Rotorua Daily Post Bride of the Year finalists

The Rotorua Daily Post Bride of the Year will be announced on May 30 at the Wedding Industry Awards. Here, the 20 finalists share their special and vivid memories of their wedding

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Justine McLeary

Husband: Colin McLeary

Married: March 4, 2011

"Nearly three years ago I stepped off a luxury yacht on to the shore of Lake Rotoiti. My father waited, arm crooked and ready to receive mine. The music started, we turned and there was my groom - trying to smile but looking terrified. The faces of our guests faded from my vision and I saw only him. No other moment that day compared. Like every little girl, I dreamed of my wedding as I grew up. On March 4, 2011, I lived the dream."

Katherine Grant

Husband: Luke Grant

Married: December 1, 2012

"My father is not a huge public speaker - he spent a very long time writing his father of the bride speech and the words were perfect. They brought a tear to my eye."

Linda Roberts

Husband: Steven Roberts

Married: October 27, 2010

"So much fun, so much laughter and so much love. A day to be cherished forever."

Nikki Wilkinson

Husband: Justin Wilkinson

Married: February 26, 2011

"Marrying a dance teacher comes with high expectations of a fantastic wedding dance so we decided to do a flash dance involving the whole bridal party, We selected and edited Time of My Life, Single Ladies and Thriller. Nikki choreographed a four- minute wedding dance, recorded on DVD and posted to the bridal party to learn. Two days before the wedding we all got together for a rehearsal."

Emma Jane Weller

Husband: Kevin Weller

Married: January 12, 2013

"Not from the day itself but we had asked my parents neighbours to raise a calf for us as a lobola, a dowry/thank you, for all of their help with the wedding, as we had the ceremony at their place as well. My mother had lost an old pet cow of ours in December last year, so seeing the look on her face when we gave her the belted Galloway Ebony was fantastic. This was an incredibly special moment."

Kimberley Marlana Meelker

Husband: Pietro Graham Meelker

Married: December 22, 2012

"I loved getting my photos done and dancing under the fairy lights, but my highlight was the personal touches shared in our ceremony by Peter Duncan. It was sweet and funny and added a personal touch."

Michelle Patterson

Husband: Mark Patterson

Married: November 19, 2011

"Our wedding was small and intimate, having the ceremony, reception and photos all in the same venue. It was not just about joining man and wife, but also bonding a family together."

Pat Newald

Husband:Jason Newald

Married: February 23, 2013

"Our wedding was a destination wedding weekend for a number of guests, fun-filled with love and laughter. It was wonderful having our family and close friends share in a day that was intimate, heartfelt and full of happiness. The most important thing - I married the best man I could ever ask for. I married my best friend and the person with whom I'll share the rest of my life."

Angelique Lamb

Husband: Jason Lamb

Married: December 5, 2009

"My funny husband organised a 'gag' where he placed different items under a covered chair. He got me to sit on it and went under my dress to pull the items out. Everyone found it absolutely hilarious."

Jemma McDonald

Husband: Phillip McDonald

Married: April 6, 2013

"The most special moment for me personally would have been the moment when I came round the corner holding on to my dad's arm and locked eyes with my amazing husband. I will never forget the love I saw in his eyes and how much love I felt for him at that moment. The butterflies hung around during the whole ceremony on our bouquets and even on guests' hands!"

Sarah Dicker

Husband: Timo Dicker

Married: January 5, 2013

"One of my favourite memories was at the end of the night, after an amazing day, standing next to my husband and looking at all the people we love having a great time, dancing the night away - and feeling like I could not be happier if I tried!"

Tracy Leeke

Husband: Wayne Leeke

Married: October 24, 2009

"It's hard to choose from so many special memories as it was such a special day. One special memory was sharing the day with family and friends."

Hailey Macdonald

Husband: Peter Macdonald

Married: January 19, 2001

"[My special memory] was jumping into the water off the float plane ankle-deep and having the bridal party follow. Then walking down the aisle in bare feet to my soul mate. The unusual arrival lightened the atmosphere and gave the guests a good laugh."

Mandy Hamon

Husband: Roger Hamon

Married: June 18, 2011

"There was thunder, lightning, rain and hail and at the end of it all was my future husband, and all of a sudden the sun shone."

Natasha Tocker

Husband: Kris Tocker

Married: February 10, 2012

"Our wedding was a true celebration of the love we have shared and developed over the last five years. The most special moment for me was looking around and realising how many special friends and family were there to celebrate the beginning of our married life."

Nicola Gibbons

Husband: Wayne Gibbons

Married: March 16, 2013

"My sister-in-law at the time was really sick, and had been in hospital so I hadn't seen her for some time. On my wedding day, as I came around the corner, she was the first person I made eye contact with so it was a very special moment between her and I. Sadly she has since passed away."

Jo Yerex

Husband: Ross Yerex

Married: February 6, 2010

"Beautiful ceremony venue with amazing people to share our day with. Every moment was special in its own way."

Lea Framp

Husband: Regan Framp

Married: November 22, 2008

"Flying into the Lavender Fields by helicopter and seeing how beautiful everyone and everything looked and seeing Regan waiting."

Stacey Stefadouros

Husband: Damian Stefadouros

Married: February 5, 2011

"The wedding day was so amazing in so many ways. It had rained all week, and when I woke up that day it was clear and beautiful. I am lucky enough to have married my best friend, soul mate and the best father to our daughter I could have ever hoped for. The best part of the day for me was when I walked up the aisle toward Damian and all of a sudden I felt an absolute feeling of peace and comfort knowing that I was about to be his wife."

Stacey Hovens

Husband: Wim Hovens

Married: January 31, 2012

"My most special memory from my wedding day was having my dad and grandpop walk me up the isle. I felt so proud to have two of the most important men in my life give me away to my husband-to-be."