are a shining #light! Can’t wait to see how you continue to grow and there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll be featured in Together Journal in NO time- I called it!
http://www.bespokephotography.co.nz/
number four: Wild&Whim
So, you’re engaged right? Turns out that beautiful little moment between you and your bestie had the ability to flip your whole world on its head - in the best way possible. Last week your mind was focused on getting to work on time and running errands. This week- care factor zero! You’ve got a wedding to plan, and I am the first to admit that can be somewhat overwhelming, (especially if you’ve been building your Pinterest board for a good 100 years).
Well, have I got a treat for you.
Enter Alina, From Wild&Whim in Tauranga. With an eye for detail, creative flair, and a ‘dream big’ outlook, this incredible lady is all about event and wedding planning and she’s totally got your day sorted!
Connecting with couples and really understanding them as ‘people’ is one of Alina’s biggest principles. She genuinely cares and goes about her business with her bride and groom’s hearts at the centre of e v e r y t h i n g. With this beautiful soul in charge, guests will be wow’d, appreciating that every element of the day was ‘so them’. And you seriously can’t get better than that!
Her days may be jam packed with lists and timetables, but this girl is all about ticking those things off, with an impressive inner-creativity that makes her work seem effortless. Her goal is to create unforgettable events and weddings and I’m pretty sure she’s smashed this goal out of the park already.
Her worldly travels have filled her creative mind with #weddinginspo to last a heap of wedding seasons yet. I’m sure this little travel bug will always be exploring the globe and bring home the chicest and fashion-forward ideas to complement NZ’s beauty. She thinks up and coming wedding trends will include geometric shapes, big florals, soft fabrics and marble décor pieces- bring it on, 2018.
Alina prides herself on her organised and communicative style, so not only will she ensure your wedding wishes come true, she will make sure the journey to your day is fun, refreshingly affirming and stress-free. She has been there, and has a thoughtful understanding of what it’s like to get hitched. Her and hubby popped over to Hawaii to say their ‘I dos’ not too long ago. #alohamrandmrs
I think she is super lucky to be able to support the bride and groom from wo-to-go on one of the most precious day of their lives. What a special connection she must build with her clients and how lucky they would be to have her style and support as a backbone to the big day. She has the biggest heart and understands that weddings can be emotional. The speeches and tributes to people who are unable to be there are the precious moments that get her every time.
Another wedding moment that continues to give Alina goose bumps is the first look. Whether that is during the new age ‘reveal’ or the more traditional aisle entrance- seeing your person for the first time on that day is super special. “You have seen this person before but there’s something different about seeing them on the big day. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.”
They offer a range of packages and can help with the little things to the big things. From Coordination of the Day to the Full Wedding/Event Planning and Event Styling, Wild&Whim are your must-haves! She does everything behind the scenes and you only have to be on her website or Insta page for two seconds to realise that this girl’s days are spent in the company of NZ’s top vendors.
But this busy lady must find ways to refresh her creative space somehow. If she isn’t working hard on a wedding you can find her relaxing with a good book, strolling the shores, or laughing during a Facetime session with her besties around the world. She is the lover of love, and of course chocolate.
I think the wedding industry must be the lovely business to work in. I find myself buried in admin that takes me straight to cloud 9. Simply sitting with a coffee (or a cup of tea if you’re Alina) and reading through couple’s incredible stories is something that I always treasure, and I know Alina and I are totally on the same page when it comes to getting stuck in to work.
She “creates memories- the things lives are made of” and I think you need her to make your big day the best one yet.
Click here… https://wildandwhim.com to learn more about what Wild&Whim can do for you.
Photos by: Decor pieces: Amy Bailey Photography / Headshots: Diana Lubbers Lifestyle Photography
number three: The Mixtape Brothers
I first met Chris when we rocked into class together at University way back in 2009 and started talking about Michael Jackson! And from the moment I heard him pick up his guitar, I dreamed of having Chris Reed play at my wedding - says the girl who wasn’t even engaged at that point. BUT WAIT! Jump forward a few years and I am so proud to say that when Carl and I got married, 120 of our friends and family danced their little hearts out, under the stars to the strum and beat of The Mixtape Brothers- aka Chris Reed and Matt Samuels. Turns out wishes do come true!
To this day, our guests are still talking about our rad band, who were “the best they have ever heard!” To say that I am super excited to catch up with them at 3 weddings this season is one heck of an understatement. Some might say I’m a bit of a fan-girl annnd I totally am, but for some seriously legit reasons.
