<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>337277</docID> <postdate>2025-01-30 14:34:32</postdate> <headline>Making wedding days as stress-free as can be</headline> <body><p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-337288" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/weddings.jpeg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <p><span class="kicker-line" style="font-weight: 400;">Lots of work goes into making a wedding tick. Fortunately, Canberra is home to a selection of experts who are there to make wedding days as stress-free as can be.</span></p> <p class="p1"><b>Weddings can be a stressful experience, from finding the perfect venue to getting the right make-up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-337283" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bowral-Fine-Jewellery.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="491" /></p> <caption>Bowral Fine Jewellery.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Handcrafted bespoke jewellery that’s made to last</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Husband-and-wife duo George Karvounis and Rebecca Lee Bon are the owners and goldsmiths behind Bowral Fine Jewellery.</p> <p class="p2">“We are extremely passionate about craftsmanship and the highest level of fine jewellery,†says Rebecca.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Specialising in handmade jewellery, Rebecca says they make all of their engagement and wedding rings by hand, customised to each client.</p> <p class="p2">“We also offer repairs, including resizing, detailing and polish to bring old pieces back to new ahead of the big day, and on-site rhodium plating for white gold.â€</p> <p class="p2">All work is done onsite by either Rebecca or George, who bring with them years of experience as former big-city jewellery designers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">George, a second generation goldsmith, and Rebecca have more than 50 years of combined experience, formally working and making pieces for top designers in Sydney.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We only work with natural stones and everything natural that comes from this beautiful earth,†says Rebecca.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We have generational connections to others in the trade, offering the very best diamonds and coloured gemstones.â€</p> <p class="p2">All custom orders are completely handmade in the boutique, from melting fine gold to the finished ring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“Handmade jewellery has many advantages as the metal is more dense and stronger from the work done to it,†says Rebecca.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“That’s the reason our grandparents’ jewellery lasts so long!â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Bowral Fine Jewellery, Grand Arcade, Shop 7B/295 Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW. Call 0435 039111 or visit <a href="http://bowralfinejewellery.com.au">bowralfinejewellery.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-337284" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Royal-Hotel-Elizabeth-and-her-husband-cutting-their-wedding-cake.jpeg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Elizabeth and her husband cutting their wedding cake at the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Elizabeth’s dream wedding came with the Royal touch</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">“It was a stunning day,†says Elizabeth McGrath, who was married at the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan in October.</p> <p class="p2">“The staff and customer service were beautiful for everything, from the lead up to the day itself and then the day after.â€</p> <p class="p2">The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan is a popular venue for wedding parties and is a location that Elizabeth can’t speak highly enough about.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“It was the most comfortable experience,†she says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“They were super accommodating and let us explore the space on multiple occasions.</p> <p class="p2">“They answered every question I had and, as a first-time bride, I had many!â€<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Elizabeth’s dream day was entirely located at the hotel, with the groom and his groomsmen getting ready in one of its many suites.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We had the ceremony and reception there,†says Elizabeth.</p> <p class="p2">“It wasn’t just a venue, I spent the day feeling like I was among friends.â€</p> <p class="p2">After saying “I do†at the ceremony, staff completely flipped the room in 30 minutes, changing the decorations to make it feel like an entirely different venue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“They were absolutely beautiful to work with,†Elizabeth says.</p> <p class="p2">“They weren’t forceful on time and their food variety was amazing, catering to all sorts of dietary requirements.</p> <p class="p2">“Throughout the process, we met the chefs, entire management team and staff, who all made our day and the lead-up a dream experience.â€</p> <p class="p2">Elizabeth says the venue was “great value for money†and came with “beautiful event managementâ€.</p> <p class="p2">“Our favourite part of the organisation was tasting the menu, where we got to see the entire space as well as the table decorations and wine/beer recommendations after meeting the chef.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1444 or visit <a href="http://royalhotelqbn.com.au">royalhotelqbn.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-337285" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Director-and-founder-of-Sanctuary-Canberra-Lauren-Harkness.jpeg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Managing director and founder of Sanctuary Canberra, Lauren Harkness.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Lauren provides a wedding venue sanctuary</b></span></h3> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">With options for 120 cocktail guests, or 80 seated table places, founder and managing director of Sanctuary Canberra, Lauren Harkness says their picturesque building offers a “versatile function room with inviting natural light and a newly renovated tranquil outdoor space that allows an indoor/outdoor flow.â€</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">According to Lauren, the Narrabundah space has always stood out as a perfect wedding venue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“From the first time I stepped into Sanctuary, before it even had a name, the bright, open space captured my heart.â€</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“It’s almost as if you can feel the celebrations and connections that have been held there before you.â€</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Offering venue hire, a customised room set up, cutlery, crockery, linen and glassware according to clients’ event needs, Lauren says they also offer a full service wedding package to co-ordinate the ceremony, celebrant, photographer, premium afternoon tea and the full styling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“All you have to do is arrange your outfits and turn up on the day!