In this special feature “CityNews” has gathered insights to ensure every couple has their perfect day.

THERE are so many elements that go into making a wedding a dream come true.

The venue, the dress, the music, dancing, flowers, catering and more, it’s no easy task organising the special day.

Luckily, Canberra’s home to many experts who know how to bring dream weddings to life. 

In this special feature “CityNews” has gathered insights to ensure every couple has their perfect day.

A lifetime of experienced perfection

HANNA Coady has been making dresses since she was a little girl, but her business, Studio Moda, was established in 2010.

“I have a lifetime of experience in creating wedding dresses, evening gowns, bridesmaids dresses,” she says.

“Everything is made to perfection. I began when I was a small child, in Poland, I was sewing by hand and developed my talents, and I still love it.”

She says Studio Moda has a big selection of wedding fabrics, but people are more than welcome to bring their own in, too.

“I love creating and designing, people are welcome to come in with their ideas and pictures and I’ll happily design it for them,” she says.

“We have lots of colours, it doesn’t have to be traditional white, and we have laces and silks.”

Hanna came to Australia 54 years ago, and says in ‘82 she set up her first shop in Civic.

“Now I have Studio Moda, and I love seeing the smile on people’s faces when they put their dress on and it just makes them speechless,” she says.

“It is just me here doing this work, so I know everything’s made to perfection, and what I’m doing is more than enough to make me happy and passionate.”

Studio Moda, 5 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 0411 542249, or search Studio Moda Bridal Wear on Facebook.

A memorable location to suit any style

TO suit decor visions both simple and grand, the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan offers a setting to suit all styles, says events manager Bianca Paquay.

She says the venue has the “unique and memorable” collaboration of contemporary comforts and amenities, integrated with the historic architecture of the original Royal’s ‘20s brick walls.

“The Royal has a picturesque background at every turn, which is a photographer’s dream,” she says.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the couples getting ready in the morning onsite before the ceremony, hearts in a flutter in nervous anticipation; and then returning later to our reception venue with the biggest smiles on their faces – ready to start the party as newlyweds.”

She says the main room is accentuated with gold curtains, and complemented by the Japanese maple trees in the beautiful atrium that overflows into an open terrace courtyard that allows an abundance of natural light in to create the perfect ambiance for the event.

Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1444, or visit royalhotelqbn.com.au/weddings

Helping everyone look great on that special day

TOTAL Body Contouring’s owner Christy Christensen says their services are for everyone.

“Our services are not only for brides, we often treat grooms and guests to look great on that special day with family and friends,” she says.

“If you want to look good and feel great on your wedding day, call us today for a free consultation to learn about body toning, skin toning and skin tightening.

“The services include Cooltech fat freezing to slim down your areas of concern, ONDA to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite, and we also offer Ultraformer III, the most advanced non-invasive face lighting, tightening and contouring available.”

Christy says Total Body Contouring is about building body confidence without surgery.

“We give a personalised experience and journey, everyone is different,” she says.

“Don’t wait until the last minute, you need to start treatment up to three months out for some treatments.”

Christy says as a team, satisfaction comes from the amazing results achieved through the Total Body Contouring services.

“But, most of all, it’s the smile on our clients’ faces when they see the results for themselves,” she says.

Total Body Contouring, Shop 3/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6239 7347, or visit totalbodycontouring.com.au

Wedding favours and place markers in one

LOLLY Swagman has explored tastes new and old, in the heart of the Southern Highlands, for nearly three decades, says owner Ian Richardson.

“We have arrangements with a boutique specialty chocolate maker in Melbourne that offers a custom-designed range of chocolates for weddings and other special events,” he says.

“The people we’ve looked after love it because they can do minimum customisation or add what they like, and can find colours to match their wedding theme,” he says.

“It is a way of adding something special without the fuss and bother, and it’s budget conscious.

“But, if chocolate is not your thing we have plenty of alternative options. We are just more than happy to help find what will best suit you and represent you.”

Ian says he used the specialty chocolates in his own wedding.

“The chocolate can be used as both wedding favours and place markers, they do a double duty,” he says.

