Planning a wedding? Think that a coastal celebration is out of reach for your nuptials? Think again!
The beautiful seaside destination of Kiama may be famous for its blowhole – a natural rock formation that spouts seawater 20 metres or more into the air. But there are many more intriguing and spectacular things to do and see in Kiama, from the gorgeous beaches, coastal walks and mountain scenery that make it a wedding haven.
On the NSW South Coast, getting to Kiama is easy. It is a leisurely two and a half hour drive from Canberra to some of the region’s most memorable views of the coastline. And for those planning on tying the knot, The Kiama I Do Wedding Trail is happening on Sunday 29th April 2018 from 10 am to 3 pm to showcase all the available venues and suppliers to help plan your big day.
The Kiama I Do Wedding Trail is a contemporary fresh approach to traditional wedding expos. Yasmin O’Brien, Business Development Manager from The Sebel Harbourside Kiama explains “This event is the FIRST of its kind for the area – we want to showcase Kiama as a destination and all venues and suppliers are working together for the greater good of the area.”
Couples can expect “3 venues, 50 suppliers, one day full of inspiration.” she continued. Each of the three venues – The Sebel Harbourside Kiama, The Pavilion Kiama and Crooked River Winery will have their rooms set up ready for a wedding ceremony & reception along with hand-picked suppliers ready to answer all your questions. Everything from transport, catering, stylists, photographers, entertainment, DJs, live music, fireworks, accommodation, celebrants, giant outdoor lawn games, dresses, cakes, florists, hair & makeup down to a photo-booth vendor will all be covered.
As a bonus, Yasmin shared “All 50 suppliers will be running competitions from their own stands. Prizes range from upgrades, free accommodation to engagement shoots!” This is on top of the possibility for one lucky couple to win $1000 off their wedding reception at one of the host venues. To be eligible, Yasmin said “Couples must register on the website – www.kiamaido.com.au and on the day, those that have registered will need to pick up their passport and boarding pass and get it stamped as they travel around the venues and suppliers. At the end of the day, they tell us in 25 words or less what would make their big day special and put the boarding pass into a draw and possibly win $1000 off their wedding reception!”
As an ex- Sydneysider who now know calls Kiama home, Yasmin revealed a few of the many reasons she thinks the region is perfect as a wedding destination, “You can have your wedding by the ocean, a lot cheaper, nearly at half the price of a wedding in Sydney with uninterrupted views and the bonus of free parking for your guests.” “And it is fun, as your wedding becomes more than a one-day thing! We have couples that come from Canberra, Sydney, Albury, Parkes and it becomes a weekend or week-long celebration for family and friends.”
Yasmin’s top tips for a stress-free wedding in the area. “Don’t get too caught up in the nitty-gritty, get back to basics about why you are getting married.” “The bonus of Kiama, if you want to get married by the water, you can get married by the water. We have parks, we have beaches, we have mountains, there is Jamberoo which has beautiful churches in town, there is a nice variety all within a small area, so you are really spoilt for choice here.”
To investigate Kiama as a destination for your wedding, visit www.kiamaido.com.au and plan a trip to experience the Kiama I Do Wedding Trail on Sunday 29th April 2018 from 10 am to 3 pm.
* Sophia recently stayed at The Sebel Harbourside Kiama as a guest of the venue.