†she says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Lauren’s passion for providing the perfect wedding has meant that each event is entirely unique to the client.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“We don’t compromise on menu and decor and don’t charge for mandatory inclusions you don’t need,†she says.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“Here at Sanctuary, you choose what makes your event special.â€</span></p> <p class="p1"><i>Sanctuary Canberra, 7 Brockman Street, Narrabundah. Call 0410 585 175 or visit <a href="http://sanctuarycanberra.com.au">sanctuarycanberra.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-258219" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Deziner-Beauty-owner-Louise-McMahon.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Deziner Beauty owner Louise McMahon.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Louise goes all out for the bridal party</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Getting married is more than saying “I doâ€, there’s lots of preparation that goes into making a wedding into the perfect day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Louise McMahon, owner of Deziner Beauty, says she’s passionate about taking the stress out of making the big day an event to remember.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“I’ll be there – rain, hail or shine!†she says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Working in the industry for 26 years, Louise says she loves everything about weddings.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“Everyone is so happy, I really do love being involved.â€</p> <p class="p2">“If there’s anything I can do to help out, I’m there.â€</p> <p class="p2">Louise’s services range from waxing, tanning, teeth brightening, facials, extensions, tinting and make-up.</p> <p class="p2">“We have facials to transform the skin so that you’re glowing and fresh for your photos,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“They are nice and quick, which is perfect for the morning of a wedding.â€</p> <p class="p2">According to Louise, weddings can often be stressful, but she’s proud to work “above and beyond to make the wedding party’s day!â€</p> <p class="p2">Louise says her services aren’t just reserved for women, with many men coming in for eyebrow/face waxing, nails and facials.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“I remember my first make-up session, and I still love it!†she says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“You’ve got to be able to work under high pressure at a wedding,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“But make-up is one of those things that can always be fixed.</p> <p class="p2">“I work with my clients and am super flexible, so it’s okay if they change their mind on the day.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“I’m there to make their day as special as it can be.â€</span></p> <p class="p1"><i>Deziner Beauty, Shop 16/18 Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 5792 or visit <a href="http://dezinerbeauty.com.au">dezinerbeauty.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-337286" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Midnight-Hotel-photo-across_the_forest.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>A wedding at Midnight Hotel. Photo: Across the Forest.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>The hotel where unconventional meets elegance</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Situated in the heart of Canberra, Braddon’s Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection, is a perfect spot for weddings, says sales and marketing director, Gemma Turenko.</p> <p class="p2">“Midnight Hotel offers everything for your wedding, from the ceremony, reception, honeymoon suite to recovery breakfast the next day,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“We take pride in the hotel’s exceptional service, breathtaking architecture and unique design.â€</p> <p class="p2">According to Gemma, the wedding party can expect exceptional service, food, bespoke drinks and a personal wedding co-ordinator.</p> <p class="p2">“It’s all to make your day perfect,†she says.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We have creative and unique add ons such as a champagne tower, personalised cocktails, a seafood station, oyster bar, lawn games and recovery brunch.</p> <p class="p2">“We aren’t your average wedding venue, [it’s here that] unconventional meets elegance.â€</p> <p class="p2">The hotel offers a selection of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from, each with a different design and “flairâ€.</p> <p class="p2">“Additionally, on site, there are several beauty focused businesses to prepare you for your special day,†says Gemma.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Midnight Hotel is the only and first Marriott International Hotel in Canberra.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“This means guests, including wedding guests can earn Bonvoy points during their stay.â€</p> <p class="p2">Ahead of the upcoming autumn wedding season, Gemma says Midnight Hotel has a special offer.</p> <p class="p2">“If you book your wedding and spend a minimum of $10,000 you will receive two free nights’ stay.â€</p> <p class="p2">Gemma says to redeem this offer, bookings must be made before March 31 and the couple must say “I do†before March 31, 2026.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection. 1 Elouera Street, Braddon. Call 6220 0000 or visit <a href="http://marriott.com/cbrak">marriott.com</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-273114" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dales-Balloom-owner-Dale-Harris-centre-with-daughters-Brooke-left-and-Grace.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Dale's Balloom owner Dale Harris, centre, with daughters Brooke, left, and Grace.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Stepping confidently on to the dance floor</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Dancing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, especially at weddings, but Dale Harris, owner of Dale’s Ballroom, says she can help even the most timid of dancers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“We do private classes by appointment and we can accommodate choreographing a dance for your own routine, to the music you have chosen,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“We teach everything, from how to walk on to the floor, how to present themselves and to really make it special by standing up and being confident in what they’re doing.â€</p> <p class="p2">Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Dale, who has more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">Dale also offers plenty of scheduled dance classes, perfect for someone with many weddings coming up that wants some help with their dancing.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Dale says she encourages anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.</span></p> <p class="p2">“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,†she says, with adult classes on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm, and junior classes every Thursday from 5pm.</p> <p class="p2">She says classes cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit <a href="http://dalesballroomdancing.com">dalesballroomdancing.com</a></i></p> </body>