ALL PHOTOS BY DAVID STEAD / PRESTIGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Mrs. International....a true family affair. Seen here for their family portrait are Mrs. International 2000 Joanne Beauvoir-Brown, her husband Jack, and their two sons.

Like all great love affairs, the honeymoon would be the icing on the wedding cake. The honeymoon in question involves the new Mrs. International Pageant and the vacation paradise of the Great Smoky Mountains. What better location could one possibly choose to stage the Mrs. International pageant, an event that celebrates marriage and family values? Boasting over 21,000 wedding licenses per year and a total of 29 licensed wedding chapels, Sevierville, TN, has become the wedding capital of the South and now ranks as one of the ?Capitals? for weddings in the United States.

The new owners/directors of the Mrs. International Pageant, Mary and Mel Richardson, selected this picturesque resort area due to the abundance of amenities offered for family vacation and participation. As anyone can attest, part of the formula for success is ?location, location, and location.? Providing entertainment opportunities for the whole family, from Dolly Parton?s Dollywood theme park, Gatlinburg?s immense variety of rides and amusement areas, to the variety of celebrity theaters hosted by such stars as Lee Greenwood, Louise Mandrell, and Anita Bryant, to the allure of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Mrs. International pageant had discovered both location and the formula for success.

As the married ladies from all over the world descended upon the host venue, they were personally greeted by the pageant staff and offered the opportunity to relax and become acquainted with their sister contestants. The contestants, who represented their respective state, as well as the international contingency from all corners of the world (representing South America, Europe, Asia, Canada, Africa, and the South Pacific), gave the event a truly international flavor with the variety of customs and languages particular to this international competition. The ladies were treated to the many area attractions where they became the celebrities at Dollywood, the Louise Mandrell Show, Dixie Stampede, the Lee Greenwood Show, and the numerous other attractions where many signed autographs and had their pictures taken by admiring fans. This helped establish a special camaraderie that prevailed throughout this entire event.

One of the most exciting moments was when the participants of the Mrs. International Pageant arrived at the fabulous ?Governor?s Palace? where they were introduced to the new concept in show production with its elegant sets and designs provided by Matt Davenport Productions. Little did they know what was in store for them. As producers of staging, Matt Davenport and his crew would provide all of the entertainment and staging requirements for the event. In other words, everything! This means the emcee, dancers, entertainers, singers, staging, lighting, sound, show script, etc. Everything! This unique and thoughtful approach afforded the individual contestants the opportunity to relax and concentrate on the reason for which they had all ventured to this ?honeymoon in the Smokies,? the chance to compete for the title of Mrs. International.

Another exciting moment at the ?Governor?s Palace? was when the contestants were introduced to the celebrity emcee, Bob Eubanks. As host of The Newly Wed Game for years, Mr. Eubanks wrote television history by enlightening the world to both the humor and joy of marriage. Bob brought to this event that special professional quality that made these ladies know they were going to be a part of an extraordinary show.

To begin the competition, each contestant had a one-on-one personal interview with each of the judges, giving the contestants ample opportunity to discuss their platform and community service projects ? which are a major focus of the Mrs. International Pageant. The many personalities and communication skills became apparent throughout the interview, even when a translator was needed to assist with the thought-provoking questions.

With the arrival of preliminary night, the contestants were once again brought to the ?Governor?s Palace? for that evening?s competition. As the curtain rose, the audience and contestants were mesmerized by a spectacular opening production number filled with undeniable energy that set the mood for the rest of the competition. At the conclusion of the opening number, host Bob Eubanks bounded into the spotlight to introduce the parade of contestants. The experienced and show-savvy emcee made each contestant feel comfortable and at ease, as he showcased the individual before the audience and panel of judges. He captured everyone?s attention with his spontaneous humor while reading each lady?s personal bio, providing a unique insight into the lives and aspirations of these women. Throughout the evening, the audience was also entertained by the elaborate Broadway quality production numbers provided by Matt Davenport Productions.

Each contestant began the evening?s competition by modeling custom aerobic wear provided by National Wardrobe Consultant Lynn Rash, of Lasting Impressions. These color-coordinated outfits were form-fitting which highlighted and complemented each contestant?s figure to impress upon the judges her dedication to physical fitness and to achieving a healthy body. Following a brief intermission, another tremendous production number was performed by the cast that prepared the audience for the always fashionable Evening Gown Competition. Individual contestants were showcased wearing the evening gown of their choice which could only be described as breathtaking. As the focal point of the competition, wearing the evening gown which complemented her individual style and grace, each contestant would be escorted into the spotlight by her tuxedo-clad husband and presented onto the elegantly tiered stage with majestic columns. The presentation had all of the glitz and glamour of an international fashion show. The pride and self-confidence of each contestant was quite apparent as she made her way across the stage to the thunderous applause of her supporters.

Bob Eubanks poses with the Top 5 finalists who are: (L-R) Amanda Lynch (Mrs. AR), Audrey Anne Seeber (Mrs. FL), Mrs. International Joanne Beauvoir-Brown, Desiree Disterdick (Mrs. TN), and Stephanie Vincent (Mrs. UT).

