The 2018 Illawarra and South Coast Brides Choice Awards, which includes businesses from Wollongong to the Eden, recognised two Mollymook venues and several vendors as the best in the business. 

Mollymook Surf Club was named as the best surf club venue, while Mollymook Golf Club was given highly commended award for the best club venue. 

Mollymook Golf Club wedding planner Beth Nicholson was crowned as the best planner in the region. 

“I love my job and it was really nice to get the recognition,” Ms Nicholson said. 

“Obviously other people really appreciate my work because they voted for me.”  

Marriage celebrant Ebony Millard was also recognised as the best female in her field, while Eileen Scriven took home the top gong for her wedding cake decorating. 

“It was great to get that award,” Mrs Scriven said. 

“I make about 35 cakes a year just for the weddings at the club, but I get a lot of others from local as well. 

“I get a lot of business from word of mouth.” 

Mrs Millard has been a celebrant on the coast for five years and estimates she has conducted 250 weddings. 

“I have loved every second of it. It is the best job in the world,” she said. 

“It is so wonderful when you’re with that couple who have been looking forward to this day, and I am standing closest to them.

“I was waitressing at weddings at Mollymook Golf Club every Saturday night and I realised being a celebrant would be an awesome job.

“Now, I do about 50 weddings a year. In summer, I do two or three a week.” 

Wedding photographer Melissa Whipp from Bliss Photography joined other photographers from Milton-Ulladulla, such as Cloudface and Double Exposure, as finalists in their competitive category. 

“It is a huge shock. I didn’t think I had no real chance, especially being up against the Illawarra,” Mrs Whipp said. 

“I just love capturing peoples’ special day and then giving them back the photos and seeing their reactions. I am very particular on my work, but my style is very natural and not too posed.” 

Voting for the awards was only open to brides who had been married in the past year. 

“Thank you so much for all the people who nominated and voted to us,” Mrs Whipp said. 

“And, also to the other suppliers in the area; we all support each other and recommend each other.”