prairie girl musings

Author: prairiegirlmusings

Food, Wine & Life Online

On Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of hosting 21 guests at the first in what will hopefully be a regular lunch and dinner series. Food, Wine & Life Online was a chance to bring people together for a beautiful meal and conversation.

The group consisted of small business owners, photographers, chefs, freelancers, designers, nurses, social workers, entrepreneurs, academics, and artists. In attendance was a woman who had only moved to Christchurch four months ago and others who’ve lived in Christchurch for most of their lives. We spent a few hours together, enjoying four vegan courses prepared by Flip and Yousef at Grater Goods paired with Greystone wines. The event was intimate and informative yet informal, the perfect size to get to speak to everyone and learn a bit more about who they are.

I spoke a little bit about my experience moving to Christchurch four years ago, building a creative community, and why I think these types of gatherings are so important. Alissa talked us through the wines, winemaking process at Greystone, and how their wines are 100% certified organic and vegan (unlike many NZ wines that contain animal byproducts…) Flip spoke about her journey becoming a vegan and why she creates food that challenges our preconceived notions about plant-based food. You need to try their salmon lox bagel (which is actually carrot, not salmon) and KFT (tofu that could pass for the real thing!)

If you want to read more about what inspired me to hold this event, I’ve written about it here. Otherwise, have a look through the photos taken by my dear friend, Nancy Zhou and leave me a comment if you’re interested in coming along to the next one. We’re looking at having it amongst the olive groves at the Greystone vineyard.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported this idea, to Nancy for taking these photos and Grater Goods and Greystone for providing the food and wine. I am immensely grateful for your love and support.

September 1, 2019
What I Really Thought Of Dubai
We’ve all read a scathing review or two on Dubai. It’s the kind of place that attracts mixed opinions.

I have friends who absolutely love it and others who swear they’d never set foot on its sandy shores. Truthfully, it’s probably not somewhere I’d choose to visit for a full-blown holiday. However, when we decided to travel to Amsterdam, (read my city guide here) I knew I didn’t want to fly all the way from New Zealand to Europe without stopping somewhere in between. I’ve been fortunate to visit most of the usual stopover destinations: Singapore, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles and of course, Vancouver. So when Dubai came up in conversation, I was intrigued by this megacity in the desert and eager to form my own opinion about it. As an aside, Nick and I have a friend who lives in Abu Dhabi, so we were quite keen to catch up with him.

Dubai is a city of contrasts. Its population relies on expats and international labour (those dizzyingly high skyscrapers didn’t build themselves…) Its class system is very apparent from first encounter. We immediately noticed busloads of foreign workers, all crammed into non-air conditioned vehicles on 40+ degree days. Foreigners contribute to society but, as outsiders, are not part of that society. Dubai markets itself and masquerades as a modern playground on the Persian Gulf, but remains a deeply conservative Islamic state.

From an urban planning point-of-view, it’s a bit of a nightmare and completely impossible to walk anywhere. Nick and I attempted to walk from our hotel to the nearest beach and got about 200 metres before the sidewalk ended… I get that many cities were designed around the automobile, but Dubai’s sense of place seems to be borrowed from all corners of the globe. It’s like Ibiza, Guangzhou, Houston and Monaco all rolled into one. As a city, it’s a jack of all trades yet master of none.

For all its shortcomings, there are plenty of positives as well. While many people say there’s no culture in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you only need to visit the spice souks or go for a boat ride across Dubai Creek to know that’s not true. We ventured to the Louvre and the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. All of these experiences will offer a closer look at these Emirati cities and help you understand their many facets. Riding an abra across Dubai Creek, for instance, is one of the quaintest ways to get a feel for life in Dubai. These traditional wooden boats carry about twenty people and many locals use them to avoid traffic.

Despite the extreme heat, we enjoyed exploring the desert with Platinum Heritage. On the tour, we rode camelback, drove over the sand dunes in vintage Land Rovers and enjoyed Arabic dancing and cuisine at sunset. I even tried camel milk, which was super creamy. Arabic food is delicious (so much hummus and falafel, yum!) and we loved dining outside and cooling off with watermelon and pomegranate juice. I think I drank my weight in juice during those three days.

