Gowns Steal The Show At Bridal Expo
Illawarra Mercury
Monday July 21, 2008
JENNIFER MacRae joked to a friend while visiting last year's Mercury Bridal Expo and planning her wedding that she could be up on stage in the Bride of the Year competition in 2008.
Yesterday, Mrs MacRae floated onto the stage in her slimline, detailed lace gown and walked away with the title - and $2000.Although the modest kindergarten teacher was surprised and excited by the win, it was no shock for her husband, Damian."I already knew I'd married the bride of the year," he said. The couple tied the knot in April this year, and Mrs MacRae said she spent most of the day laughing, thanks to Damian's "larrikin" streak."I wasn't a teary bride, except a little bit down the aisle ... I was too busy laughing," she recalled.Mrs MacRae said that when she chose her dress, an A-line, ivory gown from Roz la Kelin's couture collection, she was looking for something a bit different.On this year's judging panel were 2007 Bride of the Year Amy Lynan, WAVE FM breakfast radio personality Phebe Irwin and Novotel Northbeach Sales Manager Donna McLean.They were impressed by the variety of styles and colours in this year's competition, but agreed that Mrs MacRae's dress stood out from the crowd."It was absolutely gorgeous, very simple and elegant," Ms McLean said."I loved the lace and it really suited her," Ms Lynan added. The MacRaes will put their prizemoney towards a holiday in Thailand.The expo at WIN Entertainment Centre attracted more than 100 exhibitors, who provided advice to future newlyweds on everything from luxury wedding cars to cake flavours and make-up. Organiser Lauren Bennett was pleased with the expo and said the event was very well-attended.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury