An estimated 116,000 weddings take place each year in Australia - at a cost of over $2 billion collectively.
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It's a serious industry, which takes serious talent to crack; there are few more discerning critics than a bride planning her big day.
But the brides of the Mid North Coast have spoken, and they like what they see in the Nambucca Valley, with our local businesses snapping up awards in seven different categories in the region's 2020 Brides Choice Awards.
Hundreds of businesses from Yamba to Taree were nominated in this year's awards - the second for our region.
Congratulations goes to Riverview Boutique Motel, Boo and Bo's Blooms, Nambucca Heads RSL Club, Valla Hall, Eagles Rest and Click Chick Photography on standing out from the rest.
But a special shout out goes to a woman of many talents - Maryjane Campbell of Wendy's Coiffure - who was voted both the second best bridal hair stylist and second best bridal makeup artist on the Mid North Coast.
The winning salon and makeup artist from Coffs Harbour have a steady stream of weddings, and brides to support their chances.
Whereas Maryjane dedicates herself to one wedding each fortnight, favouring quality over quantity.
And it's clear her clients love her for it.
Maryjane was understandably thrilled at her double win: "It was great. I definitely didn't expect the second in makeup when there are so many great make-up artists around".
She's been practising as a qualified make-up artist for five years, and has forged a niche for herself with her 'natural glam' signature style.
But with a decade of experience in hair styling at one of Nambucca's most established and respected hair salons, Maryjane was more confident about her chances in that category.
"I've got good foundations with upstyling - it's 50 percent about the preparation, just like painting a house," she said.
And when a bride is half-way through a wedding marathon, cameras poised in every direction, the last thing she wants to be thinking about is whether her hair is still in tact.
"One thing I get told a lot is that the hairstyle lasted all day," she said.
Maryjane decided to learn her mum's trade as "something to fall back on" ten years ago.
"But I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would," she said.
Seven years ago she took on her first wedding and hasn't looked back.
"I just love the atmosphere - even though it can be stressful at times, it can also be a really joyful experience," she said.
Maryjane is happy her own work, alongside Wendy's Coiffure, has been recognised in this way.
But she's equally as thrilled about the recognition the Brides Choice Awards is bringing to the region and to the Nambucca Valley as a wedding destination.
"When I shared the nomination form I said 'even if you don't vote for me, please vote for other local vendors," she said.
"Coffs is so popular for weddings, and Nambucca always missed out. But now we have such great venues and the professional services to go along with them, Nambucca is on its way up."
Even though the wedding industry is one of many to have taken a huge hit during the coronavirus pandemic, Maryjane is hopeful that when this is all over, there'll be a honeymoon for Nambucca.