
Three Steps Closer to ‘I Do’ — Let’s Keep the Magic Going!

Hello again from Dean and Helen! We think of you often as you live your full and rich lives and dream of your futures… and your wedding day! Here are a few reminders about what is most important as you come towards your wedding planning…
Emotional Grounding & Connection
You don’t need to do more. You just need to remember what matters.
Planning a wedding can feel like trying to juggle joy, logistics, expectations, and Instagram-worthy details all at once. Somewhere in the swirl, it’s easy to forget: this isn’t just an event. It’s your story—one you get to write together.
Here are a few ways to step back, reconnect, and gently re-center:
Take a Non-Wedding Date Night
No spreadsheets. No Pinterest. No guest list talk.
Just the two of you—out for dinner, a beach walk, a bottle of wine on the couch.
Remind yourselves why you’re doing this in the first place.
Because great weddings don’t come from planning hard—they come from feeling close.
Talk About the Guest Experience
Take a moment to ask each other:
“How do we want our guests to feel when they arrive?”
“What would make the night unforgettable for them?”
“What would feel meaningful to us?”
This isn’t about tablecloth colors or signature cocktails (though those are fun too). It’s about designing the mood, not just the look.
Revisit Your Vows or Ceremony Script
Whether you’ve already drafted your vows or haven’t started yet, this is a powerful time to reflect.
You don’t need to write anything final. Just return to the why.
What promises matter most to you?
What are you most excited to say, or hear?
How do you want to feel, standing there together?
This part of planning is invisible—but it’s the part that lasts.
Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to do everything.
You don’t have to do it perfectly.
You just have to keep showing up for each other—with a little more presence, and a little less pressure.
We're here to help with the rest.
Dean, Helen & The Songbird Team
SOME SONGBIRD RETREAT DETAILS
The Guest accommodation nearby Songbird Retreat, and available by special arrangement by the Owner, Anne Simpson, to families and friends of Songbird couples, now has all the extra information required for booking.
Nightly Rate: $1,045 NZD plus $250 cleaning and linen
Total Amount Due: $1,295.00 incl taxes. Any additional nights stay at $900 per night
Payment Collection: Payment will be processed securely by Songbird Retreat Wedding Venue on behalf of the Hosts, Anne & Karen Simpson. Full payment is due 3 months prior to the date of booking unless otherwise arranged.
For booking or payment matters, contact Songbird Retreat: dean@songbirdretreat.co.nz
For the comfort of you and your guests, we have a luxury toilet trailer for you which has
3 female stalls
2 male stalls and 2 urinals
In order to make it easiest for those of you who have more guests than 100 and need to hire additional furniture, we are providing
white resin folding chairs that are compatible with Carlton Hire chairs
trestle tables that are compatible with Carlton Hire trestle tables, measuring 2400(L) x 750(W) x 750(H)
white floor length tablecloths for 150 guests - this will mean that you need not worry about matching tablecloths with ours. We will hire out the additional tablecloths at the same rate as Carlton Hire, which will make the whole process easier for you. You are welcome to hire alternative tablecloths in different colours if you wish.
Wondering how to get PEOPLE UP Dancing all night?
We can highly recommend Jarrod Phillips from Mix It DJ.
His sax combination with the DJ was outstanding! 021624061
imagine your day!

Your day may begin in the serene elegance of Songbird Cottage’s bridal suite, where soft natural light filters through the windows, and the air is filled with quiet excitement. Surrounded by your closest friends, you might sip champagne, share laughter, and take in the precious moments before the celebration begins.

Then it’s time. You step onto the grand staircase, between roses and lavender and native NZ flaxes whispering as you pass. Your wedding starts with an entrance worthy of the moment.

Walk the enchanting bridal walkway, flanked by delicate white roses in full bloom. The soft fragrance lingers in the air as you take in the moment— the whisper of a breeze, and the eyes of your loved ones watching in excitement.

As you arrive at the ceremony lawn, your family and friends stand together, a sea of smiling faces ready to witness your vows. With breathtaking scenery as your backdrop, your forever begins—surrounded by love, nature, and the magic of the moment.

After the "I do’s," the atmosphere shifts to relaxed joy on the Cocktail Lawn. Soft music drifts through the air as old friends reconnect, and new memories are made.
Every corner of Songbird Retreat offers a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. From sun-dappled gardens to the elegant details of the venue, your photographer will be spoiled for choice. For those craving a breathtaking coastal touch, Matheson Bay is just two minutes away. Whether amidst nature or by the water’s edge, your wedding album will be filled with timeless, beautiful moments.

A beautifully curated feast awaits in the marquee or informally around food trucks and informal seating, where the food is a delight, and every toast is heartfelt.

Then, as the music picks up, the dance floor comes alive—a celebration of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Wave your guests goodbye and retreat to the luxurious serenity of Songbird Cottage. Step into the steaming outdoor bath, surrounded by the sounds of the night and the soft glow of the stars. It’s the perfect way to soak in the joy of the day—just the two of you, in love.
Celebrate Your love, Your Way
in Relaxed Elegance or
Sophisticated Celebration













Songbird Cottage
Your Perfect Bridal Preparation and Honeymoon Retreat




















