1st prize to Daniel & Sarah - married at Tora
We love the magical beauty of this image, the love between the happy couple, the ethereal lighting, golden grass, the majestic cliffs of our beautiful South Wairarapa coast, the rugged landrover adding another dimension - a complete package. This is a perfect showcase of our region as a wedding destination.....simply magical.
Daniel & Sarah win two nights at Altitude Apartments beautiful Studio apartment, a romantic dinner for two at Cafe Medici & a bottle of Margrain bubbles compliments of Martinborough Wine Merchants.
Here's their story:
We chose Tora as our wedding destination as it is our second home, we had our first "away" date in Tora, met each other's friends and family, and also had the joy of getting engaged there, for us there was never another place that would be so perfect.
The scenery, good times & joy that we feel when there, has always meant that we couldn't imagine a better place to host one hell of a party, to share this part of the Wairarapa with our guests meant a lot to us. Seeing people's faces on the day & knowing that we had just shown them another piece of paradise was amazing. Not to mention the fact they were eating locally caught crayfish & venison!
We were very lucky to find amazing locals & friends to help us with the day, from Cronuts for our wedding cake from Clareville Bakery to our amazing caterers Chef on Demand from Masterton and Julie Riddle as our celebrant from Hinakura…..also a good friend Hamish racing back to Martinborough to retrieve Daniels suit pants at the last minute.
Our wedding day was perfect in every way, even losing power at 9am in the morning wasn't going to make a difference, we knew that it would all come off in the end. Tora has a way of showing its best. And we are lucky enough to have the photographs to show it.
This place is a little piece of paradise that lets us have our perfect days, whenever we go out and the sun is shining we get to remember the day where we made our vows, promised to grow old together and can fish till our hearts content……….all be it arguing over who got the bigger fish.
Sara & Daniel Brass
Daniel & Sarah win two nights at Altitude Apartments beautiful Studio apartment, a romantic dinner for two at Cafe Medici & a bottle of Margrain bubbles compliments of Martinborough Wine Merchants.
Here's their story:
We chose Tora as our wedding destination as it is our second home, we had our first "away" date in Tora, met each other's friends and family, and also had the joy of getting engaged there, for us there was never another place that would be so perfect.
The scenery, good times & joy that we feel when there, has always meant that we couldn't imagine a better place to host one hell of a party, to share this part of the Wairarapa with our guests meant a lot to us. Seeing people's faces on the day & knowing that we had just shown them another piece of paradise was amazing. Not to mention the fact they were eating locally caught crayfish & venison!
We were very lucky to find amazing locals & friends to help us with the day, from Cronuts for our wedding cake from Clareville Bakery to our amazing caterers Chef on Demand from Masterton and Julie Riddle as our celebrant from Hinakura…..also a good friend Hamish racing back to Martinborough to retrieve Daniels suit pants at the last minute.
Our wedding day was perfect in every way, even losing power at 9am in the morning wasn't going to make a difference, we knew that it would all come off in the end. Tora has a way of showing its best. And we are lucky enough to have the photographs to show it.
This place is a little piece of paradise that lets us have our perfect days, whenever we go out and the sun is shining we get to remember the day where we made our vows, promised to grow old together and can fish till our hearts content……….all be it arguing over who got the bigger fish.
Sara & Daniel Brass
2nd prize to Courtney & Shane - married at Tarureka Estate
This image is stunning, the rustic barn, the lighting, the love between the two surrounded by a picture frame image....we loved how there is a story to tell in every window of the barn. The beautiful story attached to Courtney's submission made our hearts melt.
Courtney & Shane win a fantastic night for four at Brackenridge country retreat's beautiful cottage.
Here's their story:
The day Shane proposed atop the Waiohine Gorge swing bridge, my first thought was, 'I am not going over that swing bridge because I hate heights!' I soon overcame this, and was so thankful that Shane had proposed in a place so close to our hearts, as it doesn't matter how near or far away we travel, we can always come back and visit this place; our home - the Wairarapa.
When looking for our style of relaxed wedding venues, we knew we wanted to have the ceremony and the reception in the same place; somewhere where all our closest friends and family could stay together. Tarureka fit the bill – we knew as soon as we saw it!
Shane and I have nothing but fond memories and strong emotions when we think of the Wairarapa; it is where our story began, where our relationship grew, and where we will raise our children one day. The question isn't why we picked the Wairarapa to get married. It is why would we go anywhere else? Because of this reason, we were going no further than our own 'back yard' to choose a venue for our magical day.
Courtney & Shane Halligan
For the full story on this gorgeous wedding, click this link
http://www.perspectives.co.nz/photo/tarureka-estate-wedding-photos-featherston/
Courtney & Shane win a fantastic night for four at Brackenridge country retreat's beautiful cottage.
Here's their story:
The day Shane proposed atop the Waiohine Gorge swing bridge, my first thought was, 'I am not going over that swing bridge because I hate heights!' I soon overcame this, and was so thankful that Shane had proposed in a place so close to our hearts, as it doesn't matter how near or far away we travel, we can always come back and visit this place; our home - the Wairarapa.
When looking for our style of relaxed wedding venues, we knew we wanted to have the ceremony and the reception in the same place; somewhere where all our closest friends and family could stay together. Tarureka fit the bill – we knew as soon as we saw it!
Shane and I have nothing but fond memories and strong emotions when we think of the Wairarapa; it is where our story began, where our relationship grew, and where we will raise our children one day. The question isn't why we picked the Wairarapa to get married. It is why would we go anywhere else? Because of this reason, we were going no further than our own 'back yard' to choose a venue for our magical day.
