Auckland 2011

Auckland Charity Event

What is the event about?
For us (the experts) it is about having a fun relaxing chance to meet brides who are interested about picking our brains for their wedding.  It is also a really important chance to give money to a charity.
Where is it?
We have been lucky enough to have the Grand Hotel Skycity offer to host the event the year.  They are at 90 Federal Street opposite the casino.
When is it?
On the 27th of November from 3:30 until 6:30
What can the brides expect?
A lot! 
Fashion parades for brides, mother of bride/groom and groomswear
Styling inspiration from centrepiece who will be styling tables to give varied looks
A couple of short talks from some experts
A chance to look at Skycity Grand Hotel for your wedding venue
Experts to chat to and ask those key questions
What does my ticket get me?
All of the above for a start
A glass of bubbles on arrival
A light afternoon tea
A fantastic goodie bag including a back issue of the Bride and Groom magazine.
A chance to enter the prize draws for some wonderful spot prizes
What else do I need to know?
Tickets are limited so get in quickly to secure yours as we will sell out before the date.
Because of the conditions of wine sponsorship we are not permitted children at the event.
Based on previous events strollers will also have difficulty (so get the babysitter and really use it as a chance to relax)
There will be silent auctions on the day to raise more money for Endometriosis.  You can pay later but come prepared to bid on something that takes your fancy.
Where can I buy my tickets?
Just click on the link to the right of this page and we look forward to seeing you there.

Astra Bridal


At the event Astra Bridal will be showcasing some of the new 2011 gowns.  We will be showcasing the Maggie Sottero range as well as a selection of our top gowns.  As always our gowns have been selected for their up to the minute styling as well as their guaranteed craftmanship.   We hope to give you some inspiration for your wedding as well as give you an insight in to where the bridal fashion is heading this season.  To have a look and browse on our website just click here.

Alison Brewer - Hair and Make up specialist

With over 20 years combined in the beauty industry Alison Brewer and her stylists have learned there are no rules to cosmetics, make-up is ageless, race less and designed for everyone.

Alison uses high quality professional brands of cosmetics and hair care that you can trust and enjoy wearing knowing that your look will last the day and reflect the glamour and romance with your completed bridal look.
No bridal party is too big or small; they will come to you and bring all required for on the day services.
What Alison's team offer is a passionate and creative approach to your look and endeavour to create the perfect finish for your special day, stress free , with a bit of pampering to add.

Bride & Groom Magazine


We know you will have heard of this magazine.  They are the No.1 magazine in New Zealand and every bride uses at least one issue in the planning of their wedding - some use dozens!.  

Published quarterly, the magazine is packed full with informative articles, inspirational ideas and helpful tips, plus the latest wedding trends and bridal fashion.  We love Lesley's photography and know that they will continue to inspire and inform New Zealand brides for years to come.

Every ticket sold will receive a back issue of the magazine.  Fantastic for all your planning needs or simply to have a relaxing read.  To find out more about the magazine have a browse on their website.

Cake Couture





Thea from Cake Couture has supported the Endometriosis Charity Events in Auckland for the last three years.  Thea, Dani, Kelly and Sarah do amazing things with cakes, that both look amazing and taste delicious.  They did the most amazing replica of the Royal wedding cake for the Bride and Groom show this year.  At the event they will be giving everyone a chance to sample some flavours and view some inspiration for your wedding cake.  Browse the gallery on their website and you will see the artisan work they are capable of.

Centrepiece

Centrepiece is an Auckland based decorative hire company offering the latest in table centrepiece design including floral, feather, traditional and modern styled table centerpieces.

Catering for both large and small events, we offer straight hire, diy centrepieces as well as full theme design and delivery, set up and pack down services, tailored to suit your needs.

We have a vast range of vases, candelabra, candlesticks, votive candles, table decorations and accessories for hire for your wedding.

Table Centre Design, styling and decorations for New Zealand weddings including candelabra, vases and wedding bouquets and arrangements for the discerning Bride.

We have an extensive range of table centrepieces and decorative hire items to suit every occasion and budget.

To find out more about Centrepiece have a look at their gorgeous website.  Tiffany will be available to  chat about your requirements and also have a chance to see some of their items first hand.

