ANEAU

Muse # 8 - Katie Von Dadelszen, ANEAU bride and bridesmaids in custom ANEAU robes Photography by Fiona Andersen How did you and Chris first meet? At what moment did you know Chris was your man for life and had captured your heart? Chris and I met at a mutual friends birthday party at the beach road hotel in bondi 6 years ago... his laugh is what first got my attention it reminded me of the cartoon character Muttley from hanabarbera cartoon series! I thought Ohmygod his laugh and his smile are so infectious I need this man in my life!  About a month later he asked me to come and meet him for a drink again at the beach road. We shared a sneaky kiss on the dance floor and then said our goodbyes as I had to fly to Los Angeles the next morning for work. Not a day has passed since that evening where we haven’t spoken. Not one single day! What led you to choose Wanaka in New Zealand at Horse Shoe Bend Estate for your wedding location? Chris is from New Zealand and we have spent a bit of time in beautiful Queenstown together. When researching venues for our destination wedding I came across horseshoe bend estate in wanaka and instantly fell in love - it was the perfect venue to host our nearest and dearest whilst truely showcasing the beauty of wanaka. The theme of white and black for your wedding is so stunning against the backdrop of the incredible landscape of Wanaka and fits perfectly with the modern architecture of the estate. Was this the intention of the creative direction? Yes I felt black and white was subtle yet still very impactful. I didn’t want to take away from the beauty of the New Zealand landscape but I still wanted to convey a sense of style and sophistication where I could look back on my wedding photos in 20 years time and not be shocked but any crazy colours! We feel so lucky to have collaborated and made custom robes for you and your bridesmaids. How did they add a special touch to the preparation? The robes were absolutely stunning! On the morning of the wedding I hung the robes in the rooms of each of my bridesmaids so they could put them on as soon as they got up. The girls were absolutely blown away. The crisp white cotton was so luxe and it looks and feels so premium. The girls also loved the personalised initials on their robes which added that special touch. We were running around like crazy women all morning setting up for the wedding but we were so cool because of the gorgeous breathable cotton! I loved how the robes also tied back to my black and white theme! Anna absolutely nailed them. The black piping gave them that added bit of detail and I think that’s what sets aneau apart from other brands - the make the beautiful fabric and the considered design details - every piece is carefully considered and made with love! What was the most memorable moment from the day and if you could go back in time what would you tell yourself the morning of the day? Apart from marrying the man of my dreams, our helicopter glacier photos and sharing our love with our very best of friends and family I would have to say it was just before I got my make up done. Chris took me out to the pool lounges and presented me with a letter from my father who wasn’t well enough to attend the wedding. Chris, my best friend (and maid of honour) and my little brother had arranged the letter with my father. I was completely overcome with emotion when I read it and was sobbing uncontrollably but Chris was there hugging me, looking at me with such love and comfort in his eyes I knew instantly in that moment that this man was my protector and who I couldn’t wait to marry. If I could go back and tell myself one thing on the morning of the wedding it would be to get someone to record the speeches!!!! We had so many wonderful speeches and laughs and tears but no one recorded them! To this day people are still asking if we have copies of anyone’s speeches!!! What are you most excited about for your next chapter together other than your new incredible last name, Von Dadelszen?  We are going to Japan for 2 1/2 weeks in October for our honeymoon and the rugby World Cup (remember I married a kiwi so it’s all about the all blacks lol) after that I’d love to start trying for a little baby von d!!!!!!  

Muse # 7 - Rebecca Castle + Analiese Gregory, Tasmania Robe Trip Photography by Scott Robertson It's always summer somewhere... A conversation between Rebecca Castle + Analiese Gregory. Rebecca: Analiese I’m coming to visit, four-day road trip? Analiese: YES!!!! Bay of Fires, it’s going to be 30+ degrees everyday & we’ll wear our ANEAU Swan robes the whole time #robetrip!!!   Wardrobe for trip consisted of robes, cossies, summer frocks & Analiese’s wetsuit. Four days camping in the Bay of Fires is HEAVEN ON EARTH. Swimming in crystal clear azure waters that rival if not beat Barbados, the Seychelles or Mauritius & napping on the white sands, with robes for sun protection. Dining on foraged sea treasures of abalone, crab, crayfish & the odd bit of kelp washed down with a collection of natural wines from Analiese’s own cellar & late night negronis watching the stars, or sky telly as we call it. Now I realize that robes are essential beach attire, day or night.        