If you’re looking for a reason to visit, the food scene alone might convince you. Many well-known chefs from around the world got their starts in Dubai. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés that are well worth visiting, but a few of our favourites included:
- Home Bakery Kitchen in the Design District
- Tom & Serg has a beautiful interior and incredible breakfast menu
- Wild & the Moon (we actually went to the Paris location) but it’s the best place for healthy smoothies and plant-based meals
- Salt – Kite Beach for the best burgers in Dubai
- Blacksmith was our favourite coffee shop in Abu Dhabi. It’s located next to NYU Abu Dhabi (yes, they have a campus here, which Nick and I both found quite surprising!)
Like in other muslim countries, women should dress conservatively in the UAE (with the exception of hotels). Covering your head is obviously essential at mosques, but wearing long dresses and pants is fine elsewhere. Out of respect, you should abide by local customs, plus it’ll save you sun damage during. Drinking is illegal except at 5-star hotels (where cocktails are $20-30 NZD a pop…) but shisha is everywhere.

I was hesitant to share my thoughts on Dubai. I appreciate every single travel experience and consider myself lucky to be able to visit far-flung destinations. I’d be lying if I said we didn’t love cooling off with overpriced cocktails at our hotel’s rooftop pool (it’s easy to lure me in…) We stayed at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Beach. Hotels can be expensive in Dubai, but prices are heavily discounted during July/August. On a deeper level, there’s also something to be learned from every destination and I’m not one to take any experience for granted.

While I probably wouldn’t recommend an extended holiday in Dubai, (though we met a German father and daughter duo who visit every year) two or three days in the desert city is a fun way to break up long haul travel. Have you ever been to Dubai? What did you think?
August 20, 2019
Why I’m Hosting My First-Ever Event

In just a couple weeks, I’ll be hosting my very first event: a long lunch with two of my favourite local businesses. Food, Wine & Life Online is a chance to meet likeminded folk who cherish good food, organic wine and conversation.

The idea to host a gathering came about while scrolling through Instagram (typical). Feeling increasingly detached from the current social media landscape, I noticed how many accounts I was following purely for inspiration. My feed’s become saturated with similar photos using similar engagement strategies. I’m following so many accounts and falling deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.

I think many of my friends and fellow digital nomads feel the same way. We’re all becoming disillusioned with the online landscape and what it’s become. Spending hours working alone, creating content, writing blog posts or editing videos means we forget to slow down, to take care of ourselves and check in on each other.

Having attended countless blogger events in Toronto, I now feel like I’m in a position to plan and host an event of my own. Specifically, I want to host something that’s less about surface-level networking and more about vulnerability and forming deeper connections. I was inspired by a Kinfolk gathering I attended a few years ago, where I sat between two people I’d never met before. These gatherings are intimate meals in gorgeous restaurants and homes. They are seasonal celebrations designed by local chefs and creatives. Christchurch needs more of these sorts of gatherings.

I want to live a more considered life, at a measured pace, where I step back and appreciate each moment. I want to get to know my neighbours and fellow entrepreneurs, to contribute to my creative community and the well-being of my city. This event is my first step in that direction, so I hope you’ll come along to see what it’s all about.

Held at Grater Goods in Sydenham, Food, Wine & Life Online will bring together people from different corners of the city for a three-course vegan lunch and wine by North Canterbury’s own, Greystone Wines. In attendance will be a handful of creatives, foodies and small business owners, but most importantly locals who are looking for new opportunities within the community. Christchurch has been through so much, more than any city of its size should ever endure. So, let’s take time to get to know each other better, to be more empathetic and kind.

See you on August 31st.

August 14, 2019
Where We Went In Amsterdam

I could, without any hesitation, pack up and move to Amsterdam. It’s the perfect city with its beautiful canals and row houses, delicious cuisine, and friendly, easy-going people. And don’t even get me started on the bike lanes! Everyone cycles here and it’s truly one of the most civilised places I’ve ever been. It’s a lot more touristy than when I visited five years ago, but I suppose that’s a testament to what a great city it is to visit and to live in.

We were in Amsterdam because Nick was doing a university course at VU Amsterdam. It’s an international university where all postgraduate courses are taught in English, attracting a huge number of travellers and expats. Nick’s course was two weeks long, so I stayed for a week and went travelling with a friend for the other week (more on that in another blog post!) We took the opportunity to settle in and properly explore this liveable, beautiful city. Our friend, Alice also visited from Berlin and the three of us had such a great time.

