Wedding contest winners count down to big day (From Oxford Mail)

Wedding contest winners count down to big day

12:00pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Oxford By Rhianne Pope

AS THE couple who triumphed in our Win Your Wedding contest last year edge closer to their big day, the Oxford Mail is about to make dreams come true for two more lovebirds.

Kate Harvey broke down in tears last year when she and fiance Jamie Leach were unveiled as the winners of our competition.

With the help of family and friends, they’ve now spent months picking out the free dress, cake, flowers and everything else.

Miss Harvey, 24, from Botley, said: “It’s going brilliantly. I’ve loved every second of it.

“The big day is May 12, so it’s coming up soon. It’s exciting to be able to say ‘we’re getting married this year’.”

The pair saw off competition from 33 other couples to win their dream wedding, worth £12,000, at Oxford Town Hall. More than 8,000 votes by phone, text and post were cast. Miss Harvey and Mr Leach won with 1,862.

She said: “We’re so grateful for everything. We definitely wouldn’t have been able to get married for at least a couple of years without this.

“All our friends and family put a lot of time, effort and money into getting us this, so we appreciate it all.”

The visual merchandiser said she and her 27-year-old husband-to-be, who is an electrician, had enjoyed organising the whole day.

She said: “We’ve done it all together and that’s been nice, because I know a lot of weddings are just organised by the bride. He’s totally enjoying it as much as I am. He’s even missed a few football matches for it.”

Along the way, the couple have visited a host of wedding experts, whose services formed part of the prize package for the competition:

• Proposals bridal wear in Witney.

• Keates menswear in Witney.

• Posh Frocks in Little Clarendon Street, Oxford, which is supplying Kate’s mother’s outfit.

• Biagio the Jewellers in Bicester.

• Riche de Fleurs florist in Witney.

• Great Experience Travel in Witney.

• Love Wedding Print in Botley.

• Dirophotographic wedding photography in Wallingford.

• The Malmaison Hotel at Oxford Castle.

• Cakes for All, in Great Bourton, near Banbury.

• Nostalgia Travel, of Oxford, which supplies vintage cars for all occasions.

• Brothers Salon in High Street, Oxford.

• Diva Nails of Witney will give Kate’s hands the finishing touch.

• Petals and Pearls Tiaras, near Banbury, is supplying a bridal tiara.

Miss Harvey said: “Shopping for my dress was brilliant, absolutely amazing.

“There were too many to choose from. I narrowed it down to five I really loved and then picked one. I’ve definitely found my dream dress.”

She added: “We’ve just loved it all really, so I would urge anyone to enter the competition.

“My sister entered for me and it was all completely worthwhile.”

• To find out how to enter this year’s contest, see the Oxford Mail next week.