It is true what they say, sometimes it’s not about finding what you want, it’s about realizing what you don’t want.  A few months ago, I hired a wedding coordinator in New Zealand to help arrange all the details of our spectacular day.  One of my requests was that she take video of the location and send it to us.  After viewing the video, I realized it wasn’t right.  The town is geared around the Glacier activities, it’s a 5 minute walk across town, and there’s not much to do other than sit in hot pools and see the glacier, go on hikes, and relax.  Which is great!  And I’m sure we’ll stop by Franz Josef and stay at Te Wanoui on our journey through the country.  However, for a wedding, it just didn’t make sense.  First, our guests would be bored out of their minds with the only shopping opportunity being at the local souvenir shop.  And, in terms of photography on the wedding day, for us to get to the locations where we would want to take pictures it would be a 25 minute drive, with a 15 minute to an hour walking through trails and most likely, mud and rain, since it is a rain forest.

It became painfully clear, this wasn’t going to work.  There’s a lot to be said for woman’s intuition, as that night while viewing the video my stomach tied up in knots and a slight nausea set in.  It took a great deal of courage on my part to break this news to Mike.  And it took a great deal of patience and openness on Mike’s part to listen and be willing to change plans.  He’s such a great guy.

Yes, we were starting at square one, and the race was on again to find the perfect location.  Keep in mind, we’re also in the process of closing escrow on our new house, and starting to pack up and move.  My days and nights were filled with obsessive researching, “wedding porn” as Mike called it.  I found another wedding planner on the opposite side of the island, and was going to hire them for $550 to just find us a venue.  Yes, just to find the venue!  As the days passed, Mike and I became more distant as I felt like I was “out on my own” trying to figure out where to get married, and he felt abandoned and useless as I wasn’t asking for his help, nor really being fully present in our everyday life.

Then, as if by magic (like it always seems to go with us) the answer was clear.  We had come full circle back to the original location I had found at the beginning of our search.  We had abandoned the idea of this place initially because we wanted to get married on our anniversary April 23, which is a Friday.  However, they charge $3,000 just to use the venue on Friday and Saturday.  So, we kept looking.  But now that we had looked, and toiled over a location and arrangements for months and months, suddenly the desire to be wed on our official anniversary no longer seemed all that important.  Not as important as saving me the anxiety and stress of taking care of everything a la carte, or paying a buttload for a wedding planner and to find a venue.  I’ll also mention that the photo opportunities in this new location are 100-fold compared to the other place.  Since we’ve hired Dror Eyal, from South Africa, to shoot the wedding, we want to have more time to shoot pictures than driving around to locations.  So we changed the date in order to have our wedding in an extraordinary location, and have our honored guests have an extraordinary time!  I’m very happy to announce the details of our new wedding plans:

THE DATE

April 22, 2010

THE LOCATION

Stoneridge Estate – Queenstown, NZ

We will take 2 helicopters to the top of The Remarkables, a mountain range located on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters.  At the top of this glorious landscape we will be married in the presence of close friends and family.  We will have a champagne toast, take some pictures and fly back down to the reception.  We will have a 5 course meal, drinks, some cake, and dance a little (thank you iPod).   Being in Queenstown will allow our wonderful guests to enjoy a bit of civilization, while at the same time having opportunities to venture out and experience the glorious wilderness of the south island.  This will help save time in money in travel as they won’t have to rent a car, or drive for hours to get to the location.  We are very excited about this change of events, and hope you will be too!

THE GUEST LIST

We are actively working on finding the best deals for airfare to New Zealand.  As is stands, it will cost between $950-$1200 depending on where you are coming from.  Please let me know if you are/were planning on coming.