Recently, Amsterdam’s also become a hub for entrepreneurs and freelancers. From what I’ve heard, it’s relatively easy to get a freelancer’s visa, so who knows, maybe we’ll move here for awhile…

Where to stay:
Since Nick was studying, we secured accomodation at Hotel Jansen which caters to short-stay students. It’s located slightly south of the main tourist area near Vondelpark and the Olympic Stadium, which ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Other accommodation options:
The Hoxton: This canal side hotel on the Herengracht was once the mayor’s home! The Hoxton is known for its beautifully rooms and incredible in-house restaurants.

The Pulitzer: If we weren’t staying at the university accommodation, I would’ve certainly booked a night at Pulitzer. It’s the epitome of Dutch elegance and nearly 400 years old. We just missed Pride, but they had a massive pink deck set up for the festivities!

Where to eat:
In addition to being a hotbed for entrepreneurs, Amsterdam’s also received an influx of lifestyle bloggers and creatives who are flocking to the many photogenic cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the city. We managed to visit a handful of incredible eateries during our stay and I loved both the food and the interiors at all of the following:

The Avocado Show: If you like avocados, make sure you go to The Avocado Show in Amsterdam. Everything on the menu is made using this millennial superfruit and every dish is absolutely ‘grammable.

Little Collins: Alice and I ventured to De Pijp for the most scrumptious Aussie-style brunch (and coffee). We were both such big fans of Little Collins. It’s worth noting that they have two locations in the West and de Pijp neighbourhoods of Amsterdam.

Toki: Coffee in Europe can be hit or miss, but Toki was hands down our favourite café in Amsterdam. If we lived here, we’d probably go at least weekly. With its pretty terrazzo tables and minimalist interior (it’s a mash-up of Japanese and Scandinavian-design), it’s right up my alley. Keep in mind, coffee is the focus here, so best to come for a drink and a snack rather than brunch.

Ree7: This cute little spot is a lovely place for breakfast. If you can, grab a table outside for people watching. We ordered the red velvet pancakes and avocado toast, both were delicious.

Winkel 43: The Dutch love their apple pie and Winkel is the most popular spot (and rightly so) to indulge.

Polaberry: Speaking of treats, if you have a major sweet tooth, you’ll want to hit up this Instagram hotspot (it’s owned by influencer Polina or Polabur) for chocolate-covered strawberries and beautiful cake pops.

Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx: Dutch fries are also an absolute must. There are plenty of great options, but we loved the ones at Vlaams. There’s usually a queue, but it moves quickly.

Mama Kelly: This pink palace was high on my list of places to visit and fortunately, super close to where we were staying. They’re known for their chicken and lobster, but also have some delicious vegetarian options. We ventured here for lunch on our last full day in Amsterdam and it lived up to the hype.

Foodhallen: With a handful of eateries and bars under one roof, Foodhallen is a great place to try a wide variety of concepts and cuisines. There’s even a gin bar…

Pluk Amsterdam: Part shop, part café, Pluk was my go-to for smoothie bowls and healthy breakfast options. It’s great if you’re looking for something light after having a few too many fries, stroopwafels and pancakes. It’s on the prettiest street as well, so make sure to hang around for window shopping.

Cannibale Royale: This dimly restaurant came highly recommended by quite a few people and it didn’t disappoint. I had the vegetarian burger and it was one of the best I’ve ever tried and the sides were equally tasty.

What to do:
A city steeped in history, there’s so much to explore in Amsterdam and I always find I run out of time to do everything I want to.

First things first, hire a bike. It’s the best way to get around and even if you’re not an avid cyclist, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Just remember to always look both ways and don’t cut anyone off. Pretty much everyone commutes to work, so stick to the right so people can pass. I suggest going with Black Bikes (they have 14 locations) or Adamfiets. I rented bikes from both while I was there.

You’ll definitely want to go to the Van Gogh Museum (I’ve been twice) and to see Anne Frank’s House (it books up MONTHS in advance, so don’t delay). Both will be busy, so try to go first thing in the morning on a weekday, if possible.

Another must-visit museum is Rijkmuseum, which is located next to the Van Gogh Museum and has the largest collection of Rembrandt paintings. We also visited the National Maritime Museum (as per Nick’s request) and both really enjoyed the space and learning about the naval history that goes back 500 years. There’s also a 50-minute tour of the old ship where you can experience life aboard and have a look inside the captain’s cabin, the galley and the crew quarters. It’s a great tour for families.

On a sunny day, you’ll want to pack a picnic and spend a few hours in Vondelpark. The public park is always teeming with people of all ages. If you have time, definitely catch the FREE ferry from Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Noord. A friend recommended we check out Pllek in NDSM and it was honestly the coolest bar ever. Very similar to Smash Palace, but bigger and right on the water. Amsterdam Noord also has serious Berlin vibes. Another awesome waterfront bar is Hannekes Boom, which we visited with another Christchurch friend the following day.

