Welcome to the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Events Blog

CLM Conference August 2011

2011-08-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Just had to share with you this awesome bit of feedback we got from the recent CLM conference, they stayed with us over 2 days and hosted a fantastic Masqurade banquet in our Marquee on the Friday night...

We all had a blast and feedback from our entire group was that your venue and customer service from all staff was exceptional, so please pass on our appreciation to everyone, I just wish we could have it in Nelson every year!

Cheers

Brandlines Conference - done & dusted!

2011-08-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

We have just had the pleasure of hosting the 'Brandlines' annual conference here at Monaco last week.

'Brandlines imports, distributes and markets a select range of international grocery and confectionery brands in New Zealand. With over 150 staff and revenues exceeding $60 million, Brandlines is a leading player in the fast moving consumer goods market in New Zealand'

Their feedback on Monaco:

All the staff were extremely efficient which made a nice change from previous venues – I don’t think I had to chase anyone to do anything, everything ran like clockwork It all made it so much easier and more relaxing for me!!

Another reason why Monaco is perfect to host conferences!!

Sam & Vicky Thompson's Wedding Photos

2011-07-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sam & Vicky Thompson, 19th March 2010

Photography by MBM Photo, www.mbmphoto.co.nz

Hayley & Mike Terry's Wedding Photos

2011-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hayley & Mike Terry, 6th February 2010

Photography by Fineline Photography www.fineline.net.nz

Lovely wedding feedback!

2011-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi there

I have just gotten back to Westport and access to my emails I just wanted to write to say thank you for letting us how our event at the monaco it was great the guests and Greg and I had a great time. They loved the high tea and it was a real novelty to have something quite different for our wedding. The staff on the day were super helpful.

Cheers

Emma

(Greg & Emma Larks wedding - 23rd July 2011)

Spring Garden Party!

2011-07-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Cant believe its that time of year again! Every year in October, Monaco hosts its annual Spring Garden Party, this year the date has been set for Sunday October 9th.

It has always been a great success - live jazz, yummy food & local wine, market stalls selling local goodies, bouncy castle and kids entertainment plus an excellent opportunity to view all that Monaco has to offer.

We would love you to be involved, so if you or someone you know has arts/crafts etc.. that you would be interested in setting up a stall at the Garden Party, get in touch by emailing us here or phone 03 547 0794.

Heres some photos from last years party, its was an absolutely beautiful day, so fingers crossed this year will be the same again!

Feedback from 17th April Wedding

2011-07-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

"We just wanted to tahnk you for all the help you gave us in the lead up to our wedding. You worked so hard to accommodate us and we were truly impressed by every little detail you thought of. Please pass on my thanks to all those also involved".

Jess & Nick Fauchelle, Married 17th April 2011

Come visit us at the Nelson Wedding Show!

2011-06-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Tomorrow, Sunday 26th June is the annual Nelson Wedding Show. Its THE place to be if you are getting married, you will find absolutely everything you need to know about getting married in the Nelson region under one roof, at one time. Doors open at 10am and the show runs through to 3pm. It costs $10 at the door.

Plus there is a fashion show, lots of prizes and giveaways and much more. You can check out all the details click here

Monaco's fantastic wedding planners, Shelley & Chelsea will both be at the Expo all day, we are on stand #15, we would love you to come visit us! (We will even have some sweet treats for you to sample!)

Chat soon,

Shelley & Chelsea

Feedback from Valentines Day Wedding!

2011-02-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

We just received this fantastic feedback from a wedding held at Monaco on Valentines day...awwww what a romantic day for a wedding!! It was Beautiful, photos to come...

On the 14th February my daughter Katie and son-in-law Brad held their wedding reception in "The Orangerie Restaurant."

I would like to thank you and all staff involved post and present at the wedding reception for the extraordinary efficiency, delivering professionally a high standard of faultless customer service to fifty persons. The food was wonderfully presented, cooked to perfection and delivered within the time frame. "The Orangerie Restaurant" is a very special place and all those who are fortunate enough to work in such an amazing environment, need to feel extremely proud of their quality work service.

Thank you for making Katie's and Brad's wedding so unforgettable.

Very kind regards

Toni

Some of our favourite wedding images

2010-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

See below some of our favourite wedding images that we have on file....

This stunning image was taken by Fine Line Photography (www.fineline.net.nz) during Hayley & Mike Terry's wedding on 6th February 2010 on the Village Green. What a stunning day!

The all-white theme at this wedding was really effective, this was taken before the paper lanterns were added to the marquee ceiling.

The black and gold chair covers looked fantastic next to the centrepieces by Perfect Day (www.perfectday.co.nz). Sara-lee won NZ Florist of the Year in 2009 & 2010.