Nerida Cortese

The multi talented Nerida Cortese will be with us on the day.  Along with Aaron they will be teaching a few steps.  Nerida has been at the charity events in previous years and we were fortunate enough to have her MC in Wellington last year.  We know she will make the event very special.   With First Dance you know that your are being taught by one of the best in New Zealand. She has developed a programme that can make you look amazing even if you have never danced a step - and it can be done in 6 lessons!


When we asked Nerida about her relationship with Endometriosis this is what she had to say "I have two very close friends who suffer from Endometriosis. Both have been very fortunate to have a baby, though one of them has struggled for a second child after several miscarriages and heartache. They both inspire me as fantastic mothers and very determined individuals after both having had surgery to try and stay ahead of this monster.

ENZ is a fantastic organization, empowering women with Endometriosis and helping their friends and family understand how to be a support to their loved ones. I am very proud to be a part of it!!"

Curves Gym



How you look on  your wedding day is important to every bride.  If you need to move some kilos or just tone, Curves can work with you to make sure you are at your optimum on the day.  Being fit has also been proven to reduce stess - great for the preparations leading up to your day.

Specially designed for women, Curves offers a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The Curves 30 minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. In addition, club promotions and events encourage women to support charitable causes, learn about health-related issues and forge lasting friendships as part of the global Curves community.
 
Enhancing the Curves workout is CurvesSmart™, your personal coaching system. CurvesSmart individualizes and customizes each workout by monitoring heart rate, workout intensity, range of motion and repetitions and then providing a progress report including number of calories burned!

Dorset Suit Hire

Dorsets have been making suits for 22 years. They hire the suits they make out for weddings - their suits are made with the finest superior wool. Dorset Suit hire have a wide range of suits and styles to cater to your wedding requirements. We can provide suiting styles that can also be matched to your wedding theme. Go to their website to see samples of the suits and get more ideas about what they do.  Having just opened their new store in Botany they are now partnering us for the Auckland event as well as the Hamilton.

Endometriosis New Zealand

We have chosen Endometriosis New Zealand to work with for the third year. 

Endometriosis, mate kirikōpū, is a very common, distressing and painful disease affecting tens of thousands of women and girls in New Zealand alone. Endometriosis NZ, a Registered Charitable Trust, represents the tens of thousands who have endometriosis in NZ and provides pragmatic solutions to the burdens the disease creates.  Endometriosis causes painful symptoms which can interfere with a woman's quality of life and sometimes compromises fertility. Symptoms are usually associated with the menstrual period.
For more details go to the Endometriosis NZ website by clicking here

Aaron Gilmore

Aaron has been a fantastic supporter of this event, he has danced at all of the Auckland events.  We know that he will be fun on the day.  Both demonstrating steps but also chatting about how he can turn two left feet in to a pair!  Aaron says  "Ballroom dance lessons can be a fantastic confidence builder for your first dance as a married couple. By taking the time to thoroughly prepare for your first dance you can avoid those sweaty palms and frazzled nerves!
Of course a great first dance starts with a great song, and I have plenty of ideas about what may work and what will suit your style. I can also work with any music of your choice. If you choose a song that has meaning and genuine feeling for both of you then you’re halfway there."

Grand Hotel SkyCity


A secret oasis in the heart of Auckland, that is the best way to describe the facilities at the Grand Hotel.  The gorgeous Terrace (yes it is outdoors) combines with some very flexible rooms to create a unique space.  The fact that the venue can cater for any number of guests up to 200 is fantastic.  The Grand is the host venue for the charity event and it will definately blow you away - look out Auckland's best kept secret is about to get out!

Jeannie Mae

Jeannie Mae Stationery can help you achieve your perfect stationery suite for your wedding.  We are specialists in Handmade invitations, printing, coutour silk and letterpress.  We also provide the flexibility in our designs that makes sure that you get a unique and personalised design. We then custom make all your co-ordinating stationery that you may require for your ceremony and reception.
We have both a showroom in Albany, Auckland (by appointment) or you are welcome to visit our website at www.jeanniemae.co.nz.  
Ph 09 4438162 or 0210648125

La Lumiere

La Lumiere is owned and operated by Kristina Ercolano and Belinda Gregg.  From small beginnings they have founded a business that now puts the sparkle in many weddings and events in New Zealand. 

La Lumiere is an Auckland based company with a gorgeous range of lights to transform any venue and create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding, birthday, corporate event or Christmas.

