Blue Mountains mother and daughter creative duo Trish and Cass Scully, owner of the Blue Mountains-based event floral business, Bloom Mountains Designs and Trish Scully Designs, recently pooled their talents to create a special event at The Avalon in Katoomba to celebrate the struggling wedding industry.
Cass Scully said the celebrated Blue Mountains wedding and event industry had been severely impacted by the recent pandemic and many venues and vendors have been forced into a period of suspended animation as weddings were postponed and cancelled until further notice.
Looking for an activity during the COVID-19 inspired lockdown, event floral designer Cass organised an editorial photoshoot to showcase local small business talent and wedding industry services, using the full glamour of the Blue Mountains during it's art deco era as inspiration. Her mother, an interior designer, pitched in with her skills and other equally talented professionals added their energy and style.
It saw two brides dressed in Australian designer gowns, in the Avalon restaurant in clouds of roses and Australian natives, cascades of eucalyptus, polished brass and pewter antiques, all bathed in golden candlelight.
Springwood-based photographer Chris Gray took the pictures, hair was done by Katoomba hair and make up artist Tania Bowers and Katoomba-based wedding stylist and prop hire guru Nicole Bull and indoor plant expert Nat Cheney played their important roles.
"With the easing of restrictions in coming months, we thought now was the time to celebrate all that is special about our beautiful home," Cass said.
"It's why so many people come and get married here in the Blue Mountains each year. We hope to inspire newly engaged couples and residents. Let's give them something to get excited about as restrictions ease and event season returns to the region."
She said the project had reignited their community "during these uncertain times".
"I have been lucky enough to work with incredibly talented and supportive folks within the local wedding and hospitality industry. I wanted to shine a light on some of these Mountains legends as well as the iconic Avalon Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, the art deco jewel of Katoomba."
Mum Trish said the arts and design industry were the "core strength of our region".
"It has supported and enriched our Mountains lifestyle throughout time. The diversity of my field allows me to collaborate with a broad range of businesses within our community. It was an amazing experience joining forces with such an inspired group of creative artists."
Cass said she was "rolling with the punches ... and working with our brides".
"Our winter brides had to postpone, but we are booking from the back half of October and have got a few bookings for next year."