22
Aug
Destination Monday: Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand
categories: destination weddings and honeymoons

The best man in my wedding managed to find himself a great gal whose passion for world travel matches his own and together they agree that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I tell you this because recently the Otahuna Lodge came across my desk and I just knew it was a  place I wanted to feature in our Destination Monday series simply because it is located in New Zealand. Even better, the Otahuna Lodge happens to be a secluded and romantic place!

New Zealand is known for it’s raw beauty, adventurous outdoor lifestyle and remote location. I can only dream of visiting one day but if you are exploring destination honeymoon options, you need to look into the Otahuna Lodge. What will you find there? How about this:

Daffodil Day is an annual event, which dates back to 1928. Each year, hundreds of thousands of daffodil bulbs are planted on Otahuna’s 2 acres of Daffodil Fields to raise money for the Cancer Society. On Sunday, September 4th Otahuna Lodge opens its gates to host Daffodil Day, welcoming guests, as well as local members of the Canterbury community. And yes, they do weddings too so if you want to really wow your guests, take them to New Zealand for a nuptial getaway!

Not only is this a pretty picture but I LOVE the bride’s dress !

Is this picturesque or what? Can you imagine a wedding ceremony on this lawn? Gorgeous!

Sunning and Spa-ing…

 

A few other happenings coming up in the area or at Otahuna Lodge that may tempt you to visit New Zealand:

• 2011 Rugby World Cup: From September 9th to October 23rd, New Zealand is playing host to the sporting spectacular of the year, the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Relax and revive post tournament at the historic Otahuna Lodge.

• Excursions: Otahuna Lodge is the perfect base camp for exploring Christchurch and the wider Canterbury Region. Area activities that can be arranged include: Private garden tours, Horseback riding, Golf, Heliskiing, Fishing, Hunting, Excursions to the scenic French settlement of Akaroa with its fascinating marine life, Wine tours in the Waipara Wine Region, and Helicopter flights to the Southern Alps that leave directly from the lawns of Otahuna.

• Golfing: The Christchurch area is home to over twenty-five golf courses. Excellent golfing is available throughout the region from the nearby nine-hole country course at Tai Tapu to the internationally acclaimed resort courses at Terrace Downs and Clearwater.

• Potager to Plate: Otahuna Lodge’s Extensive gardens and focus on excellent dining are inspired by the property’s legendary 30 acres of gardens and orchards. Otahuna Lodge offers an inspired food and beverage program, led by Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre and Sous Chef Fiona Ewart. Five-course degustation menus with wine pairings are prepared nightly. This experience is complemented by unique activities, including foraging for mushrooms on Otahuna’s grounds in late summer. Guests also have the opportunity to select their own produce for their meals, as well as participate in private cooking demonstrations with Chef Jimmy.

• Cooking Classes: incorporate time in Otahuna’s organic potager garden and offer a chance to learn first-hand cooking techniques in our kitchen.

As much as I love a sunny and sandy beach getaway, I can’t lie…an intimate experience like the Otahuna Lodge appeals to me just as much. I can imagine my husband and I enjoying the lush grounds of the property, taking off to see the sites, then returning for rejuvination back at the Lodge. Heavenly!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

 

 

 

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9
Jun
Great Find: Jendarling Bags
categories: bridal fashions, favor and gift ideas

Since there will be pretty dresses and possibly traveling in your near future, I thought you should know about a very hip garment bag we just came across: Jendarling Bags. Now, I realize garment bags are not the most glamorous wedding topic but what goes in your garment bag quite often IS glamorous, right?

It makes no sense to schlep your beautiful rehearsal dinner dress, perfect wedding day shoes, or brand new honeymoon threads in a cheapy thin plastic dry cleaner’s garment bag. I can almost guarantee it will rip and your precious clothing will not fare well. Jendarling Bags founder Jen Bennett is an environmentalist at heart so she wanted to create a line of bags that were made from eco-friendly fabrics but still had chic appeal. I think she’s succeeded!

These gorgeous bags are also a perfect bridesmaid gift- they are pretty enough that your gals will want to pack their bridesmaid dresses in them and they’re practical enough that they will get many many years of use out of them too. There are also shoe bags to compliment the garment bag fabrics:

Here’s a video for you to watch, from Jendarling founder Jen Bennett:

Jendarling from Amy Plemons on Vimeo.

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