That takes the cake
Wedding cakes in Canterbury are no longer just dessert; they’re edible personality statements, with couples choosing designs and flavours that reflect their history, quirks, and shared obsessions. Here are some of the main trends this year on the wedding cake scene… A walk in the garden: Nature-inspired cakes are everywhere, decorated with wildflowers, […]
Outdoor space design
Comfort, style and year-round use of your outdoor space doesn’t just happen by accident. To create a something gorgeous, make a plan. Here are the top tips gleaned from some of Canterbury’s outdoor design experts. Outdoor living is a way of life in New Zealand. From long summer evenings to crisp autumn mornings, […]
The Bellbird journey: Bellbird Bakery
From baking sourdough bread in a backyard oven to operating three stores across Christchurch, one local baker has transformed Canterbury’s sourdough scene. Bellbird Bakery started in 2010, when owner Jeremy MacCormack baked sourdough bread and French viennoiserie in his homemade backyard oven, first bartering loaves with neighbours, then setting up a stall at […]
In the heart of the city: Rose Historic Chapel
One of the few remaining heritage buildings left within the Four Avenues, the Rose Historic Chapel is a unique, central city setting for small, intimate weddings. With a secluded rose garden and a beautiful circular stained glass window, the scene is set for unforgettable nuptials. The picturesque Victorian stone building with high ceilings […]
From stuck to starting again: I Get It
Work or study no longer feels fulfilling? Relationships feel strained, or there’s a sense that something needs to change but the next step isn’t clear? That’s where life coaching can make a difference. For life coach Dianne Heslop, her website messaging is ‘I get it’ because she does. She understands what it’s like […]
Canterbury housing bucks the trend: Ray White Marshland director Amanda Blair
While much of the country feels the slowdown, the housing market in Canterbury remains buoyant. Unlike most of New Zealand, the Canterbury housing market is showing strong, resilient growth in early 2026, with median prices rising roughly 2.2% year-on-year, which is outperforming many other regions. “We are lucky to have such a great […]
Clean that carpet: Chemdry
In an instant, food, drink and everyday life find their way onto furniture, upholstery, and carpet. It’s one of life’s biggest frustrations, and more than that, it can impact the health of your home. A build-up of dirt, dust, bacteria and allergens sits deep within fibres, beyond the reach of regular vacuuming. That’s […]
DIY reception dress
When Christchurch bride Emily Shannon wasn’t sure she could convince her groom Rhys that she needed a second dress for their wedding reception, she gathered her patternmaking book and an ethereal silk fabric, and put her fashion design degree to the test. What inspired your dress? I wanted a second dress because of […]
The perfect wedding checklist: Amuri Estate
When Laura and Sam Arnold began searching for their wedding venue, they knew exactly what they wanted and what they didn’t. We were looking for somewhere elegant but rustic,” Laura says. “It had to have a wet-weather option and some kind of view or backdrop.” There was one more non-negotiable: their dog, Maverick, […]
WIN a $15,000 wedding package: Christchurch Wedding Expo
Bring your bridal dreams and burning questions to Te Pae on 14 June when the region’s best wedding vendors, and one unmissable giveaway, gather under one roof. “Your journey to ‘I do’ starts here,” says the woman making the Christchurch Wedding Expo happen, Morgan Tracy-Mines. “This is your premier opportunity to connect with […]
