Bridal Fashion Show Benefit Scheduled

CHATHAM – A wedding gown can provide a link to memories and stories of a special time in a couple's life. On Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chatham, 15 wedding gowns worn by 15 local brides, at weddings from Las Vegas to England, will be shown and their stories told to benefit the work of the church.

 The bridal fashion show, which will be followed by an elaborate tea party, will feature narration by Kim Roderiques, co-chair of the event, describing the local women who wore the gowns, along with humorous stories of their wedding days and traditions of their time. 

"Stepping back in time with wedding gowns and brides, each paired with a unique love story, has been so rewarding," Roderiques said.

 Co-chaired by Barbara Newberry, the show was inspired by a similar event she chaired in 2018, also at the church. 

 Newberry is quick to point out that none of the dresses being shown this time were in the last show. 

"These are all new brides and all new stories," she said. She had no problem getting the dresses, she added. "I asked women, ‘Do you have a dress?’ and of course I got all kinds of stories," she said with a smile. 

 "Some people had given away their dresses or turned them into christening gowns of pillows," she said. In other cases, the gowns were stored away in boxes for years.

 "Once they realized they didn't have to wear their own gowns, that they would be modeled, they said yes," Newberry said. "It would be fun to see my dress again!" was a common response.

 One gown was worn by both a mother and daughter, once in the 1950s and then again in the 1980s. Carolyn Gross and her daughter Judi Stewart both wore a designer dress with beautiful lace, Newberry said. "It's a classic style that could be worn today," she added.

 Another gown will be modeled by the daughter of the bride. Kathy Anderson's daughter Brooke will model her mother's wedding dress from 23 years ago. And Karen McPherson will be wearing her own dress. 

 Some of the gowns are very elaborate. Newberry described the gown from 1936, the oldest being modeled, as "for a very petite bride. There are 96 buttons and the veil is 10 feet long." Made of cream and beige satin and stored in a box, the dress was carefully steamed by Newberry for the show. 

 There are designer and off-the-rack dresses, and one gown was beautifully handmade by the bride, Newberry added. "It will be the full spectrum," she said.

 Each bride will carry a bouquet, made by New England Gardens, and there will be ushers and organ music by Joe Marchio in a church decorated for a wedding. In addition to interesting stories about the dress and the day it was worn, the narration will include information about wedding traditions and why they exist. 

 The tea which follows the fashion show will include sandwiches and sweets. 

 Tickets for the event are $75 and are available online at www.chathamcongregational.org or by calling the church office at 508 945 0800. Tickets are also expected to be available at the door. Proceeds benefit church programs.