Weddings in Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne
The city of Melbourne is made up of the city centre and a number of precincts and inner-city suburbs, each with their own character and charm. Renowned for its art and culture, live music, varieties of dining and amazing shopping, Melbourne has a wealth of opportunity for you and your guests when you choose this wonderful city for your wedding location.
The city 'Laneways' are famous for their back street corridors of walls covered in graffiti this would make an awesome backdrop for your wedding photography creations, and there is nothing stopping you from saying your vows in front of your favourite graffiti.

With parks and gardens in abundance this city welcomes the garden wedding trend and offers a huge selection of intimate settings for your nuptials. From the rotunda in Alexandra Gardens to the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, there are hundreds of beautiful spots in Melbourne for your garden ceremony, and hotels and venues of all different styles to carry on into the evening for your reception.
Docklands

In the early 90s this disused port and rail area was transformed into a modern urban waterfront. In the Docklands, where the city of Melbourne meets the water you will find the perfect location for your inner-city wedding.
You can choose from a heap of function venues to suit your wedding, from cocktail packages to formal sit down receptions you will find all that you could wish for, all with this wonderful city as your backdrop.
Yarra Valley
This picturesque area surrounding the Yarra River is known as one of Australia's leading wine producing regions, with wineries in abundance you can discover a whole world of beauty from art galleries to restaurants, markets and more.
If you are looking for a winery for your wedding then you have certainly come to the right place, the Yarra Valley has some amazing venues to choose from including the Yering Station Winery and Rochford Winery. If you're looking for an intimate venue for your closest family and friends then you could try Stones of the Yarra Valley, they offer a stunning Chapel, Dairy and Barn combination wedding all intertwined with paths and luscious green gardens making a perfect setting for your wedding photographs.

Mornington Peninsula
To the east of Melbourne and past the eastern suburbs you will find the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, this picture perfect piece of land is covered in rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves all within a stone's throw of the ocean.

With the pretty seaside villages from Mornington and Dromana along Port Phillip Bay and down to Sorrento if you are planning a beach wedding then these beautiful locations will certainly fit the bill, in the summer months you can expect gorgeous weather, blue skies and sunshine offering some stunning backdrops for your wedding. Perhaps you would prefer to take in the views from higher ground; Arthur's Seat is one of the most popular locations on the peninsula for hilltop weddings!
Phillip Island
Connected to the mainland by bridge from the town of San Remo to the Island town of Newhaven, Phillip Island is located less than 2 hours away from the city and is easily accessible from across Victoria. Tempered by the ocean breeze the island tends to experience milder weather all year round, making it a wonderful place for a summer wedding that is not too hot!
Great Ocean Road
Travelling the Ocean Road is one of Victoria's greatest highlights, from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula all the way along to Warrnambool you will see some spectacular sights and take in some breathtaking scenery.
Planning your wedding in this part of the country leaves everything to the imagination; you could consider Apollo Bay as a central point, or beautiful Lorne where you could marry in the gorgeous settings of the Lorne Beach Pavilion, this is in the perfect position to allow a beach ceremony followed by a sit down reception or cocktail event in the cafe or restaurant location right on the beach front.
If you are looking for somewhere completely different then why no rent the famous Pole House, in Fairhaven, it could be a place to retreat to as your bridal suite or perhaps as a location for your actual wedding, ideal if you are only having your close friends and family.

Check out some of our location based designs by clicking on the design below, don't forget that you can tell our design team where you're getting married and we will see if we have an image of style of wedding stubby holder that fits:

Happy Planning!

Ideas for Celbrating The Chinese New Year 2013

When is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year begins according to the Chinese calendar which consists of both Gregorian and lunar calendar systems. Because the tracking of the new moon changes from year to year, the Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February Spring Festival, Lunar New Year or commonly referred to as just Chinese New Year will begin on Sunday 10th Feb 2013 with celebrations running for as long as 15 days until Sunday 24th Feb 2013. Chinese Lanterns

The fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year is celebrated as Yuanxiao Festival or the Lantern Festival. Candles are lit outside houses and families will walk the streets carrying lanterns. This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. Traditional Chinese lanterns are usually red in colour and oval shaped, however at the Lantern Festival you can expect to see an array of bright and bold colours, elaborate designs and patterns, characters, dragons, animal and all different shapes and sizes! Chinese Cuisine

Chinese Food can be found at all celebrations from rice to noodles and in a number of styles from Cantonese, Szechuan and even Mongolian cuisine! When celebrating the Chinese new year there will traditionally be a New Years Eve dinner that will be packed full with amazing foods and flavours including dishes of meat such as pork and chicken, and often include a hot pot to signify a family reuinion. Chinese Zodiac

There is a 12-year cycle of the animal zodiac which relates a different animal to each year. Chinse Year 2013 is the Year of the Snake.

