WEDDING VENUE – AN INSIDE LOOK AT ROSE & SMITH

 

Nestled amongst lush heritage trees and surrounded by thriving native birdlife, Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau is, quite simply, magical. This new wedding venue in Wairarapa is run by the talented Paula Bevege. Here she is to to tell us a wee bit more about Rose & Smith.

WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?

I have been a wedding planner for 18 years and was employed by a lovely couple to plan their wedding at Tauherenikau. It was an amazing wedding and I instantly fell in love with the venue. It had such huge potential, so I formed a partnership with Wairarapa Racing and together we renovated the space and created Rose & Smith.

FROM THE START OF THE PLANNING TO THE END OF THE NIGHT, WHAT DO YOU OFFER YOUR COUPLES?

We offer a complete service with full wedding planning, advice with budgets, timeline schedules, vendor recommendations, etiquette advice, then on the day management, my favourite part. I work closely with our couples, meeting regularly leading up to the wedding, so I understand exactly how they want their day to be, then I am there managing everything at the rehearsal, wedding day and even the day after.

WHAT’S ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ROSE & SMITH?

Rose & Smith was named after the Builders Rose & Smith who built our venue in 1923.

WHAT ARE YOUR RAINY-DAY OPTIONS?

We have lots of options, inside our huge dining room, we have 2 grandstands (the original wooden one is over 150 years old) and a gorgeous room we call the round bar.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The people!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT AT A WEDDING YOU HOSTED LAST SEASON?

My favourite moment at every wedding are those last few minutes before they walk down the aisle – what greater pleasure and honour there is than asking your bride (or groom) if they are ready to get married, to tell them how beautiful they look and wish them good luck! Goose bumps and tears, everytime!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES LOOKING AT VENUES IN THE WAIRARAPA?

Actually, I have three top tips:

• Look local for your smaller vendors, there are lots of amazing clever people offering fantastic services and products
• Book early to get the best options with your accommodation
• Drink local wines (and local gin!)