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Dressing Tips for the Groom

When deciding what to wear on your big day, all too often the attire of the groom is not given too much consideration as all attention turns to white dresses and veils. ...Read more

Diamonds and the 4 Cs

We all know that they are a girl's best friend and that they can be tremendously expensive, but for many of us that is the extent of our knowledge when it comes to diamonds. Find out more here. ...Read more

Fit for Marriage

You don't need to go to the gym to get fit. Here are some great exercises which can help you look your best on your wedding day. ...Read more

So you have to make a speech at the wedding?

we have put together a few tips to help you get through the wedding day speeches and make sure that you can enjoy the day. ...Read more

Wedding Rings - Silver, Gold, White-Gold, Platinum & Titanium -

There are a number of different precious metals from which your ring can be made, each with its own characteristics and appearance. We look at the most common: gold, white gold, platinum and titanium. ...Read more

Flowers and Bouquets

Some great tips for choosing your wedding flowers. ...Read more

Makeup Tips - Foundation for your wedding

The foundation you choose for your wedding makeup is an extremely important part of your overall 'look'. We have some great tips on choosing the best foundation. ...Read more

Battling the minefield of divorced parents

While getting married is one of the happiest times in a couple’s life, it can also be one of the most stressful, especially when you are dealing with divorced and remarried families. We have some tips. ...Read more

How do Hens and Stags Party? Our Readers' Ideas

Here are some great ideas from our readers for the ultimate hen and stag party. ...Read more

Wedding Budgets

Budget well and you are half way there. Find out how to budget for your wedding. ...Read more

Lance Eccleshall & Melanie Murphy

A sweeping sea view from Auckland's Bastion Point was the perfect backdrop for Melaine and Lance's wedding.

Their ceremony was a gentle mix of family, emotion and humour. "As we said our vows to each other, we just looked so deeply into each other's eyes", says Melaine. "The funniest part was playing "peaknuckle" after we'd exchanged wedding rings."

Melaine with her parents

The couple included their cultural heritages - Melaine's Dad did a prayer in Samoan and the Best Man and Bridesmaid recited the Lords Prayer in Maori and English.

"These three things incorporated our different races into the ceremony, which I felt made it personal to us" explains Melaine.

Caleb with Lance's mother

Equally special was their son Caleb's naming ceremony with Godparents Andrew and Renee.

Tossing convention aside, Melaine proposed to Lance. "The proposal was 'odd' to say the least," explains Melaine. "I wrote all over Lance's arm saying how much I loved him, and would he marry me."

Of course, Lance said 'yes', and they threw themselves into the preparations.

Melaine with her family

In the great Kiwi DIY tradition Lance's Aunt Audrey and Melaine did the invitations, Melaine's Mum turned out a gorgeous wedding cake (her first ever), and friends organised the flowers and lent trees to decorate the venue.

Another family friend made mementos for the women guests. "Little heart pillows with our initials, two gold rings and the date of the wedding. She also made a bigger one for us to keep," says Melaine. "Everybody said how lovely they were."

There was only one wedding must-have. "Everyone must have fun - by order of the Bride" chuckles Melaine.

The wedding party

"Lance and his men wore the usual black suit and white shirt," explains Melaine. "I wore a gold skirt, cream blouse and lace-up corset-style waistcoat - think 'Olde English Barmaid'. My bridesmaids wore (no joking!) burgundy nighties from Farmers."

And how is married like so far? "Pretty much the same," says Melaine. "It's our "one month" anniversary tomorrow. I don't have to remind Lance to keep putting his ring on any more either."