Of the 33 categories, six were won by Dunedin entrants while Superhair0 Wanaka won outstanding wedding hair stylist.
Dunedin winners included Lochend Woolshed (ceremony venue), Nicholls & Co Wedding and Events (hire specialist), Lemonpiecaravan (mobile boutique bar), Precinct Food (caterer), Loren Russell Makeup Artist (makeup artist) and Mel Foster (celebrant/officiant and MC).
Rachel Nicholls, of Nicholls & Co, said she was “so proud” to represent the city and thrilled with the successes of the other vendors.
It was her first time entering the awards and, rather than seeking recognition, she said it was about surrounding herself with her peers, seeing what others were doing in the industry and creating conversations and collaboration.
While the Dunedin vendors all knew each other, they had very different clients and different styles “which makes it quite cool”.
“Some of us don’t get to work together that often. When we do, we just absolutely smash it. It [the awards] brought us all even closer — it’s a really nice bond,” she said.
Nicholls & Co started off very small in 2021 “with a few plates and some marquee letters”. Now it had more than 250 hire items ranging from lighting equipment and serveware to giant phone boxes, seating, blankets and outdoor furniture.
Many things were made by Mrs Nicholls’ husband Josh, which meant they could be personalised for the occasion.
And it was not just weddings — Nicholls & Co catered for a variety of events and was also involved with the Wedding Fair at Erricks this Saturday involving a collaboration of vendors.
Mrs Nicholls said she loved her work and “wouldn’t change it for the world”.
“We get to meet the most incredible people, we become part of their families.”
One of their first brides now helped them with setting up weddings.
The current trend had moved away from minimalist to more over-the-top weddings with big details including velvet drapery. Espresso martini towers had replaced Champagne towers.
While the wedding season might have ended, the winter period was just as busy with behind-the scenes work and planning to ensure the next season was “perfect”.
Originally from Palmerston, Loren Russell won the wedding makeup artist category for the second time, having also won it in 2022.
Ms Russell said she found her passion while experimenting with makeup on herself. She enjoyed specialising in weddings and travelled from Invercargill to Oamaru and into Central Otago.
She was also delighted with the success of other Dunedin vendors at the awards.
“We’re rather spoilt in Dunedin. I don’t think brides realise how spoiled they are. Just because we’re a smaller town doesn’t mean we don’t deliver in results.”
It was also nice to gather together, without having to work, and to celebrate the successes, she said.
