Coast provides wedding bliss
THE Sunshine Coast has stamped its mark as the state's wedding capital with eight accolades in the recent Queensland Annual Bridal Industry Awards.
When it comes to walking down the aisle, the Coast can lay claim to best disc jockey, hairdresser, video production, hire, special services, photography, ceremony venue and reception centre in the state for the year.
The 2012 awards had more than 8000 nominations for 282 wedding businesses across the state.
Ratings were provided by the past brides of Queensland who rated their wedding suppliers based on the quality of product, quality of service, value for money and attitude of staff.
The winners say the awards show just how much of a powerhouse industry weddings are on the Coast.
Maleny Manor won the reception centre and ceremony venue categories, and was a finalist in the function coordinator and in-house wedding adviser sectors.
Owner Marlene Murray said the awards helped to raise the profile of the region as the stand-out wedding area in Australia.
"It just validates what we're doing here," she said. "I believe it puts us and the whole Coast on the map for weddings.
Mrs Murray said weddings were a tourism goldmine, with Maleny Manor hosting more weddings for interstate and overseas couples than locals.
"We're all helping to bring in people to the area continuously."
Disc jockey award winner John Virgona, of Maroochydore's Moove It DJ's, celebrated his first win in the category after being a finalist every year since 2009.
"The Coast is a beautiful destination and has a relaxed atmosphere for weddings. People come to functions here and are prepared for a great time," he said.
Sunshine Coast Destination CEO Steve Cooper said weddings were a key driver for the region's hospitality, events and tourism industries.
"These awards are a great tribute to the people in the industry," he said.
"This sector has been performing well and helps out a range of spin-off services in hospitality and auxiliary areas."
Coast Winners
Disc jockey: Moove It DJ's
Hairdresser: Hair by Nicola
Video production: Playback Films
Hire: In the Booth
Special services: In the Booth
Photography: Mills Photography
Ceremony venue: Maleny Manor
Reception centre: Maleny Manor