“We can supply anything in bulk or put them in cute little bags, and we’re happy to offer delivery to Canberra, too.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Adoration for special, custom pieces

VENETIA Major says she is a qualified jeweller of 16 years, who established her business, Venetia Major, two years ago.

“I love interacting with people in different ways, especially with custom works,” she says.

“Ninety per cent of my work is custom, everything from a wedding ring to a custom pet memorial pendant.

“My work really has an impact on people, it really helps them.”

Venetia says she also does earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and brooches.

“I especially like creating technically challenging pieces, moving parts are always fun,” she says.

“I have a lot of older lady clients with arthritis, so I make rings with hinges that make it easier for them to put on and take off again.

“Engagement rings are fun and special, too. I love being very careful with surprises, too.”

She says she didn’t realise she could be a jeweller for quite a long time.

“I saw my grandmother get her 30 to 40-year-old ring remodelled, and I just adored watching the jeweller sketch up and modernise the design,” says Venetia.

“Then I saw I could be a jeweller in a careers catalogue in high school, and here I am.”

Venetia Major, 3/8 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6230 9587, or visit venetiamajor.com.au

Dance routines that make a statement

DALE’S Ballroom Dancing offers classes to help couples and bridal parties impress the audience on the big day, says owner Dale Harris.

“Couples can choose their song, and we can choreograph something to suit them, the music and their style,” she says.

“I have a private studio for teaching all types of dancing that people want to learn for the occasion.”

Dale has more than 20 years of experience teaching dance, having first started dancing herself at the age of six.

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions.

From absolute beginners to those experienced in dancing, she says she can offer advice and techniques to help make that special dance one to remember.

“It’s always great to see messages come back through from people saying the dance was fabulous or that they had a ball,” she says.

“We have general classes on Wednesdays to practice so people can come and meet me first for a lesson if they like, or if they want to get in touch we can have a chat about what suits them.”

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, call 0407 066110, or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Working for a stress-free, vintage love

VINTAGE Events Hire was established in 2016 by its previous owners, responding to the challenges they faced in being unable to find the rustic style of items they wanted for their own wedding, says managing director Anne Simper.

Anne and Nic Simper bought the business in April 2021.

“We offer the three things you want when planning your wedding: beautiful, memorable and affordable,” she says.

“We offer a complete wedding range. Arbours and bench seating for the ceremony, wine barrels and stools for cocktail hour, not to mention lawn games to keep guests entertained.”

Anne says they also have a selection of decor items available to accent both ceremony and reception.

“I am currently studying for my Wedding Planning and Styling Certification, and we look forward to being able to add planning services and styling solutions in the near future,” she says.

“Planning a wedding can be a stressful time in a couple’s lives and we are honoured to be able to assist wherever we can.

“We are doing a job we love, working with customers we love every day, all while creating a legacy for those that we love.”

Vintage Events Hire, Camden Street, Wingello, NSW. Call 0418 567937, or visit vintageevents.com.au

Bringing joy through personal bouquets

DAN Hines and Daniel Duvall, of Hyacinth Bouquets, are welcoming couples out for a consultation to suit a full range of wedding styles.

“We offer a personal service. We’re a small team so you know you will be dealing directly with the florist who will create your wedding flowers,” says Duvall.

“In a business setting I have been doing this work going on five years now, but much longer personally for family and friends.”

His husband, Dan Hines, explains Daniel was stood down from his job at Qantas when COVID-19 hit. 

“While trying to figure out his next move, Daniel decided to follow his passion in floristry,” says Hines.

After studying floristry at CIT and launching the business online, Duvall opened his shopfront in the old Bungendore post office in June, 2021.

“Since moving to Bungendore the local community have embraced us wholeheartedly,” says Hines. 

“Daniel takes pride in creating arrangements that are individual and meaningful for every customer. 

“He is always honoured when asked by customers to contribute to life’s important moments. Through the good times and the not-so-good times he hopes to provide both joy and comfort through his work.”

Hyacinth Bouquets, 53 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore. Call 0403 916058 or visit hyacinthbouquets.com.au/weddings