An authentic wedding set beneath the town's iconic clock tower  is planned during the centenary of the North Island Main Trunk Line celebrations - All Aboard.  The wedding is sponsored by local businesses, the wedding prize package is valued at over $20,000, and attracted 26 couples.

On the 20th April 2008 the five finalists gathered at Hotel Coachman for the announcement of the winning couple.

The judges were won over by Palmerston North couple, Albert Mepham and Julie Forbes, who conveyed a deep devotion to each other, and importantly, a willingness to get married in public.  

Upon announcement of their win, Russell Harris of The Radio Network thought that it was timely that Albert propose. Without hesitation Albert got down on bended knee and asked his partner of three years to marry him.  Overwhelmed with emotion, Julie accepted.

With the couple confirmed, the public are invited to attend the wedding ceremony in Manchester Square, Feilding at 1pm on 25th October 2008.

The ceremony will be in authentic Edwardian format, from transport using veteran cars, a horse and carriage and a steam train, to a tailor-made wedding gown.  Manawatu businesses have sponsored all of the items required for the wedding ceremony.  Albert and Julie will get to keep everything except for the wedding dress, which will be donated to Te Manawa,  and all they will have to pay for is the food and drink at the reception.

The following items have been generously sponsorsed:

· Wedding planner                        GK Occasions
· Designer made dresses            The Linen Haven
· Hire suits with shirts & ties    Van Meer Suit Hire
· Flowers                                            Wild@Heart Florist
· Lingerie                                           Exclusively Yours
· Shoes                                                M& J Shoes
· Wedding rings                              Cameron Jewellery
· Hair and makeup                         Style Inc
· Photographer  & Video            Stuart Cowley 
· Wedding Album                           Photographic Solutions
· Minister                                           Pastor Gavin Scott
· Town Crier                                     Caroline Robinson
· String Quartet                                Trio Bella
· Sound system                                Fauldings Electrical & Sound
· Invitations                                      Freedom Print
·Marquee                                           Party Up
· Wedding Cake                               Rosebowl Home Cookery
· Cucumber sandwiches               Focal Point Theatre
· Shortbread                                      Beresford Bakery

· Transport to and from the ceremony 
                                   Veteran car Club/CoachHouse Museum/Steam Train
· Wedding night accommodation with champagne breakfast    
                                    Hotel Coachman

Click here for more Edwardian Wedding info