To save future brides and grooms on stress and time, “CityNews” has spoken with some of the region’s leading wedding experts.

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

It often involves driving from one end of town to the other – sometimes beyond – to find a breathtaking wedding dress, the best catering, the most beautiful venue or exclusive honeymoon deals all in a time-crunch for the lead up to the big day.

Luckily, Canberra’s home to many experts who know how to bring dream weddings to life, and to save future brides and grooms on stress and time, “CityNews” has spoken with some of the region’s leading wedding experts.

Ro says her photos tell a wedding’s story

Ro Hains, owner of Hello Ro Photography, has been capturing important moments for more than 15 years, she says.

She says she was travelling a lot, collecting memories of her own before deciding to start professionally helping capture other people’s moments.

“I noticed a lot of wedding photographers were doing things that were quite posed,” she says.

“They would have pictures that looked like they were out of a magazine, but they weren’t true to what was actually happening, and so I really try to create moments that are authentic.

“You shouldn’t even remember your wedding photographer, or getting your photos done, you should just be enjoying your day and then getting a gallery back that really represents what you felt in those moments.”

Ro has lots of options, including an eight-hour wedding package that ensures the whole day is captured.

Ro, who holds a bachelor of fine arts and a diploma of digital imagery, says hiring a professional photographer is important as they keep everyone calm and are trained to be constantly scanning for important moments, making sure nothing is missed.

“It’s like telling a story, I want to set the scene,” she says.

“This is how it looked at the beginning, in the middle and during the ceremony, and get all those details.”

Hello Ro Photography, call 0421 959558 or visit hellorophotography.com

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 visit facebook.com/hanna.coady.7

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 weight loss, skin toning and skin tightening.

“The services include Cooltech fat freezing to slim down your areas of concern and currently offered from only $320 per session, ONDA to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite, and we also offer Ultraformer III, the most advanced non-invasive face lightening, tightening and contouring available.”

New services now on offer include the Venus Viva, a non-surgical, skin resurfacing device that utilises NanoFractional radio frequency technology, facial lymphatic drainage massages, says Christy.

Dermal filler injections, anti-wrinkle injections and collagen stimulators are also now available, she says, done by the new in-house doctor.

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 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

Jewellery with focus on unique wedding rings

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.

“We specialise in custom designed and handmade jewellery with a focus on unique wedding and engagement rings” she says.

“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.”

“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.

Venetia says their diamonds are of the highest quality, and expertly set to radiate brilliance for a lifetime.

“Your love is unique, and so too should be your ring,” says Venetia.

“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

Specialists in making wedding dreams come true

“The Ainslie Group, specialise in making your wedding dreams come true with affordable options for every budget,” says catering and events manager Leanne King.

“Our ‘Build Your Own Wedding’ approach allows you to have the flexibility and as much or as little involvement as you wish.”

Leanne says whether planning for an intimate gathering of 30, or a grand celebration of up to 250 guests, the Ainslie Group’s versatile packages can be tailored to suit all needs.

“We believe in simplicity and transparency. Our standard catering prices apply across the board, meaning no extra fees or high rates for special occasions,” she says.

With a focus on inclusivity, Leanne says Ainslie Group caters to all dietary requirements, ensuring every guest enjoys a perfect dining experience.

With 20 years of expertise in the functions and events industry, Leanne says they can craft a flawless event, complete with optional extras such as photobooths, DJs, and decorations.

“Situated on secure premises, with additional venue facilities, your guests can enjoy additional amenities such as a lounge, café and live sports to entertain them outside of your event times,” she says.

“Our motivation is simple: turn dreams into reality.”

Ainslie Group, Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie. Call 6248 8422 or visit ainsliegroup.com.au, or, Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls, call 6242 6283.

Event fair promises a day of spectacle

There are two VIP double passes to be won to see The Parade fashion runway at Canberra Fair at the National Convention Centre.

Danielle Cleary, founder and creative director of Canberra Fair, says the prizes include Canberra Fair entry, a reserved VIP seat for the fashion runway, a Canberra Centre gift bag with vouchers valued at $40, and the opportunity to win a two-night getaway at Outrigger Fiji Resort.

Danielle says to contact her via email, danielle@danielleclearyevents.com, with the subject line “Win” for a chance to win the giveaway.

The Canberra Fair will take place 10am-3pm on July 28.

A day of spectacle is planned and Danielle says attendees can experience, explore and shop at premier wedding, event, travel and lifestyle exhibits, learn the latest beauty and fashion trends from stunning fashion runways, browse Chandeliers To Die For, and enjoy food trucks, gin tasting, aerial artists, music and more under a giant naked tipi.

“Whether you’re newly engaged, preparing for an event, looking for a getaway, love food, gin and music or just have a passion for fashion, come along for all the fun of the fair,” she says.

Canberra Fair, National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra. Call 0427 666584, email danielle@danielleclearyevents.com or visit canberrafair.com.au

Stepping confidently on to the dance floor

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.

“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.

“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.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble.

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.

Dale also offers plenty of scheduled dance classes, perfect for someone with many weddings coming up that wants some help with their dancing.

Dale says she encourages anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“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.

She says classes cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Specialists in wedding and engagement jewellery

Diamonds Manuka co-owner and gemologist Robert Hunt has been in the jewellery business for more than 30 years, says his partner and store co-owner, Elaine Hunt.

“Our expert team at Diamonds Manuka can help you choose the perfect engagement or wedding piece to celebrate your unique love story,” says Elaine.

“We can help you select an exquisite solitaire, trilogy or anything else your heart desires.”

They can also assist with the creation of unique designs, Elaine says, and stock a wide range of handmade diamond jewellery from which a special piece can be chosen, as well as a wide range of coloured gemstones, including sapphires in all colours.

“We specialise in engagement and wedding rings, and are here to help you make your dreams come true,” Elaine says.

Elaine says she and Robert love working in the jewellery business. “When you’ve got a lovely product, that’s just a pleasurable experience,” she says.

Diamonds Manuka, Manuka Arcade, Shop 4/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6295 6448 or visit diamondsmanuka.com.au