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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 1, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 2007 The lore of love in Old, New, Borrowed, Blue By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER When the curators of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate put out a call to the community seeking wedding dresses, Rina Maini rushed to her basement and pulled out an old suitcase that contained her gown. The vision of the elaborate pink silk, floor-length skirt, blouse and head-and-shoulder covering, each embroidered with the finery of gold thread immediately sent her down memory lane -- back 16 years to Kenya and her marriage to Anyl. The couple now call Oakville home and Rina shared her unconventional nuptials with about 75 people gathered at the Navy Street museum last week. Her gown tells the story of a culture steeped in tradition and symbolism and, like all brides, a woman bent on expressing her personality. While the practical Rina pushed for a simple wedding outfit that she could wear later, her maternal grand- MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER INVITATIONS SENT: Kelly Hoppler walks past the final display of wedding gowns, Inviting India, that opened last week in Oakville Museum's long-term Old, New, Borrowed & Blue exhibit. This final selection of gowns will remain on display until Sept. 30. mother insisted on one that reflected the joy of the celebration. "I look at it now and thank my grandma for insisting on such an elaborate ensemble," said Rina. A mutual friend and insistent matchmaker introduced Rina to Anyl, who lived worlds away from each other -- Rina in Kenya and Anyl here, in Canada. But despite the distance, they shared similar backgrounds. Both were born in Kenya, attended English boarding schools, spoke Swahili, share a Hindi faith and their family histories in East Africa extend back more than 100 years. "The first time we met we barely spoke to each other," said Rina. This wasn't the first time each had been set up with someone from the opposite sex. But this match somehow clicked. "Before we knew it, we were engaged." They exchanged rings in a garden in Nairobi and then didn't see each other for six months because Anyl See Wedding page 23 W H AT P HO N E B O OK I S T H E E AS I E S T TO U S E ? AS K T H E G OR I L L A . Links to Local Sales & Specials Local Video Guide Complete Local Business Directory Shopping Mall Guide Local Web Guide brought to you by: For more information on Gold Book call 310-GOLD or email info@goldbook.ca