Testimonials
Amanda Scoggins and Simon WattFebruary 2009
We first approached Emma Newman via e-mail when we came across her website on Google. Since we were organising a wedding in Blenheim from London we wanted someone on the ground that could ensure the planning and coordination would run smoothly.
We were immediately impressed with Emma’s quick response to our original query, her professional and friendly manner ….
During the course of the year Emma helped us identify all our wedding suppliers. The list was extensive and we really valued her wealth of knowledge and experience about identifying those suppliers that would best meet our needs and desires.
We found Emma very approachable and found her extremely responsive to any questions. At the same time Emma was proactive and helped us identify things we might not have otherwise considered – another big plus.
Our wedding day was a huge success and would not have run as smoothly without Emma’s help in planning and coordination on the day. We can’t thank Emma enough. All our suppliers were outstanding and there was no stress leading up to the day because everything was so well planned. We would strongly recommend Emma to anyone planning a wedding.
November 2008
Emma helped plan our wedding, which took place in November 2008. As we live in the UK, her role was much more than helping: she acted for us in planning, sourcing suppliers and services, and in the indefinable but so important matter: taste and style. She had to make decisions which reflected what we would have wanted had we been there ourselves.
How did she do? We had a stunningly successful day. The logistics were flawless, all the bits and pieces came together effortlessly (or so it seemed), and we and our guests (who had come from across NZ, from the UK and even from Afghanistan) had time to really enjoy the day.
None of this is easy. Emma is a tireless, methodical organiser. She uses her own contacts and network on your behalf effectively and ethically, and she understands the importance of getting the atmosphere as well as the details right. Emma has superb taste, and an ability to genuinely support the bridal couple without being intrusive or obvious as she does so.
We count ourselves fortunate to have had her help for our wedding. We have some cloudless, poetic memories of the day – made possible because the hard work had been done by Emma. If you want a great wedding day in Christchurch, you’d be silly not to start with Emma Newman.
With Many Thanks
September 2008
Emma is very capable and efficient and immediately won our trust by showing us she really wanted to understand who we were, our likes and dislikes, and our ideas for the wedding…Emma made the planning of the wedding stress free but that wasn’t all. On the day, she was absolutely indispensable. Emma is the type of person who really takes the initiative, taking care of things the couple might otherwise overlook, particularly on the big day. We were able to relax and really enjoy the entire event, knowing that Emma was more than capable of handling anything that might need attention. I would definitely recommend Emma to anyone planning a wedding, even those who think they don’t need a planner, Emma will enhance your day!
March 2008
The local surf club helped clear one end of the beach for our ceremony, and our fabulous – and very hands-on – wedding planner, Emma Newman, directed the layout….The whole day progressed without a hitch thanks to careful planning by Janene and Emma. It was a perfect day in all respects!
(extract from the NZ Bride and Groom Featured Wedding May – July 2009)
December 2007
…After viewing her website in August 2007 my husband and I decided to make contact via email to Emma, her response was almost immediate. Within twenty minutes of sending an email to her we received a phone call.
After talking to Emma for just a few minutes we decided to use the services of Emma as she portrayed to us confidence, sincerity and experience.
We found her to be extremely well organised, friendly and totally dedicated to making our wedding day dreams come true…
May 2007
I can't say enough thank you's to you Em. The day was immensely special to everyone there and we all felt as though we had a zen-like experience (for lack of a better term). Everyone was so connected and it was very emotional for all of us. I remember less about the details and more about the feeling that was produced...this overwhelming sense of calm. And not just because it was finally over. ;) Since I am such a perfectionist, I have never said that anything was perfect before, but I think that our wedding truly was perfect. I couldn't imagine any of this without all your help and encouragement. Thank you so very much.
March 2007
Thank you again for everything you did for us for the wedding you were invaluable and everyone commented on how incredibly lovely you were and how helpful.Woman’s Day 2006 about Melanie Lynskey and Jimmi Simpson’s wedding
"Finally out of frustration, Melanie searched for a wedding planner. “I found an amazing woman called Emma Newman who has absolutely saved me"
January 2007
A friend, who is getting married later this year, asked for hints on how to pull off a successful wedding. She had worked in the same office as me for a year and new that I was a 'stresser'. She wanted to know how I managed to be so calm on my wedding day. The secret…wedding planner extraordinaire, Emma Newman.