Our guest list so far consists of the following people:

1. Connelaine Gustad
2. Wendy Anderson
3. Brent Koetter
4. Rebecca Supernaw
5. Jeff Supernaw
6. Ellen Barker
7. Greg Barker
8. Dror Eyal (photographer)
9. Vicky Eyal (photographer)
10. Sean Hines (maybe)
11. Courtney Berlo (maybe)
12. Lauren Jennings (maybe)

THE DRESS

Last but not least, I need help still picking out a dress.  So if you have any ideas or see anything out there or  you want to help me figure it out, let me know.

THE COLORS

Here is my idea for color scheme

We’re all feeling the tight strings of our purses slowly digging into our quality of life, rubbing ever-so-slightly, just enough to draw blood but not cause full blown hemmorage.  You’re thinking,

“Man I’d love to go to New Zealand, but I just don’t see how it’s possible for under $1,000.”

You’re right, it’s not possible for under a grand.  However, it is possible for under 2k.  The economy is rebounding slowly, by April of next year we should be a little better off than we are now.  And you’re likly to take some kind of vacation whether it’s a stay-cation, or traveling locally, here’s your chance to be a part of a Dream Wedding, and have a vacation of a lifetime!

Any vacation can give you a break from your daily routine, but it takes a special kind of vacation to give you back your life. In New Zealand you can rediscover the things you love about yourself and the planet you live on. Start fresh with 9 days ( or more!) of fresh scenery, clean air and amazing adventures.

Now that I’ve got your attention.  Here’s how you can endulge in the young and pristine New Zealand for under 2k (you may want to use this handy currency converter):

• AIRFARE: New deals are starting every day.  Right now airfares are really high for April of next year, but that’s because the date is so far off.  I found a round trip ticket deal from Los Angeles for $800 on Air New Zealand.  Keep checking back, or sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed of upcoming deals.

• ACTIVITIES: Or as they like to call them, Holidays!  You can get a pretty cool vacation package for under $1500

9 Day Southern Alps & Fiords Accommodation: Budget Duration: 9 Day(s) Tour Start: Christchurch Tour Finish: Christchurch [+] Save This Tour The tour name says it all, this itinerary allows you to experience spectacular… More> from US $1,312pp	9 Day Top Of The South Accommodation: Mid Range Duration: 9 Day(s) Tour Start: Christchurch Tour Finish: Christchurch [+] Save This Tour Explore the wilderness and coast of the top of the South Island of… More> from US $1,242pp	9 Day Alpine Explorer Accommodation: Premium Duration: 9 Day(s) Tour Start: Christchurch Tour Finish: Christchurch [+] Save This Tour Discover the north of the South! Whale watching, thermal springs and experience for… More> from US $1,877pp
7 Day Crossing The Alps Accommodation: Budget Duration: 7 Day(s) Tour Start: Christchurch Tour Finish: Christchurch [+] Save This Tour A short self drive trip of the South Island starting with a relaxing… More> from US $923pp	8 Day Nature Trail Accommodation: Budget Duration: 8 Day(s) Tour Start: Christchurch Tour Finish: Christchurch [+] Save This Tour Discover the top of the South Island on the unique self drive itinerary,… More> from US $724pp

Venture South

From: Auckland To: Christchurch Duration: 4 days | 3 nights

From NZ$709.00

Discover the Maori culture and geothermal wonders of Rotorua, take part in activities in Taupo before heading to Wellington. The final leg of your tour includes a ferry crossing and a picturesque train journey to Christchurch on the TranzCoastal.

Venture West

From: Christchurch To: Christchurch Duration: 7 days | 6 nights

From NZ$1,019.00

Travel over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Take part in some daring pursuits in Queenstown. Return to Christchurch via the Scottish city of Dunedin and the splendid lakes and mountains of the Mackenzie Country.

Whale Of A Time

From: Christchurch To: Christchurch Duration: 9 days | 8 nights

From NZ$1,229.00

Visit the whale watching region of Kaikoura, art centre of Nelson, golden sands and native wildlife in Abel Tasman National Park, scenic West Coast, Queenstown and Scottish city of Dunedin, and idyllic Lake Tekapo.

