The Wedding Industry, TOGETHER
A business group on Facebook called ‘The Wedding Network’, is where many local wedding industry legends come together. It's a place to explore ideas, collaborate, and share opportunities relevant to the industry.
Amidst the madness, local vendors from ‘The Wedding Network’ have come together to create a video of positivity and hope to breathe back into the community.
Sarah Powell of ‘Bespoke Country Weddings’ was the driving force behind the initial idea. “The crisis and restrictions really brought the wedding industry to a halt overnight, and there were so many couples left devastated from having to postpone their wedding day,” said Sarah.
“I wanted to put out a positive message on what weddings would look like on the other side of this and thought it was important to remind everyone that this crisis will end, and that there will be life on the other side of this.
“There were some really beautiful silver linings to be found during this crisis, and I wanted to focus on those. Like that we'd actually had rain here in the Central West, how good does our landscape look at the moment, and we actually have water in our dams! Also, that we had the gift of time to work on and improve our businesses, so we could show up bigger and better for our couples once the restrictions were lifted.”
It was a resounding yes from everyone in the Facebook group as Sarah put the word out there, including Dave Smyth from ‘The Studio Door’ as he offered to film and produce the project. “He did a wonderful job at bringing this idea to life and was a very patient man” said Sarah.
“The filming process was so much fun, for many of us it was our first real time out of the house in weeks! The filming was done in shifts to ensure we weren't breaching regulations, and we all practiced social distancing measures during the shoot. As wedding suppliers we're all very used to being behind the scenes and not in front of the camera, it was pretty funny trying to get our lines right.
“We were excited to be able to see each other again and share our experiences during this time. I think many left the shoot really happy knowing they weren't alone in this, and positive about the future ahead.”
Dave explained, “I simply enjoyed the collaborative approach. We all just put business aside and tackled it head on together. Although there are potentially ‘competing businesses’ here we didn’t care and that was fantastic.
“It’s important to continue to promote the region for weddings and keep it top of mind for those considering travelling here for their special day. But honestly, I’m really looking forward to meeting people again. A handshake at the start of the day and a big hug at the end.”
Sarah ensured post-COVID-19 the industry will be just as rewarding, delicious, creative and joyful as ever. “I really believe weddings and any celebratory events post-crisis are going to take on a new meaning. As human beings, we're social creatures and having been kept at home for so many months, separated from our loved ones we are ready to be together. I really look forward to creating beautiful spaces again where people can share food, a laugh, have a dance and just have a great time with everyone they care about.
“There is a whole swag of great suppliers here in the region to ensure couples have their best day ever. All of who are really excited to get back to work, and ready to make every wedding one to remember.”
Sarah added, “I have to say the support of local businesses (not just wedding related!) in Orange during this period has been amazing. There have been so many people working really hard to keep their businesses going, while also supporting others however they can. Local business owners have been reaching out to each other to check in everyone's doing ok and spending locally wherever they can to show support.
“There has been a lot of peace in knowing you're not alone in the challenges this crisis has thrown up - we are literally all in this together and have to get through it together.”
Dave followed, “I feel like our communities have become human again. We are looking out for each other, making a phone call or a text for no reason other than just to see if we’re OK. I received a text one day saying, ‘Mate just checking in to see if everyone’s happy and healthy?’ That’s it. And it was amazing to receive.
“If ‘going back to normal’ doesn’t include that well let’s not go back to normal, but a new normal, because we all need support in our lives and those ‘just because’ moments matter.”
Find the video online, (shared by The Studio Door and Bespoke Country Weddings) shout it from the rooftops and spread it far and wide. Support local operators, tell your friends and spread the word... the Central West will be open for Weddings again soon.
