WITH four businesses nominated, one national winner and one regional winner it seems that Penarth and weddings are a match made in heaven.

The Welsh National Wedding Awards saw success throughout the town, with brides across Wales voting for the businesses that helped make their big day such a special occasion.

The customers' votes create a shortlist from which regional and national winners are selected by a panel of judges.

For the third time jewellers Northern Star were voted the Best in Wales, a boost to staff following a break in earlier this month which marred their plans to celebrate five years in Penarth.

At this years finals in Brangwyn Hall, Swansea four Penarth businesses found themselves named among the best in their region, an area that covers the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

The nominated business were Janet White-Ashby and Co hair stylists and make-up artists, Northern Star jewellers, Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique and Sweet Peony florist.

At the Alice in Wonderland themed evening - hosted by tv presenter Matt Johnson - Janet White-Ashby and Co took home the Regional Award and Northern Star took home both the Regional and Best in Wales award.

For Northern Star this was their third time named the best wedding jewellers in Wales. This year was extra special coming off the back of a hard month for the store during which they were broken into and had more than £3500 worth of stock stolen.

"This has been a boost to our spirits," said retail manager Lois Nolan. "We want to give a big, big thank you to our amazing customers. Without them we wouldn't be able to do this.

"We do this because we love it and this is just a bonus."

Regional winner in the Best Wedding Hair category, Janet Ashby said: "Penarth is only a small town, so to have four business nominated is fantastic.

"I would like to say thank you to my brides and to my staff and stylist Ann Williams who has been with me for eight years."