Ko au tō maunga, tū tonu
ko te moana pari mai koe
ko koe te awa i taku remu
I am the mountain, you are the sea flowing toward me
ko te moana pari mai koe
ko koe te awa i taku remu
I am the mountain, you are the sea flowing toward me
You are the river that runs through me, I am her she is me.
Courtney & Shane Halligan
For the full story on this gorgeous wedding, click this link
http://www.perspectives.co.nz/photo/tarureka-estate-wedding-photos-featherston/
3rd prize to Jessica & Peter - married at Poppies Martinborough
We adore this image, the story behind it sealed the deal when choosing this prize winner, a fantastic description of the image showing that love truly conquers all..... you'll understand when you read it.
Jessica & Peter win a fantastic dinner at Cool Change Bar & Eatery to the value of $150.
Here's their story:
They say it's the little things that go wrong on your wedding day that make for the best stories. Our wedding day is definitely our best story.
Our wedding inspiration was born from our engagement in the vines in the South of France, the idea of being married in the summer in a vineyard was our perfect fit.
The South Wairarapa has always been close to my heart, my parents live in Martinborough and we couldn't have imagined a more ideal setting for our wedding. Once we discovered our dream venue and location at the beautiful Poppies, Martinborough the whole day came together just as we had imagined.
On a scorching hot day in January we said our vows amongst the vines and became husband and wife. The bride had whooping cough and the groom couldn't see due to sweat in his eyes but none of it really seemed to matter.
My favourite memory of the day is captured in our favourite photo. I'm trying to persuade five layers of wedding dress tule in to the iconic Poppies car as Pete is honourably trying to help and accidentally ripping my dress.
As I said, the little things on what was truly our perfect day.
Jessica & Peter Reed
Jessica & Peter win a fantastic dinner at Cool Change Bar & Eatery to the value of $150.
Here's their story:
They say it's the little things that go wrong on your wedding day that make for the best stories. Our wedding day is definitely our best story.
Our wedding inspiration was born from our engagement in the vines in the South of France, the idea of being married in the summer in a vineyard was our perfect fit.
The South Wairarapa has always been close to my heart, my parents live in Martinborough and we couldn't have imagined a more ideal setting for our wedding. Once we discovered our dream venue and location at the beautiful Poppies, Martinborough the whole day came together just as we had imagined.
On a scorching hot day in January we said our vows amongst the vines and became husband and wife. The bride had whooping cough and the groom couldn't see due to sweat in his eyes but none of it really seemed to matter.
My favourite memory of the day is captured in our favourite photo. I'm trying to persuade five layers of wedding dress tule in to the iconic Poppies car as Pete is honourably trying to help and accidentally ripping my dress.
As I said, the little things on what was truly our perfect day.
Jessica & Peter Reed
Judges comment
Firstly we'd like to acknowledge every entrant in the competition, we loved seeing the pictures of your happy day & each little caption told a story of amazing love & happiness. Choosing winners from the 68 entries was a difficult task & we spent many hours mulling over who should be the overall winners.
Ultimately we had to make a choice & each of these winners (pictured above) ticked all the boxes in what we were looking for to showcase the South Wairarapa as a gorgeous wedding destination.
(read on for our peoples choice winners.....the entries who gained the most votes)
Ultimately we had to make a choice & each of these winners (pictured above) ticked all the boxes in what we were looking for to showcase the South Wairarapa as a gorgeous wedding destination.
(read on for our peoples choice winners.....the entries who gained the most votes)
People's Choice winners - as chosen by you!
Paula & Aaron - 1st People's Choice with 264 votes
Paula & Aaron win a gorgeous lunch for two with two beverages of their choice at Pinocchio Martinborough - enjoy!
Greg & Trixie - 2nd People's Choice - 209 votes
Greg & Trixie win a gorgeous pamper treatment at Fox Beauty Martinborough, (we think Trixie will enjoy this fabulous prize)!
Makere & Tom - 3rd People's Choice - 190 votes
Makere & Tom win a boxed bottle of Colombo wine growers fabulous Pinot Noir - the perfect present to share on a relaxing romantic evening for two!
Acknowledgements
We'd like to acknowledge the following: Altitude Apartments for inspiring us & being incredible supporters in our endeavours to promote Martinborough as a premium destination for weddings, getaways or just a relaxing weekend away. If you get the chance to stay at Altitude you will want to return, the Apartments are incredible with every detail thought of to make your stay unforgettable.
Fiona & Peter Couchman for their contribution to judging this competition, we've thoroughly enjoyed your invaluable input, the hours spent judging, discussing, deliberating - we couldn't have been in better company, you are both amazing.
Last but not least a huge thanks to all the businesses who've sponsored the competition & the bubbles & canapés prizegiving - a wonderful celebration to end a fantastic competition.
Altitude Apartments, Cafe Medici, Martinborough Wine Merchants, Brackenridge Country Retreat, Cool Change Bar & Eatery, Pinocchio Martinborough, Fox Beauty, Colombo Winegrowers, Beautifully You lash & Beauty Boutique, Palliser Estate, Nick Arnold Catering, Erina Wood Photography, The Flower Depot.
Trish Higginson & Karina Hailwood
Creative Directors
Martinborough Village
"Let us show you the magic of our town"
Copyright MV 2015
enquiries to karina@martinborough-village.co.nz
Martinborough Village
"Let us show you the magic of our town"
Copyright MV 2015
enquiries to karina@martinborough-village.co.nz