MUSE # 6 - Dara Tippapart Photography by Scott Surplice How did you and Richy meet?  Richy and I met at a party on Australia day eight years ago. He threw bits of baguette at me to get my attention and now the rest is history... Your wedding location was so enchanting and magical. Did you always know this was where you wanted to have your wedding and celebration?  I always knew I wanted to get married in the countryside. I dreamt of having it in Chianti, Italy on a property we had once stayed at, but sadly I knew it would be a massive stretch for our friends and family to get there. Funnily enough I found our wedding location on Instagram. I booked in an appointment with the manager and immediately fell in love with the property as soon as we pulled into the driveway. Merribee is a charming property filled with herbaceous plants, an abundant edible garden, gorgeous roses the size of your hand and a lavender paddock. The other thing that won me over was the outdoor dance floor that was dimly lit at night, very romantic. The caterer and florist were locals and the loveliest people to work with. It took alot of stress away knowing they understood my mood board. I loved that the property did not require any styling, the gardens were in full bloom. HAHA I cried when it was all over! It’s so lovely you had your three sisters as your bridesmaids. What is the ritual or importance of having bridesmaids?  Weddings are stressful and can be overwhelming especially if you are planning a wedding from overseas like I did. It was so important having my sisters as my bridesmaids who know me inside and out and that I can also be upfront with. It was really nice getting to spend time with them, we are all busy living apart doing our own thing so it was special to have them be my support crew and also hear their speeches on the day. I was in tears laughing and crying!     Being a photographer yourself what was your brief for the photography of your own wedding?  I found it a difficult task trying to find the right photographer who's style I personally felt connected with. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of talented photographers out there but it was important to have a photographer who was was chilled and unobtrusive in their approach. That's my approach to any shoots I do so I wanted someone who knew how to work that way too. To be honest, I don't think I gave him much of a brief except that I requested that we not be away from the party for too long doing 'couple shots'. I wanted more photos of us and our guests mingling. That felt far more natural, I get so bloody awkward in front of the camera! If you could write a note to yourself on the day of your wedding. What would it be?  Hmm well it would probably be something like this The day is finally here, all those late nights planning, losing sleep, getting upset and overjoyed about.  Don't be nervous or sad because you haven't practised your 'first dance' and its not 'perfect'. You're dancing to your special song that means something to you, that's all that matters. Take some selfies with mum and dad, have a gin and tonic with mum and you'll be right! Enjoy every second of today, slow down and take a moment away on your own and as a couple to soak in everything that you have created. Most importantly, remember to find a quiet spot when the party is over and all the guests are gone and look up at the stars in the sky.

MUSE # 5 - Kiri Vasales  Photography by Anna Westcott  What do you hope for the future for luna? I hope as she grows she knows she is loved fully and unconditionally. I hope she sees and feels the power and confidence within herself to achieve anything that she wishes, and I hope she goes through life remembering to be true and kind to all. She’s bound for big things this girl.

MUSE # 4 - Chinni Swamy, Founder of Purkal Stree Shakti  Photography by Hannah Scott-Stevenson Chinni, can you tell us about your story and how 10 years on Purkal stree shakti came to be and evolve? In the past 10 years Psss has evolved in many fronts. From being a small unit supporting 40 women it has grown into a registered NGO. When we started we were working from my home. Now we function from a full fledged workshop which makes it more efficient and professional. The number of women has grown to 170. The women have organised themselves into self help groups with elected leaders and their own bank account for their business. Thus the business of Psss is owned by these self help groups. The women are learning to manage their enterprise. The group leaders are consulted for every important decision connected to the business. We have developed a number products over the years. We now make quilts for adults and children, bags and pouches, kitchen and home decor products, garments for men and women and items for corporate gifting. The organisation is now evolving systems for smooth running the business. How is International Women's day a important day for you and the women you work with? The International Women's Day is indeed a very big day in our calendar. For the past few years we have been organising a sports day for the women to celebrate the occasion. This is the day for them to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. They understand that they are no less than anybody. This builds tremendous confidence and self esteem in the women.Through your work can you tell us about the social impact initiatives and the effect it has on the lives of the women and their families? To begin with our idea was to let the women earn economic independence. As the craft did not exist here we had to first train them. So, learning new crafts and training became an ongoing activity in Psss. Women who never had the confidence that they could learn anything are now ready to take on any challenging work. They can confidently meet customers to talk about their lives and sell their products. Many of our women now own smart phones and are active on Facebook and WhatsApp.   Regular workshops and lectures are arranged for the women touching varied subjects such as leadership, time management, dealing with customers, health and sanitation and yoga and its benefits. This kind of exposure widens their vistas. They begin to understand that the world is much bigger than their villages. The nutritious lunch initiative of the society has resulted in much better health for the women. They fall ill less often. They are able work and earn better.Our being a member of Fair Trade has taught them to respect the environment.  Working with PYDS our women have campaigned for villages free of plastic.  We succeeded to a great extent. Being economically independent they are respected better by the family and the community. They are now able to make decisions for the family. They understand the importance of education and make sure their children are educated.Lastly, what does Balance for Better mean to you in light of this years International Women's Day?These are my thoughts on balance. Balance has to start from within.When your being is in balance that means you are at peace with yourself and the world around you. There is no place for violence but only joy. If we can find balance in the world, between the sexes, between the needs of human beings and nature, between the power of one nation and others, the world will be a better place  to be in.