Wedding fever runs high in Auckland

Bryan Ellis of Hamilton tries a facial. Picture / Richard Robinson

Sydney may have been in the grip of a celebrity wedding frenzy yesterday but nuptial fever was running high in Auckland too.

While Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were taking their vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony in Manly, thousands were flocking to the Bride and Groom magazine show at Ellerslie.

Brides-to-be and their mums, sisters, friends, or even in some cases their fiances, gorged themselves on arrays of wedding dresses, suits, cakes, marquees, and stretch vehicles.

They were lured with music, free champagne and chocolate tastings, and a live fashion show of exquisitely attired model brides and grooms.

There was grooming advice and tips on speech-making for the tongue-tied.

Bryan Ellis, 33, entered the spirit of the day and had his skin analysed followed by a facial in the pamper room. He was advised to start using a light hydrating moisturiser.

His fiancee, Emma Rorani, 23, said they had spent more than four hours at the show picking out items they both liked, even her dress.

But the Hamilton couple do not plan to go overboard, aiming to keep the wedding at under $10,000.

Three years ago Mr Ellis surreptitiously saved the first red rose he ever gave Ms Rorani.

Just last month he presented it to her framed, and then produced an engagement ring hidden under a candle and proposed to her on bended knee at a riverside restaurant.