I hope you enjoyed reading my Amsterdam guide. If you want to see more of my recommendations, follow me on Instagram here.

Have you ever been to Amsterdam? If so, what did you think?

July 28, 2019
A Weekend Getaway To Isolation Bay

If you’re wanting to experience winter in New Zealand, you’ll have to go further south than Christchurch. Accustomed to full-scale, snow-globe, frostbitten winters back home, it’s almost a relief to see the snow-capped Southern Alps, even from a distance.

So, when an invite to stay at Isolation Bay came through, you’d better believe this Canadian was excited! I had heard about this gorgeous, lakefront retreat with its panoramic views and high ceilings, and was hoping to eventually make it down to Tekapo for a weekend getaway.

Located on the Western shore of Lake Tekapo, Isolation Bay lives up to its name. It’s a perfectly secluded and remote escape for families and friends alike. The space exudes laidback luxury with a roaring fire, gorgeous leather couches, and a large open kitchen. There are five bedrooms, which is ideal whether your group of friends is in need of a long weekend away or you’re planning a family gathering. The space fits up to 16 people, which is quite rare when you consider the location and unobstructed views! I’m actually a bit disappointed I didn’t book a stay there when I was travelling to Queenstown with my family after our wedding in March.

The house is sun-filled and glorious. Slide open the doors and you’ll have immediate access to the vistas of Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped Southern Alps. It’s truly a sight for sore eyes year-round, but extra magical in the winter. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for sunny afternoons; we enjoyed a platter at the picnic table and s’mores by the outdoor fire.

There’s plenty to explore in Tekapo itself. We embarked on a Lake Tekapo Farm Tour that proved to be equal parts fun and informative. You’ll be taken to breathtaking locations, meet and feed farm animals (sheep, alpacas, horses, oh my!) and learn about the history of the Mackenzie region. Without giving too much away, there’s plenty of off-roading and even a jaunt up the side of Mount John Observatory. There was even some cattle calling thanks to Bayley.

After the tour, we stopped into newly opened Our Dog Friday for burgers and drinks (order a hot toddy and thank me later). The restaurant is perfectly situated at the edge of the lake and the menu is super tasty. We tried everything from the gourmet beef and chicken burgers to the loaded fries. You’ll want to hit up this spot if you’ve in need of a mean feed.

After two relaxing nights at Isolation Bay, we packed up our bags and headed back to reality. While I’m physically back in Christchurch, I definitely left my heart in Tekapo. I’ll be reminiscing about the great memories made on this serene, secluded escape for months to come.

Thanks for having us, Isolation Bay and thanks for the photos, Mooch Style.

June 24, 2019
Must-Try Winter Menus In Queenstown

It’s no secret that I love to eat and I’m willing to travel around the country to find the best food on offer. I was recently invited to Queenstown with Miss Lucy’s to celebrate their first birthday and to try everything on their new winter menu. Basically, it was my ultimate weekend away.

Miss Lucy’s is a rooftop restaurant and bar on Camp Street, above Jucy Snooze. Queenstown is an expensive city, so it’s nice to have central accommodation options that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the view from my room was all snow-capped mountains.

The restaurant itself is a ‘grammer’s dream, with peachy pink walls and the most photogenic drinks and dishes I’ve ever seen. The year-round balcony is ideal on a winter’s day, when cosied up next to the roaring fire with s’mores and a hot chocolate in hand. They even have blankets, perfect for rugging up when the temperature drops.

In terms of the menu, it’s impossible to narrow it down, so I’m going to tell you all about my (many) favourite dishes: the halloumi mac and cheese is a showstopper and the jalapeño poppers are perfect if you like a little kick. Mushrooms are in season, of course, and they feature heavily on this new menu. The mushroom dumplings are incredible as is the vegetarian (mushroom) pizza.

If you’re a meat lover, you don’t want to miss the spicy lamb pizza. For drinks, they’ve created a pink gin that rivals every other one I’ve tried (and if you know me, you know I’ve done my research!) If you’re wanting a dessert drink, the chocolate martini (made with vodka) is another must-try.

For dessert, they have the most amazing warm (!) cookies, perfect for dipping in hot cocoa, I should add. Oh, and they’ve managed to create delightful vegan s’mores. My advice is to grab a pal, sit by the fire and dig in.

