Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Happy ever after
Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre PRO Keziah Venter and Zululand Observer Advertising Manager Yolande Veldsman congratulate winners of the Bride and Groom-to-be Competition - Shaun Kotiah (25) and Shirel Soobramoney (23) at the Mad Hatters Bridal Expo in Richards Bay on Saturday
And the votes came streaming in - over 20 000 of them to be exact.
The Zululand Observer/ Boardwalk Inkwazi Bride and Groom-to-be Competition 2011 was a smash success - causing a sensation on facebook and in public, where couples did their utmost to win the hearts of the voting public.
On Saturday, crowds flocked to the Boardwalk Inkwazi to hear the announcement of the winners by independent auditors WJ Mitchell & Associates of Richards Bay.
The first place - and massive grand prize winners - were announced as Shirel Soobramoney and Shaun Kotiah (couple 30).
They were rocketed to the top spot with a total of 3 263 votes.
The winning couple, who have been together for four years, plan to wed in November next year.
The ecstatic pair thanked their family, friends and church congregational members for supporting them.
Second place winners were couple number 33 - Stefanie Govender and Nigel Nair, with 1 357 votes.
Third place winners Natasha Fortuin and Xavier Hughes, received 1 231 votes. They were couple number 19. ‘The reaction to the competition was amazing, and we have to thank the public for supporting this fantastic competition,’ said Zululand Observer Marketing Manager Yolande Veldsman.
She confirmed the same competition last year had raised just over 2 000 votes. ‘We have seen a massive growth in the competition due to fantastic print and online marketing, and the generous support of our sponsors -Boardwalk Inkwazi and local vendors.’
First Prize winners Shirel Soobramoney and Shaun Kotiah won:
•His and hers watches from Galaxy Jewellers
•Wedding photography by Photos by Tracy
•Venue hire from Umfolozi Casino Resort
•Two rooms at the Umfolozi Casino Resort
•A bridal gown from Jaqueline’s Boutique
•A tuxedo from Jaqueline’s Boutique
•Ring cushion and garter from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
•Wedding cake from Cherry on Top to the value of R3 000
•20% discount on stationery ordered from Mr Wedding Card
•Eyelash extensions from Luscious Lashes
•Gift hamper from Moments of Grace Christian book store
•A R1 000 Lomar Designs voucher
Second Prize winners were Stefanie Govender and Nigel Nair, who won:
•Wedding dress and veil from Perfect Bride
•2 nights accommodation at Protea Hotel The Richards
•Flower girl dress from Perfect Bride
•Wedding photography by Pixture Perfect
•50% discount on suit for groom from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
•Gift voucher from PEP Stores
Third Prize winners were Natasha Fortuin and Xavier Hughes, who won:
•Wedding Dress from Contessa Brides
•Tiara from Perfect Bride
•Engagement photo shoot by Martie Hofmeyr
•Honeymoon voucher from Heirs452 Events
•Gift voucher from Grand Steps
•Gift voucher from Ocean Basket
Fourth Prize winners: Matthew Burgess and Michelle dos Ramos (couple number 6). They win:
•Couple shoot by Pixture Perfect
•Wedding dress from Valerie’s Bridal Boutique
•Dinner voucher from Umfolozi Casino Resort
•Voucher from Virgin Active
•Gift voucher from Casabella Costume Jewellery
Fifth Prize winners: Caryn Deetlefs and Craig Timms. They win:
•Couple shoot by Pixture Perfect
•Wedding dress from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
•Necklace from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
•Gift voucher from Grand Steps
•Voucher from Virgin Active
Sixth Prize winners: Valencia Chetty and Donovan Naidoo. They win:
•Wedding dress from KPF Bridal Gowns
•Tiara from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
•Necklace from Trudie’s Bridal Studio
* Prizes are an indication of packages, and further details thereof have been revealed to the winners.