To make “I do” as magical as it can be, CityNews has spoken with some of the region’s leading wedding experts.

Weddings can be a stressful experience, from finding the perfect venue to learning the right moves on the dance floor.

Fortunately, Canberra is home to a selection of experts who are there to make your wedding day as stress-free as can be!

Giving brides an unforgettable dress-shopping experience

Annabel’s Bridal Studio has gowns to make any bride’s walk down the aisle completely breathtaking, says owner Misty Annabel.

With more than 16 designers and more than 200 styles in-store, Misty says they strive to make brides feel confident, happy and beautiful on their big day.

“We believe every bride deserves a personal, unforgettable experience,” she says.

“Our studio is designed to be a welcoming space where brides can relax, explore hundreds of designs in stock, and feel inspired by an exquisite range of gowns that speak to their unique style.”

According to Misty, every bride’s journey is personal, which is why she’s made it her goal to make the process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

“I take the time to understand each bride’s vision and bring it to life through our diverse and thoughtfully curated selection of gowns,” she says.

“We’re passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where brides feel truly cared for.”

Misty says their commitment at Annabel’s Bridal Studio goes beyond just helping brides find their dress.

“It’s about making each individual feel beautiful, confident, and ready for their big day.”

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

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

‘Stunning setting’ for the big day

“Nestled in serenity, the beauty of the Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club offers a stunning setting for a wedding venue,” says catering and events manager Leanne King.

“It has lush, green fairways that meet tranquil lakes, providing a stunning getaway for our wedding parties to say ‘I do’ in.”

According to Leanne, the location provides an unforgettable backdrop with expansive views, manicured landscapes and ample space for both intimate ceremonies and grand receptions.

“We try to cater to any crowd,” says Leanne.

The venue has free on-site parking for guests, and with plenty of accommodation options nearby Leanne says the Golf and Community Club offers ease and convenience for the wedding party and their guests.

“Our experienced team is here to bring your dream wedding to life,” says Leanne.

“We have tailored packages that boast no hiked pricing and a commitment to making every moment perfect.

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

“Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club is the ideal destination for a wedding as timeless as love itself.”

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.

Making magical memories for all

Able to cater for up to 120 people, the Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan is the perfect destination for weddings, says events supervisor Liz Hansen.

With a bar, in-house catering and a bridal suite, the 1850s hotel offers a mix of “contemporary comforts and amenities, integrated with the original architecture”.

“We give as much as we can to make the day special for our bridal party and their guests,” says Liz.

Collaborating closely with local artists, decorators and photographers, Liz says the Royal Hotel fosters a sense of community to make the environment as magical and special for the wedding party as possible.

“They love coming here just as much as we love them coming here,” she says.

“It’s all about helping the couple out to give them the best experience.”

According to Liz, who had her own wedding at the hotel a month ago, the services provided by the venue are “incredible and it’s clear to see that the staff love doing what they do”.

“I think it speaks for itself that [staff] want to have our weddings here, too,” she says.

“We have a lot of knowledge and love customising the experience for each couple.

“It’s an amazing experience. We are as excited as the couple is and look forward to working with them from the get go, up until the day after where we can check them out as newlyweds.”

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

A European flair for wedding attire returns to Manuka

Things of Desire have reopened their doors once more in Manuka.

“We have exclusive European ensembles for the festive wedding season,” says creative director, Alan Arab.

“With vibrant colours and elegant outfits in limited editions, it really is a feast for the eyes.”

Alan says their collections are perfect for any special occasions with many of their pieces designed by local artisans.

“After 24 years of Things of Design operating in Manuka, we decided on a change of location,” he says.

“We decided to operate out of our Fyshwick warehouse, which was nice, but based on feedback we received, our customers were having a hard time finding us.”

Despite celebrity interest in the TOD brand, Alan says their location just wasn’t “doing it” for them and decided it was in their customers’ best interests to move back.

“We decided against our time in the ‘wilderness’ and moved into a beautiful heritage-listed building in the heart of Manuka,” he says.

Established in 1995, Alan says TOD is committed to providing the best of European fashion for Canberra.

“Our name ‘Things of Desire’ says it all; that’s our buying formula,” he says.

“Our mission statement is to empower the women we dress.”

Ahead of the peak wedding season, Alan says TOD has the perfect outfit for guests to dress up in with top-end designs, jewellery and handbags.

“We are looking forward to seeing you at our new abode in Manuka, which is three times the size of our previous residence!” he says.

“Come and experience something completely unexpected with new designs and exclusive labels, jewellery and bags.”

Things of Desire, 34 Bougainville Street Manuka. Call 6260 8844 or visit todesire.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