As part of our Valentine’s Day series, #LoveCBR, we talked to Co-Founders of Fashfest, Andrea and Clinton Hutchinson, about how they met, and what they love about our city.

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Where did you two meet?

Andrea: In 2008: I was travelling through Australia and took a train from Sydney to Canberra. I walked out of the train station in Kingston and needed some directions, so walked into the old Zoo offices next to WIN TV. It was there I met Clinton, and he showed me around Canberra!

What was your first date?

Clinton: Our first actual date was when I took Andrea up to Sydney. We stayed at the hotel at Woolloomooloo. We ate a pie from Harry’s Café de Wheels (as well as having a nice dinner at the hotel) and wandered around Sydney for a couple of days. It was really nice!

Where is the most romantic place in Canberra?

C: To be really honest, it’s our back balcony. We’ve got really nice views over to Telstra Tower and Parliament House, so we’ve had some wonderful evenings together cooking up a delicious meal and just enjoying a sunset and each other’s company. Sometimes there are even fireworks!

What is one thing you notice about Canberra when you come back after time away?

A: I think it’s the peacefulness. Canberra gets really busy during the week, but once the weekend comes, it gets really nice and quiet. In bigger cities you don’t get that – the weekends feel as busy as any other day. Here, it’s different.

Why do you love Canberra?

C: Oh, wow… There are so many reasons.

Even as a kid though, I loved the tree-lined streets that change with the seasons. It’s the feeling of nature in the city. Plus, as a community there are so many creative types here that are making the city really interesting.

What part of Canberra do you like to show off to tourists?

Ha! We had to do this last weekend. We went straight to Lonsdale Street and showed our guest around there. EightySix is a favourite – but we didn’t get to do it this time. Then there’s NewActon and The Foreshore, but the big galleries – the National Portrait Gallery and The National Gallery of Australia – are an absolute must.

Andrea – What’s the most romantic thing Clinton has done for you?

A: Clinton is really good at this. Every year, for my birthday I get a handmade card from Clinton with a photo or a message that is relevant to where we are. It’s really gorgeous.

C: I don’t get to use my design skills as much as I used to be able to. I hope they’re still up to scratch!

What will you be doing on Saturday night?

We’re going to the Heart Foundation Ball on Friday night, so Saturday will probably just be a night in with our young son, Noah. We might even hang out on the balcony!

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FashFest runs from Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May. For more information, go to www.fashfest.com.au.

Do you #LoveCBR as well? Upload your photos to Facebook Twitter or Facebook to win a $100 shopping voucher. Click here for details!
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Looking for inspiration for Valentine’s Day? Check out our guide to what’s hot here.