This week “CityNews” has gathered together all the expert services you might need 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.

Breathtaking gowns for every bride

“Over the last 18 years we have probably assisted over 6000 brides with their special gown,” says Annabel’s Bridal Studio owner, Misty Annabel. 

“We’re very fortunate to be doing what we’re doing, there’s no doubt about it, and we’re all very passionate about it and enjoy it. 

“We love creating that comfortable but luxurious environment for clients to come in and just feel special and have that escape from the world.” 

Misty says that Annabel’s Bridal Studio will be having a sample sale in February called the Love Sale and that they will also be at Your Local Wedding Guide expo on February 4. 

“If people want to see what our styles are like and have a chat with some of our team, that can be a nice introduction,” she says.

“We carry mostly Australian designers, and the quality of the product, how they’re made, the construction, means that our clients are getting the best of the best that’s available to them.

“It’s always about making that client feel wonderful, feel gorgeous, feel confident, feel comfortable. That’s what it’s about for me. 

“Without even looking in the mirror they feel beautiful as soon as they put it on and then they’re zipped up and can’t wait to walk down the aisle to their partner.

“That moment is just priceless, that’s part of someone’s memory forever.

Misty says that bookings are essential, as the one-on-one time for the tailoring is imperative. 

“We have a wonderful booking system where people can go online and they can just find an appointment that suits them, or they can go on a waitlist for a specific day,” she says.

Annabel’s Bridal Studio, at The Kennedy, suite 2, 28 Eyre Street, Kingston. Call 6295 3984, or visit annabelsbridal.com.au

A memorable location to suit any style

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 1920s brick walls.

“The Royal Hotel 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 (ext 2), or visit royalhotelqbn.com.au/weddings

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

Wedding items that create lasting memories

Happy Days Event Hire provides hire items for weddings that are different, fun and ones that will create lasting memories, says owner Natalie Calvani.

“Our light-up letters are fun, bright and definitely make a statement at any wedding,” she says.

“They’ve become an incredibly popular choice. 

“We now have the complete alphabet and numbers in two sizes, 60 centimetres and 1.2 metres, which give our customers more options.

“Other items we have available to hire are our Mirror Me photo booths and jukeboxes that have over 7000 songs available.”

Natalie says there’s music from the ‘50s all the way through to today’s top charts, and the jukeboxes are updated every month with the latest music.

“Our Mirror Me photo booth is not an ordinary booth. The camera is hidden behind the mirror and takes beautiful photos. 

“Our packages are all inclusive so there are no hidden costs,” she says.

Natalie also says Happy Days takes care of delivery and pick up of all their items, offers DIY options or can help style the day so that it’s a “dream come true”.

Happy Days Event Hire, unit 4/66 Dacre Street, Mitchell. Call 6242 7722 or visit happydays.net.au

Jewellery with a timeless elegance

From the first sketch to the final polish, each piece of jewellery is meticulously crafted, says Venetia Major, owner of Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery at Hall. 

“Specialising in custom designed and handmade jewellery, Venetia Major is your passport to a world of unparalleled beauty, with a focus on creating custom engagement and wedding rings that transcend the ordinary,” she says.

“Venetia possesses a rare skill, transforming your unique vision into a breathtaking reality. 

“From the first sketch to the final polish, each piece is meticulously crafted to symbolise your love story.

“Choose from an array of ethically sourced diamonds and precious gems, select the perfect metal, and tailor every intricate detail to match your style. 

“Our diamonds are of the highest quality, and expertly set to radiate brilliance for a lifetime. Your love is unique, and so should be your ring. 

“Book a Design Appointment or pop into the workshop in Hall.”

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

Anglican wedding in a memorable location

Anyone looking for the opportunity to have an Anglican wedding ceremony in a beautiful church filled with heritage and history, All Saints Anglican Church would love to help, says secretary to the Parish Council of All Saints Anglican Church Ainslie, Betsy Dixon.

“At All Saints, our vision is to share the love of God and love of neighbour within a progressive, inclusive community,” says Betsy.

“We are committed to sacramental worship that engages our senses, to social justice and to learning and growing together in faith.

“All are welcome at All Saints Ainslie.

Betsy says the church building also has a fascinating history.

“It was originally built as a railway station for the Rookwood Cemetery in NSW,” she says.

“Its architect, James Barnett, was also responsible for the NSW General Post Office, Sydney University Medical School and many other significant buildings.

“The use of the Gothic Revival style for a railway station makes All Saints Ainslie an archetypal example of the bold Victorian architectural spirit. It unites the traditional arts of stone carving and gothic forms with the (at the time) ‘modern’ technology of rail transport.”

The church also features two stained glass windows from England, says Betsy.

All Saints Anglican Church is not just a heritage-listed building but a thriving, active member of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn with Sunday services and many other activities where all are welcome, including the monthly “Saturday Saints” program for young people, she says.

All Saints Anglican Church Ainslie, 9 Cowper Street, Ainslie. Call 6248 7420, or visit allsaintsainslie.org.au