RELAXATION VACATION

WINE TOURS
	Waipara Wine Appreciation	Sit back relax and enjoy the commentary and scenery of this unique region as you travel in comfort and style in your own exclusive Lexus car.	NZD 550 Per person
	Kaikoura and Waipara Valley Winery Day Tour 10% off.	Today with your own personal professional chauffeur/tour guide, enjoy a day trip to Kaikoura and the Waipara Valley Wine Region in your own luxury Lexus car.	NZD 300 – 1200 Per person
	Heli Wine Dine 10% off.	Scenic Heli Flight with personalized Food and Wine Tour	NZD 395 – 695 Per person
	Wine Tour 10% off.	A complete wine tour of the Hawke’s Bay region New Zealand, that includes tasting Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Gris.	NZD 60 Per person
	Luxury Wine Tour 10% off.	Personalized food and wine tour of Hawke’s Bay New Zealand in your own private air conditioned vehicle.	NZD 595 – 755 Per person
	Canterbury Wine Tour 2 Day Inn Trip	Indulge your passion for good wine and fine dining and join us for a leisurely wine tour.	NZD 795 – 1095 Per person
	The Complete Wine Appreciation and Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers	A tour designed for those who appreciate wine and are looking for a more intimate experience of Hawke’s Bay wineries.	USD 180 Per person
	2 Day Gourmet Retreat Hawke’s Bay	During this 2 day tour you will visit local wineries in the Havelock area, Gimblet Gravels, Western Plains, Matariki Winery, Trinity Hill famous for Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends.	USD 825 Per person
	Wine Tasting Explorer	Have a flight over some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches and, of course, plenty of wine tasting.	NZD 390 Per person
	South Auckland Gourmet Food & Wine Tour	Sample some the most delectable food and wine New Zealand has to offer.	NZD 510 – 545 Per person
	Auckland’s West Coast	Explore the rugged west coast to admire the gannet colony, then dine in luxury.	NZD 225 – 1455 Per person
	Boutique Wine Tour – Queenstown, NZ	Discover Central Otago’s premium wines on one of Appellation Central’s small group, guided wine tours. Tours depart daily from Queenstown, New Zealand.	NZD 150 Per person
	Gourmet Wine Tour – Queenstown, NZ	Visit the The Big Picture’s aroma room and take their virtual wine flight across Central Otago where you will have a virtual meeting with local winemakers whilst tasting their premium wines.	NZD 190 Per person
	The Original Queenstown Wine Trail	For first time tasters or wine connoisseurs join us for a full afternoon of wine tasting, just a short journey from Queenstown. We allow plenty of time for wine tasting and sightseeing.	NZD 114 Per person

FULL CONTROL

If you’re the kind of person that wants full control of your itinerary. New Zealand Travel Planner is the tool for you!  This thing is amazing, you can check out any activity or attraction, save it, map it, add it to your calendar, book accomodations, and more.

WEDDING DETAILS

There are only two days that we’re scheduling wedding activities;  The day before the wedding (april 22), and the wedding day (april 23).  After that, you’re free to do whatever you please!

For these couple of days we’ll be on the West Coast, primarily around Franz Josef.

To make it easy on you the best thing to do is book your hotel at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.  This is the 3 star hotel located right next door to Te Waonui Forest Retreat, the hotel where we’ll have the wedding.  We’re still working on getting discount rates (cross our fingers) at these two hotels for a couple of days.  Hopefully, I’ll be sending along that information soon!

VIEW BROCHURE

Save the Date: April 23, 2010

Go to Event Website to RSVP >>

D E C A D E N C E

S U M M E R  + F A L L

F A L L  +  S U M M E R

R O M A N C E

We need your help in figuring out some of the details, most importantly, who is going? Below is a simple form to help us gauge the numbers and plans.  Once we get all these answers we’ll compile a simple budget that will help you solidify your own plans.  You don’t have to commit to anything right now, we’re just feeling out the level of interest.  Thank you!!

Take the Wedding Plan Survey!