Their experienced team offers a professional installation service including a free consultation where they can tailor a design to your budget and style. Let La Lumiere add sophistication and glamour to your special occasion.

La Lumiere will be at the event to chat about whether lights can add that special touch to your function.  Have a look at the website as there are lots of gallery photos for inspiration.

Nick Logan DJ

Whether you need a wedding DJ or a wedding MC (master of ceremonies) or both, Nick Logan is your man.  Nick has a wealth of experience with weddings and all sorts of other celebrations.  Nick can be your MC or coach your MC to do a great job.  The speeches at a wedding are often the most fraught part of the day for those required to speak.  With the support of someone like Nick, it can become far less stressful and he can make it all flow smoothly.

A thank you letter from Nick's website says a lot about what a difference he can make to your wedding. "We just wanted to say a big thank you for doing such a fantastic job dj’ing at our wedding. We had such an amazing day despite the rain! Thank you for all your help and suggestions – you truly are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Weddings as we had no idea where to begin with all the planning of the reception and MC etc All of your ideas really helped us."

Maree Turner Photography

Maree is the Director and Principal Photographer of Maree T Photography and has been in the photographic industry for 15 years.  Maree’s Wedding images have consistently been awarded Gold, Silver and Bronzes with the Photographic Society of New Zealand and New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers and have won numerous Kodak awards.

She says "At Maree T Photography we cater to our individual clients needs, offering a blend of styles from traditional to contemporary, journalistic to documentary and all in a choice of natural and/ or creative finishes."

Maree T Photography has a Wedding package to suit any budget and prides herself on creating images that are truly Anything But Ordinary.
See our website http://www.mareeturner.co.nz/ for more information.

Mud Pie Deli

What are the two most memorable things from a wedding for guests?  One: what the bride wore, Two: what the food was like!  So once you have your gown from Astra Bridal then it is time to think about catering.  Mud Pie Deli can cater for any size function and pretty much any budget you might have in mind.  They can even supply you with gifts for your guests to take home from the Babalada Deli part of their business.  Mud Pie will be there on the day giving you the opportunity to sample their delightful food.  Have a look at their website for some mouthwatering menu ideas.

Pacific Linen



Gaylene and Jo-Anne from Pacific Linen will be providing linen for the charity event.  They will be giving the brides a wonderful opportunity to view their full range of linen and get inspirational ideas of what is possible for a wedding.  Gaylene and Jo-Anne have helped with previous events and we love having them on board to showcase their range.  To view more visit their website.

Photo Booth Fun



Forget the disposable cameras scattered on the tables throughout your venue...Photo Booth Fun is a fantastic, professional and affordable way to capture all the candid moments of your event!

With the press of a button the Booth will take 4 consecutive shots and then compile the results in to a strip of photos which is then printed and stored for later viewing.

The Booth is totally automatic and it's hilarious what people get up to when they think no one is watching!  So I can't wait to see what comes out of the event!

This part is fantastic: "Unlimited photographs can be taken with the booth which will be printed out as a photo strip after each session and we also offer an album for your guests to leave a copy of their strip and a message. Each client gets a copy of all the images on a USB immediately after the event and our wedding package is great value. We can also customise a package with professional wedding photography by Brett Stanley to cut down on costs."  To find out more details visit the website and have a wee giggle at some of the photos like I did!

Platinum Hire

Platinum Hire offers the discerning client the latest international designs in marquees, furniture and accessories and hospitality catering equipment for every occasion.


Platinum Hire have the latest, international designs in marquees, furniture, special effects lighting, tabletop and hospitality catering equipment for every occasion.

Their service standard unsurpassed in the industry and have knowledge and expertise backed by 35 years industry experience. Platinum Hire exceeds client expectations by delivering the wow factor and creating memorable experiences.

The best solution for every client, every time.

Staging Connections

Staging connections is the media company of choice for SkyCity Grand Hotel.  This company can basically achieve anything that you want for your wedding.  They will be providing the catwalk and lighting for the fashion parades at the event.

We have fantasic support for our events and are bringing you fantastic goodie bags and spot prizes with contributions from these wonderful organisations:














Watch this space as this list as the bag is growing all the time!  We also have to give a huge thank you to Toll forwarding for shipping many of these items around the country.