After a big night celebrating Miss Lucy’s first birthday, I dragged my tired bones to Bespoke Kitchen for a late breakfast. Craving some vegetables, I treated myself to their bespoke bowl, which consists of fried cauliflower, organic brown rice, crispy tofu, daily greens, coriander, pickled radish, tamari seeds, tahini and peanut sauce. It was exactly what my body was craving after one too many chocolate martinis.

After meandering through the Botanic Gardens and even stumbling upon an ice rink (how magical!) I stopped into Cookie Time to try their s’more cookie sandwich (yes, s’mores two days in a row…) What can I say, I’m a s’more addict.

Since this was a food research trip, I headed to Yonder for one last meal before my evening flight. I’ve written about my love for Yonder in the past (it’s actually where I’m drafting this blog post and a favourite coworking spot among locals…) and I was pleased to see a few updates to their already solid menu. I ordered a beetroot latte and their vegan butty. Served with kumara crips and tofu, it’s better than the bacon version.

Queenstown is one of my favourite winter destinations and these enticing menus have me dreaming of a return visit already. Where do you love to eat in New Zealand’s adventure capital?

—

Photos by Sophie Piearcey

My Queenstown weekend was a press trip with Miss Lucy’s, but as always, all words and opinions are my own.

June 17, 2019
Here’s Why You Need To Be At The Christchurch Arts Festival

If there was ever any doubt, Ōtautahi is a city that celebrates creativity and the arts. We’ve seen this with the restoration of Christchurch Town Hall, the success of Bread & Circus, and of course, the sheer number of talented musicians, artists, dancers and performers that regularly share their creativity with us here in Christchurch.

The recently unveiled Christchurch Arts Festival programme is a testament to that creativity and I can’t wait to see the city transform into a carnival of delights. You all know how much I love the arts and will take any opportunity to watch live music, theatre and dance. It’s a privilege to live in a city that champions these art forms.

The programme promises oversized puppets, vibrant digital street art, and some of Ōtautahi’s finest artists. Many of whom will be returning from around the world to perform at the festival. For those wanting a taste of the festival, head along to the free opening spectacle, A Winter’s Tale, which will take place along the Avon River on 26-27 July. Audiences can expect an immersive performance of light and sound led by Free Theatre that will begin with a pōwhiri from mana whenua along the new City Promenade (how cool!) Look out for oversized puppets, masked performers, large-scale projection and special winter hospitality. I’m hoping this means mulled wine?

Other shows include The Clearing – a contemporary dance performance by acclaimed choreographer and Rangiora-raised Ross McCormack; Meremere – the award-winning extraordinary survival story of dancer Rodney Bell; Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo and Flip Grater performing alongside Bel Canto (the Burnside High School Choir they were once part of); Meet me at the Doghouse – a performance featuring the extraordinary alumni of Pacific Underground, and Wild Dogs Under My Skirt with Aranui poet, performer and author, Tusiata Avia.

Another highlight will be a hāngī, for up to 1,000 people which will be laid right next to the festival headquarters at the Town Hall. After the festival, Christchurch will become home to the very first permanent hāngī in New Zealand — lucky us!

If you suffer from the winter blues, make sure you get tickets to this mid-winter carnival that will certainly bring our community together; instilling “a sense of warmth, reflection and renewal to Christchurch as we make our way towards spring.”

The Christchurch Arts Festival 2019 runs from 26 July to 4 August 2019. The full
programme and tickets are available here.

June 14, 2019
The Perfect Winter Coat

We all know that winter can take a toll on our bodies. Thankfully, winters in Christchurch are typically crisp yet sunny and it’s easy to get by with clever layering, a thick pair of socks and a quality winter coat.

Having dealt with -30 degree weather back in Saskatchewan, I don’t find Christchurch winters unbearable (except for the lack of proper insulation in homes, but that’s another story…) Dressing stylishly and warmly is attainable with minimal effort, especially with our access to beautiful and sustainably made garments like this Kowtow coat. In fact, I’ve been living in this coat since I purchased it a few weeks ago. It’s basically a blanket that wraps so wonderfully around thick layers and keeps me warm whether I’m walking to the office or cycling to Smash Palace for after work drinks.

Speaking of winter, I’m heading to Queenstown this weekend to sample some new winter menus and explore the city. I’ve been to QT quite regularly, but never in the wintertime and I’m told it is at its most magical this time of year. So, if you have any suggestions on what to do, please send them my way.

