Top Tips for your Destination Wedding

Destination Wedding Casuarina NSW

Are you ready to plan your dream Destination Wedding in Casuarina NSW?  We have put together our top tips for your Destination Wedding to make your day as special as you are!

Casuarina NSW is the perfect location for your Destination Wedding.  With unspoilt beaches right along the coast and easy access from Brisbane (90 mins), the Gold Coast (30 mins), Gold Coast Airport (20 mins) and Byron Bay (30 mins), and down the road (less than 10 minutes) from Cabarita Beach and Kingscliff, the location is perfect, yet still maintains its exclusivity and privacy.

Why Choose a Destination Wedding?

There are many great reasons to choose a destination wedding – it might be budget limitations, preference for a small, intimate wedding rather than a large traditional wedding, or it might be for a second wedding or renewal of vows.  Destination weddings held in Casuarina NSW could be that perfect way to combine your wedding and a fabulous getaway for close friends and family.

Selecting your dates

During off peak times, minimum stays for holiday homes (such as La Maison Pacifique) are 2 nights on weekends.  During peak school holiday periods, this increases to a minimum 7 night stay.  Many guests may not want to stay the full 7 days, so take this into consideration when selecting your dates.

Choose your guests carefully

Who are your absolute must-have guests?  Think about how many of these guests are likely to want to enjoy a special getaway with you.  Make a list of your guests and think about how many you feel will actually come.  This will help determine your venue – but have a back up plan just in case numbers increase as the thought of a weekend getaway takes hold with your guests.

Use a local wedding planner

A Casuarina wedding planner will be a fantastic resource to enable you to plan all the details of the wedding.  They will have access to their preferred (and trusted) suppliers – from venue to flowers to the little extras (like soy candles) that will enhance your special day.  Local knowledge is invaluable when planning your destination wedding!

Plan well in advance

To ensure that you have the best range of choices and options for your special day, think well in advance and choose your suppliers as soon as you can.  Have some key themes mapped out (vintage, retro, relaxed, traditional), and armed with these, work with your wedding planner to plan your day.

Accommodation options

Traditionally, many brides think that staying at a hotel may be the best option for their guests.  However, think outside the square – a luxury holiday home which can accommodate a number of couples or families may work out not only cheaper, but more fun!  Holiday homes may have stipulations about the wedding or reception not being on site, but they also have arrangements with local wedding planners as to a range of great options for accommodating both you and your guests.  La Maison Pacifique “the Peaceful House” – a luxury beachfront holiday home – may suit your needs.  La Maison Pacifique  (as featured in Ocean Road Magazine) accommodates up to 10 people and has 4 bathrooms.  There is plenty of room for everyone with three living areas and all the mod-cons and entertainment options you could wish for.  Again, booking in advance enables you to ensure your preferred dates (and venues) are secured!

Combine to save cash

There is a lot to be said about the destination wedding becoming your honeymoon location.  Many families think this is a great way to enjoy their yearly holiday and will use a wedding as their jump off point for a longer break.  Additionally, they might be keen to undertake some local activities, markets or attractions while they are there.  Think about group bookings for popular activities.  Think about this when planning not only your wedding, but also your honeymoon!

Do your weather research

At Casuarina, the “wet” season can be more likely during the summer months with late summer storms, but this means that you can take advantage of the beautiful weather from April – October (and generally savings during the off-peak season for rates).  With days around the mid 20s, but cool nights to snuggle in front of the fire, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.  So choose your weather timing carefully – and rely on your local wedding planner to have options available in case of a late weather change.

Follow the Law

This is probably more applicable to our overseas guests, but it is always worthwhile to double check that your celebrant has all the legal side in hand for you.

Use reputable vendors

This is where your wedding planner is key!  Whilst many brides search for “deals” on the web, often such deals (or similar) may be available through your personalised wedding planner – and you have peace of mind that these vendors/suppliers have been tried and tested, reducing any risks for your day.

