Article by Johanna Osborne

 

 

Do you ever wonder how the wedding specialists do it when they tie the knot themselves? I got to ask that very question when I spoke to the divine Penny Evans. Penny has been a professional photographer for over 10 years and owns and runs her own photography business, Inspire Photography, with her business partner Simon.

 

As a guru of weddings, and having photographed well in excess of 150 of them over the years, Penny has seen it all. And she remains as passionate about it today as the day she started – “I just love it!” Penny explains “I just love the process. A photographer is usually one of the first, as well as the last person a couple getting married has contact with. I enjoy giving advice and guidance in the beginning and seeing it all come together on the day. The wedding album should reflect that, and it’s such a joy seeing it all come together”.

 

So when it came time to plan her own wedding, Penny looked towards her treasure trove of previous experience and took what she knows to work and adapted it to her own situation. Penny is a vibrant, positive and happy person, and her relaxed yet organised nature makes her incredibly popular with her clients.  For Penny it made sense to go for a low-key wedding, which was “all about being with the people we care about most”. Held in Nelson where Penny grew up, the day shaped up to be the most stress-free and happy occasion a bride could wish for.

 

In fact the whole affair is rather “fairy-tale-like”. Penny met her now-husband Steve on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. One encounter at Sweet Mother’s Kitchen and 2 years later, they became husband and wife. How romantic!

 

Penny’s secret to making her big day so successful? She’s lucky enough to count some of Wellington’s best photographers amongst her close friends. Her talented business partner Simon shot beautiful images, and the renowned Kate Macpherson took stunning photos prior to the wedding. Prior? Yes, prior! Penny swears that having photos before the wedding is the key to a more relaxed event.  Penny and her husband Steve were able to spend over an hour with Kate having relaxed, romantic shots taken before their guests arrived, thus allowing them to spend every minute with their nearest and dearest after this. There were no long absences, and most importantly no missing out on the party. Penny says “This way of doing things gives you a lot more freedom to enjoy the day and spend time with your guests”.  Interestingly Penny adds that most couples she works with, who do choose to have their photos taken beforehand, end up being very glad they did, and in hindsight many couples often wish they had done so.

 

As an extra note Penny shares with us “One thing I do recommend if you are going for a big wedding is to get a wedding planner. Weddings can become all consuming, and planners are worth their weight in gold. Our wedding was small and intimate, but if you are planning a big lavish event, it’s good to pass it to someone else who will have it all running like clockwork. Let yourself have as much fun as possible and enjoy the ride”. Sage words from someone who knows the business well!

 

As we admire Penny’s beautiful photos one thing becomes clear – this is one lady who knows how to create special lifetime memories, whether it’s for herself or her treasured clients.

 

 

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

There is no place more exquisite than Wellington’s Dockside. Those that know me and know me well, have probably either shared a wonderful meal there with me, or heard me rave about one. I have such fond sentiments for this excellent establishment, for it has hosted many lunches, dinners, coffees and drink catch ups over the years– and they are all part of my best dining out memories.

 

Dockside’s setting alone is undeniably one of the best in Wellington. Front row seats with the majesty herself – the wonderful glorious ocean. Nothing is more fabulous than sitting outside on the stunning deck sipping a cocktail on a balmy evening, or soaking up the rays during a champagne lunch. And even during our somewhat sun-starved summer, Dockside still makes you feel warm and cosy with the help of their retractable roof and warm heaters. And that’s why I love coming here in winter too.

 

 

Dockside has long been synonymous with fabulous after-work drinks and romantic dinners, and recently the already divine menu has been “shooshed up”, and the new season offerings leave you wanting to try every single course more than once! With the arrival of Bluff oyster season, Dockside is sure to be booked out fast with many clever men taking their ladies to sample these divine aphrodisiacs. I’m sure my husband will be no exception.

 

Recently I dined at Dockside twice in one week and the meals were 5 star. I had the most amazing snapper of my life – the freshest most divine fish I have ever tasted – and that’s saying something. And the chocolate ganache – oh my god – a better dessert I have never had! Dockside has truly spoilt me!

 

Ideal as a venue for a relaxed catch-up, a group dinner or a romantic night out – I can’t recommend Dockside highly enough.

 

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” George Bernard Shaw

 

 

Article by Johanna Osborne

 

Today is the 29th of February, and you know what that means – gentlemen look out! Your ladies might just pounce when you least expect it. For the 29th of February not only rolls around just once every 4 years, it’s also the day where women are “allowed” to propose to the man they love!

