AFTER more than 50 years in the bridal business, Tina Rutherford (Enes) has announced her retirement, marking the end of an era for Shepparton’s longest-running bridal store, Brides and Maids.
With the sale of the High Street building, which has housed Brides and Maids for the last 24 years of its 52-year history, Tina is saying goodbye to the business she built from the ground up. To mark the occasion, Brides and Maids is having a closing down sale, with over 150 gowns on offer at discounted prices.
When Tina was preparing for her own wedding in 1973, Shepparton had no dedicated bridal stores. Her mother, a skilled dressmaker, crafted her gown, and together they realised there was a gap in the market. This sparked the idea to create custom gowns and bridal apparel for local brides-to-be.
The original shop was in the Star Bowl, where every dress was lovingly handmade. As Tina’s family grew, balancing business and motherhood became a challenge. To streamline operations, she began sourcing wedding gowns from trusted suppliers, many of whom she has worked with for over four decades.
“It has been a wonderful industry filled with beautiful people, from our customers to our long-time suppliers and, of course, our wonderful long-serving staff members over the years,” Tina said.
“As I prepare to retire, I look forward to spending more time with my husband, Barry, who has supported me over my long working life, my children and grandchildren, and embracing new travel adventures.”
The closing down sale is now on with 50 per cent off storewide. Everything in store must go, with 150-plus gowns to choose from, including bridal wear, debutante ball gowns, evening wear, flower girl dresses, mother-of-the-bride / groom gowns, and more. This is a rare opportunity for brides-to-be, debutantes, and anyone looking for elegant evening wear to secure stunning pieces at unbeatable prices.
Don’t miss this final chance to own a piece of Shepparton bridal history. Call into Brides and Maids at 45 High Street, Shepparton. Open 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am – 2pm Saturdays.
