For the past eight years Jack Murphy Jewellers of Newry have been proud sponsors of the Clarins Wedding Journal Bride of the Year competition. This prestigious competition offers one bride-to-be a unique opportunity to win the wedding of her dreams with a prize package worth over £15,000 / €21,000. This fabulous prize includes his and her wedding bands to the value of £1,000.00 / €1,4000.00 from Jack Murphy Jewellers.

Couples can choose their rings from the wide selection of wedding bands featuring platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or combination, titanium and diamond designs by some of the most respected names in the business. Alternatively there is the option of having unique wedding bands designed exclusively to their tastes.

2004 winner: Nicky Gunning

Guided by Jack, Nicky tried on lots of different bands, all of which were carefully selected to complement her marquis solitaire engagement ring. “I think I would like a two tone - white and yellow gold diamond set wedding band. I really like the idea of having a ring designed just for me – something that no one else in the world will have. Jack suggested perhaps incorporating small marquis shaped diamonds into the design to tie in with my engagement ring which I think is a great, so I'm going to spend the next few weeks thinking about different ways of doing that.”

“Neil fancies a plain platinum band, but I think he'll change his mind when he sees some of the lovely designs avaible. I can't wait to bring him down to the shop in a few weeks time.”

2003 winner: Chantelle McCann

Sitting in one of the private ‘Ring Rooms' looking through the wonderful selection of rings available Chantelle noticed the photographs of past Bride of the Year winners hanging on the walls and could hardly contain her excitement, “It's really strange looking at pictures of the other winners, they all look so glamorous,” she said. “It makes me feel very lucky to have won the competition and to be honest, part of me still can't believe it. It's a bit like a dream.”

Careful to select a wedding band that complemented the unique style of her engagement ring, Chantelle choose a beautiful 18-carat diamond encrusted wedding band, while Barry opted for a simple platinum band.

“We couldn't believe the choice of rings that Jack sold – there were so many different styles, everything from plain gold bands to more elaborated mixed gold and platinum designs that sparkled with diamonds. Choosing was the hardest part, but the staff were really friendly and helpful and we were delighted with our final decision.”

2005 Winner: Kerry Boland and Fergal

Congratulations to Kerry Boland and Fergal Dermody, the 2005 Wedding Journal Bride of the Year,who selected their wedding rings at Jack Murphy Jewellers of Newry.

2006 Winner: Sandra Lynch & Alan Kelly Wedding

How did you feel when you heard you had won?
I was in complete shock. On the morning of the day we had been told the winner would be notified I woke up thinking that someone would be very, very happy today, but I never really thought it would be me. Then when I got the phonecall I just couldn't believe it, I started to shake with excitement. It was a full moon that night and I said to Alan it must be a blue moon as it's only once in a blue moon that these things happen to me. I think it only really sunk in that I had won the competition a few days later. I woke up at 6am and started jumping up and down on the bed, reality had hit home, I was so excited.”

Tell us a little about your wedding plans:
“We haven't really had time to think much about our wedding as my sister only recently got married and I was conscious not to steal the moment from her. We chose Cabra Castle because we wanted a very classic, medieval setting and we went for a date in December as I had always liked the idea of a magical winter wedding. Our wedding was always going to be a very special occasion, but now, thanks to the fantastic prizes, it really will be our dream wedding. What's most important to us is that our friends and family have a really memorable day It would be great if the day followed a medieval theme to reflect the castle setting, but other than that, it's a work in progress.”

The 2006 prize package included:

• A luxury honeymoon to Mauritius from Joe Walsh Tours
• A designer wedding dress from Scarlett Bridal, Ennis or Blush, Belfast
• Wedding photography by Peter Nash
• His and hers wedding rings from Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry
• Wedding flowers by Orchid Studio
• Groom and male party hire from Youngs Hire
• Wedding cake from Cakes and Co. Dublin or Cakeworks, Bangor
• Wedding jewellery by Rangoli
• Wedding hair including prewedding trial by Stephen McCusker of Stephen International, Lurgan
• Wedding make up including pre wedding trial and luxury beauty hamper from Clarins
• Ice sculpture by Diamond Ice, Wexford
• Chair covers by Gotcha Covered
• Suite of glasses, homewares and trophy from Tipperary Crystal
• Lingerie by Agent Provocateur from Brown Thomas, Dublin
• His and her luggage from Wardens, Newtownards
• Casual dining set from Belleek Living

Pick up an application form at Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry. The competition entry for 2007 continues throughout the year so why not ENTER NOW.