About Us
STORY
Otway Weddings & Events was created to showcase the incredible venues, suppliers and experiences that make the Great Ocean Road, Otways and Hinterland regions such a sought-after destination for weddings, celebrations and events.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, milestone celebration, corporate retreat or special gathering, our goal is to help you discover trusted local businesses, inspiring locations and valuable planning resources, all in one place.
By bringing together the region’s venues, suppliers and event professionals, we make it easier to connect with the people who can help create memorable experiences while celebrating everything our region has to offer.
REGION
From dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches to ancient rainforests, vineyards, country estates and charming townships, the Great Ocean Road, Otways and Hinterland regions offer an extraordinary backdrop for weddings and events of every style and size.
Rich in natural beauty, local character and talented event professionals, the region continues to attract couples, families, businesses and visitors seeking unique and memorable experiences.
Founders
Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith brings more than 20 years of experience across marketing, business development, digital strategy and small business support. With a career spanning real estate, business recovery, community development and entrepreneurship, she has worked alongside businesses throughout the region, helping them strengthen their brands, grow their visibility and connect with their communities.
As the founder of Otway Marketing and a proud Otways local, Melissa specialises in website design, digital marketing, business strategy and destination promotion. Through her work supporting local businesses, tourism operators and community organisations, she developed a deep appreciation for the people, places and experiences that make the region unique.
Passionate about showcasing the Great Ocean Road, Otways and Hinterland, Melissa co-founded Otway Weddings & Events to help connect couples, event organisers and visitors with the region’s exceptional venues, suppliers and experiences. She is a strong believer in the power of storytelling, collaboration and community connection, and is committed to helping local businesses thrive while promoting the region as a leading destination for weddings, celebrations and events.
John Adams
John Adams brings more than 40 years of experience within the wedding and events industry and is highly regarded for his creativity, technical expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences. As one of the owners of Active Draping, a respected multi-generational family business, John has worked extensively throughout the Melbourne wedding and event sector, helping create memorable weddings, celebrations, corporate functions and large-scale events.
Now living in the region, John is passionate about supporting the wedding and event industry and helping showcase the incredible venues, suppliers and experiences available throughout the Great Ocean Road, Otways and Hinterland. Through decades of industry experience, he recognised the opportunity to better promote the region as a destination for weddings, celebrations and events, helping inspire the creation of Otway Weddings & Events.
A strong believer in collaboration, mentorship and community connection, John is committed to supporting local businesses, encouraging emerging industry professionals and helping position the region as a sought-after destination for unforgettable experiences.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to establish the Great Ocean Road, Otways and Hinterland as one of Australia’s premier destinations for weddings, celebrations and events.
Through storytelling, destination marketing and the promotion of local businesses, we aim to inspire more people to discover the region and experience everything it has to offer.