Cable Bay Vineyard - top location

If you're looking for style, romance and sophistication, look no further that the gorgeous Cable Bay Vineyard. A 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland on Waiheke Island, this venue and it's suroundings provide a captivating backdrop for your special day.

Carol Schofield from Cable Bay tells us a few of her tips when making a decision about choosing a venue...

• Ensure you view the venue first to ensure it meets all your requirements
• Always have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather
• Don’t lose sight of the reason for the celebration – you are marrying the love of your life!

Having dined out there on a few occasions now, it's easy to understand why Cable Bay have won numerous awards, including:
Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards 2010, Finalist, Metro Restaurant of the Year Awards 2010; Winner Best Service, Metro The Best 50 Bars in Auckland 2009; Top 10 Bars - ‘Where to watch the sun go down’, Corporate Events Guide Best Private Hire Venue 2008, Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards 2008, Finalist

Just to name a few!

So whether you're looking for a wedding venue or perhaps just looking for a fabulous spot to dine - look no further than Cable Bay Vineyard.

Ps - Happy Valentines Day

Props

Hello! Today we did a big photo shoot to showcase our latest works and some of favorite designs over the last few months.

Lots to show you and can't wait to get the photos back in its full edited glory! Here are a couple snaps of some the cute wee props we used to make the shoot perfect. Pegs? yep pegs. Old wooden ones at that.

Really wish I'd lined that book up better. The REAL photographer had her ruler out.

We did find a use for all that twine

When Rose met Charcoal

Yum - I love these colours together. They just work so well. Pairing a charcoal dress with soft pink can look just gorgeous and of course vice versa...

We all know that the colours you choose will impact the overall feeling of your wedding - they set the tone, the feel and overall look for your special day.

When thinking of colours, think of when Rose met Charcoal.... a very nice fit indeed.

Bakers Twine and Paper Straws

Bakers Twine Paper Straws Bundles Grey Straws

I know what you're thinking...bakers twine and paper straws?! what does that have to do with wedding stationery? Well about as much as the 'Black Swan' movie does. NOTHING!! But these cute wee irrelevant objects are what I seem to be obsessed with at the moment. I love the colours, the textures and the retro feel they have.

They can actually be a good source of wedding inspiration too - the twine can be used in your invites some how (wrapped around a paper belly band for example) or tying name tags to your wedding favours. And the paper straws could be a table feature sticking out of bottles of cold lemonade or a bundled in bulk for interesting centerpieces.

Well we better find a use for them because I seem to have 144 straws and a tone of twine winging its way to me as we speak.

Amy Schulz Photography

Have a look at these gorgeous photos taken by the very talented Amy Schulz...

Amy Schulz Photography is a Wellington based photographer and is one of the most passionate photographers I've met - she truly is someone who goes the extra mile for her clients.

We spoke to Amy recently about some tips she has about how to make your photos for the big day extra special...

"Props are a fantastic way of showing your personality in your images, as long as you keep them simple and don't overcrowd the image. I've had clients use bright red gumboots for a shoot at Ohairu Farm, they matched the flowers beautifully and the colour against the green of the landscape was amazing. Umbrellas and parasols are a more obvious choice for images but if you want something a little different, there's so many options!"

"Furniture is always great in a bare landscape, cane chairs, sofa seats or deck chairs on the beach and it's a fantastic way of placing the wedding party, instead of having them all standing around. Chalk boards, feathers, pearls and old bikes can give a lovely vintage feel to your photographs"

"I know it would seem a bit daunting to work with animals, especially when you're in that beautiful white dress, but there's nothing better than having your family dog, or a field full of horses or peacocks in the background of your images. These are all things to take into consideration when choosing your shooting venues with your photographer"

Amy Schulz Photography

Black Swan

Saw 'Black Swan' last night, an amazing movie - Nataile Portman is a standout and fully deserves all the award nominations she's been getting.

So today we bring you an inspiration board inspired by the movie. This look - whether you choose the white 'good' swan or the black 'evil' swan look - will be a stunning look to pull of. Taking inspiration from the ballet-look dresses and the feather accessories make a striking combo. Fun for your bridal party or just for fun. Do it!

Jewel me up

Rope Necklace, Sapphire Earrings, Swarovski Rose Necklace, Pearl drop earrings, Max & Chloe bow necklace, Gold and Crystal earrings

A sprinkling of jewels for you to lust over. Who said you can't wear colored jewelry on your big day! Matching your earrings to your bridesmaids dresses can be a great way of tying the whole look of the bridal party together. You could wear something traditional, like your beloved Nana's pearls of something totally different and start creating your own tradition.