GEORGE NEWS - This fairytale might have started a little differently but would it be a "happily ever after?"

It all started with the bridal competition organised by Harvey World Travel.

Melissa Murran’s entry of her happy day resulted in being chosen as August’s "bride of the month".

"After receiving the gift pack, I decided that I would like to give the voucher from Bridal Inn to a matric girl who might not be able to afford an own dress."

And so the search was on. With the joys of technology Facebook was used by friends and contacts to help Melissa identify a matriculant. They were also keen to pool resources to make a girl’s matric farewell dream come true.
The girl’s name is Serenda and she is an Olympia School learner.

Melissa recalls the day she met the winning matriculant. "When I entered the home there was a presence of love, joy and innocence. A group of girls were praying. Afterwards I was asked to tell my story. I called Serenda out and she gave me a hug like none other.

"I was close to tears… completely overwhelmed by the joy in this girl’s heart. A kind of joy that I can never understand or even try to describe."

So Melissa contacted her friend Chane van Wyk and the planning for Serenda’s perfect day started.

The beautiful young matriculant picked a pink dress from Bridal Inn George. Chane did her nails, hair and make up. Martie van Wyk provided all the accessories and Sharryn Wessels supplied Honey Jewelery. Quintin Haarhoff would take memorable photos and she would arrive in style at the King George Hotel with a car sponsored by Gert from Stanmar Motors.

Although it was a nervous young lady who left her bedroom to face the world, she looked every inch a princess as she made her way out to show off her new look to friends and family whose response was overwhelmingly positive.

Yet as with all situations when people pay it forward, Melissa’s parting words reflect the reward of giving, "I am blessed and honoured to be a part of such a day…"


Chane van Wyk played her part in making Serenda’s matric farewell special by giving her the hairstyle fit for a princess.


Beautiful in pink! Serenda wearing the gown she chose for her matric farewell.

ARTICLE: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST