Who ate all the pies?

There are two things that Dave has specifically requested for our wedding. As he's pretty laid back when it comes to centrepieces, save the date designs, and shoes, I figure that it's only fair that he should have his few wishes granted.

First off the blocks: the man wants a big band to play at the reception. No arguments from me. This is something that I really wanted, but had never mentioned as I thought it would be waaay too expensive, so I popped it on the nice, but not gonna happen pile. But then he bought it up. Bless.

Secondly: he wants pies. Yep, Mrs Macs in a pie warmer pies. Dave has a few in-jokes with a few people concerning the beauty of the 1 dollar pie. He wants a pie warmer at the reception so that if our guest don't like their Moroccan lamb whatnots they can be consoled with some beef and gravy in a soggy pasty pocket.

Fair enough. Who am I to judge? He wants so little... let them eat pies.

Yum.

Please bear with me while I take a moment to drool over these creations from Urban Gourmet. Based in Auckland, this food company will cater (although "cater" seems like too ordinary a word for this lot, conjuring up images of ladies in school canteens whipping up pineapple and cheese sammies) at a venue of your choice in the Auckland region. Shame that Blenheim isn't in the Auckland region; how wonderful would it be to have this for cocktail hour? They'll also help to select appropriate venues for your function from their comprehensive list of contacts (which includes the Auckland Museum; one of The premier wedding venues in the city. sigh).

Good enough to eat (off)

Deviating from the wedding (and New Zealand based {sorry!}) inspiration for a post to introduce my new favourite store - Anthropologie. I'm sure I'm the last to know about this company but my jaw dropped when I saw their site and now I have to share. Not only providing the world with the coolest clothing range, they'll make your house look awesome too!! bathmats, shower curtains, pot holders, paperweights; it's all ultra-trendy and I want all of it! Here are a few of my favourites...

Hip Hip Hooray! the first reader inspiration board!

Today I had the enormous pleasure of receiving the first reader contributed/created inspiration board from Mel (she of the Alfred Angelo and Jim Hjelm inspiration boards of last week...). This one is again based on the Jim Hjelm dress, but also includes a picture of the stunning and much-coveted Clearwater Resort where the reception is going to take place. I love how soft and romantic this all looks, but also how the venue, bouquet, and second (white) cake photos add a modern element to it. Can't wait to feature this wedding after the special day!

mmmm yummy!

A big thanks to Aly for introducing me to today's guest, Cupcake Parlour. I know some people might see the cupcake tower in lieu of a wedding cake idea as a touch passe, but I think these still look lovely, and even if it's "been done before" it still looks stunning (and tastes it too!) I especially like the idea of having a tower of cupcakes but with a traditional cake as the top layer for cutting. Based in Christchurch, the parlour will deliver anywhere in New Zealand. Even if you don't go with them for a wedding, why not get some delivered to your door just for the sake of it?!

To get the ball rolling...

The Big Day is a mere 26 months away!! I know that it is a long way off yet, but I also know that two years is going to go by very quickly (and, frankly, nothing is going to stop me planning our big day now that the ring is on my finger!). A close friend, and fellow bride-to-be, Mel, is now in the 18 months before her Big Day, and it’s amazing how quickly it’s all happening.
I seem to change my mind every five minutes on the colour scheme, and whether I am pro- or anti-favours, but we have at least got a couple of things in the pipeline.

Aside from the actual vow-exchange/getting-married part of it, I am most into the reception. I love food, and I love my family and friends more than anything – so the idea of throwing the biggest party of our lives at which we get to feed our family and friends is kind of exhilarating! Am gobsmacked, though, at how far in advance places book out – the venue we love best already has bookings into 2010!! so we have jumped on the bandwagon and booked as well.

We are getting married in my home town of Blenheim, New Zealand. The “Sunshine capital of New Zealand” (though Nelson wouldn’t agree – we have a bit of a Shelbyville/Springfield thing going) Blenheim is most well-known for being in Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s wine regions. So we’re kind of spoilt for choice for chic, well-designed, wineries stocking gorgeous food and amazing wines. A few months ago my parents and the in-laws went out for a luncheon at Drylands Estate, a beautiful winery restaurant owned by the amazingly talented Dietmar Schnarre. Dietmar is also the proprietor of Bellafico which serves The most divine desserts in Blenheim, if not all of New Zealand. Seating 130 people, and with a dance floor all ready to go, Drylands is perfect. Not being a huge fan of the buffet line, but not wanting to restrict choice either, their plated buffet is perfect for us.