Bernie enjoys gala night at People ofYear Awards

BERNIE O’Neill, from Perfect Night in Lurgan, narrowly missed out after being nominated for a 2012 Ulster Tatler People of the Year award.

She was one of four nominees for Fashion Boutique Proprietor category sponsored by Duffy Rafferty Communications.

Shortlists in each category were compiled from votes cast by members of the public and judging panels of media and industry experts selected the winners at a glamorous event in the iconic Belfast City Hall.

Bernie told the ‘MAIL’: “I didn’t win it. I didn’t think I would, but it was nice to be in the top four.

“Myself and Ciaran had a great night in the City Hall.”

The awards comprised 12 individual categories relating to life and lifestyles in Northern Ireland, from fashion to interior design, hairdressing to hospitality, and from business to sport – not to mention the celebrated Lifetime Achievement Award which was won by Phil Coulter.

Last year Bernie’s bridal boutique Perfect Day branched out and opened evening wear boutique Perfect Night.

Bernie said: “It means we can now cater for everyone going to a wedding, not just the brides.”

Perfect Day celebrated 10 years in business last year, though Bernie had been involved in the wedding trade for many years before that through her husband Ciaran’s photography business.

Bernie and Ciaran have been married for 17 years. The pair have been involved in a lot of charitable work over the years raising money for the likes of Ceara School and children’s heart charity CHD-NI.

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