MILFORD -- A bridal gown is perhaps the most beautiful and significant fashion a woman may wear in her lifetime.

Luckily for Ruth Ann Marcel, a New Hampshire collector of antique wedding dresses and other wedding-related memorabilia, many women treasured their bridal gowns enough to safely save them, often stowing them away alongside other wedding keepsakes.

An exhibition of Marcel's "exquisite" collection is on display in the Focus Gallery at New Hampshire Antique Co-op through June 30, according to Co-op spokesperson Jackie Parsons. The rotating exhibit, spanning from the 1840s through the 1940s, will feature a full century of wedding fashions, memorabilia, vintage cake toppers, photographs, invitations and wedding apparel for men and children.

Marcel's interest in weddings began at an early age. "When she was 6 years old growing up in New Jersey, Marcel began accompanying her Aunt Charlotte to wedding ceremonies," Parsons writes. "Aunt Charlotte worked in an office with many young engaged co-workers. There was

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no shortage of invitations, and Marcel happily tagged along to see the brides. Drawing pictures of brides soon became a favorite pastime."

Many years later, after becoming a bride herself, Marcel's eldest son was engaged to be married. Right then her interest in wedding gowns was rekindled.

"In 2002, my future daughter-in-law decided to get married wearing her great-grandmother's 1903 wedding dress," Marcel said. "That was all it took. Now my patient husband (of 42 years) drives me just about anywhere in pursuit of my collection, including a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, last year to see the wedding gown of Princess Diana."

Always on the lookout for that elusive gown with all of the accessories and history of that special day, Marcel and her husband often embark on adventurous road trips. Marcel also takes great pleasure in displaying pieces from her collection.

"What good is a hobby if you can't share it? Though the wedding dress is one of the most beautiful fashions a woman may ever wear, the blessing of marriage is the real thing of beauty. An old marriage souvenir book contains this advice to young brides: 'Speak it not lightly,' the book reads: 'Tis a Holy thing.'"

Also included in the bridal gown exhibit are items of interest with a local New Hampshire history. One of the gowns on display was worn in Milford on June 23, 1906 by Aimee Margaret Vinton for her marriage to Frank Mitchell Savage. The wedding took place at Hollow Oak Farm on "the Milford Road." In recent years, the daughter of Aimee and Frank offered Marcel the gown, trousseau pieces, and a copy of the wedding photograph. All of the people in the photograph are identified by name, including the two flower girls who were students of Aimee, a teacher in Milford.

This free exhibit is part of New Hampshire Antique Co-op's yearlong celebration of its 25th anniversary of business. One of the largest and finest group antique shops in the state, New Hampshire Antique Co-op features more than 200 dealers showcasing fine art, period furniture, vintage wares and collectables. The business is located 1.5 miles west of the Milford Oval at 323 Elm St./Rte. 101A, Milford.

For more information, call 603-673-8499 or visit www.nhantiquecoop.com. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.