THE big day finally arrived for the Evening Advertiser's Bride of the Year, 2002 and thankfully the rain held off!

After months of preparation, Miss Katrina Bennett became Mrs Katrina McCarron in the competition's first ever civil ceremony.

They had won £6,500 worth of prizes towards their wedding.

In the morning, Sharron Whiteley from Pewsey helped bride and bridesmaid with their hair and make-up while Katrina's family settled their nerves with a glass of champagne.

But amazingly, before the wedding Katrina was as cool as a cucumber.

She said: "It has all been very straightforward.

"I haven't had a chance to drink my champagne yet, and now I have my lipstick on so I don't stand a chance!"

Katrina was resplendent in a dress from Rosella Gowns.

She wore a gown made from duchess satin, with a boned corset bodice with gold embroidery.

Her bridal outfit was topped off by a matching veil and a tiara by Copperbox of Peatmoor.

And bridesmaid Mandy Hudson was wearing a lilac bodice and skirt in silk satin, with a petite tiara.

Flowers from George Lesley complemented the dresses perfectly.

All ready to go, and Katrina and her father Colin Bennett were whisked to the Goddard Arms by chauffeur Pete Januszkiewich from Dangerfields.

Friends and family were on hand at the Goddard Arms, as was Steve Goulding, the event co-ordinator, who ensured that things went smoothly throughout the day.

Katrina entered the room to the soft strains of classical music on the arm of her proud father Colin Bennett.

The groom David and his best man Mick Furey looked suitably dashing in their morning suits from Mr Charles, with silver brocade waistcoats and gold cravats.

The bride and groom met underneath a sparkling chandelier and said their vows as directed by the registrar.

The mothers of bride and groom, Jenni Bennett and Mary McCarron, read out poetry and prose specially chosen for the occasion.

Katrina's mum Jenni read out 'Yes I'll Marry You' by Pam Ayres much to the delight of the guests.

Guests adorned with gold carnations applauded the newlyweds while the giggling bride and groom signed the register as Mr and Mrs McCarron with rings supplied by Deacons.

Insight Photography recorded the events of the whole day, including a walk to the Lawns for some outdoor shots.

For the reception, the room was decorated gold and lilac by Party Box and with chocolate favours by La Zahra for the occasion.

For the wedding feast, hungry guests tucked into the delicious courses on offer. The starter was a delicate, tomato and mozzarella salad with shredded basil, followed by baked breast of chicken, leek and stilton sauce accompanied by a chefs selection of vegetables and potatoes and a delicious dessert.

The bride and groom cut the three-tier cake provided at the last minute by Sugar Celebrations.

After a break for guests to freshen up and digest their meal, the ballroom was split into two parts with seating and a buffet at the far end, and a disco in the evening.

Katrina said: "It has been a wonderful day.

"We would like to thank the Evening Advertiser and all the sponsors, especially Steve from the Goddard Arms who has done a fantastic job.

"It really has been wonderful if I hadn't been Bride of the Year, we wouldn't have been able to get married this year at all."

Fancy yourself in Katrina's place? The next Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year competition is launched on September 9 2002.