Here the marquee was setup for the launch of the resort back in 2008. The square tabletops and chairs came from Got It Covered (www.gotitcovered.co.nz), and the centrepieces again from Perfect Day.

The Village Hall has a very different feel to the marquee, with its stunning chandeliers, fireplace and oak panelling it is perfect for a wedding celebration for up to 90 people.

The pink chair covers and table runners shown here created a real burst of colour.

Here at Monaco we setup the venue completely for the Bride & Groom, including putting out menus, name places, favours and centrepieces, and putting on chair covers if they have been hired. Venue hire includes tables, chairs, tablecloths, napkins, cutlery, glassware, heating, lighting, and table service of drinks throughout the night.

The Village Green is a fantastic wedding ceremony location, and allows the wedding to be held all in one location, which is a popular choice. Decorations shown above have been provided by Got It Covered (www.gotitcovered.co.nz)

For smaller wedding ceremonies the Hotel Courtyard is a more intimate space, and provides a stunning backdrop, great for photos!

The Orangerie Function Room is also perfect for weddings of up to 50 people, and has great veiws and double doors that open on to a balcony with access to the courtyard below.

The Marquee looked just gorgeous for this wedding. There were 150 guests and the bride provided her own centrepieces inside photo frames, and seating plan was also on a vintage photo frame. The purple and white looked fantastic.

Eyebright (www.eyebright.co.nz) made the stunning big floral arrangements for the ceremony which were then placed on either side of the head table for this wedding reception in the Village Hall. The white and gold chair covers also worked really well. Chair covers again were from Got It Covered (www.gotitcovered.co.nz)

Hayley & Mike Terry brought their own chair covers in London and brought them home with them for their wedding. They looked amazing.

In the marquee they had little silver frames which were used as name places.

The centrepieces were simple but beautiful.

We loved the way Sara-Lee from Perfect Day decorated this ceremony. She provided glass pillars with large urns filled with flowers placed on top. It framed the wedding photos perfectly.

This image was taken before the chairs were moved from the Village Green to the Marquee, but Bride & Groom Craig & Kirstin Campell provided individual bottles of olive oil as a favour for each guest.

Mark & Emma Burnaby hired in some couches from Hirepool to provide a 'chill out' zone for their

wedding in the marquee, we loved the red!

Helen & Mark Pascoe created a dramatic entrance to the marquee with a curtain. The seating chart was placed on this table and the birdcages in the venue were decorated with flowers. This wedding was all about attention to detail and it was stunning!

Helen is a bit of a sweet tooth and the candy bar was very poplular!

Helen also designed all of her own stationary for the wedding, which even included ladies and gents' emergency kits in the bathroom! She thought of everything...

This chocolate and pink theme was something a little different.

Each guest was given a balloon to release in the marquee which made for a neat photo opportunity.

The marquee is stunning at night.

We all loved this indoor wedding in the Orangerie Function Room. Eyebright (www.eyebright.co.nz) provided the floral decorations, and Got It Covered (www.gotitcovered.co.nz) provided the chair covers and red carpet.

This great image was taken by Tim Skinner (www.timskinner.co.nz)

Rebekah & Craig Shepherd were one of our first couples to get married here at Monaco. Rebekah arrived on a horse and carriage. The pillars and topiaries shown here were provided by Sharon at Creative Occasions (www.creativeoccasions.co.nz)

This image of the entrance to the Village Hall was taken by Melinda Baigent (www.melindabaigent.com). The red carpet and topiaries were provided by Got It Covered (www.gotitcovered.co.nz) and Monaco supplied the easel and mirror for the seating chart.

2010-11-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 3rd October we held the Monaco Spring Garden Party on the Village Green. It was a fantastic day had by all, the weather was stunning and we had a great turnout with over a thousand people visiting. Check out some photos below:

The Jessica Murphy Trio entertained everyone. They are playing at the upcoming 2011 Nelson Jazz Festival, follow this link: http://www.nelsonjazzfest.co.nz/bands.html

The bouncy slide was a hit with the kids, check out http://www.haveablast.co.nz/

There was free face painting, which had a line all day!

Everyone could wander around the stalls.

Or enjoy some food from the BBQ or a drink at the bar.

We are looking forward to next year already!

Musical Theatre & Nelson Cancer Society Charity Ball

2010-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Late June/Early July saw us host two charity balls; the Musical Theatre on Saturday 26th June, and the Nelson Cancer Society Charity Ball on Saturday 10th July. Both were fantastic nights, and were very successful in raising money for these deserving organisations. Some images from the Nelson Cancer Society Ball setup are shown below.

An Evening with La Vida

2010-07-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the beautiful La Vida play for the public in the Village Hall. It was a great night for people to sit in front of the fire, enjoy great music, have a glass of wine and some delicious food catered by the Orangerie Restaurant.