On a completely unrelated note, Urban List New Zealand has officially launched and I’ve written several articles on my favourite South Island cities — Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. I’d love it if you’d check out a few of my pieces and let me know what you think!

Photos by Malia Rose Photography

June 6, 2019
On Finding The Right Hairstylist

Like many, finding the perfect hairstylist has been a lifelong journey.

As a young girl, my parents would take me to Edward Carriere in Winnipeg for trims, and the experience remains etched into my consciousness. Despite being terribly shy and incredibly awkward, I felt taken care of, even glamorous, when having my hair cut. Several years later, I tried a new salon just before summer holidays. Somehow, despite asking for a natural mix of highlights and lowlights, I ended up with jet black hair. It’s still painful to look back on photos from that summer…

When we moved to Christchurch, I had no idea where to begin. There are plenty of highly-acclaimed salons in the city, but due to past experiences, I had trust issues.

I first heard of Balayage* and owner, Tom Ujihara from my friend, Kate. Having secretly admired her perfectly toned and tussled blonde locks, I finally caved and asked her for the lowdown on her stylist. It was a few months before my wedding and I knew I had to get my hair in order with an expert colourist.

Stepping into Balayage*, you’re immediately greeted by each stylist with a friendly smile and a chorus of hellos. The minimalist salon is immaculately designed with white walls, leafy plants and beautifully arranged shelves. It’s sleek without feeling clinical and carefully considered without taking itself too seriously. This atmosphere translates well into the type of experience you can expect at Balayage*.

Truthfully, I’ve never met such a detail-oriented stylist as Tom. Not only is he a balayage expert with next-level blending skills, he’s also a wonderful listener. He listens intently and won’t begin colouring or cutting until he has a clear idea of what you’re wanting, ensuring there are no mishaps. Appointments are never rushed, which is a lovely and quite rare feeling. During my last visit, he noticed a couple strands were a bit too blonde, so he immediately rectified the situation before sending me on my way. This meticulous level of care is the norm at Balayage*. Tom’s clients don’t leave until they are completely satisfied with the finished result.

Finding a salon and a stylist that ticks all the boxes isn’t easy. It’s taken me three years to find my ideal salon experience here in Christchurch. It’s well worth the trial and error because when you do, is when you begin to feel at home in your new city.

We put a lot of trust into the capable hands of our hairdresser. In turn, we are rewarded when we discover an environment where we can truly relax and unwind, away from the stresses of everyday life.

You’ll find Balayage* at 36 Welles Street, Christchurch
03-982 4967
Monday – Saturday
8am – 9pm

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Photos by Nancy Zhou.

May 11, 2019
Our Wedding Day: All The Details

Basically, I needed an excuse to share all our photos with you!

Now that we have a handful of photos, it’s time to write up all the nitty gritty details of our big day. When we were in the early stages of planning, I was constantly googling, typing up wedding-related search queries, and reading blog after blog. While I love flicking through issues of Hello May and Together Journal, there’s something more relatable reading first-hand about my favourite bloggers’ wedding days. So, whether you’re recently engaged, thinking about getting married sometime in the future or just interested in seeing how our day panned out, this one is for you.

I’ve been super emotional since our wedding, especially when looking through our photos. The photo of us walking down the aisle with the rose confetti never fails to make me cry. I think it’s one of those images I’ll forever associate with our day.

Wedding Stationery
Along with our invitations, my friend Amanda created our signage and menus for the day. She chose the font and ensured it remained true to our overall design ethos (pared back, modern and minimalist, words you’ll hear me repeat throughout this post…) Her designs worked seamlessly with the white signage from Bleu Studio. Our ceremony arch was also from Bleu Studio. If you’re planning a modern, minimalist wedding, Lucy’s creations will be right up your alley. We love the clean, streamlined aesthetic of her pieces and designs.

Outfits
I researched dresses online before setting foot in the shops. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted (something simple yet elegant) and ended up going for a silk dress by Dan Jones. He’s a Sydney designer who steers clear of traditional bridal aesthetics and dresses modern women in the most luxurious fabrics. For shoes, I decided on a pair of Chaos and Harmony heels. A Mount Maunganui brand, they invented the comfy yet affordable bridal shoe for Kiwi women. One of the toughest decisions was jewellery. I don’t really wear much on a daily basis, but after scouring every jewellery site imaginable, I finally came across these Picasso earrings by Holly Ryan and I actually wore them a couple times before our wedding. My engagement ring is a green sapphire from Pieces of Eight Gallery and my wedding band was Nick’s grandmother’s wedding ring.

