First Outing | NZ Weddings Flower Arranging Event

"We're delighted to announce our first ever Flower DIY Workshop event is this Saturday from 2-4pm. Join us at the beautiful Mildred&Co showroom and learn how to create your own floral masterpiece with the help of green thumb and floral extraordinaire Sophie from Muck Floral and Store. Relax and enjoy our Natalie Chan Boutique fashion show with a glass of bubbles, sweet treats by Sweet Bites Cakes, and canapes from The Collective. Plus you'll walk away with a goodie bag valued at more than $200! Sound like you? Grab your mum or your 'maids and join us for an afternoon filled with flowers, fashion and food. Click below for tickets."

Mum brought a ticket thinking that we were going to a wedding show and I was so busy that I also thought it was a wedding show. When I saw on NZ Weddings Facebook page that it was a floral arrangement workshop I couldn't help but have a giggle!

There was yummy Wine and canapés.

And then after some sips of some yummy wine, Sophie at Muck Floral and Store showed us how to make our own floral arrangement to take home.

Here is how me and Mum did:

Oh yea, you would probably have to make a few before it REALLY looked good, but still fun!

Above is Mums nice delicate flower crown

And below is mine my "get everything in" flower crown. It was really neat to learn about how to make flower crowns, actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

And don't forget the Goodie Bags of course

Overall it was fun, something nice to start off many visits to new places im sure

Ok i'm ready!

Yep, I am now ready to plan this wedding! It took a while. Had to get over everyone asking "When is the wedding? where is it?" - it seems to be the first and the only question that everyone asks you after saying "Congratulations". It was quite overwhelming.

So I  have had some breathing space now, the news has now sunk in and I am able to breathe. Its really nice!

I swore I would not purchase a wedding magazine and I did. Hehe. I have found NZ Weddings to be the best magazine, I like how they put real stories into the magazine, it does not come across as a commercialised publication that is forcing products in your face.

I have hunted for a great weddings website and strangely that was hard to find! Being in New Zealand I can't use the America sites, its just not the same. I have been using www.aucklandweddings.co.nz as a resource but overall I do feel that the industry does not make it easy for Brides to make decisions.

The other site that I have found is a great resource is www.perspectives.co.nz it is a photography website and its great how many of the venues in my mind are on the site, so I can get a feel for what the venues will actually be like.

http://www.perspectives.co.nz/photo/gracehill-autumn-wedding-photos-auckland-wedding-photographers-nick-juliet/

So I hope you enjoy my little adventure. I am a full time work at Fairfax Media, we have a son who is 9, our day starts by leaving the house at 7am and coming home by 5pm, so its hard for us to really get into planning, we really have to make time to look at everything.

Looking forward to the day already!!

Ring is from www.nzjewellers.co.nz

Review - Mantellls

Others: Footbridges Pukekohe | Cassels Swanson | Mantells | Highwic | Mollies Hotel Boutique

How amazing is this place. A very sleak website that does give  a wow factor and makes you feel so special just looking at the site. I have not delved too much into it yet, but so far I like what I see!!

11 Westhaven Drive, Auckland City

Mantells website is very very nice, I think I have been waiting for a site like this! Mantells do not seem to have as many photos on their Facebook page but I have noticed this for the higher end Restaurants. I cant really tell from the photos on their website and Facebook page what the venue looks like.

Here is their Facebook page

From Perspectives

It is a bit annoying that their website does not have much information about their wedding packages, the amount of emailing back and fourth is crazy when you are trying to find out information about a wedding!!!

Requested 20/10/2015
Email reply: Please see attached the information that you requested for 2016 Mantells on the Water.

2016

Function Venue Hire Rates + GST

(Includes full set up, linen, chair covers, tableware, glassware & Mantells flowers)

60 - 80 guests $3200

81 - 120 guests $3800

121 - 150 guests $4500

Over 6 hours $500 + GST per hour (maximum of 8 hours from guest arrival to close).

Bring your own champagne and wine only. 

Beer, non-alcoholic beverages and spirits purchased through us.

Waiters and chefs charged out at $27 + GST per hour for the hours of the function.

4 Course Set Dinner $88 per head + GST.

Buffet Dinner $88 per head + GST.

