Bendigo's wedding industry is thriving thanks to a culture of collaboration and professionalism among its providers, say local vendors. or signup to continue reading Vendors from across Bendigo met at the Ulumbarra Theatre on Sunday, August 11 to showcase their skills, meet couples and build connections with each other ahead of the 2024 wedding season. "We really prioritise community over competition," said wedding and event florist Ashe McKenzie.
Ms McKenzie's business, Judah Rose, focuses on local and sustainable designs in both their florals and vases. Her offering at the expo - a tablescape of pink, yellow and orange flowers - is set off by contributions from other local vendors including chairs from Modern Love and a cake from Sweet Peach. "It's kind of fun to work with all these people that come together and create something really beautiful for wedding days," Ms McKenzie said.
Nadine Adler, who runs with her husband, says the calibre of local suppliers in Bendigo can surprise couples from bigger cities. "We have a lot of couples come from Melbourne that are getting married at Ravenswood and I always have a list of suppliers to give them that is predominantly local people," Ms Adler said. "And they're always shocked at the level of professionalism that is on offer here.
" The expo is the brainchild of Georgia Anderson, a marriage celebrant who started Culture Hitch - a regional Victorian wedding directory - to foster relationships in the industry. "Most of us are self-em.