It appears that congratulations are in order for UVa’s Dean J—Jeannine Lalonde, recent winner of the first annual Jorge Manuel couture wedding gown contest.Although nary a word appeared on the widely-read Notes from Peabody Admissions Blog, Dean J won this year’s “Upon A Star” contest and will receive a one-of-a-kind Jorge Manuel gown for upcoming nuptials scheduled for June of 2012—shortly after UVa closes the books on the 2011-12 application cycle.
According to the Jorge Manuel weddings blog, The Upon A Star contest was launched by Manuel in honor of his late grandmother Etelvina, who “dreamed of opening a bridal atelier.” Named for the designer’s current collection, Nebula, the contest attracted 252 brides hoping to win a stunning gown valued at many thousands of dollars.
To enter the contest, Dean J was required to submit a personal statement (essay) and complete a multi-question application form. Sound familiar?
Her essay touched on plans for the future, introduced the geography and history of Charlottesville, and linked her dreams to the form and fit of the gown designed specifically for the contest.
“Maybe we all have a brush with the fairy tales when we find love,” wrote Dean J in response to a prompt requiring individual contestants to consider what “love means to you and why this dress would make your wedding all that sweeter!”
Competing brides had a very limited time to respond to contest requirements, and entries were received from “all over the U.S. A list of “likely” favorites was contacted via email and a select group of five finalists emerged from the competition.
From among these finalists, one lucky winner was selected who “stood out from the rest.” And that bride was our very own Dean J, who was feted at an event hosted by Maddison Row in Charleston, South Carolina.
In addition to the Notes from Peabody blog, Dean J also writes about interior design, do-it-yourself projects and entertaining. She is the UVa representative for northern Virginia and is a familiar face at many local high schools.
And most importantly, she will be on the front lines of UVa admissions decisions for the coming year—between fittings for her new gown.
Congratulations Dean J! We can’t wait to see the pictures.
Posts
I loved this story! I read her essay on the blog and all I could think was admissions essay... Make it personal, be detailed, show reflection. Check, check, check.
ReplyDelete