Be sensitive to your guests

Your guests may have spent some serious cash to share your special day.  Think about the little things you can do to make it easier for your guests – maybe do a map, showing how to get to the venue; or think about providing a list of accommodation options (or at least websites/links to some options for them); and also think about your gift registry – you will have to transport those gifts back home after all.

Thankyou…

Lastly – don’t forget to thank everyone personally for their special commitment to your day.  A great idea is to give each guests their own soy candle (consider local Jaabay candles) – personalised with your own chosen scent with a beautiful label with your names and wedding date. Your guests are what has made your day unforgettable and a little thankyou will always bring a smile to a guest – be it on the day; through a lingering, beautiful candle scent when they return home; or via a handwritten thankyou note.

Enjoy!

But most of all, look forward to your day with excitement, not trepidation; plan, plan, plan and if you follow all the above tips, your day will be that special, memorable event you have dreamed about and which will always make you (and your guests) smile when you think back.

…and… if you are looking for a resort-style luxury beachfront holiday home for your family holiday, romantic break  wedding accommodation, (watch our video here), or a girls getaway  contact us at La Maison Pacifique for availability and a quote….  Remember, our rates compare really well with local 5-star resorts – and La Maison Pacifique is private – on the beach – walking distance to cafes at Cabarita Beach – perfect spot for whale watching (June to November each year) – children optional!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (we accept credit cards too – via paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE

 

 

Patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff

Patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff

Did you know that there is a patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff?  As the wonderful Australian Volunteer Surf Lifesavers take a break  across the beautiful beaches in Australia, they hand over their flags to Lifeguards at Salt Village Kingscliff NSW for the winter season.

The beach is a real attraction all year round along the Tweed Coast.  With easily accessible beaches from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay, winter is a great time of year with mild weather, sunny days and cool evenings  – enabling the perfect atmosphere for a luxury weekend getaway or a perfect week long mid-year break.

Salt Village Beach, nestled between the coastal townships of Kingscliff and Casuarina is the optimum place to enjoy a winter swim or surf.  Hosting a range of luxury accommodation options (from luxury hotels to beachfront holiday homes), and awarded restaurants (including Fins Restaurant by Steven and Morgan Snow), now is the time to visit for a perfect winter escape!

Off peak also sees great prices for luxury beachfront accommodation – like that found at La Maison Pacifique!  With great rates (and some fantastic last minute accommodation specials) you can enjoy designer touches in a beautiful beachfront holiday home which is perfectly situated half way between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

A short 90 minute drive from Brisbane (or 25 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport), the Tweed Coast is accessible to both local and interstate visitors.  School holidays are popular year round, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Local markets are on each weekend and give you an opportunity to sample fresh local produce and be delighted by the local work of true food and beverage artisans.

Family groups are also well catered for with easy access to the “worlds”- the Gold Coast Theme Parks – Sea World, Dreamworld (with Whitewater World), Movie World, Wet n Wild and the Australian Outback Spectacular – all just a 45 minute drive away (or less).

Don’t forget the fantastic beach boardwalk which stretches from Kingscliff to Cabarita Beach (passing along the beachfront in front of La Maison Pacifique), which hosts walkers, skateboarders, cyclists and joggers.  Check out Cabarita Beach Cycles – a great place to hire your bikes during your stay.

Golf is another popular past-time on the Tweed Coast with a range of golf courses available from the local Chinderah Golf Links to the Ocean Shores Country Club.  If you are keen to go further afield (but still within an hours’ drive), there is a whole selection of 9-18 hole golf courses available just over the border on the Gold Coast.

If you want to know the locals (and others!) favourite activities to do around Kingscliff, you can find their tips here:

• Lisa
• Pete
• Carla
• Spida

So book your luxury weekend beachfront getaway now and enjoy safe water activities at the Salt Village beach – patrolled 365 days a year!

…and… if you are looking for a resort-style luxury beachfront holiday home for your family holiday, romantic break  wedding accommodation, (watch our video here), or a girls getaway  contact us at La Maison Pacifique for availability and a quote….  Remember, our rates compare really well with local 5-star resorts – and La Maison Pacifique is private – on the beach – walking distance to cafes at Cabarita Beach – perfect spot for whale watching (June to November each year) – children optional!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (we accept credit cards too – via paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE

 

 

La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled

La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you know, we love supporting great local events and suppliers.  So, if you are engaged (or about to be), come and see La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled – details below!

New Beginnings and Waterside Events presents:

“Bridal Secrets Unveiled“

Sunday September 7 from 10am to 4pm
Waterside Events Room, Currumbin RSL
165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

A bridal showcase with a difference…

Featuring a spectacular array of wedding suppliers, major and minor prize giveaways, fashion parades and more…

The expo will play host to some of the Gold Coast’s finest bridal services in all categories.

Explore the newly renovated Waterside Events rooms and enjoy a day that will offer something for everyone…

A Groom’s Room – with ideas for pre ceremony activities, bucks night themes and a relaxation area while the love of your life walks the room.

Father of the Bride and Groom – it’s your day! Its Fathers Day! Downstairs our Main Bar has a delicious offer just for you.

Mothers of the Bride and Groom – A fashion parade dedicated to showcasing wedding day dress and accessories just for you.

A list of exhibitors can be seen below or visit Waterside Events Facebook Page to see our exhibitors up close and personal

For any wedding supplier interested in exhibiting we are currently taking applications for all bridal and wedding categories plus the addition of ideas specific for Grooms and the Best Man; bucks night themes, activities for the morning of the wedding – golf, boat cruise etc.  For all exhibitor enquiries please contact Kristelle.

Tickets:
$10 per person and includes:

Entry into Expo – Entry into Prize Giveaways – Glass of Sparkling Wine – Canapes – Wedding Expo Show Bag

Tickets can be purchased below or directly from Currumbin RSL reception.
Tickets will available for pick up from Currumbin RSL reception once purchased

Exhibitors

(this list will be updated as more brilliant vendors come on board)

Photography
Say Cheese
Ray Lawler Photography & Video
Alana Beales Photogrpahy
Pineapple Images

Health and Beauty
Complete Transformations
Suzi Dent Hair & Make-Up Artist
Beyond The Ultimate Transformation
Isagenix

Fashion
Hilda and Maurice

Venues and Honeymoon Ideas
Serenity Bride
La Maison Pacifique **THAT’S US** 🙂

Event Organisers and Styling Ideas
Bliss & Willow
Jaabay Candles
Vintage Wagen
New Beginnings Events

Celebrants
Benjamin Carlyle Celebrant

Caterers
Waterside Events Catering

Grooms Room
Aussie Home Loans
Ultimate Audio Chairs

So if you or a close friend/relative is planning a wedding, please pop in and see all of us at the Bridal Secrets Unveiled event.  We’ll add an incentive too!  Register to receive our montly email newsletters and you will receive one of our special La Maison Pacifique candles, made just for you by Jo from Jaabay Candles.

Also, have a sneak peek at our Wedding Accommodation page on our website.  Our own wedding video will give you some great ideas on how beautiful your wedding photos could be (see Josh and Beth’s video too) and read through our recent blogs for some fantastic wedding tips.  You can also follow us on twitter and Facebook where we regularly tweet on the best wedding tips (including tips on Destination Weddings) and ideas from a variety of great sources and friends from all over the world.

….and don’t forget that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever at any time of the year?  All you have to do now is book your beach holiday!  Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.  Patrolled beaches line the coast.  We even have Carla,  Lisa (recently updated) and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! You can even book a picnic or high tea with Teaspoon High Tea Events!  Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!

Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next!  It is your turn!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (yes, we do accept credit cards – through our paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 452 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 452 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE

Latest News from La Maison Pacifique – August 2014

Latest News from La Maison Pacifique – August 2014

We did get pretty busy with the July school holidays and all, so sadly we missed our usual July Newsletter – BUT – we have come back bigger and better than ever in August!  Featured articles this month include:

• Last Minute Specials now updated!
• Taste of Kingscliff and the Tweed Coast
• Top Tips to beat jetlag
• How to choose travel insurance
• Bush Tucker Garden – the Photos
• Spida’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
• Black and White vs Colour Wedding Photos
• Our favourite wedding video of all time
• Commonwealth Games are on their way – our Gold Coast is next!

