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. With the building set to be sold, Tina is saying goodbye to the business she built from the ground up.
To mark the end of an era, Brides and Maids are holding a closing down sale, with over 150 gowns to sell at discounted prices including bridalwear and formalwear.
Brides and Maids was established when Tina was preparing for her own wedding in 1973. At that time, Shepparton had no dedicated bridal stores and her mother, a skilled dressmaker, crafted her gown. This sparked the thought that there was a gap in the market, creating 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 she has worked with for over 40 years.
Over the years, the business moved locations several times before settling at 45 High Street, where it has remained for 23 years. Now, as Tina prepares to retire, she looks forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren in Melbourne and embracing new travel adventures.
“It has been a wonderful industry filled with beautiful people, from our customers to our long-time suppliers, and of course all our wonderful staff over the years, especially Domenica and other long serving staff members,” Tina said. “We have always prided ourselves on offering a personal, service-oriented experience.”
To mark this milestone, the Retirement Sale will begin on Tina’s birthday on Friday, March 14 with 50 per cent off storewide. This is a rare opportunity for brides-to-be, debutantes, and anyone in need of elegant eveningwear to secure stunning pieces at unbeatable prices.
The sale includes bridal gowns, debutante ball gowns, eveningwear, flower girl dresses, mother-of-the-bride/groom gowns, wedding accessories, and jewellery. With over 100 gowns available, everything must go!
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.
