By Kyra Gillespie
Berwick Brae Retirement Village took a trip down memory lane as part of Casey’s Positive Ageing Festival when it held a wedding expo.
All the items in the exhibition from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 October were donated by residents and their extended families.
On display was everything from wedding gowns, flower girl dresses, cakes, photographs, suits, bridesmaid dresses, honeymoon lingerie, decorations and quilts.
Berwick Brae residents Enid Mackenzie and Liz Wakelam were among those who donated to the exhibition.
Ms Mackenzie has been hand-making wedding dresses for most of her life.
“I’ve been sewing all my life. My mum was a very talented dressmaker and taught me from when I was about six years old.
“I started nursing originally as a career, but soon decided to follow my mum and go into dressmaking.
“I started up my own wedding business which I ran from home.
“I’ve made the dresses for about 14 brides as well as their wedding parties. It’s nice to be a part of someone’s special day.”
Ms Wakelam shared a similar story having been inspired by her mum to get into sewing and dressmaking.
“My mother would make wedding dresses as well as beautiful porcelain dolls with tiny handmade dresses,” Ms Wakeham said.
“My mother made my wedding dress and together we made my daughter’s wedding dress.
Ms Wakeham finished her six-year-long wedding quilt project especially for the exhibition.
“My love of laces, collected over many years, inspired me to make an heirloom quilt. Each block has a story from special people who contributed to it.”
The expo was organised by Berwick Brae Village manager Arlene Coutts who wanted to create a space where residents could re-live their happiest memories.
“Pieces have been donated not only by residents but in some cases by their grandchildren and great grandchildren,” Ms Coutts said.
“It’s great to see how the wedding trends have changed over the years.
“For many residents, the exhibition triggered lost memories and got them talking about their own wedding days.”