1. Last Minute Specials now updated!

We have been delighted that our bookings have remained steady through the winter months and are now keen for our valued subscribers to have an opportunity to take advantage of our last minute accommodation specials.  Book early to avoid disappointment!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/last-minute-accommodation-specials/

2. Taste of Kingscliff and the Tweed Coast

This is a little out of date as this year’s Taste of Kingscliff and the Tweed Coast has been and gone.  However, read on for the events that did happen this year – and think about travelling to our beautiful location for next year’s event!  Not to be missed!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/taste-of-kingscliff-the-tweed-coast/

3. Top Tips to beat Jetlag

After a recent trip overseas and some less than successful attempts at minimising our jetlag, we’ve done some research and found a great article with fantastic Top Tips to beat Jetlag!

As is our way, we have also added in some extra ideas of our own – and this marries in nicely with our earlier articles…
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/top-tips-to-beat-jetlag/

4. How to choose Travel Insurance

We love providing helpful advice to all our friends, so it pleased us enormously when we were recently contacted by Alison Rex Paulin of Travel Insurance Direct in relation to our earlier post about Top Tips for Stress Free Travel.  The lovely Alison has now compiled for all La Maison Pacifique subscribers, friends, guests and followers her Top Tips on How to choose Travel Insurance – and you know they will be great as it comes from an Industry Professional (and a real person!)
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/how-to-choose-travel-insurance/

5. Bush Tucker Garden – The Photos

Ok, so we remain a little excited about our wonderful new garden area, incorporating our bush tucker, herb, tea, tropical and orchard fruits sections.  I have taken a few photos for you…
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/bush-tucker-garden-the-photos/

6. Spida’s Top things to do in Kingscliff

Following on from our most successful post “Lisa’s Top things to do in Kingscliff“, we have just found this recent article (and video) put together by the Escape Team and Spida Everett on our neighbour Kingscliff.  Of course, we love any articles that promote our beautiful area, and whilst we, ourselves prefer to stay just down the road in Casuarina, we are just a 40 minute bike ride along the foreshore and boardwalk to the beautiful town of Kingscliff.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/spidas-top-things-to-do-in-kingscliff/

7. Black & White vs Colour Wedding Photos

Debating between black & white vs colour wedding photos? We’ll we’ve done some research and found this great article by Emilie Baltz (from The Knot website) which will help you decide (and we have added in contact details/links for local Northern NSW suppliers)….  Read on…
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/black-white-vs-colour-wedding-photos/

8. OUR FAVOURITE WEDDING VIDEO OF ALL TIME

Ok, so we are a little like proud parents on this one…  Recent guests Beth and Josh enjoyed a magical day in Casuarina and we were lucky enough to host Beth and her girls for their pre-wedding activities (and Beth and Josh post wedding).  Our very sincere thanks to them both for allowing us to use their photos, and here is the most fantastic wedding video and special celebration of their day.  You can see how beautiful it all was and we sincerely wish them all the best for their future as husband and wife…. 🙂  Thankyou Beth and Josh!

Josh & Beth – NSW from Joseph Willis on Vimeo.

9. The Commonwealth Games are on their way – our Gold Coast is next!

With the Glasgow games deemed “the best ever” and the warm welcome of the locals with their Scottish brogue, it is time now to turn our attention to the Gold Coast!  Four years could seem a while away, but we at La Maison Pacifique are ready and waiting!  Can’t wait for the Games to hit our shores and we are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world.  For updates on the progress on the games, visit http://www.gc2018.com/ or follow on twitter at https://twitter.com/gc2018

10. Welcome to all our new subscribers!

Welcome to all our new subscribers and thank you to all our regular subscribers  – we do hope that you continue to enjoy our newsletters each month.  Thanks to our returning guests – and don’t forget to tell us about your stay – we love your feedback (and it is important to us!)  We look forward to welcoming you all to our property soon – and don’t forget to book early – 2015 is shaping up to be another bumper year!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/description-rates/

