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Storing your wedding dress

Ensure your wedding dress looks beautiful for years to come. ...Read more

Wedding Invitations - FAQ

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about invitations. ...Read more

Writing the Wedding Ceremony

Writing the words for your wedding ceremony can put a special touch on your day. ...Read more

Wedding Planning Tips

We asked our readers to give their best wedding planning tips. Here is what they had to say. ...Read more

Alcohol-free Alternatives

Stylish drinks that won’t lose you your driving licence or give you a headache ...Read more

Make-up tips for Mother-of-the-Bride or mature Brides

Debbie Jean has some fantastic tips for mature woman to make the most of what you have! ...Read more

Use hair and makeup to accentuate your face shape

The shape of your face can be enhanced if you choose the correct wedding make-up and hair style. Find out how! ...Read more

Save money on your mortgage

Everyone wants to pay off their mortgage as cheaply and quickly as possible - here are some ideas to help you to do just that. ...Read more

Wedding Budgets

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

Don't become a video expert

In this technological age, choosing your videographer can seem like a daunting task. However, we have some tips for you which don't require you to become a video expert! ...Read more

Pernille & Steve

Pernille and Steve chose to celebrate the best of New Zealand along with their marriage.

Photos by Michael Parrott, Wellington

Selecting Ohakune, nestled at the foot of Mt Ruapehu in World Heritage Tongariro National Park, made for spectacular wedding photos among some of New Zealand's best scenery.

"We spent around four hours near Turoa Skifield - from tip-toeing down a scree slope to a waterfall (in our shoes!), to playing soccer by the Ohakune train station, to being lifted over a mountain stream by Steve - it was extreme photography!" remembers Pernille.

Ohakune's Powderhorn Chateau hosted the evening ceremony and reception. With the sun still shining, Pernille walked between bubbly-sipping guests to join Steve on the verandah for a short ceremony.

"It was very spiritual. We spoke about love, and friendship and special times, things to remember in a relationship (like not going to sleep angry) and preparing to accept the relationship as it grows." explains Pernille.

Pernille chose a simple white satin gown with shoe-string straps and a kimono-style train finished with a white veil and a single-string diamond necklace.

Her bridesmaids wore burnt-gold gowns in a similar style with gold jewellery.

Steve and his attendants wore dark suits.

Powderhorn's Chef picked up their New Zealand theme and served NZ salmon and Southland organic beef, and boutique Kapiti ice-cream with fresh fruit salad for dessert.

Pernille and Steve chose (what else in Ohakune?) carrot and banana for their wedding cake, along with Lindauer for toasts.

"The fabulous food and ambiance at the Powderhorn made the whole place feel like you had invited all your friends around for a meal at your own home. It was so memorable. There was even a cat who came in and sat on guests' laps throughout the evening." says Pernille.

Another of Pernille and Steve's 'must haves' was a really special first dance. Secret lessons paid off as they delighted their guests with a five-minute Salsa routine.

"The crowd erupted into clapping and cheering after we had finished our five-minute slice of Latino, and we rushed out to grab others from the guests to begin the next Latin dance. It really broke the ice." Smiles Pernille.

"After we had finished the salsa, and were in the final pose, Steve kissed me. Just as all the camera's went off!"

"The dancing began at 9pm and continued until 3am, even the older relations were to be seen dancing to 50's, 60's and 70's hits until the small hours."

"All our guests stayed at the Powderhorn Chateau for the night and had breakfast with us the next morning."

And married life so far? "It's fabulous!" exclaims Pernille.