Monique Cadigan at Graceful Hair Art did my hair, my bridesmaids’ hair as well as Nick’s mom and my mom’s hair. Kasia Stanicich did all of our makeup. I put my trust in both these talented ladies and was thoroughly impressed. Monique urged me to wear a middle part and it ended up looking so glam. Kas’ makeup is fun and fresh, and I loved my peachy eyes because they matched the overall apricot/peach aesthetic. Kas and Mon are the type of women you will simultaneously admire and want to call your friends.

Nick and I were laughing the other day when we realised how many times he’s worn a tuxedo. He wore one for his high school leavers ball and also at our university balls. It made sense that he’d wear one for our wedding because he’s quite a formal guy and Riccarton House is a relatively formal setting. I was also adamant that he wear black because it’s so classic. His tux and bowtie are from Barkers as were his groomsmen’s suits and black ties. His ring is a brushed gold band from Kennett Crafted Jewels.

Venue
Both our ceremony and reception were held at Riccarton House. Many historic buildings were lost in the earthquakes, so we were fortunate to be able to celebrate amongst the oldest building in Christchurch (which was built over 175 years ago). The grounds are home to a forest that was established 3000 years ago and many of the trees are 600 years old! Amanda, Hannah and the team at Local did a wonderful job of planning our day. We worked closely with Hannah, the in-house events planner, who finalised every last detail, down to the second. She ensured the day went off without a hitch and if there were any issues, we had absolutely no idea! A few friends have asked me whether I suggest hiring a planner and I do! Your wedding day can be stressful enough without having to worry about little things going wrong. Having Hannah’s expertise in the lead up to and on the day, was one of the best decisions we made!

Here’s a bit more info on how we chose our venue. If you’re looking for a central city venue for either a wedding or event, I highly recommend looking into Local at Riccarton House.

Style & Aesthetic
We were fortunate to have Hayley and Co. as our wedding stylist. Hayley is immensely talented and also the loveliest person ever! I first discovered her work when attending a media dinner at Twenty Seven Steps a few years ago. We instantly clicked and she went over and above to ensure our day was as beautiful as we had envisioned. We opted for a pared back, minimalist reception. I didn’t want white tablecloths or anything too stuffy, rather we opted for wood tables from Silk Estate, white bentwood chairs (my personal favourite) that transferred well from the ceremony to the reception, and gold cutlery paired with Hayley’s charcoal plates. She sourced our linen napkins from Whistling Reindeer. Our florals were by Alicia at Bunch Floral. She uses what’s in season to create magical, natural bouquets and centrepieces with no waste.

We borrowed gorgeous bikes from our friends at Action Bicycle Club for the day. They are our go-to for all our cycling needs and my parents actually hired bikes from Ken and Charlotte in the lead-up to our wedding and ran heaps of our errands by bike. My mom is now buying a similar model back in Canada. We would’ve used our own bicycles, but my Linus is so well-loved and has plenty of bumps and scratches.

FYI: While we enjoyed creating the look and feel of our reception with a marquee, it’s an expensive route to take and we had to cut costs in other areas.

Food
One of the main reasons we chose Local at Riccarton House as our venue was because the grounds are home to the Christchurch Farmers Market. We frequent the market by bike and love that it supports the best food growers and producers in the region. Our favourite producers were all part of our big day.

After our ceremony, we had canapes and ice cream by Utopia Ice. Our dinner started off with bread by Bellbird Baked Goods, cheese by Barrys Bay and olives and antipasti from Robinsons Bay. Our salmon was sourced from Akaroa, the eggplant and halloumi stacks as well as the rest of the sides came from the gardens. Our three-tiered cake was by the talented, Cakes by Anna.

For us, it wasn’t so much about what we served, rather we wanted to ensure the meal was fresh, local and seasonal. We decided to host our wedding in Christchurch because it’s a city that has been so good to us and in a small way, this was how we could support and celebrate the incredible local businesses in the area.