11. La Maison Pacifique recent Tweets – my favourites!

Local News, Events and Information

• RT @_Brookfarm_: Foodlander app finds fresh food at #Farmersmarkets from your phone – klou.tt/1khgrq20s9576 #Travel
• RT @DestTweed: Planning a Crystal Castle trip? Download free guidebook before you go: ow.ly/yn3SR #NSW #Travel
• @dihendy So many places to curl up with a book in the winter sun @maisonpacifique decisions decisions pic.twitter.com/hMEgpdrQtF
• @dihendy No wonder @maisonpacifique has become popular with bridal parties-the master bedroom is like a luxury penthouse suite pic.twitter.com/Q6FPMVNOpt
• RT @yTravelBlog: 25 places to eat on #GoldCoast: bit.ly/TI8jS5 #ThisisQueensland #PBevent #RestaurantAustralia
• & visit Casuarina #NSW #Australia RT @HuffPostTravel: 21 travel experiences you need once huff.to/1iWqD2S…
• RT @alluxia: The hottest new Byron Bay restaurants & bars ow.ly/z5Yj4 #byronbay #restaurantaustralia
• Ever tried stand up #paddleboarding? Try it on the #GoldCoast ! ow.ly/zhnik #Travel #Australia
• Ideas for your #ByronBay day trip! ow.ly/zhonS @ByronBayCookies ow.ly/zhp76 ow.ly/zhpav
• Keen to get your pulse racing? Try #Jetboating on the #GoldCoast ! ow.ly/zhpEi @NSWTips #NSW #Travel #Adventure
• Movie #Inbetweeners inc shots on our #Casuarina beach! ow.ly/zm4I1 Watch for the headland! #CabaritaBeach #NSW
• Congrats to our friends at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club -Top 25-Brides Choice Awards ow.ly/zGK1K ow.ly/zGK7n
• Australia’s Gold Coast will host the next Commonwealth Games-2018. Time to shine #GameOnGoldCoast thndr.it/1sGzTLI
• 9 Australian Cooking schools for the adventurous-we say Wild Lime & Stay with us! RT @AustTraveller ow.ly/zOVuc

Travel Tips and News

• RT @luxury__travel:Top 5 fashionable essentials every woman must pack bit.ly/1lGWbeG pic.twitter.com/ynSZeBBtPg #Luxury
• RT @LuxuryPRGal:Hilarious! #travel RT @mashable:Every flight is a joyride with this flight attendant on.mash.to/1npYjpf
• +Book Aussie Summer Hols! RT @CNTraveler:5 Things Every Smart Traveler Should Do This Month: cntrvlr.com/1mbLrW0 #Travel
• RT @luxury__travel: The top 3 airlines for travelling with the family bit.ly/1x3xMDY #Travel #Travelwithkids
• RT @AnnTran_: TRAVEL TIPS: How to pack more efficiently via @GAdv_GLS @G_lizlulu #teamLove pic.twitter.com/aNa039vu8G
• RT @TravelwitBender: Essential tech kit for a travel blogging geek goo.gl/fkY6VX via @globalgrasshopr
• RT @CNTraveler:Flying with kids can be stressful – @joannagoddard tips on how to deal. cntrvlr.com/1qY3U9l #traveltips
• RT @vagabondish: 10 Things You Should Know Before Your Next Great Roadtrip #travel ow.ly/xIoFA
• Why its impossible to sleep in #Qantas First Class #Travel ow.ly/yRJdT #TravelTips #Australia
• Flight attendant’s guide to flying! ow.ly/z7g29 #travel #airtravel
• RT @CNTraveler: packing for 10 days abroad with 1 bag cntrvlr.com/1rk8yBn #travelskills #ttot pic.twitter.com/2IhHVjhzOd
• RT @vagabondish: 7 Reasons Why Traveling Somewhere *Again* is a Really Gr8 Idea #travel #traveltips ow.ly/yKtKk
• RT @CNTraveler: How to get a reservation at a fully booked restaurant: cntrvlr.com/1sAXz6J pic.twitter.com/TcwM69dQrB
• How to beat global roaming charges ow.ly/zMVvK #Travel #Australia #NSWTips #TravelTips

