Tennille Fink, zero-cheese wedding photographer – That she describes herself as a “professional third wheel” gives you some sense of the wry humour and fresh point of view that Australian photographer Tennille Fink brings to the task of shooting weddings….
Her pictures capture the helplessly joyous smiles, the dreamy twirling before the mirror and the ecstasy of that triumphant walk together back down the aisle, but she also captures some very sweet, unguarded moments — a tired child sags into its mother’s lap at a dinner table; a beaming bridesmaid brandishes an enormous bouquet while standing in front of a kitchen sink. These are pictures that make you feel something. Fink is now based between New Zealand, Australia and the UK, and is increasingly requested for weddings in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere’s summer. Tennille Fink
Kindness in a jar – When you’re decked out in the finest fabrics, you want your skin to feel soft as silk ,too, but that can be a particular challenge for those with sensitive skin. Cult Australian skincare brand has come to the rescue with its new Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator, formulated to bring soothing relief to sensitive skin. The formulation uses two ingredients new to Aesop: a green microalgae rich in antioxidants called dunaliella salina, and an extract from dormant bulbs of daffodils, narcissus tazetta, which work together to soothe irritation and reduce redness. Ginger root extract and bisabolol complement the blend, bringing a sense of calm and comfort. The hydrator is light yet nourishing, rapidly absorbed and non-greasy, and like all Aesop products, smells beautiful. Aesop
Capital Gain – In a major win for Canberra brides, the organisers of pop-up bridal event Mrs Fray have parlayed its growing popularity into a bricks-and-mortar concept store. Owners and wedding photographers Andi O’Day and Amy Farrell’s aim is to provide brides with a gown-shopping experience that’s as welcoming and fun as you hope it’ll be. As well as tradition-busting dresses and separates, they offer accessories, fragrances and stationery, and exhibit the work of all kinds of creatives, making it a space not just for brides but anyone with magpie eyes. Arbiters of good taste and lovely things less ordinary, they also stock our Together Journal x An Organised Life Wedding Planner. Mrs Fray
Dresses you’ll want to wear again – Adept at combining effortless chic with a little drama and fashion edge, Australian fashion label Bec + Bridge make sophisticated clothes for confident women. Last winter, they released a wedding edit of covetable pieces — actress Margot Robbie wore their ‘Moon Dance’ cowl-neck dress to her best friend’s wedding — and their follow-up collection for Spring 2019 is every bit as strong. There are slinky, soft-washed silk dresses in romantic shades of rose pink, wine red and midnight blue, and shimmery pleated gowns that feel modern but ageless. The edit has been expanded to include options for guests, bridesmaids and brides, and that Moon Dance cowl dress is now available in new shades. Bridal parties can make weekend appointments to view the collection at Bec + Bridge’s Sydney showroom and online at Bec and Bridge
Powder Room – When your protein powder tastes as good as Dose & Co’s salted caramel toffee flavour, you’ll happily reimagine your kitchen pantry as your beauty cabinet. Together Journal editor Greta has been blitzing spoonfuls with almond or coconut milk and peanut butter for an absolutely delicious daily booster that improves appearance and health in one scrumptious hit. In a range of tasty flavours, Dose & Co’s natural, plant-based protein powders contain probiotics and are gluten-, dairy- and soy-free. They also offer collagen powders designed to support hair, skin, nail, joint and gut health, all of which can be worked into the nutrient-rich recipes on their website. Dose and Co
The Goods – In a few short years, Aucklander Jordan Rondel has grown her business, The Caker, into the last word in baked goods, adding recipe books, cooking classes and bake-it-yourself kits along the way. Since its inception when she was just 21, it has elevated standards and expanded options for those whose fondness for sweet treats is hampered by dietary intolerances. Rondel’s enviable personal style, preference for all-natural ingredients and vegan and gluten-free options confirm she has her finger firmly on the pulse. You won’t find any old-school, heavy fondant on her wedding cakes. Only her delectable signature vanilla bean cream cheese icing, decorated with fresh flowers and other pretty accents, or unadorned for you or your florist to finish. The Caker
Tea For Two – If you need an intervention in the midst of your hectic planning, enhance your wellbeing with an organic loose leaf tea by Byron Bay naturopath Kate Dalton of Mayde. Her flavoursome, hand-blended brews of healing plants harvested in the native locations where they thrive draw on the plants’ therapeutic powers. Treat yourself to the serenity of anxiety-reducing chamomile and sleep-supporting passionflower, be cleansed by detoxifying nettle and dandelion leaves, or be energised with antioxidant-rich lemongrass and blood sugar-balancing cinnamon. Get them at Paper Plane Store
Amazing grace – Founded by fashion and wedding photographer Courtney Illfield, Lola Varma is for brides who aren’t fans of over-the-top detail and traditional silhouettes. The Australian brand is all about minimalist lines and understated chic, edgy yet elegant. The latest collection, Midnight Sun, which was launched exclusively by Vogue Paris, is a confection of flowing silks, sleek lines a la Lauren Bacall, and cuts that let the gorgeous fabric speak for itself. Every garment that comes out of the Perth workroom oozes quality and craftsmanship; each is hand-made from fine wools, silks and cotton, and cut to order. Lola Varma will be presenting a trunk show in New Plymouth on October 26 and 27 at The Virtue. Lola Varma
