Costa d’Este once again sported a rosy glow in the fight against breast cancer, this time joining forces with Women in Networking of Indian River County and Isabella’s Bridal Company to host a Charity Bridal Fashion Show last Thursday evening. Funds raised will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which provides free mammograms to local women who could otherwise not afford them.
Various shades of pink prevailed, from the outfits and accessories worn by guests and committee members, who also sported pink tiaras, to hot pink swag bags filled with donated goodies. Laura Zorc and daughter Abby even sipped on a couple of rosy-hued Shirley Temples.
“We are women-based businesses. We meet to network, support each other personally and professionally, and give back to the community at the same time,” said Patrice Bowes, owner of Serenity Solutions Wellness Center and Spa, and current president of the new Women in Networking group – affectionately referred to as WIN for short.
This was the first event held by the group, which started up this past June and currently has about 15 members; each the only one in her particular profession.
“The event was a last-minute thing,” said Bowes. “We were pleased that on such a short notice, how much support we received from the community for breast cancer awareness. In the course of setting this up, we found so many people who have personally been affected.”
Before heading in to the Crystal Room for the main event, arriving guests perused the various raffle and silent auction items.
“I would love to get the flowers,” said Katherine Hankle, who is planning for her July wedding. She already has a beautiful gown from Isabella’s, but was hoping to win the $3,000 floral wedding package donated as a raffle item by Jill Frost, owner of the Pink Pelican Flower Shop in Sebastian.
Frost had also artfully adorned the Crystal Room with floral wedding bowers buttressed by sprays of beautiful floral arrangements and candle-lit coach lamps, as well as charming little bouquets of tea roses on the high-top tables offset by additional twinkling candles. As she often does with weddings, Frost planned to take many of the fresh flowers to Hospice House after the event.
The fashion show was coordinated by Melissa Patrick, owner of Isabella’s Bridal Company, who presented 20 exquisite gowns – from sleek and sophisticated to full skirted romantic chiffons and satin meringues.
Lovely local ladies, Jill Hinton Holland, Amanda Schoonover, Cara Noel, Ashley Jensen, Megan Love, Olivia Deegan, Kaitlin Ruby, Adie Ward, Lauren Theresa Poulsen and Christina Selph volunteered as models for the evening. Beautifully coiffed and with poise and panache, they walked the aisle on the arm of handsome tuxedoed escorts, Jon Buldo and Oussama Chalhoub.
“I had lots of help with hair & makeup!” said Patrick, assisted by Maria Sommers, Rebecca Lind, Angela Bischoff, Ali Womack from Justin, Topknots by Jamie Lynn, and Eminence Hair Design.
The festivities continued with an after-party at Grind and Grape, where 10 percent of proceeds were donated to the cause, and guests learned who the winners were of the raffle and silent auction items.
