A Special Garden For All Seasons
February 11, 2010 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
A Unique Venue for your Wedding Ceremony
When this beautiful property seven years ago was found, there was just one acre of land with the house and a swimming pool. It became my home, “Hawkshead”, after my favourite village in the Lake District of England.
Four years ago, an additional acre of land was purchased in front of the house looking out towards the lake and another year of much thought and planning went by before I dug my first hole to start the landscaping! Over three years, I have planted and terraced this naturally contoured area, creating a unique garden venue for both the people of Wanaka and visitors alike who wish to surround themselves with nature and a 360 degree view of mountain tops.
The only missing element from my Hawkshead website is the “feel factor” of the gardens. Some 50 years have passed since my grandfather owned a nursery in Christchurch, but I feel that somehow his heritage has passed down to me, as after 45 years of being a city girl ~ without even a window box to potter in! ~ I have, from a blank canvas, nurtured this garden with a total passion to what it is today ~ a garden for many varying occasions ~ from the grassed area for a large gathering to private, intimate corners.
The Front Lawn ~ overlooks the sunken garden below, all one acre of it ~ a fabulous area for a ceremony with the lake as either a backdrop or in the forefront ~ the choice is yours ~ with refreshments served from a rustic cartwheel table on the terrace of The Lodge
The Top Garden ~ for a small, intimate gathering with a simple, evergreen backdrop and a view to Avalanche Glacier ~ or what we call “The Brew House”!
The Swimming Pool ~ a sheltered and private oasis at any time of the year. A large pool with entertaining area featuring a combination of native flora and lavenders ~ a poolside wedding with the romantic touch of candelabra and rose petals……
The Sunken Garden ~ so many options here and although no view of the lake, a feeling of serene calm most certainly compensates ~ a very large area for guests to wander and children to roam before your Reception
The Arboretum ~ complete with a lovely old historic dray in the background and a wonderful vista looking back up to The Lodge
The Hardwood Steps ~ cascading down from The Lodge to the garden and a beautiful location for your ceremony to be held surrounded by your guests sitting casually around you on the steps or standing on the lawn. The steps also offer a superb area for your music options, be it a solo guitarist or a string quartet
The Alcove ~ features a seating area with a large table of local schist stone ~ a natural “altar” surrounded by an array of white flowers
It is so easy to use the gardens to their full advantage – select an area for your ceremony, then perhaps move on to the front lawn or poolside for champagne and canapés
And with so many different locations for your photography, it will be difficult to believe they were all taken at Hawkshead – truly a photographer’s paradise!
However, the lake is a car ride away……….
The bride can approach her groom by foot through the garden or simply drive down The Avenue into the heart of the open garden. There are numerous bench seats in keeping with the property available for those who need to be seated and I do not have a problem with confetti.
Hawkshead does not have a liquor license and I therefore encourage outside caterers to deliver and serve or the BYO option is most welcome.
The summer months portray a beautiful combination from white iris to purple english lavender and during mid to late April, the autumn colours of the English oaks are full of very rich tones, however depending on the season, the leaves may or may not still be on the trees.
In the event of wet weather conditions, a backup and plan B for your ceremony location would be wise, however for intermittent rain, umbrellas are supplied.
A room in The Lodge would be open to the bridal party on arrival for any last minute touches!
Hawkshead Lodge & Gardens for your wedding ceremony?
Wedding Grounds for up to 2 hours ~ Total $450
Food & Beverage is optional and at own expense as is your choice of music and photography.
It is my pleasure to share with you what Hawkshead can offer for the most special day of your lives.
With my best wishes
Bridget Jones
Wanaka Marriage Celebrant
October 13, 2009 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
Why I became a Celebrant by Bev Clark Marriage & Civil Union Celebrant
When I am asked “Why did you become a Celebrant?”, it was not a sudden decision but the result of a series of events that lead me down this pathway. In 1989 I attended my first wedding where a Celebrant officiated.
The ceremony was outside in a beautiful garden surrounded by native bush which seemed to enhance the inspiring words and poems the Celebrant used. Words that struck me as normal, natural, meaningful and relevant to modern day living and ideals.( I wonder if they would have had such an impact on me had it been a wet day!)
I have always loved descriptive words and poetry, so it started me thinking about the possibility of becoming a Celebrant. Around that time, a well-known Celebrant in our region passed away unexpectedly and the decision was suddenly made for me. I was approached by a very overworked Celebrant to see if I would consider taking up the challenge to ease the pressure for her, as she believed I had the qualities required. I was fortunate to pass the application/interview process and so my career in this area began in a rush.
I was fortunate to receive very wise counsel and guidance from this experienced Celebrant , although nothing prepared me for all those things that can go wrong, using incorrect names, not having received the legal documentation, signing in the wrong place, being unavoidably late for a service, dysfunctional families and the myriad of other challenging events that I have learned to cope with over the years.
Despite all this, I do not take for granted the fact that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to share in a couple’s most important day in their lives. Each couple I meet, brings an interesting story, a sense of excitement, wonder, and nervousness edged with eager anticipation, providing me with a challenge to make their day unique and memorable.
On the day when the bride walks towards me and after I swallow the lump in my throat and blink back the tears—yes still after all these years I am moved and yes I still get nervous- my hope is that I have created a relaxing and rewarding atmosphere and given the bride and groom confidence to enjoy their ceremony.
Being a Celebrant is a most rewarding profession and one that I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity of sharing in.
Contact details
The importance of choosing your Marriage Celebrant
September 1, 2009 by bridget
Filed under Latest News
When you choose your Marriage Celebrant you are choosing someone who will be directing and steering the very heart of your wedding ceremony.
It is important that you and your celebrant have the same beliefs and ideals andthat you make a connection with him/her on a personal level.
Your celebrant can be instrumental in providing invaluable assistance to ensure your ceremony is everything you desire. Remember this is your very special day and your ceremony will set the benchmark for the rest of the celebrations.
The celebrant will ensure your ceremony flows smoothly, meets all legal requirements and reflects the very unique relationship of the bride andgroom.
Book your Celebrant as soon as you have a confirmed wedding date.
Most celebrants take bookings up to 12 months to 2 years in advance.
A good celebrant will suggest a rehearsal to help you, your wedding partyand your parents feel comfortable and relaxed. He/she will also provide you will sample material i.e. ceremonies, vows, poetry etc. If there is one way to make your ceremony truly yours, it’s the act of writing your personal wedding vows. Personalising your vows allow you to express yourselves as individuals and as partners.
The celebrant should be a good listener and be prepared to provide testimonials from previous ceremonies, assist you with the documentation and be available to answer all your questions. Ask if the celebrant can supply a signing table, microphones, floral displays and other ceremony enhancement packages.
I believe that every couple and every wedding is unique.
Whether your ceremony is a small informal affair or a large traditional celebration I provide all couples with the same level of commitment and professionalism to ensure the romance and wedding traditions are not compromised.
Flexibility and a sense of humour are two very important attributes to assist a couple to de-stress, relax and treasure the experience of their wedding day.
It is my job to make sure that happens. The bottom line is – It is your day. Happy Planning.
By Jools MacKnight, Registered Marriage Celebrant