Wedding Tips

• RT @HuffPostStyle: Now this is the ultimate #bridesmaid dream team huff.to/1kVViKG #Wedding
• RT @stylemepretty: The ultimate hair inspiration! 15 bridal braids we adore: stylemepretty.com/2014/05/06/15-…#wedding
• RT @Bridesmagazine: The most iconic #wedding dresses of all time: po.st/q0LC7r
• RT @SandyMalone_: @brides today w/ #weddingtips to save your budget brides.com/blogs/aisle-sa…#wedding
• RT @youyourwedding: So, THAT’S how to rock your #wedding speeches… youandyourwedding.co.uk/planning/readi…pic.twitter.com/07KiHy6Jc8
• RT 4 ways to involve kids in your #wedding ow.ly/yOruj @SandyMalone_ @WeddingsinVQS #WeddingTips
• RT @Bridesmagazine: The 10 things you need to do as soon as you get engaged: po.st/DY2GjC
• RT @Weddingmagazine: Psst! Seven purse-friendly #wedding beauty secrets you need to know: ow.ly/zg1MT
• RT @onewed: Thursday’s #IdeabookInspo We Love: Wedding Day Signage ow.ly/wqBX3 ow.ly/i/5rp6u
• RT @stylemepretty:Best tips for beating the heat at a summer wedding: stylemepretty.com/2014/06/18/tip…
• RT @inspiredbride: 5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect #Wedding Favors – wp.me/p4NF8w-34H pic.twitter.com/1n848t6VBQ
• RT @brides: How to travel with your in-laws and not go insane: brid.es/1s4hWry #wedding

Wow, another great newsletter packed with some fantastic information ready for your next holiday!

….Have we convinced you yet that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever at any time of the year?  All you have to do now is book your beach holiday!  Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.  Patrolled beaches line the coast.  We even have Carla,  Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! You can even book a picnic or high tea with Teaspoon High Tea Events!  Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!

Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next!  It is your turn!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (yes, we do accept credit cards – through our paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 452 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 452 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
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Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE

Black and White vs Colour Wedding Photos

Debating between black & white vs colour wedding photos? We’ll we’ve done some research and found this great article by Emilie Baltz (from The Knot website) which will help you decide (and we have added in contact details/links for local Northern NSW suppliers)….  Read on…

Black & White vs Colour Wedding Photos

No doubt you’ll want to capture the rich hues of your centrepieces, vibrant blooms between cake tiers (try out locals Cakes by the Moon at Kingscliff) and the rich red of chocolate-covered strawberries in colour. But when it comes to capturing the unscripted seconds that live in your mind forever — the anxiety and joy of getting ready or the adoring glance your future husband casts your way — black and white shots can be the way to go. In short, both colour and black and white images are essential to document the planning (we recommend locals – Casuarina Weddings or I Do Perfection) that went into your day and the moments that define it.

Black and White Basics

Plain and simple, black and white photography (Figtree Pictures would be our choice) is preferred for documenting emotional moments. The fewer colours your eyes have to process, the cleaner and easier an image is to absorb when viewing. The result? The subject shines through! Black and white images help you focus on the features of a subject and bring the mood into focus. Use it to capture important, intimate moments such as the kiss and the first dance. To intensify the purity of such sacred moments, Philippe Cheng, an established New York wedding photographer, recommends that your photographer zoom in to cut out visual clutter and focus on the look in the groom’s eyes or the happy tears streaming down the bride’s cheeks, for example.

Advantages of Black and White Film

Black and white pictures can help mask skin imperfections because shades of grey can’t record the blotchy red irritations that inevitably pop up on this stressful day. Put this knowledge to use and ask for black and white coverage as you get ready. You’ll be able to look back and remember all the great details of the day — Mum buttoning your dress, a stolen glance in the mirror, the silent sweep of a makeup brush — without remembering that red bloch on your face! Save the colour for the final moment when the gown, the hair and the makeup are all perfect.

