The Bride of the Year show was held at Hope Community Church, and allowed newlywed women from the region to show off their wedding gowns, with funds raised going to the Nelson Hospice.
Jessica Lyver, maiden name Donaldson, was selected by the judges for the title of Bride of the Year. She married Rob on November 11 last year.
Jessica sourced her silk ivory dress, an Essence Designer gown, from Christchurch, choosing an ivory colour to suit her hair and skin tone. She had it altered to fit perfectly, and flatter her figure. She chose a simple veil so as not to detract from the gown’s beaded detail.
Jessica enjoyed the chance to relive her wedding, which she says was “just a perfect day.”
The judges were looking for flow on the catwalk, and a top to bottom polished look. “The suitability of the gown to the bride is a really important factor; how it fits, whether it suits her figure and personality. I think what’s interesting is the diversity of the gowns,” says judge Robyn Cliffe.
This was the eighth Bride of the Year show for the region, with Heather Harley announcing her retirement on the night. “It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s been very rewarding, I know I’ve raised a lot of money for Hospice. Somebody else can pick up the reigns and carry it on,” says Heather.
The fundraising total has not yet been added, but Heather predicts it will be in the thousands.