Monaco Catering launched...

2010-06-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

We are now proud to offer off-site catering for any event. Here at Monaco we know exactly what it takes to mesmerise guests with unique cuisine. Catering for hundreds of guests at a time, we ‘re quite familiar with delivering on time, within in budget and without sacrificing quality. See some images of our impeccably prepared food below..

HANZ Awards

2010-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a full house in the marquee for the Hospitality Association of New Zealand Nelson awards. Those in attendance received a taste of Nelson’s best – with Matt Bouterey creating the entrée’s and desserts and the Orangerie Executive Chef, Neil Ward responsible for the main course . Here are some images from the night..

High Tea at Monaco

2010-05-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

Served in the Orangerie restaurant or courtyard every Sunday from 2-4pm

$12 per person

Includes a delicious selection of sweet & savoury treats and continuous tea & coffee

Bookings recommended
Call the Orangerie Restaurant on 03 547 0792

Monaco Wedding Season 2009 - 2010

2010-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy experiencing all the exciting and creative themes our Brides (and Grooms) come up with for their wedding day. Here are some photos of some of my favorite bits from Weddings we have hosted here at Monaco this past season.

This wedding in January saw a Baby Grand Piano brought into the Marquee! It set the tone for a very elegant affair with the tables dressed in black and white. The floral arrangements were provided by Sara Lee from a Perfect Day and complemented the elegant look wonderfully.

October had brides with a real spring in their step. This wedding used sprigs of greenery on each place setting with each guests name tied to it. The centre pieces were tall vases filled with twigs which had small white trumpet flowers wired on.

The Village Green always looks amazing when set up for a wedding ceremony and this wedding in January looked exceptionally so, especially with the two large perspecs pillars from a Perfect Day at the head of the isle. Each pillar held a stone Urn filled with a beautiful floral arrangements.

Our beautiful two bedroom and two bathroom cottages provide the perfect place to get ready with your bridal party. For this wedding in March the hairdressers and make up artists all came on site to help prepare the bridal party for the big day. This is a fantastic option if you want to relax and enjoy being pampered while you are getting ready, and added advantage of this as you will not have the stress of running around to different appointments all morning. Alot of our brides are now choosing this option. We can also deliver to your room a delicious breakfast platter of fresh seasonal fruits and pastries for you to snack on while you are getting ready.

Often through January, February and March we host more than one wedding a weekend. This wedding was the second this particular weekend in March and it was lovely in light tones of white, off white and baby blue, behind the head table hung a silk and fairy light curtain and in front of this was a crystal and rose bud curtain which looked stunning both during the day but even more once the sun went down and the lights sparkled. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this wedding however was the Candy Bar; each guest received an empty candy jar on their place setting and were invited to fill (and refill) it during the reception.

Monaco Bride of the Year 2010

2010-04-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Following the Monaco Wedding Expo we hosted the first ever Monaco Bride of the Year with all proceeds going to the Nelson Cancery Society. Due to the fact that Nelson has not had a Bride of the Year competition for a couple of Years we opened the competition up to all Brides who live in or were married in Nelson between the start of April 2008 to the end of April 2010.

All up we had 18 beautiful Brides who got back into their wedding gowns to enter the competition. It was of course a fantastic sunny Nelson day and we hosted the event on our famous Village Green complete with a red carpet runway!

Guests sipped complementary bubbles and enjoyed a lovely selection of canapés from the Orangerie Restaurant while the 18 brides re-walked the isle to show off their gorgeous gowns. Check out the winners and thier prizes below…

1st Prize winner - Helen Pascoe

Helen won a stunning handmade diamond eternity ring valued at $2,300.00 from Paul Harris Jewellers.

2nd Prize winner - Vicky Thompson

Vicky won return flights for two to Wellington, with two nights accommodation and full buffet breakfast at the Novotel Wellington.

3rd Prize winner - Chantell Bramley

Chantell won a night’s accommodation in a Summerhouse Cottage at the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco with wine and chocolates on arrival.

Bride of the Year photos courtesy of Tim Skinner Photography www.timskinner.co.nz

Monaco Wedding Expo 2010

2010-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Monaco Wedding Expo held on Sunday 11th April here at the resort, saw over 200 brides and grooms visit the many wedding exhibitors on display. It was the perfect opportunity for brides and grooms to gather information, plan and book details for their big day, all in one place at one time.

The feedback received was that the quality of exhibitors was exceptional and Monaco is the perfect venue to hold the wedding Expo.

Mike King Visits Monaco

2010-02-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had Mike King perform a show in the Marquee here at

Monaco

, with over 100 comedy lovers in attendance. He quickly sorted out the heckers in the crowd and a great night was had by all!