A day for wedding memories

She was quick to share the credit, but it was Olwyn Ramsey who was the driving force behind the wedding gown exhibition that opened at Kaitaia's Heritage Museum on Saturday. And she could not have wished for a better response.

More than 40 people turned up for the official opening, many of them dressed to the nines, in accordance with the invitation.

A couple of men proudly wore their wedding day ties, and several women confided that the exhibition had prompted them to delve deep into their wardrobes to reacquaint themselves with their wedding gowns.

"It brought back so many memories for so many people," Te Ahu heritage archivist Lyn Hammond said. "And so many people said it was nice to have a reason to get dressed up. People don't seem to do that much these days."

Don Hammond was also gratified by what he described as a wonderful afternoon of community engagement with and ownership of the museum.

"It brought in a whole new section of the community," he said. "All the hard work that went into the exhibition was so worthwhile."

And he had high praise for Olwyn's contribution.

"Her passion, her knowledge, and the fact that she is 'old Kaitaia' really came to the fore," he said.

"Our collection of textiles is hardly ever seen, and this was a great way to do something about that. It was a great bash."

Those who attended the official opening gathered in the Te Ahu atrium, where sparkling grape juice was served, the wedding cake made by Olwyn and iced by Val MacGregor was admired and later enjoyed, one piece per guest.