With the conclusion of the Evening Wear Competition, Bob Eubanks introduced and brought to the stage, amidst well-deserved applause, the team that had brought all of this together, the executive director and president of the Mrs. International Pageant respectively, Mary and Mel Richardson. They appropriately thanked each member of their staff, cast, and each state director for making this, their first year as the new directors, so successful. With this in mind, they proceeded to present several awards for outstanding leadership and performance. The first award presented was for ?Director of the Year? which went to Burnee Thurlow from the State of Arkansas. The next award went to State Director Barbara Quickel of Oklahoma for ?Rookie of the Year Director.? The surprise award came with the announcement and presentation of the ?Pageantry Magazine Spirit Award.? In keeping with the tradition of the award, the Pageantry Spirit Award is bestowed upon that deserving individual who is a leader and promotes the true values of our industry, whether by example or deed, and who has a profound and positive influence on the lives which they touch. The national directors and Pageantry Magazine were honored to recognize a most deserving individual, Lynn Rash, one of the pageant staff members and supporters who was beckoned to the stage to receive the industry?s top award. How thoughtful it was to have these remarkable individuals recognized during the evening performance where everyone could appreciate their accomplishments.

In keeping with the positive atmosphere of the evening, the show was brought to its conclusion with the announcement of the preliminary Aerobic Wear and Evening Gown winners. Amanda Lynch, Mrs. Arkansas International, captured the Aerobic Wear Award while Joanne Beauvoir-Brown, Mrs. Georgia International, received the preliminary Evening Gown Award. As the crowd filed from the Governor?s Palace, there was an air of excitement and anticipation with another evening of competition yet to come.

Throughout the following day, the ladies were able to spend the day relaxing while visiting with family and friends who had come to support their favorite ?Mrs.? The preparation for the evening?s competition and the last-minute touches to the final night script were attended to as the big event approached.

With the dimming of the houselights and the tempo of the music, a whole new show unfolded, thus again setting the stage for a memorable night. One cannot say enough about the entertainment and show that was so masterfully woven throughout the tapestry of the pageant. As Bob Eubanks stepped onto the stage, the true stars of the show ? the contestants ? were again introduced in style through the parade of contestants. Immediately following, the auditors ventured forth with the names of the Top 15 who would advance to compete for the title of Mrs. International. When host Bob Eubanks read these names aloud, each contestant graciously moved to center stage with excitement along with the wishes of her pageant sisters. At this moment in time, 15 of the world?s most beautiful women prepared to once again compete for the title. Comprising this illustrious group would be: Stephanie Vincent (UT), Desiree Disterdick (TN), Sally Locy (VA), Heidi Ritz-Stephens (WA), Robin Brandon (WV), Tereza Troskie (South Africa), Aimee McElveen (SC), Amy Chaote (NC), Audrey Anne Seeber (FL), Joanne Beauvoir-Brown (GA), Amanda Lynch (AR), Barbie Bassett (MS), Sandra Seiple (OH), Judy Fennell (ND), and Jackie Wells (PA).

Again, as on the preceding night, the show's competition segments were interspersed with performances by the talented troupe of singers and dancers. The first competition would be Aerobic Wear, followed once again by the Evening Gown competition. As the contestants were escorted onto the stage for their final showcase presentation to the judges, the sheer pride of her escort, her husband, was clearly expressed in his face for all to witness. This final look at the Top 15 as they left the stage elevated the anticipation and anxiety felt by the audience while waiting for the tabulation of the final scores.

The audience was again treated to one last musical performance which featured the accomplished Nashville vocalist Rodney Williams singing his upbeat rendition of Amazed. The tone was set for what can barely be imagined. Amidst bellowing smoke and effects, the orchestra pit beneath the stage opened up magically to reveal the Top 15 finalists arising from below on a platform with Rodney Williams performing above them. To merely state that this was spectacular would not justifiably describe the moment and the electrifying atmosphere which exploded throughout the Governor?s Palace. This was certainly a presentation worthy of the Top 15 that it showcased.

What a thrill it was for Jack Brown to crown the new Mrs. International 2000, his wife Joanne Beauvoir-Brown, with Executive Director Mary Richardson congratulating her.

As the Top 15 moved from their hydraulic platform to center stage, the final results were delivered to Bob Eubanks. Within moments, a new Mrs. International would be crowned, and a new era for married women would commence. Before the announcement of the Top 5, while the ladies held hands and wished each other well, the long list of awards and prizes was presented which was befitting of an event of this stature. With the audience on the edge of their seats, Mr. Eubanks began the final countdown to the title of Mrs. International. The 4th Runner-up would be Mrs. Utah Stephanie Vincent, 3rd Runner-up: Mrs. Arkansas Amanda Lynch, 2nd Runner-up: Mrs. Tennessee Desiree Disterdick, the all-important 1st Runner-up: Mrs. Florida Audrey Anne Seeber, and the new Mrs. International 2000, who will represent married women from around the world... Mrs. Georgia Joanne Beauvoir-Brown. At this moment, the contestants and audience alike arose to give her a resounding round of applause and congratulations affirming that she was the admired choice of her fellow contestants and audience. All could see the truly wonderful example of what this program represents as her husband, Jack, was escorted to the stage to crown his wife, Mrs. International 2000.

Mrs. International Joanne Beauvoir-Brown is a trial lawyer who left her practice after 10 years to devote more time to her family. She embodies her platform of ?Families First? which is a commitment to find and live a family-balanced life. Joanne resides in Decatur, Georgia, with her husband, Jack, along with their two children.

The directors of the Mrs. International Pageant have established a new bench mark for pageant events and are a perfect example of their mission statement: ?A Celebration of Marriage and Family Values.?

With syndicated television already underway, and with a national television broadcast on the near horizon, this is one event you will want to watch. Congratulations to the outstanding team of producers, directors, and staff for providing a spectacular event and raising the standards of excellence throughout the pageant industry. As many a contestant and audience member commented following the show, ?The honeymoon has just begun!?

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