Mimosas are not the main attraction tonight.
Yes, Judy Wilkinson is a major force behind the party at Illusions. Yes, Wilkinson was arrested in 2009 for serving mimosas at her Columbus bridal shop. And yes, there will be $4 mimosa specials available tonight.
But I swear, those drink specials are not the main event.
Instead, that honor goes to Kellie Edenfield, Natasha Benjamin and Sarah Spear -- the finalists in a local Battle of the Brides contest. Organized by Wilkinson’s store, Formal Elegance, the competition boasts an approximately $10,000 prize package that includes wedding apparel from Formal Elegance as well as other prizes from sponsors.
The contest started with 31 hopefuls. “We had so many. They were just incredible,” said Wilkinson, owner of Formal Elegance.
The winner will be announced Nov. 11. Tonight’s party at Illusions marks yet another milestone for the three finalists. The brides, along with their grooms, will compete in a secret challenge on stage at the Columbus nightclub.
They will receive points based on crowd response, as well as the number of fans attending and the number of canned goods collected for Valley Rescue Mission. Not familiar with the local competitors? Here’s a cheat sheet.
Kellie Edenfield, 25, works at The Mail Room in Columbus. She and her fiancé are high school sweethearts. Kellie survived childhood leukemia.
Natasha Benjamin, 27, works at Adams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Columbus. She recently relocated to Fort Benning from Kentucky. “I don’t know anybody,” she says in her application video. “I don’t have a clue.”
Sarah Spear, 30, works at Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer in Columbus. In her application video, she says she and her fiancé are “just a working-class couple trying to make it in the world.”
It seems like a tough race. Choose your favorite, then check out the event at Illusions. In addition to the Battle of the Brides, the party will include free dance lessons, a special gift for brides-to-be and $4 margaritas. Did I mention the mimosas?
Sonya Sorich, reporter, can be reached at ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516.
