Bride of the Year 2021 Winners, From left to right: Chloe Kincaid, Paige Gray, Georgia Tomuri, Tammy Christiansen, Barbara Christensen. PHOTOS/LUCALIA PHOTOGRAPHY
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This year’s Wairarapa Bride of the Year, Georgia Tomuri, was off in her own world when she found out she had won. She said she was standing out the back listening to the other winners being announced and hadn’t thought twice, then her number was called.
“I was in a bit of shock.”
Tomuri decided to enter the competition because it was based around supporting Plunket, and it was an opportunity to wear her wedding dress again.
In January, she married her husband Dylan Tomuri at Lansdowne Estate Vineyard, which her grandparents own.
“It was special to get married where I grew up and lived for quite some time,” she said.
Tomuri said she was out of her comfort zone during the competition, joking that getting married in front of 100 people comprised of family and friends was hard enough, let alone walking in front of more than 300 people, many being strangers.
She said she had to battle with anxiety during her first walk, but it got slightly easier come the second walk to the music of her choice – her wedding song.
Tomuri’s advice to any brides considering entering next year was to “just do it”.
She said it was well worth it.
“It’s a good excuse to wear your dress again and to get dolled up,” she said.
She said it was also an excellent time to spend with other brides to talk about wedding planning, the wedding itself, and life after marriage.
Tomuri said all competitors did an amazing job and took it in their stride, each showing their own personalities.
This year marked the 51st Wairarapa Bride of the Year competition, the first since last year’s competition was cancelled due to covid-19.
“This year’s event is a chance for us to celebrate the wedding industry of Wairarapa, to highlight the awesome providers and businesses that make weddings happen, celebrate our beautiful brides, and of course raise funds for Plunket,” event organisers said before the event.
They said funds from the competition were contributing towards maintaining local Plunket offices and providing toys for children.
“Plunket plays such a significant role in the development of children and their whanau’s health and wellbeing during those crucial early years.”
The Clark’s Fabric Centre silver rose bowl Bride of the Year award went to Tomuri, while the Ruth Benton Trophy highly commended award [second place] went to Chloe Kincaid. The Lynnette Gwynn Trophy commended award [third place] went to Paige Gray.
Tammy Christiansen took home the Rochelle Burnard cup for the most original or innovative gown, and Barbara Christensen won the Festival Hire Cup for audience choice.