Previous Years and their symbolic meanings... 1972,1984,1996,2008 Year of the Rat The RAT is the first sign of the zodiac. Typically people born under this sign will be a creative problem solver, imaginative a hyperactive worker respected for resourcefulness. Intuitive and with the ability to hold onto all things of value. 1973,1985,1997,2009 Year of the Ox The OX is said to be an inspiring person that is easy-going and will possess a parent-like nature. They also have a tendency to have a bad temper, be quick to anger and very stubborn. They are however good listeners, yet don’t like to ask for help themselves. Most comfortable around Roosters. 1974,1986,1998,2010 Year of the Tiger The TIGERs are contemplative, emotional and sensitive. Although they can have a short temper, quick tongue and may startle their inferiors. Widely respected for their courageousness, power is their natural gift. Compatible with Horses and Dragons. 1975,1987,1999,2011 Year of the Rabbit. The RABBIT is often a private individual, a little introverted and sometimes withdrawn. People born to this sign would rather work behind the scenes and try not to be the centre of attention. With that said the rabbit is a friendly individual and enjoys the company of good friends. 1976,1988,2000,2012 Year of the Dragon. The Dragon's personality tends to be that of a free spirit. Everything that dragon's do will be on a grand scale, they naturally express big ideas and offer ornate gestures. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. Years to come... 1978,1990,20002,2014 Year of the Horse The HORSE is a popular person, cheerful and quick to compliment others. They are also hard working, bursting with energy an extrovert. Entertaining and humourous around all people born under this sign tend to be quick-witted and intelligent. 1979,1991,2003,2015 Year of the Goat The GOAT tends to be a great artists. They will ask many questions, they like nice things and will be very wise, they do tend to like a bit of peace and quiet and can be very calm, easygoing and relaxed. 1980,1992,2004,2016 Year of the Monkey MONKEYs tend to be very funny and can run circles around other people. Both curios and clever, they will catch on quickly and are able to accomplish most tasks. They appreciate difficult or challenging to stimulate and make them think. 1981,1993,2005,2017 Year of the Rooster The ROOSTER can be flamboyant, feisty and obstinate in personality. Also an extrovert, proud of who they are and outwardly confident, the rooster is also trustworthy and hardworking. 1982,1994,2006, 2018 Year of the Dog The DOG has a giving, compassionate and supportive personality. Is a good listener, always available to a friend in need and are incredible attentive. 1983,1995,2007,2019 Year of the Pig The PIG can be fun and enlightening, while having patience and understanding. People born under this sign will enjoy life, their family and friends. Honest and thoughtful, they belive it is better to give than receive. As well as the 12 year cycle of the animal zodiac, there is also a 5 year cycle of the chinese elements, each phase has a complex series of associations with different aspects of nature and the best way in which to remember the order that the phases take place are as follows...

1. Wood feeds Fire 2. Fire creates Earth (ash) 3. Earth bears Metal 4. Metal carries Water (as in a bucket) 5. Water nourishes Wood. For Chinese New Year celebrations in other countries there may be some additional ways that you can add to your celebration. This year in Melbourne Australia there are a number of places that you can enjoy the festival. With displays of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance, firecrackers, folk music, martial artists and much more... ... To blend Australian culture with the Chinese New Year why not create party favours and gift ideas to give to your guests and visitors. Coolaz Stubby Holders can be designed with chinese characters and symbols, colours and photographic images to not only brighten up your event and match in with the theme but also they are practical for this summer time celebration in the southern hemisphere as they will keep your drinks cold! Here are some of our latest designs ...

Happy New Year!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas on a Budget!

Often the word Valentine can be associated with expensive gifts, lavish nights out and flashy restaurants... and all this so soon after getting over the January pinch $$$!

Here at Coolaz the team have put together a 'recipe book' style feature flowing with recipes and cute gift ideas that will be sure to tantalise your tastebuds and wow your loved one this Valentine's Day!

Why not start with some Lunchbox Love...

If your sweetheart is off for a normal day at work and you are unable to share a romantic midday snack together then why not offer to make their lunch for them, pack it up into a cute little box full of extra special treats! Make sure that you whip up some gorgeous sandwiches packed full of your loved one's favourite fillings and cut them into heart shapes!

Move onto to a Romantic Dinner ...

Your Valetine's meal together doesn't have to be expensive and you don’t even have to go out! There are so many home cook dinners that you could make for eachother, whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a wanna be gourmet chef there are so many step by step recipes out there, so set your very own masterchef challenge and wow your other half with something delicious this year - and remember presentation is everything!

Make sure that you plate everything up onto eco-friendly, biodegradable plates and use equally as green disposable utensils ... this will mean no arguments about the washing up, simply dispose of your eating tools into the correct recycling can! Then all that will be left it to do is simply sit back and relax!

Maybe your ideal dinner-in would be to cook together, put on your matching aprons and work as a team in the kitchen! One half could read the recipe while the other actively chops and prepares or you could have set tasks each to make things easier and then do the cooking bit together – how romantic! If you’d rather cook alone then I always find the "I'll cook, you clean" rule works pretty well. Or there is always the take-away option for a naughty but nice treat at home!

And finish up with some personalised gifts...

Get in touch with your crafty side and DIY some gifts this year, gather together your lover's favourite goodies, chocolate bars and more, bundle them together in a box or red bucket and fasten them with a cute ribbon!

Homemade cards are always great, it can be as fancy and creative or as simple as you like, you could simply cut out a heart shape from some red material and fasten it to the front of the card, after all it is the words inside that will be the important thing.

If your other half is fond of a cold beverage then why not order them a little something online, a wine or champagne bucket, or beer coolers with a difference. Be sure to check out some of our new designs like the ones shown below - you can grab personalised stubby holders either in a 'be my valentine' fashion or something completely different!

Check out our Top 5 Aphrodisiac Recipes!

Designed especially for a romantic night in for two and perfect for your special Valentine's dinner, there does seem to be a theme of heart shape things, red ideas and strawberries ...

1. Oysters Kilpatrick

Considered a natural aphrodisiac, why not make this as a starter for your romantic night in!
2 cups rock salt
24 oysters, shucked
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
175g thin rashers rindless bacon, diced
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
lemon wedges, to serve

Preheat grill on medium-high heat. Place rock salt, in a thick layer, on a baking tray or heatproof plate. Arrange oysters (in their half-shells) on rock salt. Sprinkle Worcestershire sauce over oysters. Top with bacon. Grill, on the salt, for 5 to 8 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon.

2. Strawberry and Feta Salad

This unusual combination of strawberries, feta cheese, toasted almonds and romaine lettuce in a sweet and tangy dressing is sure to be a winner - A guaranteed pleaser for your other half!
1 cup slivered almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 head romaine lettuce, torn
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese


Nice and simple – lightly toast the almonds first and set aside to cool. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and serve.

3. Wine Sauce Chicken

6 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut
into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream
of mushroom soup
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds for topping
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Place the chicken in a saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken pieces are no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the mushrooms; cook and stir until the mushrooms are lightly browned and have released their liquid, about 5 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish and add the sautéed mushrooms. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine and heat the soup, milk, Cheddar cheese and garlic powder. Remove from heat and add the white wine and mayonnaise. Pour mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Top with slivered almonds and grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (love bugs)

These cute dipped treats are a simple yet affective dessert or appertiser! You could even paint little faces on with white choc or an icing pen to make them into little love-bugs.
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 pint fresh strawberries with leaves


Cook chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Holding berries by the stem, dip each one in molten chocolate, about three-quarters of the way to the stem. Place, stem side down, on wire rack and chill in refrigerator until hardened.

5. Strawberry Love heart Sponge Cakes
350g double unfilled round sponge cake
250g cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup thickened cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
250g strawberries, hulled, sliced
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 tablespoon pure icing sugar

Place sponge cake layers on a chopping board. Using an 8cm heart-shaped cutter, cut 3 hearts from each cake. Using a sharp knife, gently split each heart in half. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cream and vanilla. Beat until mixture thickens.Spread cream cheese mixture over sponge cake bases. Top with strawberry slices. Place jam in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high (100%) for 30 seconds or until warm and runny. Spoon warm jam over strawberries. Sandwich together with sponge tops. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Top 5 - Love Potions

Assorted Champagne mixtures and yummy cocktails!

1. Sparkling Strawberry cocktail
30ml strawberry liqueur
2 large strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced
1 x 200ml btl chilled dry sparkling white wine
Divide the liqueur and strawberries evenly between 2 serving glasses.
2. Frozen mango and vodka cocktails
4 large mangoes, peeled, flesh chopped
125ml (1/2 cup) water
80g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) finely chopped palm sugar
240g (2 punnets) raspberries
500ml (2 cups) vodka Top each glass with the sparkling wine to serve.


Spread chopped mango over a tray. Place in freezer for 3 hours or until frozen. Meanwhile, combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to the boil. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until liquid reduces by one-third (see microwave tip). Remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Place raspberries and sugar mixture in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Place half the frozen mango and vodka in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large jug. Repeat with remaining mango and vodka. To serve, layer the mango and raspberry purees among serving glasses and serve immediately.

3. Champagne cocktails

1 litre frozen passionfruit sorbet (we used Weiss Frutia)
750ml sparkling white wine, chilled

Place half the sorbet in a blender with half the sparkling wine. Process until well combined. Pour into 4 chilled glasses. Repeat with remaining sorbet and sparkling wine. Fill 4 more glasses. Serve.

4. Pom-pom cocktails
200g berry sorbet
300ml pomegranate juice (or juice of 3 pomegranates), chilled (see Notes)
150ml vodka, chilled
Chill 4 martini glasses in the freezer. Whiz all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into the chilled martini glasses, then serve ice-cold.
5. Cosmopolitan Champagne
250ml (1 cup) cranberry juice
2 tbs Cointreau liqueur
2 tbs fresh lime juice
6 sugar cubes
1 x 750ml btl chilled pink Champagne
Place cranberry juice in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil over high heat. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until reduced by two-thirds. Remove from heat and set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Combine the cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime juice in a small jug. Place a sugar cube in each serving glass. Pour the cranberry mixture over the sugar. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine and serve immediately.

Happy Valentines Day!