Married with mead: Colony
Celebrating a wedding involves many traditions. One of the oldest relates to the drinking of mead, or honey wine, in celebration of the joyful occasion. The term ‘honeymoon’ is said to originate from the 5th-century custom of giving a newly married couple enough mead to last them one moon cycle, about a month. […]
Island nuptials in Niue
Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded clifftop as the sun sets over the endless Pacific, or saying “I do” beneath a canopy of lush rainforest, with the sounds of nature as your wedding music. Niue, the “Rock of Polynesia,” offers an intimate, unspoiled paradise for couples seeking a truly unique and breathtaking wedding […]
The perfect partnership: The Hilltop x 5th Street
After years of extensive renovations, Brent and Kim Robertson stood at The Hilltop, admiring the view while enjoying a celebratory glass of bubbles, and asked the big question: who’s going to do this place justice? The answer was obvious: 5th Street Restaurant. It’s a partnership that makes sense. The Hilltop has the jaw-dropping […]
Top wedding fails
A wedding planner reveals the most common mistakes couples make when planning their big day. I’ve seen it all over the years,” says wedding planner and stylist Suzanne Carson. “Weddings that went off without a hitch and others where, if something could go wrong, it did. The Christchurch earthquakes are a good example. […]
Your stress-less sidekick: On the Day Events
The mission is simple: To make your day flow like Champagne – smooth, sparkling and stress-free. If you’re busy juggling logistics, timelines and vendors, it’s hard to imagine truly enjoying your wedding day. On the Day Events manages the setup, liaises with your vendors, oversees the runsheet, and troubleshoots any issues that could […]
“I knowingly take you”: New Zealand Celebrant Jenni Gibson
Jenni Gibson has been a marriage celebrant for more than 16 years, performing at wedding ceremonies South Island-wide for couples from New Zealand and beyond. “I truly love what I do and believe your wedding day, planned well, should be one of the most enjoyable milestones in your lifetime. No matter what venue […]