Mantells on the Water is unavailable for bookings on public holidays.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Set Dinner Menu Options 2016 – Four Courses

(SAMPLE MENU ONLY)

$88 per head + GST

Host to please make one choice from each Course 

(a vegetarian option will be available)

Finger Food will be served before dinner

First Course

Tomato Tarte Tatin, Salsa Verde, Olive Soil, Watercress, Tomato Salad

Tuna, Ginger Shallots, Wasabi Furikake, Pickled Tomato, Chargrilled Prawns 

Pork Belly, Cauliflower Cream, Pickled Raisins, Red Cabbage, Smoked Apple Syrup

Confit Salmon, Beetroot Cream, Pickled Beetroot, Lemon Feta Mousse, Beetroot Soil 

Smoked Duck Breast, Sweetcorn Custard, Pickled Cucumber, Chilli Peanuts, Plum Glaze

Prosciutto, Fennel Cream, Pine Nuts, Goat Feta, Raisins, Fig Vincotto

Second Course

Note – For an additional $7.50 per head + GST you can have two choices from the Second Course

Angus Eye Fillet of Beef, Porcini Risotto, Watercress, Pickled Mushroom, Pinot Jus 

Two Tastes of Lamb, Beetroot Confit, Feta Mousse, Candied Walnut 

Smoked Salmon Fillet, Bulgur Wheat, Caramelized Beetroot, Labneh, Pistachio 

Free Range Chicken, Nutty Slaw, Cucumber Shitake Pickle, Balinese Jus 

Two Tastes of Beef, Miso Eggplant Puree, Red Pepper Jam, Pickled Eggplant 

Market Fresh Fish, Tomato Eggplant Masala, Smoked Yoghurt

Fish of the Day, Carrot Puree, Raisins, Glazed Carrot, Almonds

Third Course

Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Pie

Chocolate Lamington, Cherries, Vanilla Cream

Apple Custard Tart, Smoked Apple Syrup, Fromage, Raisins

Coconut Pannacotta, Pineapple Carpaccio, Peanut Praline, Coconut Chips

Salted Caramel Nut Tart, Chocolate Ice Cream

White Chocolate Baklava, Kahlua Pavlova, Cherry Cheesecake Tartlet & Almond Toffee Slice

Mango Pot, Mint Meringue, Salted Peanut Caramel Tartlet, Chocolate Hazelnut Slice

Petit Fours One

Petit Fours Two

 (Petit Fours can be served Plated or as a Buffet)

Fourth Course

Puhoi Valley Kawau Gorgonzola, Puhoi Valley Kaipara Washed Rind, 

Falwasser Crackers, Fresh Dates and Grapes

_____________________________________________________________________________

Floating Buffet Dinner Menu Options 2016

(SAMPLE MENU ONLY)

$88 per head + GST

Finger Food will be served before dinner

Champagne Ham

OR

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Note – please select one of the above

Chargrilled Eye Fillet Beef with a Pinot Jus

Smoked Salmon, Sicilian Dressing

Tomato, Olive Tart 

Iceberg Salad, Cherry Tomato, Pickled Radish, Grilled Feta, Cucumber Vinaigrette

Roasted Potatoes, Eggplant, Tomato, Sumac

Caramelized Beetroot Cous Cous, Candied Walnuts, Rocket 

 Seasonal Greens, Miso Dressing, Soy Seed Mix

Jewelled Rice, Apricot, Pistachio

Petit Fours

Note – Host to choose one Petit Fours option 

Petit Fours One

White Chocolate Baklava, Kahlua Pavlova, Cherry Cheesecake Tartlet, Almond Toffee Slice

Or

Petit Fours Two

Mango Pot, Mint Meringue, Salted Peanut Caramel Tartlet, Chocolate Hazelnut Slice

Cheese Selection

Puhoi Valley Kawau Gorgonzola, Puhoi Valley Kaipara Washed Rind, 

Falwasser Crackers, Fresh Dates and Grapes

I don't like the City feel to this, I feel like it doesn't give character

OFF THE LIST - NOT VISITING

Fashion Show + Flowers

There was Fashion at the NZ Wedding Magazines event as well.

It was okay, not what me and Mum expected, there was no such "runway" but the girls just tried to walk their way through the tables without wrecking the dresses

A local designer Natalie Chan did the dresses while the florist gave different ways to have the flowers to be less traditional.