The greatest part about having Emma at our wedding was being able to enjoy every aspect of our special day with the knowledge that everything was being taken care of…Emma’s supplier suggestions enabled us to pick suppliers with confidence. All were businesses that Emma had worked with before and had had positive experiences with.
Beyond the call of duty, Emma had just given birth to baby Alice. Alice was just 14 days old on our wedding day and Emma and her wonderful husband had a plan of attack to ensure Emma was able to be with us on the big day. Such was Emma’s dedication to our wedding.
Making sure I ate something before leaving for the church… is an example of Emma’s attention to detail. When nerves take over it is easy for the bride and her family to be absorbed in the moment, Emma made sure the practical jobs were all taken care of. Even down to the final re-assurance that we all looked gorgeous as we stepped through the church door, Emma stood there with tissues and rescue remedy in hand just in case.
Emma provided bible reading suggestions for a non-religious couple and also organ music suggestions, she answered our wedding etiquette questions too like which side of the bride my granddad would stand. Emma provided amazing electronic planning templates, colour scheme suggestions, even sending clippings of ribbon she had found and lovely regular emails just to see how I was getting on.
Emma, we are so glad we found you. Your advice and support was so beneficial - We really couldn't have done it without you. I was completely at ease about getting married knowing that we had put the work in prior and that you were there on the day. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your assistance to anyone that wants their big day to be entirely stress free and memorable.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!
February 2005
Emma’s networks and relationships with the florist, photographer, caterer and so on saved so many hassles. She was able to get everything organised, agreed and signed off very efficiently. Her relationship with them also meant we got that extra level of service…
I am very organised and focused at work, so it was wonderful to have someone with the same tenacity to work with in preparing for our special day. Our wedding would’ve have been half of what it was without the work Emma put in…
Almost every guest commented on the attention to detail and planning that must have gone on to create such a seamless and relaxed day…
Planning a wedding in NZ from overseas would’ve been a nightmare. Emma’s support turned the whole experience into a dream come true. We couldn’t have done it without you!
January 2004
Where can I start… The hugest thank you from both of us for the most amazing effort you went to for our wedding… you thought of everything.
December 2003
Thank you so much for all of your very hard work and keeping us to date and in line – it helped make the day as perfect as it was.December 2003
Emma thank you so much for creating such a stunning, gorgeous amazing day for us! Everything was just so perfect. You have given us some truly special memories we will cherish forever.
Annie and Simon’s Bestman PJ
Wanted to make sure that you were told what a fantastic job you had done. The whole thing was top notch and your organisation integral to the smooth running of what was a wonderful celebration. Many Congrats and well done!!
March 2003
Emma made herself absolutely indispensable both in the planning and on the day. With her extraordinary people skills and calming personality she is extremely good at what she does...She is very capable and efficient and somewhat of a perfectionist who inspires 100% confidence. If you ask Emma to do something you know she will do it quickly, efficiently and to the best of her ability.
Emma is also a very creative person and pays attention to the finer details which a preoccupied bride is unlikely to think of, especially on the day. She continually came up with great ideas from 12 months before my wedding up until the day, when she added many thoughtful touches, taking the initiative, taking care of things I hadn’t though about… with her outgoing, friendly personality she is comfortable in any social situation, She made a strong impression on many of our guests and people still ask after her. Having a wedding planner of Emma’s skill, expertise, creativity and passion facilitated the planning and enhanced my wedding day in many ways and I would strongly recommend her as a wedding planner.
August 2002
As a relative newcomer to Christchurch, I found Emma’s extensive knowledge and experience of wedding arrangements invaluable. She was able to give me a list of recommended providers in most areas I required in the areas I required, along with comments on their level of service. This gave me the assurance of using providers with a proven record as well as allowing a cost effective approach.
I was impressed by Emma’s professional yet friendly approach when providing advice and ideas. She was able to offer suggestions without being forceful and while everyone has their own personal taste, I didn’t feel she was trying to influence my style, but draw out my themes and dreams for the day. .. In conclusion, Emma makes what can be a stressful, busy time enjoyable with her enthusiasm and genuine interest in planning for one if the most significant days of your life.