Winner: Aimee Cooper - Interview

Why you entered competition?

 I had pretty well ticked all the boxes when it came to organising our wedding....except the dress. I had several ideas in mind and knew it was almost time that I would have to bite the bullet and organise something. I was drawn to the Glamour Plus Bridal range while reading ...edition of Queensland Brides. I straight away hoped on their website and had a further look at the whole range. There were at least 6 gowns I adored and could envisage myself wearing. I had never before seen a plus size range of designer gowns. Not plastic and poofy. They all had their own stunning look and were full of modern class and old world elegance! I think it may have been the next day I finished flicking thru the magazine when I saw the competition. I never enter competitions...but I recall siting at my computer saying a little prayer and making a wish....to win one of these gowns would just make my dreams come true!

Reaction to winning?

I truly didn't believe it for a few days, I received the email from Queensland brides and then rang bridal tm. I remember asking Courtney 'am I really the major prize winner...are you sure there weren't runner up prizes like a veil or headpiece'. I had never won a major prize before especially not something I so dearly wanted to win! The next day I received a call from Deahne and we just clicked and everything just felt so right. I was still gob smacked and in such disbelief. The fact that I was finally marrying the man of my dreams and now to be able to pick my dream gown as well...what more could any girl ever wish for! 

Your experience with you dealings with the Glamour plus – bridal™ team?

From the very beginning it has all felt so right! From my first conversation with Deahne.  Dianna in store was so kind and accommodating. Roz La Kelin is so beautiful and calm and easy going. All the staff I have dealt with have been truly, genuinely, lovely people. 

Short story on picking your gown?

I went into store within a few days. Narrowed it down to 1 gown but was not 100% sure, it all still felt a little surreal. Deahne had mentioned to me there was a new collection coming out soon and I was welcome to wait and have a look at the new gowns. Even retelling this it is like a whirlwind fairytale. A few days after going into the store I received another call from Deahne asking would I like to take part in a Gala show for the new collection... Again I was blown away how many more doors will open from entering one competition. Whilst in amongst the excitement and adrenalin of the Gala show there was one gown that caught my eye. A few days after the show I went in to the work room where Roz helped me try it on, my mum was there. It was just the most amazing feeling...They say you know when it's the one and I did. I felt so amazing and it just looked divine. I walked away that day feeling so content and happy with my decision. And the support from Roz and her team in letting me be 'a little indecisive' paid off! I had chosen the gown of my dreams!

Your feelings and anticipations?

I knew I was having an amazing year this year, but winning this competition and all the wonderful experiences that have followed have just made me the luckiest woman in the world. I truly cannot believe how blest I am. And cannot say enough big Thank you's to everyone at Queensland Brides and Bridal TM!!

Details on your wedding?

Andrew and I have been together for 9 years, we have 2 beautiful children together and it is finally our time to take the next step. We will be married at Boulevard Gardens on Saturday 3rd October at 4.30pm our reception will follow in the Walter Taylor Room. We are being Married by marriage celebrant Anne Campbell. Our Florist is Jennine Williams from Florabella Design. Hair and Makeup By Tracey Zenatti, Photography by Ricki from Good Times Photography. Our cake will be made by Karen and Savico Basset-Rouge from Le Bon Choix Bakery. We will spend our wedding night in a Deluxe Palour Room at the Treasury Casino. We are taking our children on our Honeymoon with us to Samoa, we have yet to arrange the finer details of our honeymoon.

Your experience in regards the Gala 2009? 

When Deahne told me she thought I was beautiful and had I ever thought of modelling....I was sure I was in a dream what woman hasn't dreamt of hearing those words, Then to receive a call to be asked would I like to take part in a runway show! WOW! It was wonderful. Meeting some many great people. Getting to feel glamorous for a day and being allowed to parade around in such stunning gowns that made me look super hot!  It was a great experience to be involved in! I would happily do it again in a heart beat.

Any further comments you would like to add.

Thank you  so much to Queensland Brides and Glamour plus – bridal™ team for making my own Cinderalla story.