For most of the recent century, the wedding gown has been, perhaps, the most important garment in a girl’s life – worn on the day that would often define the rest of her life. It has also held a significant place in both society and fashion and often embodies a girl’s dreams and hopes. It is often a sign of personal expression, cultural tradition, and the value society placed on marriage.
A great deal of thought goes into the suitability of the dress to the occasion – formal, informal, big wedding, intimate ceremony, etc. It must also suit the religion and culture of the participants. Since the time of Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown trimmed with Honiton lace, the colour of the gown has usually been white to signify the purity and grace of the bride and is accompanied by a veil that is lifted by the groom to reveal his bride before the exchange of vows.
Many of us with ties to the Chateauguay Valley have been fortunate to have Ann Warner Clark in our midst to create gowns that made us feel beautiful and confident as we walked down the aisle to meet our future. When Ann was asked recently how many gowns she had made, she was unsure of the exact number or whether she even had many photographs of “her brides.” We are, therefore, launching an appeal to the brides who called upon her to make their wedding dresses a reality.
This coming June, Archives Hemmingford plans to recognize and honour Ann Warner Clark for her contribution to the important events of all those girls she sent down the aisle in style and grace into the arms of the men who waited for them at the altar. We wish to acquire and house photos of all those dresses that we hope are still out there. The Here Come the Brides, the Ann Warner Clark Bridal Collection will be available for visitors to see in perpetuity on a TV screen specifically dedicated to it. In doing so, we will be entering all of you who were “her brides” into history as well. It promises to be a sweet reminder of the joy and anticipation of “happily ever after,” which was indeed the case for the majority of Ann’s brides.
Calling all of ‘Ann’s brides’
We need a photo of you (and your husband or wedding party) on your wedding day. The photo should highlight your wedding dress. We would like large photos if you have them, because we need to make high-resolution images. You may provide more than one. Please make sure that they are well-identified on the back of the picture, if possible, with your full name, complete address, and your telephone number.
All photos will be scanned and then returned to participants. A photo release form is available on the Archives Hemmingford website, which must be completed and submitted with the photograph(s).
We are planning an inaugural ceremony with Ann present sometime in June – the month traditionally synonymous with weddings.
You can send the photos or drop them off. Please do so as soon as possible. If you wish to be part of the inaugural celebration in June, the deadline is April 20. However, your submission will be accepted at any later date and entered in the database.
Mail submissions to: Here Come the Brides, Archives Hemmingford, 517 Champlain Avenue, Hemmingford, Qc J0L 1H0. Photographs may also be dropped off at the Archives Hemmingford office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 450-636-8686.