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If you know of or are a business that goes above and beyond, or has a great story to tell, we want to hear from you, and celebrate our local traders and producers. You can let us know via our Q&A here or email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk for more details.

SKELLON EVENTS & PRODUCTIONS, Wrexham

Weddings have been making the headlines recently, as the entire industry, from couples and venues, to suppliers and services fight for clarity and fairness in regards of restrictions on the big day.

So you wouldn't think a new wedding-based business was something to come out of the last year.

But about nine months ago, that's exactly what happened.

Katie Skellon is the woman behind Skellon Events & Productions, and not only is she passionate about people's wedding celebrations, she's also keen to celebrate North Wales as the ultimate venue.

I ask the former assistant headteacher what makes them special?

"Picture this," says Katie of her wedding planning service, "you spend months, even years planning your ideal day.

"Family and friends travel far and wide in the pursuit of sharing your day and it truly is wonderful but 12 hours later, it's over.

"People return home, venues are stripped and prepped ready for the next bridal party and you can be left feeling deflated.

"Skellon Events & Productions specialises in creating weekend-long wedding events in ever-enchanting North Wales.

"Wales is so important to us as it's our heritage and culture, however we guarantee that it will also capture our clients' hearts in an inescapable way and we are on a mission to rebrand it because there is so much more to North Wales that meets the eye.

"From hidden five-star accommodations, adrenalin adventure activities and locally-grown cuisine that promises to delight, Wales has it all."

And they're off to a roaring and memorable start.

Katie explains: "We've had some amazing moments in the last nine months.

"From shipping a whole eco baby shower over to Hong Kong even planting trees in Wales to offset the carbon footprint, creating local activities such as our Halloween window campaign and 'barod I parti' boxes to bring joy during lockdown. And being featured in Belle Bridal magazine - twice!"

Has there been a highlight? "It's been a real roller-coaster. But opening our Stiwdio on May 1 was by far the best moment so far.

"The Stwidio is a sparkling space to meet and discuss all the gorgeous aspects of your wedding.

"Accompanied by a glass of fizz and lots of fun, filled with beautiful examples of local suppliers' work, it will also be available for rent for all those in the industry who may work from home.

"We are determined to show the world what the North Wales wedding industry has to offer, especially after Covid, how important is it now more than ever to shop local.

"Soon to be the home for live events such as wedding hair/makeup evenings, table design workshops, food tastings and floristry examples. A hub of wedding excitement for North Wales."

And variety certainly is the spice of life for the 35-year-old, with one particular event standing out.

"We recently had a Bride visit the Stiwdio and ask to help plan her wedding in two-and-a-half weeks!

"They told their guests it was a surprise 30th and they all turned up in jeans with carrier bags of alcohol!

"Mini buses waited for their arrival and took them to the venue, all in line with Covid regulations.

"They walked up the hill and there was the bride and groom. The guests' faces were fantastic!

"I can't wait to see the photos by Wrexham-based Joe Bickerton Photography."

Organising has long been something Katie has relished and taken pride in, so it was almost inevitable that one day people would seek her out for her special knack.

She said: "For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed planning. I've always loved to play around with themes, spreadsheets and to do lists.

"However, I started my career in education as opposed to wedding planning.

"I stuck to this career path and even became an assistant head of a huge 700-pupil school, until I eventually decided to make a change.

"I've always had a deep passion for event planning and this passion is quite evident in all the events I organise.

"After designing my own wedding, every family and friend celebration, I decided it was time to turn my passion into my full-time work.

"By my own admittance, despite being a great teacher, setting up an events company meant I was going back to square one and having to retrain, learning completely new skills.

"I have been incredibly lucky that the pandemic has meant amazing suppliers (who would usually be so busy) were able to give me their time to help me develop.

"I took advantage of everything the Town Square hub in Wrexham has to offer, including their Start up Course (they are fab) and I have had huge support from Emma, at Em Creative with my branding and website add to that fantastic family and friends, and the future is really promising for Skellon Events and the wedding industry in North Wales."

Katie really is a one-woman show, putting you in the spotlight, and North Wales on the map.

• Skellon Events & Productions

Website: www.skellonevents.co.uk

Facebook & Instagram: @skellonevents