Coming right after the heels of 'Kiama I do' it is exciting to see venues and businesses from the Kiama LGA recognised in the Illawarra & Southern Highlands Wedding Industry Awards. Congratulations to all those involved in demanding excellence of their businesses.

As the Kiama Business Chamber begin a 'support local' campaign it is fitting to see our local businesses rewarded for what is often a labour of love - especially in the wedding industry.

The Awards are dedicated to recognising, supporting and rewarding wedding businesses in regional areas and therefore attract many entries. Competition is fierce.

Meryll Faulkner with her local business - Making Faces Makeup Studio - took out the award for best Bridal Makeup Artist. She says how wonderful it is for the smaller businesses to be recognised. Many times it is just the larger organisations that get a mention.

The Pavilion continues to deliver as well as the Sebel as venues - we are truly blessed in our seaside community to have so many options.

Other local recipients of awards included:

Always Flowers Kiama

Sharon is my Celebrant – Minnamurra

The Wedding and Event Creators- Gerringong

Greyleigh -..Kiama

The Pavilion Kiama

Culinarians Catering- Kiama

Kiama Downs SLSC (venue )

Henry Clive Caravan Bar – Gerringong

Meet Mable Bar Service Gerringong

Bella Spa Gerringong  

Watch out in the Bugle for more information during the year as we follow their stories and don't forget to say congrats if you are interacting with them.

Greyleigh has won in the Wedding Venue category – Farm and Country - for The Gables. It was also highly commended in the Boutique Wedding Accommodation category. However that category was won with my last gig in the Southern Highlands!

General Manager of Greyleigh, Hamish McCallum, says they are extremely happy to be recognised in these industry awards and to have been voted for by their couples.

“We’re really excited to see the venue gaining such feedback and recognition so soon after opening,” he says.

“Awards in these categories of boutique wedding accommodation and wedding venue farm and country do really represent the nature of the product we’re offering to the market.

“We’re excited to see the results of next year’s awards."

Sebel Kiama has also seen a win in the Wedding Venue – 4-5 star Hotel category.

So much talent in our area! Celebrations aplenty with the accolades and we cannot wait till next year! Meantime - many of these venues and providers can help you with your celebrations too! It does not HAVE to be a wedding to celebrate with them. Do not forget to congratulate the businesses in person when you see them next!