Ely: Vera James Care Home exhibition of bridal gowns

Vera James Care Home of Chapel Street, Ely, founded the event to give residents the opportunity to remember their wedding day.

The Celebration of Bridal Gowns exhibition has been running at Ely Cathedral since February 14 and gives visitors an insight into the adaptation of wedding styles over the centuries.

Featuring more than 40 bridal gowns, the showcase charts the history of the wedding dress, defining one of the most memorable days in countless lives.

Several of the dresses on display have featured in award winning blockbuster hits, such as the gown designed for Meryl Streep in Out of Africa and the dress worn by Emily Blunt in The Young Victoria,

Other exhibits include replicas of gowns worn by royal brides as well as the original ‘fitting gown’ designed for Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960.

Vera James Care Home of Chapel Street, Ely, has founded its own celebration of bridal gowns event for residents to remember their wedding day. (Image: Caroline Nicklinson)

Lisette Cook, activities coordinator said: “We thought the exhibition at the cathedral was such a great idea that we wanted to hold our own.

“It has been true collaboration with residents, staff, and family members loaning items. Without them our exhibition would not have taken place. People have loaned such a variety of items, including dresses, marriage certificates, silk flowers and photographs.

She added: "Residents had taken time to look through the exhibition and it evoked such wonderful memories and residents enjoyed sharing their wedding day stories with others.”

One resident’s niece, Caroline Nicklinson, loaned the home the dress she wore on her wedding day in June 1993.

She told staff it was “such a lovely exhibition” and that she enjoyed the opportunity of sharing her dress with other residents and their families.

She added: “It's proving to be a very popular exhibition with residents, staff and visitors all taking an interest.”