Ciara Glennon returned from one year of travelling overseas to be a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding, but was abducted and murdered before she had the chance to wear the dress.
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The 27-year-old lawyer is believed to be the third murder victim of accused Claremont serial killer Bradley Robert Edwards, who was arrested in December 2016 and will face an estimated six-month trial starting on Monday.
Ms Glennon was last seen leaving the Continental Hotel, then talking to a person in a car on March 15, 1997.
That night, Edwards failed to show up to a friend's house, claiming the next morning that he had been trying to reconcile with his wife, a pre-trial court hearing was told.
Ms Glennon's body was found concealed by branches in bushland at Eglington, about 45km north of Perth's CBD, the following month on April 3.
Her throat had been slit, while fibres from a car linked to Edwards and Telstra work trousers were found in her hair, the court was told.
Police also found a mixed DNA profile under Ms Glennon's fingernail and thumb, which allegedly matched her and Edwards.
Her jacket, shoes and handbag were never found.
Ms Glennon's memory was honoured in 1998 with a law scholarship at the University of Western Australia, sponsored by her former employer.
"It's a tangible symbol of respect, hope, faith, decency, dignity and it's a witness to those human qualities which refuse to be overwhelmed by evil," her businessman father Denis Glennon said at the time.
At Ms Glennon's funeral, her family placed her ballet shoes and graduation photo on her coffin to symbolise her love of life.
"Ciara's murder has not only ended a life of hope, it has also undermined the sense of decency and security in the community," Mr Glennon said.
"When my heart and soul can bear no more anguish, I think of you in your bridesmaid's dress, never to be worn.
"We now know you were at Denise's wedding."
Members of the Glennon family have attended some of Edwards' court appearances and are expected to face him again at the trial.
Australian Associated Press