Bespoke signage – Custom-made signage is a simple way to elevate an event and signal that something special is taking place. In New Zealand, George & Willy are the go-to guys for signage. Childhood friends George Wilkins and Will McCallum have always made things together, but today their hobby is a successful business. Their design studio churns out products that straddle industrial design and homeware — their aluminium and brown paper rollers, for instance, work as well at displaying daily menus in busy cafes as they do shopping lists in busy households, and their letter displays and chalkboards are similarly versatile. Their aesthetic is minimal, recalling the utilitarianism of 50s design, but made with modern technology and materials. For a wedding, their merchant sign — a refined take on a sandwich board, made from leather and aluminium — is simple, functional and elegant. It’s how Wilkins welcomed guests to his own wedding. George and Willy
Light My Fire – Ecoya, the popular Antipodean fragrance and candle brand, has released a selection of new scents that bring the best of the outdoors indoors. Coconut & Sea Salt evokes a warm ocean breeze that drifts over a floral heart of jasmine, gardenia and ylang ylang, unfolding into a creamy coconut and vanilla base. Meadow Flowers & Honey Dew takes your senses on a romp through prettily scented pastures, with freshly picked wild meadow flower notes infused with opulent rose and honeydew, anchored with golden amber and warm musk. Elegant and vibrant, these are perfect for a gift, a table setting or just to spoil yourself. Ecoya
Vitamin Me – There’s no one-size-fits-all wedding gown, so why shouldn’t we take a similarly tailored approach to our vitamins? Vitally Vitamins offers personalised vitamin packs delivered directly to your door, catering to concerns such as stress, inflammation, skin and energy, that any bride planning a wedding might have. Either choose your own vitamins or complete an online questionnaire to determine your needs. Rest assured, you’re in good hands — the advisory team includes an International Olympic Committee-recognised sports dietitian and a Fellow of the Royal College of Urgent Care Physicians. The vitamins are kind to the planet too, with packaging you can compost at home. Vitally
For the lovers (of sleep) – Laing Home was launched because founder Anna Murray grew tired of sleepwear “designed to make you look like a Barbie Doll, Disney character or an exercise junkie”. Her luxurious pyjamas are crisp and classic, the kind trimmed with piping and begging to be monogrammed. Fabricated in breathable cotton and finished with flat or french seams, these are forever pyjamas, and would make perfect bridal party gifts or additions to the bride’s trousseau. There are restful blush pinks, classic navy and crisp white, and from October, this sweet, vintage-vibes floral story is also available as part of the bridal collection, which can be bulk-ordered at discounted rates, and made bespoke, with complimentary monogramming. Laing Home
Yes way, rosé! – If you are familiar with the magic of rosé, the prettiest of wine varieties, consider the charms of boutique Hawkes Bay wine producer and wedding venue, Elephant Hill. Situated on the Te Awanga coast, their estate includes a pavilion clad in a patinated copper that reflects the Pacific Ocean nearby, with rows of sustainable vineyards and wildflowers stretching out toward the jaw-dropping cliffs nearby. The area’s high sunshine hours and low rainfall make it perfect for both winemaking and weddings, and its sell-out crisp, dry rosé tempranillo is a natural base for elegant aperitifs or all-day sipping. With capacity for up to 110, this is a beautiful option for an intimate wedding. You could even stay on at its luxury lodge for an ultimate wine-lover’s honeymoon, dining at its restaurant, which was named New Zealand’s best winery restaurant by Cuisine magazine. Elephant Hill
A Man’s World – Englishman Simon Crompton was a journalist for finance and legal titles when he began dabbling in fashion writing on his website, Permanent Style. Today, it receives up to half a million views a month, and Crompton has become a global authority and author on menswear. In his latest, The Sartorial Travel Guide, he visits the world’s most fashion-forward cities, introducing readers to the best small menswear stores while meeting exemplary tailors, emerging talents and well-dressed men, and advising how to travel in style for business and pleasure. Among the top-notch artisans and destinations profiled is Auckland-based Crane Brothers, the only inclusion from New Zealand. Inspired by British and Italian tailoring traditions, Crane Brothers has steadfastly set the gold standard for made-to-measure menswear, whether custom-made jeans, shoes or wedding suiting. Founder Murray Crane says he’s chuffed to be personally recognised for his 35-year career in menswear and for developing a brand that’s respected on the global stage. The Sartorial Travel Guide would be a welcome gift for both the man who knows his Tiber from his Serchio suit, and for the type who could use a little help in the wardrobe department. Crane Brothers
Like Magic – Kérastase’s Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum is an effortless self-care tool that gets to work on your tresses while you relax and get some beauty sleep. This nourishing overnight treatment is formulated to be smoothed onto dry hair, where its vitamin blend repairs each strand hour by hour till sunrise. It absorbs like a dream, leaving locks soft, less frizzy and tangle-free, and you don’t even need to wash it out. Leave it on and enjoy its pleasant lingering fragrance all day. Kerastase