Another advantage of black and white images is their duration. Printing black and white images on special archival fibre paper is more expensive than printing colour but can last hundreds of years. Think of your grandparents’ wedding albums — faces of ancestors still peek out, brimming with the same joy they felt that day. These are “archival prints.” Colour photos fade and degenerate faster. Film advances are being made, but the fact remains that, on average, colour prints will start to fade after about 50 years.

When to Use Colour Film

Black & White vs Colour Wedding Photos

Once the attendants are dressed and assembled and the reception site is unveiled, let those colour photos begin! Flowers, food, favours — all of these elements you discussed endlessly and selected lovingly can only be recorded on colour film. It might not seem as artistic but, trust us, you’ll want to remember exactly what colour your centrepieces were 40 years from now!

Likewise, remember to ask for colour during your formal portrait session — these are the photos for which you’ll most likely order multiple prints. Shoot as much as you can outside, too. Colour film does not need to be restricted to daylight. It can work very well at night or even indoors to capture a soft, romantic mood. By placing a camera on a tripod, for example, a photographer can use a slower, better colour exposure and no flash to shoot a beautiful, dimly lit room or centerpiece. “Colour is at its best when most subtle,” affirms Cheng. Ask your photographer to look for these soft, quiet details and record them with care.

Putting Two and Two Together

So, what should you do for your wedding? Work the advantages of black and white and colour shots: request both to satisfy your artistic and documentary needs. An extra photographer may be required and overall it may eat up more of the budget, but you’ll love the results. From an intimate black and white portrait of you and your loved ones to a vibrant, colourful shot of the bridal party, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Black & White vs Colour Wedding Photos 2

Are you inspired?  Well, at La Maison Pacifique, our recent bride Beth (pictured left), took some amazing photos (and video below) of her beautiful day. 

Josh & Beth – NSW from Joseph Willis on Vimeo. (La Maison Pacifique features from 1:23)

I think you will agree that Josh and Beth’s day was magical.  It was a real treat for us to be able to host Beth and her girls, then Josh and Beth, and we do sincerely wish them all the best for a wonderful married life together.  A really lovely couple.

Oh – and other suppliers that could make your day extra special include:

• Casey Tanswell Designs
• Elian Valttila Wedding Hairdresser
• Inspired Ceremonies Wedding Celebrant Elisha Salkeld
• Jodie Lee Makeup to the Stars Wedding Makeup
• Joseph Willis Wedding Videos
• Little Gray Station Wedding Equipment Hire
• Moss n Stone Florist Wedding Flowers
• Osteria – Wedding Venue
• Samantha Wills Wedding Jewellry
• Sarah Head Music
• Stretch Bedouin
• Sweet at Ferry Road Markets

….Have we convinced you yet that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever at any time of the year?  All you have to do now is book your beach holiday!  Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.  Patrolled beaches line the coast.  We even have Carla,  Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! You can even book a picnic or high tea with Teaspoon High Tea Events!  Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!

Happy holidays (and wedding!) – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next!  It is your turn!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (yes, we do accept credit cards – through our paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 452 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 452 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE

Spida’s Top things to do in Kingscliff NSW

Spida’s Top things to do in Kingscliff

Following on from our most successful post “Lisa’s Top things to do in Kingscliff“, we have just found this recent article (and video) put together by the Escape Team and Spida Everett on our neighbour Kingscliff.  Of course, we love any articles that promote our beautiful area, and whilst we, ourselves prefer to stay just down the road in Casuarina, we are just a 40 minute bike ride along the foreshore and boardwalk to the beautiful town of Kingscliff.

If you would like to read Spida’s original article (and watch the video), you can do it here, otherwise, for your convenience, we have copied it below…  Read on for some great tips from Spida!

SPIDA Everitt finds he doesn’t have to venture too far from home to enjoy a fabulous family holiday.

It was time to investigate our own backyard and, after living on the northern Gold Coast for nearly four years, we were well and truly overdue for a visit.

In the last set of school holidays, we packed the tent and the kids and headed down the very short drive to Kingscliff, just 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport in the Northern Rivers region.