These flowers were HUGE but nice

This was an interesting concept, bridesmaid wrist corsage, something different and seemed like a nice idea.

Review - Fisher House

Others: Footbridges Pukekohe | Cassels Swanson | Mantells | Highwic | Mollies Hotel Boutique

THIS PLACE IS UP FOR SALE (November 2015)

It's been a while since we've brunched so on Saturday so we went out to Sierra Cafe and on our way in we saw what looked like a Restaurant/Pub. My fiance Googled it and found the name and drove in after having our brunch. It looks really cosy so it's going to get a review as well.

Since it is so close to home I think it'll be the first face to face interview.








Just looking at the Facebook photos for now which there is a lot of! Looks like a venue that you are really create your own little story in.

The below photos I have picked to showcase the outside space that Fisher House has on offer and it looks like there is 3-4 different table arrangements as well.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

There seems to be a rainy day option and obviously the sunny option too:

The entrance looks awesome, I noticed this when we drove in.

I have emailed the venue for more information

It was very upsetting to hear the bad feedback from this venue, below is the Google Plus Reviews, I can see that it was only for Lunch and Dinner eating but still - reviews count for a lot

OR CLICK HERE

Review - HighWic

Others: Footbridges Pukekohe | Cassels Swanson | Mantells | Highwic | Mollies Hotel Boutique

I went through the site www.myweddingguide.co.nz the other day and wrote down a list of all the venuew I liked without looking for too long, that is where this Venue comes from. 

I know one please it does not come from and that is Google! 

The website it was is the Historical Sites website and to be honest, that is not want I want to see. They are very lucky the building looks good!!

 Newmarket, 40 Gillies Ave, (entrance off Mortimer Pass), Auckland 1023

After looking through all of the Facebook photos for HighWic I have realised how much potential they have, there is so many photo placements. It is such a shame that they do not show themselves off more for Weddings. 

I have had to go through many other online avenues to hear other reviews for this place. I am having to use reviewing sites to get good photos etc. Here is what Trip advisor have:

Above are the type of photos I am looking for and so far I have struggled to find more then this. Its hard to picture yourself there when you cant find anything.

Totally crazy that people done thing websites are important. How much business are they missing out on? Facebook page is here

Here are some photos taken by Gareth Nichols slightlypearshaped.blogspot.co.nz

This is their landing page on the Heritage Site

Requested Pricing - No pdfs given on the site
Reply to my email: 

"We do not send out an actual price list as each wedding can be quite individual.

"We have two options for a Wedding of 80 Guests. We have a Billiard House and a Ballroom. I have attached some Photos for you."

"Both areas can cater for up to 80 people mix and mingle and 60 seated.

The prices will vary depending on if you are having your Ceremony and Wedding here or if it is just the Ceremony.

Ranging between $950 inc gst and $1850 inc gst. (great pricing)

We can also cater for a Marquee in our gardens.

 
Additional charges would be Catering and Staffing. We do not supply Caterers so you are able to select your own or cater yourselves. The only other cost would be for our staffing.

I hope that helps a little for you. If you would like to meet and look at the venue, let me know and we can plan a suitable time."

___________________________

The historic Billiard House seats a maximum number of 60 people for a formal dinner and accommodates up to 90 people for a cocktail reception. It can be used in conjunction with the Ballroom or as a standalone venue.

The Ballroom with its grand piano was added in the late 1870s and is a great choice for special occasions. It accommodates up to 50 people seated or 75 people standing. With its Kauri panelling, Victorian antiques and original artwork, this exclusive venue offers a warm ambiance perfect for hosting clients or celebrating special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or anniversaries.

For larger functions up to 200 people, a marquee can be set up on the front mature trees with the main house providing a picture perfect backdrop.Highwic has one of Auckland’s most complete historic gardens, including a tennis court, croquet lawn and a fernery. It is the perfect place for a relaxed garden party or barbeque.

The Events site www.platniumhire.co.nz knew more about the venue then the venues own webiste:
Highwic offers an authentic Victorian Ballroom, Billiard House and spacious grounds for marquees. Highwic’s beautiful garden is the perfect setting for a relaxed garden party or barbeque.

I like this place, but really disappointed in the amount of information that is not available and the amount of hunting I had to do to find information.

SHORTLISTED