Astra Bridal Charity Events

Auckland Charity Event

2011-09-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

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:

2011-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Blakes Hire Company

2011-07-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Blakes join us for the third year running for the charity events. Blakes Hire Company is a Waikato-based company offering a selection of exclusive tableware that will add sparkle to any occasion. Whether you are planning a wedding celebration in a marquee, a stylish corporate function or a special family gathering at home thye can offer imaginative and practical solutions to ensure the success of your event. For more information on designing tables and what they can do for your wedding go to their website here. At the event Blakes will be styling tables to give you fabulous ideas and inspiration for your wedding.

131 Fashions

2011-07-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

An iconic business in Hamilton, 131 is the perfect place to find the mother of the bride or groom outfits to make your children proud. Fabulous ranges from labels such as Trelise Cooper, Vamp, Caroline Sills, Visage and Kevin Moore designs. 131 fashions will have a parade in the afternoon to showcase some of the beautiful outfits available for purchase in store. To see their gallery pay a visit to their website.

Celebrity Jaguars

2011-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Grace, space and pace says Peter from Celebrity Jaguars. These gorgeous girls will be at Sarnia park so that you can have a touch and feel and think about them for your wedding. I always think that the bride arriving in style at her wedding is such an important part of the day as it sets the tone and her level of excitement. These cars look truly luxurious. To find out more about them have a look at their website - the gallery has lots of lovely pics.

Chocolates by Insignia

2011-07-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Chocolates by Insignia is a Hamilton based business which started in 2006. We produce quality NZ handmade chocolates for weddings, corporate functions, promotions and special events. We have great range of chocolate wedding favours including chocolate bars with personalised wrappers and personalised chocolate hearts. We have a variety of colours and packaging options so you can select the perfect wedding favours to complement your wedding theme. There are so many different aspects that come together on your wedding day and it really is the extra little touches that make the day so special. Wedding favours are a lovely gesture to thank your guests for being part of your special day, as well as really decorating and finishing off the look of your reception tables. Check out more on the website here.

Flowers by Karen & Wedding Flowers

2011-07-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Flowers by Karen & Wedding Flowers provides beautiful arrangements for the bride, maids and flower girls, as well as corsages, wrist sprays & buttonholes. She can also provide flowers for your wedding cake, hair, bridal table arrangements, church arrangements (or other ceremony venue), plus flowers for your reception and much much more! To complete your special day she can provide thank you baskets, gifts balloons or anything else your heart desires. To view the bouquets and arrangements designed by Karen follow the link here to her website or contact Karen directly on (07) 8545444.

LilyBella Beauty Therapy and Bella Beauties

2011-07-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Karla Robertson from Bella Beauties will be doing the makeup for the models at the charity event. You will also have a chance to chat with her about your needs for your wedding day.

At Bella Beauties we pride ourselves on providing each of our valued clients with a personalised, professional, mobile service using top quality Beauty Therapy products. Karla is very passionate about what she does and enjoys helping her clients look and feel amazing. Whether it's for Your Big Day, Hens Party, Pre Wedding tidy up or even a relaxing girls night in, Bella Beauties can accommodate to all your needs.

Lou Lou's Hair Studio

2011-07-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Lou Lou's hair studio in Cambridge are available for weddings and special occasions all year round. They are the ideal partner for someone considering a wedding at Sarnia Park. They will be working with all the models to make their hair look absolutely fabulous for the fashion parades. Come and have a chat with them at the event and see how they can help to take the stress out of your wedding day.

Nicola Inglis Photography

2011-07-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Nicola has been part of the charity events since inception. Our very first instore parade Nicola was there taking the snaps. She is a very talented photographer and we get fabulous feedback about her work. She says "We're all about relaxed photography and timeless, treasured memories. We're all about sharing a laugh your vision and telling your story. We're all about working for you but also working for your children and grandchildren and shedding a tear. We're all about understanding." We just think the is all about capturing the most treasured memories of your wedding day. If this sounds like someone you want to photograph at your wedding then contact Nicola Inglis Photography. To get more information on her amazing work go to the website here. Nicola provided the gorgeous image that adorns our banner and the tickets. Don't miss a chance to talk to her at the event.

Sarnia Park

2011-06-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

The exciting venue for this years event is Sarnia Park Boutique Lodge. With it's gorgeous grounds and luxurious interior it is the perfect place to host our elegant afternoon tea. They also come very highly recommended from some of our Astra Brides. They can provide the chapel and reception rooms for your wedding and even the most gorgeous guest or honeymoon rooms you coud ever want. I have picked a couple of pictures to entice you from their website, but you can see more for yourself at the event.

So Naturals Beauty Salon

2011-06-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

So Natural's Beauty Salon are experts in enhancing and pampering brides for their big day. Its THE destination for Eyelash Extensions, beautiful Nail Enhancements, Manicures, Pedicures, Tinting, Waxing, Spray Tanning, Facials, and so much more! With products they have chosen that are the ultimate leaders in the industry, scientifically proven, with result based formulations, to deliver the best results you will see and feel.