Kingscliff is a great coastal town with everything to suit all budgets, tastes and holiday types. It is very much a small beach community as well as a tourist destination that provides a beautiful ocean beach and fantastic estuary access for swimming, fishing and all water sports.

Kingscliff Beach is a beautiful spot for fishing, surfing or just relaxing in the sun.

Throw in the great cycle and walking tracks, fantastic restaurants, cafes and boutiques and you have one of the best beach holiday destinations in NSW.

And to top that off, the Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park is right on the beachfront with the main shopping strip at its back door.

Kingscliff is one of those spots where everything is within walking distance of your motorhome, even the local bowling club and surf club, a must when looking for lunch or dinner. So, for a holiday where you can park the car and not have to use it again, Kingscliff is the spot.

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the friendly locals at Kingscliff Surf Club.

The main attraction in Kingscliff is the beach. As you stroll along the beach on any given day, you can see all sorts of activity. There are fisherman trying their luck catching a dinner of Spanish mackerel, wahoo, mulloway or tailor. Or some will try the estuary entrance for trevally along the rock walls.

Many people love taking the time out of a stressful day to sit back and admire the surfers and stand-up paddle boarders, and we are no exception.

Or, if you travel with an inflatable Sevylor paddle board like we do, then it’s time to hit the water. Every day there are plenty of locals displaying their prowess on the waves, and all this activity is right in front of your beachfront powered site.

Writer Spida Everitt’s family set up camp at Kingscliff Holiday Park.

Even when it’s a little overcast and windy it doesn’t stop the tourists from enjoying this pocket of paradise.

Families playing in the sand, walking the water’s edge and, of course, swimming.

We pitch the tent at Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park on their fantastic beachfront sites and decide to never leave.

Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park is right on the beach making it the perfect spot for a family escape.

Just a short walk along the beach you will come to River Inlet, a great place to go fishing or look at the tide crash up against the walls that allows the water to flow into a calm water paradise for those wanting to swim in a protected safe area. You pass the pelicans as they hang around for afternoon tea from the boaties coming in from a good day’s fishing.

Hire a couple of bikes and ride the foreshore. The Water Sports Guru has everything you need to entertain everyone — from snorkelling with the turtles, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surf lessons right through to hiring fishing gear and bikes.

Local surfers will put on a display that you can enjoy without leaving your campsite.

We set out on our bikes from the holiday park and take the easy 30-minute ride to, and then along, Cudgen Creek. It is a stunning ride with fantastic views along the way.

After Cudgen Creek, we continue on through Faulks Park then back along Cudgen Creek. It’s an easy ride but do take your time as there are many other people out either riding or walking.

Stop and check out the local estuary, which is always a busy spot, or take your swimmers with you to enjoy a quick swim to cool off. You can ride for kilometres along a stunning pathway but remember you have to ride back.

Pelicans patiently wait for fishermen to return with the day’s catch.

When it’s time for dinner, there are plenty of options but pizza is the perfect end to a big day. We walk the main strip, Marine Pde, and stumble across a little wine shop stocking so many great products from cheese to chocolates and wines.

Some were local but many from places around the world. After stocking up we find Kingscliff Gourmet Pizzas and, with an order of chicken tandoori and hombre pizzas and nachos, it is time to sit and reflect on what an awesome day we have had.

A delicious pizza from Kingscliff Gourmet Pizza is the perfect way to end a big day.

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Thanks so much to Spida and the team for this great article and video.  If you would like to find out more information about Kingscliff, here are some of our blogs with more local information!

• Lisa’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
• Pete’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
• Carla’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
• Our top picnic spots near Kingscliff
• Kingscliff Summer Beach and Surf Safety
• Patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff
• Whale Watching Northern NSW
• Best National Parks Northern NSW
• Kingscliff Beach NSW Information and Accommodation

Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next!  It is your turn!

Would you like to book or find out more about us?

Check out our rates, (yes, we do accept credit cards – through our paypal!)

Look at our last minute accommodation specials or

Send us an enquiry now! 

You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter

Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.

Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 452 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 452 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour –  http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE