Brides flock to Marshfield Bridal Expo

Snowy weather did not hinder brides and vendors from attending the Marshfield Bridal Expo Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Ritz Place on the square, in the Starlight Room.

Brides in attendance could pick up goodie bags at the entrance and even sign up to be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift certificate to Hotels and a $75 full-size makeup package from BareMinerals.

At noon, there was a bridal and bridesmaid runway show, presented by Classy Country Bridal Boutique, Marshfield. As each model came out, Sammie Brakebill, coordinator of the bridal expo, talked briefly about the design, cost, color and brand name of the dress. The show featured bridal dresses, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride dresses.

“The runway show definitely made this event unique and fun to watch,” said Justina Hyder, owner of Just Photography, Marshfield.

Hyder’s was just one of many photography businesses there, including Creative Shots, His Fingerprint Photography, Turner Creative Photography and In My Heart Photography. Each of them brought photo albums of their work, a list of wedding packages and other helpful information. At the Turner Creative table, owner Erica Turner brought two flashdrives with her, which were made out of wood and glass. She has been in the business for 10 years and has taken photos at approximately 250 weddings.

Photographers Brenda Cook and Amy Ward represented In My Heart Photography. They have worked together for many years, covering about 30 weddings a year.

“We are not just about making money. We really do want people to have nice pictures to treasure and remember. That is more important to us,” said Cook.

Every vendor brought something unique to the expo. Those looking for nerdy jewelry could find Pacman necklaces and Doctor Who earrings at the Jewel of the Nerd table. Captive Hearts Embriodery offered handcrafted items, such as handkerchiefs for the parents of the bride and groom, along with a shirt that brides can wear when they are getting their hair done.

Some tasty cake samples were provided by Connie Frost, owner of Three Fat Ladies Catering, Conway, and Emily Ray, from Vanilla Bean Bakery, Marshfield. Vintage Corner Boutique, Conway, brought beautiful centerpieces and mini candleholders to add a more elegant look to Frost’s table.

There was no shortage of wedding planners either. “Mrs. Oliver’s Weddings” offered a wide variety of services, from photography to wedding planning. Owner Angelia Oliver shared a story about helping a young bride who could not afford a big wedding day.

“Her grandmother was getting ready to pass away in a few weeks, but I told the bride we could make this wedding happen because her grandma wanted to see it,” said Oliver. “So I put together a wedding based on donations. I had dresses donated, cakes donated, everything.”

Another wedding planner/organizer was Two Birds Wedding Planning Plus, Fair Grove. It is managed by Kaia Fields, who is a personal stylist, professional makeup artist, certified in event planning and weddings and does full service wedding planning.

She also coordinates with Hope Springs Farm, Hartville, a country wedding and event venue. Hope Springs Farm hosts more retreat-style weddings, where people can rent the venue for the whole weekend. It also offers a kid’s play arena and a bridal cottage suite, which serves as a dressing room for brides and also a place for them to spend the night before the wedding day.

In addition to wedding planners, the expo also brought flower vendors like Marshfield Blooms and Ruth’s Flowers and Gifts. There were about 125 people in attendance. Michelle Gann, one of the brides at the expo, came with her bridesmaids, Kelly Stevens, Courtney Foust and Shelby Carle. She said the event provided a few ideas for her own wedding.

“I really love the bouquets that One Stem At A Time brought,” said Gann. “Also, Connie Frost is going to make my wedding cake for me, so it was a good way for me to test some of her cakes.”