Check out their website and visit the Salon to talk with a professional who will put together a package to suit your needs.

Located on Casabella Lane in Hamilton p (07) 834 0005, e so.naturals@xtra.co.nz

Wendy Maree Stationery

2011-06-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love stationery! And I do love the designs that Wendy produced for her brides. Just have a look at these gallery images and be impressed! From her design studio in Matamata Wendy can produce the look and feel for your wedding, either from her existing range or developing a new concept just for you. The afternoon at Sarnia park will give you a chance to chat to Wendy and look at her samples.

It was truly a night of Glitz and Glamour - Auckland 2010

2010-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great night last Wednesday at the Glitz and Glamour Charity event at the Auckland Museum. What a stunning venue! Miriama was a fantastic MC and made sure that the night ran smoothly for all the brides and their friends. My personal highlight was Candy Lane and Aaron Gilmore who taught us all some simple moves to look good on the dance floor; they made everyone get up and have a go. It was great to see everyone embrace the night and get involved. Candy and Aaron then wowed the crowd with a couple of dances as well.

We have had great feedback on the fashion shows too. We showcased dresses ranging from romantic, to beach, to fashion forward so there was something for everyone! Our 2 little flowergirls were a huge hit on the night and we also had a mother of the bride catwalk featuring outfits from Annah Stretton.

We raised a large amount of money for Altrusa and Endometriosis New Zealand and we could not have done this without the support of all the talented wedding vendors who donated time, products and services and, of course, all our guests who supported the event by coming along and also bidding on the amazing silent auction prizes. So thanks to everyone - We hope you had a great night and got some tips for your wedding.

Check out our Facebook page for more pictures from the night.

What a fantastic night at the Hamilton Charity Event! - 2010

2010-08-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

What a successful night. Not only was there some fantastic wedding industry experts to check out but $1500 was raised for Breast Cancer Awareness last night at the Hamilton ' Brides Night' charity fashion parade and bridal event.

The event drew attention before it begun with our models running through the main road all dressed ready for the fashion show. It was such an unusual sight that it even made the front page of the Waikato Times. Definitely not something you see every day!

Brides flocked to the event to get ideas for everything from dresses to flowers to tablewear. With a glass of bubbles and fantastic food from Skycity Hamilton the air was full of excitement when the models hit the runway to showcase a selection of our extensive bridal collection.

Thanks so much to all the wedding experts that came along and showcased their gorgeous products. Featured products included Blakes Hire Company, Insignia Chocolates, Azarni Hair, Mondo Travel, Robinsons DJ, Ruby Rouge Make up, So Naturals Beauty Salon. Brides were dressed by Astra Bridal and carried gorgeous bouquets by Flowers by Karen and Wedding Flowers and the grooms dressed by Dorset Suit Hire. Nicola Inglis took some amazing photos which she has posted on her Facebook page. To read more about the experts or get in touch with them see the blog here

The prize was drawn on the night and the winner of a fanstastic package of prizes from all the suppliers was won by Amanda Richardson. Amanda won over $1,000 worth of vouchers and items. Amanda will be selecting a pair of shoes from the extensive Benjamin Walk range to wear on her wedding day.

What a success - Auckland 2009

2009-07-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

From all the suppliers and contributors to the evening we would like to say a huge thank you to all the brides and everyone who provided support for the evening. We managed to raise over $5000 for Endometriosis New Zealand- what a great cause! From the minute the brides walked through the door and received the yummy bubbly and delicious canapes they were entertained by the dancing, fashion catwalk, and even auctioning off rugby player Dean Budd- twice!

We have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the night, which makes us even more motivated to make this an annual event... watch this space!

To view all the photos from the evening follow the link here to Diana Sanders website. For more information on the evening, or if you have any questions phone Samara on (09) 3033960. To view all the gorgeous gowns on the catwalk go to the Astra Bridal website here.

A fun night was had by all- Hamilton 2009

2009-07-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's all about you... That's what we were trying to achieve at the Hamilton Brides Night on the 5th August. The event was held in the gorgeous Skycity Hamilton function room, and those of you who were there will know how yummy the nibbles and drinks were! The night was a huge success, with the majority of our Friends of Astra participating, getting to meet and greet with over 130 brides and their guests. The night was split into four fashion shows, with our most amazing gowns being flaunted on the catwalk. Nicola Inglis is such an amazing photographer, and deserves a huge thank you for taking all the photos on the night. Go to her facebook page here to become a fan and check out all the photos from the night.We were able to raise over $1300 for the Cancer Society, which they were very grateful for.

We would like to thank all of our Friends of Astra for participating in such a successful evening, and we hope to see even more blushing brides next year at the event!