The Mixtape Brother’s unique style is based around just that, the idea of a mixtape that you might have mashed up as a kid (with hits from the past 100 years). Seriously, their repertoire of genres and songs that they have tucked away, ready to bust out, is epic. From old school to new school, funky to fresh- these cool cats can do it all in a way that makes making music seem effortless. But you better be ready because once they start, they don’t stop! This love for non-stop playing might have sparked from that time Chris achieved a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest solo gig. 33 hours of singing and gat playing to be exact.
They certainly know how to get a party started, but they also love to slow it down a notch and appreciate the sentiment of a wedding day. From a cheeky slow dance with your number one, to the entrance of the bride, Chris and Matt are all about the looovvee and know how to make that moment she arrives memorable. Chris has always found it “humbling to play a bride down the aisle. There are so many times that make a wedding day special, but to be asked to sing while a bride walks towards her husband, it’s such a special, intimate time – and it’s an honour to get to do that”. Gah, even thinking about that gives me the goose-bumps.
Being on the opposite side of the d-floor, means these guys have seen their fair share of snazzy dance moves and in turn they have some bloody good work stories. But one moment that keeps coming to mind would have to be the Jumping Nanas- I can see it now. As part of their performances they put together a bit of a 90's rap battle and when they got to the ‘Jump Around’ section by House of Pain, literally everyone, including the nanas, were jumping. They feel blessed to have a long list of memories like that, always guaranteed to make them smile.
Chris and Matt are busy lads. They have a blast at weddings on the weekends, gigs during the week, full time jobs, and to add a cute factor- they are two very rad dads. (I need a kitkat just writing down how busy they are). I admire their ability to manage all that they do with a cool, calm and collected composure. It’s almost as it they have super powers, without the power- literally. They recently played at a wedding when about three songs deep the power went out. No speakers, no lights, no nothing. But in true MTB style, they ended up finishing the gig acoustic, with everyone belting out the Bob Marley classic “No Power No Cry”. Ha, hilarious!
As you can probably tell, they are easily my favourite band of all time, and I don’t say that lightly. So, if you want a couple of lad who are guaranteed to get your guests up and grooving you need to get in touch with them. Yes, they take requests so I’m getting mine in early. Let’s go with ‘Mr Brightside’, so I can whip out my sweet dance moves. And 'My Girl' by The Temptations because that’s their fave.
Dare you to click this link for more info..
https://mixtapebrothers.weebly.com/
Photo on the right by Bespoke Photography
number two: Twelve Tables
What do you get when you mix a clear marquee, approximately Twelve Tables, and the creative super powers of Jean and Sara together? Only the most epic wedding set-up… ever!
The second vendor that I’d like you to meet is Jean and Sara from Twelve Tables in Tauranga. Although given their fast rise to fame on the NZ wedding scene, I’m sure you will have already heard of them and maybe even seen their handy work.
Jean and Sara’s epic adventure started while they were travelling overseas and because they were recently engaged, Sara’s ‘inner-bride-to-be’ was always looking out for ways that she could re-create those magical travel feels back here in little old NZ. Cut a long story short and ‘ta-da’ Twelve Tables was created, and we are so glad that it did.
The most beautiful thing about having a Twelve Tables marquee at your wedding is the chance to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. They effortlessly ensure your wedding guests are tricked into thinking they are dining among the stars - an ethereal feeling that I can guarantee they will never forget.
Clear marquees are easily the most versatile wedding reception idea. They are a blank but cool canvas that will allow every creative bride and groom a chance to make their day perfectly personalised. With the refined lines and crisp white corners, they are considered sexy, romantic, industrial and chic, all at once.
Jean and Sara’s hearts skipped a beat when they ventured towards Orua Beach House at Hot Water Beach, and from a distance could see their perfectly pitched marquee, standing proud, gazing out over the ocean. Even though they are elegant they certainly have a powerful presence and it’s hard not to be a tad wow’d when you see them with your own eyes.
This dreamy duo is all about making wedding wishes come true. But they go about their business with the most fun and relaxed attitude-just the way wedding planning should be. Jean’s hire-able handy work is also a massive element of this crafty company, so I think that makes them even more special. Talk about dedicated! He has custom made everything from bench seats to bars and is steadily adding to an already stunning array of wedding bits ‘n’ bobs that the luckiest brides and grooms can grab.
