Four wedding businesses that are based in Powys have scooped national awards after being named the best in Wales.
From wedding accessories to florists, specialist suppliers to stationary, the female-lead businesses beat competitors from Cardiff and Swansea to be recognised for their exceptional service at a glittering Welsh Wedding Awards ceremony.
Wales' Florist of the Year went to Forden-based Emma Jane Floral Design who swapped her finance career in Manchester for a dream job back home in mid Wales.
"To win the whole thing I was absolutely shocked," said Emma Edwards. "I was so thrilled and we're so lucky.
"Last year was our busiest year ever. I never thought I'd be in a position to be a business owner especially in the wedding industry in floristry. I feel so lucky everyday to do my job.
"In our area there are loads of really great florists and the wedding industry is so great. Perhaps that’s been overlooked in the past because people think that the best suppliers being in the cities. It’s so lovely to see so many people from our area who were nominated. Everyone is so talented and it’s nice to have that recognition."
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Taking the top spot was Llanidloes wedding stationary business White Flamingo which started out of a love of crafting and has grown to become successful with its beautiful cards, gifts and artwork with fabric and embroidery.
Kimberley Vaulter said: "I couldn’t believe that I had won. I was over the moon. I get a glass award so that’s exciting.
"It all started when someone asked me to do a drawing of a church for their wedding stationary and from that it really took off. From invites to table plans and place names, I love to give a special touch and I'm very fortunate to have lots of local support.
"It’s always so exciting because there’s an added emphasis with wedding stationary with 'wow, this is their special day' and they’ve trusted me to do this. It’s really special to work with a couple and bring their ideas to life and hear how pleased they are; it’s such a lovely feeling."
Llanidloes-based Love Fascinators has dominated the Wedding Accessories Provider of the Year category after winning four awards in five years.
Owner Gemma Jones said the accolade was the "icing on the cake" after moving the successful business from a face-to-face service to online."Our customers are incredibly loyal to us. We want to say thank you to them for supporting us.
"Even local people still buy from us through our website even though they’re two minutes down the road. That is very nice and means a lot for us. We’re very thankful to all our customers, new and old.
"How lucky we are in Llanidloes to have such wonderful businesses in the wedding industry. It’s a lovely achievement for the local area, it's amazing."
Also picking up a gong was Wedding Specialist Supplier of the Year Acacia Marquees from Hay-on-Wye.
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