We first experienced a family style wedding dinner at my cousin Jimmy’s wedding in Hyas, Saskatchewan several years ago, and loved how intimate and laidback it felt. We trusted the Local team to come up with an amazing menu and they delivered on all accounts! They even managed to create Canadian poutine for midnight lunch! It was such a hit and we’ve since had so much comments about how good the food was…

Photography & Videography

I’ve talked about our photographer, Ana Galloway on numerous occasions and she really needs no introduction. Ana is sweet, kind and thoughtful. She’s the type of person who will amaze you upon first meeting. She’s both professional, and super organised, which was very important to us both. When I was stressing about timings, her calming presence immediately put me at ease. It goes without saying, her photography style is exactly what we were wanting; artistic with a documentary style approach, which lends itself to hundreds and hundreds of gems. Seriously, she filled up ALL of her memory cards! Along with Ana, we had Olivia Spencer-Bower, an architectural photographer who took all the progress shots at Christchurch Town Hall while it was being restored. She got us into Town Hall for our bridal party photos (the first photos taken here in over eight years!)

Like most couples, we spent a long time deliberating on whether or not we needed a videographer. It’s a big expense, but after watching the wedding videos of complete strangers, I knew we couldn’t go without. It sounds obvious, but it was actually quite difficult to find a videographer who records the vows, the ceremony and all the important bits. We met with Craig from Lovelight Cinema about eight months out. He was friendly, engaging and his work captures the sentimentality of marriage that I so adore! We met another time to go over the details of the day and I knew we had made the right decision. My sister, Natalie kept commenting that he was so fun to be around and she’s exactly right. Not only is Craig immensely talented, he has the best personality and energy. He kept us laughing all day long and provided just the right amount of guidance.

Nick recently said that having Ana and Craig with us throughout the day was “deeply calming” and it was “almost like having wedding mentors at your side on what is one of the most biggest days of your lives.”

Choosing Our Celebrant
Finding a someone to officiate our wedding the first big challenge. I relied on Christchurch Weddings for advice on choosing a celebrant. We wanted someone we could truly connect with, who understood our modern ideals and views on equality within our marriage. Hannah Duder came up in conversation a handful of times and I had heard of her through her business, Indigo & Iris. We initially met and were impressed with her sincerity and warmth. My parents also commented on what a wonderful job she did. She is personable, thoughtful and well-spoken.

Music & Entertainment
We hired Praesto String Quartet for our ceremony music. I am obsessed with string music (why did I study piano instead of violin?!) and my dad studied music at university, so having a string quartet was an obvious choice. They quickly learnt the list of songs we requested: the bridesmaids walked to Home by Edward Sharp and my processional was to Here Comes The Sun because my dad loves The Beatles My only regret is that I didn’t get to hear them play longer.

After doing extensive research (aka attending A LOT of weddings), we decided on a DJ for our dance. Along with being super helpful throughout the entire planning process, Lucy at Christchurch Weddings recommended Paul McKessar. He did a fantastic job at ensuring everyone was up and out of their seats all night long. Our first dance was to Home by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes and my parents managed to find tambourines that were used the entire night. The highlight was definitely the kolomeyka, which a traditional Ukrainian dance (typically danced at festivities and weddings) where everyone takes turn showing off their skills. See the photo below.

Other Details Worth Noting
My sisters, my mom and Nick’s mom spent the morning getting ready at The Britten Stables, which is just a short walk from Riccarton House. Catherine and Penny brought a picnic basket with breakfast and coffee. Here, my godmother brought in a traditional kolach to bless us before our wedding day. This was a quiet moment with our close family and something I’ll remember forever.

We also returned to quickly freshen up after our photos. I highly recommend doing first look photos before your ceremony, so you can spend time with your guests, many of which have travelled huge distances to be with you. It also allowed us to relax, catch up with old friends, and enjoy the champagne and canapes with our guests before the reception.

Nick and I spent our wedding night back at The Britten Stables and gosh, it was glorious. The property is stunning and completely self-contained. I’m already dreaming about returning for a second visit. They were also so lovely about us taking heaps of photos in the main areas of the house and these are some of the best shots of the day!

The day after our wedding, we invited our out of town guests to Smash Palace for brunch. It’s our go-to hangout for after work drinks and the team created the most delicious menu for us.

Well, there you have all the details from our wedding day. It was more magical than I could’ve ever imagined and it feels surreal to call Nick my husband after a decade together; a decade that has been filled with highs and lows and so much growth. Many of our family and friends travelled more than 10,000 km to spend the day with us and we felt immensely blessed to share this major milestone with them.

I never felt like marriage would change our dynamic as a couple, but lately, I feel as though we are closer than we’ve ever been and we appreciate each other more and more every day.

Oh, and I only cried four times during the day. Not bad for a sap like me.

April 13, 2019