Jean and Sara are recently married, and their wedding looked oh SO good! Since this whirl wind of an adventure started it’s been jam-packed with good times and great people. They are summer lovin’ babes, that’s for sure, always up for a walk around the mount, ice-cream in hand, jammin’ to the tunes of our boy, Vance Joy!
Sara thinks 2018 wedding season is going to be all about the foliage. Perhaps we will be moving away from the rustic look, but focus more on simple styling and sexy furniture- probs a clear marquee in the mix!
Go on, check them out.
http://www.twelvetables.co.nz/
Photo props goes to:
capturedbykeryn.com
melissamills.com
idophotography.co.nz
number one: Miranda - Wedding Celebrant #marryallthepeople
Being a celebrant myself I decided that my first interview HAD to be with a fellow lover of love. Miss Miranda is wedding celebrant located in Wellington and with a name that rhymes like Miranda Zander, you want her at your wedding.
MZ, as we call her in the Glitter Squad, is warm, bubbly, trustworthy and genuine! I can sense MZ’s love for her role as a celebrant in all her online posts and her ability to unite a group of people from all corners of the country is super special. She feels completely blessed to have this role and it shows in her reflections on her weddings. A moment that gave her goose-bumps was when she married two gentlemen who came over from Aussie to have an official ceremony. It was a very special wedding and she recalls the overwhelming sense of pride that everyone in the room felt that day. Take a bow, NZ. We are a little place with a big footprint and an even bigger heart. #loveislove!
Being a celebrant can be pretty emotional! And like me, MZ will often cry a few happy tears when vows are being exchanged. She truly is such a lovely person - in love with celebrating the love other's share. Those little words are precious and hold big promises that last a lifetime and telling another human being why you’re choosing to marry them is one thing that she absolutely adores.
Miranda is one talented and busy lady but she also loves her downtime. These precious moments are spent running around and laughing with her ‘side-kick’ (that little princess is insta-famous!), high5ing her husband (fitting given the name of this challenge), and attempting, but not always completing, DIY projects. Given how busy her schedule is, I think we can let her off!
She is a lover of life! Annnnd cheese, and any cover by Boyce Avenue. Totes recommend you have their songs play during your wedding ceremony if you’re lucky enough to have Miranda in charge.
2018 is another big year, chock-a-block with gorgeous lovebirds ready to get hitched and MZ’s wedding calendar is looking mighty fine. She’s got a few ideas about what we might expect to see and being a fan-girl of navy and rose gold styling, I’m sure she’s going to have a remarkable season #marryingallthepeople. I wish her all the best.
BUT WAIT... Before you do anything else, you HAVE to check out her brand spanking new brand over here. http://zander.nz/
Photo by Anna Munro Photography
MZ, as we call her in the Glitter Squad, is warm, bubbly, trustworthy and genuine! I can sense MZ’s love for her role as a celebrant in all her online posts and her ability to unite a group of people from all corners of the country is super special. She feels completely blessed to have this role and it shows in her reflections on her weddings. A moment that gave her goose-bumps was when she married two gentlemen who came over from Aussie to have an official ceremony. It was a very special wedding and she recalls the overwhelming sense of pride that everyone in the room felt that day. Take a bow, NZ. We are a little place with a big footprint and an even bigger heart. #loveislove!
Being a celebrant can be pretty emotional! And like me, MZ will often cry a few happy tears when vows are being exchanged. She truly is such a lovely person - in love with celebrating the love other's share. Those little words are precious and hold big promises that last a lifetime and telling another human being why you’re choosing to marry them is one thing that she absolutely adores.
Miranda is one talented and busy lady but she also loves her downtime. These precious moments are spent running around and laughing with her ‘side-kick’ (that little princess is insta-famous!), high5ing her husband (fitting given the name of this challenge), and attempting, but not always completing, DIY projects. Given how busy her schedule is, I think we can let her off!
She is a lover of life! Annnnd cheese, and any cover by Boyce Avenue. Totes recommend you have their songs play during your wedding ceremony if you’re lucky enough to have Miranda in charge.
2018 is another big year, chock-a-block with gorgeous lovebirds ready to get hitched and MZ’s wedding calendar is looking mighty fine. She’s got a few ideas about what we might expect to see and being a fan-girl of navy and rose gold styling, I’m sure she’s going to have a remarkable season #marryingallthepeople. I wish her all the best.
BUT WAIT... Before you do anything else, you HAVE to check out her brand spanking new brand over here. http://zander.nz/
Photo by Anna Munro Photography