 

 

It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. According to folklore, St. Patrick allowed the longing females to propose on this one day in February during the leap year. And so history was made.

 

In some cultures Leap Day is known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

 

Considering ladies have 4 entire years to decide to bite the bullet and make the proposal, I do hope those men lucky enough to receive one, will graciously accept and reward their lady’s bravery and courage. And we better not see any glove-wearing heartbroken ladies walking around!

 

Happy Leap Day to all our friends. Xoxo

 

 

Article by Johanna Osborne

The Oscars – our picks of 2012

Nothing gets our pulses soaring more than a gorgeous gown. Whether it’s a wedding dress, a bridesmaid’s outfit or a red carpet look – we love them all! We’ve contracted Oscar’s fever here at the Wellington Wedding Show and Mr and Mrs Magazine, and in our flushed state we have compiled a frenzied list of our biggest faves this year. Not an easy task with so much glitz and glam drenching the red carpet.

 

 

1. Ravishing in red – Michelle William’s deep coral tinted Louis Vuitton dress screams glamour, and makes us even more excited to see her take to the big screen in ‘My Week with Marilyn’. We think she was a perfect choice for the role. Always the lady.

 

 

2. This is a girl to watch – Jessica Chastain seems to have taken to her new it-girl status like a duck to water. She looks amazing in Alexander McQueen.

 

 

3. Our favourite vamp served up a slice of heavenly leg, along with a million dollar smile. Atelier Versace were the lucky ones to dress our Angelina this time around. In the short time since Angelina has donned this gown, websites all over the world have exploded with comments on her sexy look, with a fan even starting a new Twitter account dedicated solely to her right leg.

 

 

4. Maria Menounos looks deliciously refreshing in her pistachio-sorbet coloured gown. Maria Lucia Hohen is the talented designer responsible for this Grecian goodness. Love!

 

 

5. Gorgeous Gucci gown, gold beading, cascading ruffles, $1m diamond necklace. All in a day’s work if you are Cameron Diaz. Loving the dress, the hair – not so much.

 

 

6. The Queen of Va-va-Voom delivers yet again. Jennifer Lopez looks simply sparkling in her plunging Zuhair Murad creation. Casper Smart is one lucky man!

 

 

7. Claire Danes is the wild card of the night in her candy floss Valentino design that radiates all that is pretty and feminine. Looks like the Last Emperor has pulled another win out of the hat!

 

 

8. Last but not least – Milla Jovovich. Oozing old school Hollywood glam in her beaded Elie Saab creation, Milla reminds us that there is plenty of red carpet mileage left in the 36 year old starlet yet.

 

 

9. Kate Bosworth may be a mere slip of a girl, but her dress is anything but. Twinkling in all the right places, this slim starlet radiates major glamour. Ravishing in Prabal Gurung.

 

 

10. Julie Bowen proves that bold colour is definitely ‘le mode du jour’. She’s a tangerine dream in Halston, one of our favourite designers.

 

 

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

 

Shopping for bling – my favourite thing!

 

I have spent quite a bit of time in Hanne’s gorgeous Grey Street store recently. I believe I have met almost the entire team of staff and I’m impressed by how friendly each and every one of them is. They are all so helpful and easy to deal with. Most recently it was the delightful Derek that assisted me and boy oh boy, he sparkles even more than the major ice he is sporting on his fingers!

 

 

Hanne Anderson herself is an amazing woman. She has incredible taste and style, and a true passion for what she does. Hanne’s European background has clearly influenced her design choices and it’s so pleasing to see something truly unique on display here.

 

I know I can be high maintenance when I shop.  Yes, sometimes (often) I buy things in 10 seconds flat, but other times -  like these -  when the decision is a little more important and it’s a piece I’ll have a lifetime, I like to be sure and a million questions cross my mind. Never during this process have I been made to feel that I am taking up time, dilly-dallying or being difficult. Instead I am welcomed with a warm smile and made to feel that my visit has genuinely pleased everyone.

 

 

The fine balance of customer service is one I could go on and on about. And I’m happy to report that along with great products I have discovered it here.  Sometimes it’s not only good, but also a bit of a thrill, to go a little off the beaten track and find an exceptional gem that isn’t mass produced and “fits” you in every sense of the word.  And I think I just may have found that for myself. I’m a happy girl!