Brides-to-Be Gain Valuable Insight at Sunday's WV Weddings Extravaganza
By Julie Perine on January 20, 2014 via Connect­Bridgeport.com
Brides­to­be were bubbling about the insight they gained Sunday
at the WV Weddings Extravaganza held at Bridgeport Conference
Center.
Newly engaged, Andrea Lantz said topics covered – which
included everything from out­of­the­box DIY projects to
photography pointers – helped her gain perspective to steps
overall wedding planning.
The theme for Sunday’s event was vintage travel, cleverly
implemented into the décor of the conference center corridor and
ballroom. Greeting about 175 attendees were finishing touches
such antique travel trunks, globes and airplanes hanging from the
draped ballroom ceiling.
Event coordinator and owner/founder of WV Weddings, Nikki
Bowman said the event was even more than she envisioned it to
be.
“After getting
so much
snow (Sunday morning), it really amazed me how many people braved the weather to come
and we’re so very grateful,” she said.
Misty Sims of Little Black Dress Events started off the day with a session on the “Budget­
Minded Bride.” Joel Brown followed, offering “Pre­Party Primer & DIY” advice which
spanned projects ranging from showers and bachelorette parties to rehearsal dinners and
receptions. Rachel Waybright Tignor then hosted a session on “Lessons Learned” from a
West Virginia bride who was featured in the 2010 issue of WV Weddings. Bowman then
shared insight on photography and preserving precious wedding memories.
Featured speaker of the day was Monte Durham of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.” His advice
was very well received.
“I loved Monte,” said Tracy Campbell, who traveled from the Charleston area to attend
Sunday’s wedding extravaganza.
Campbell and her fiancé have not yet set a wedding date. She came into the event quite
overwhelmed about all there was to do to plan her special day.
“I wanted to get an idea about the process – where we need to start,” Campbell said.
Durham’s advice was useful food for thought for getting a handle on that process, she said.
Bowman believes the featured speaker was able to put many brides­to­be at ease about the
wedding planning process and that he shared some very useful expert advice regarding
fashion. “I think he’s just spot on,” she said. “He’s very cautious with what he says, but he doesn’t hold back. He’s very honest but he’s not going to be
hurtful. Planning a wedding can be very stressful and his advice is perfect. He is
an expert.”
Lori Ann Rabagia of Morgantown said Durham’s words were helpful – and that
they helped her make some decisions about her upcoming wedding.
“I was going back and forth between long and short bridesmaids’ dresses, but after
listening to Monte, I decided to go with the long.”
Rabagia said she also gained valuable insight with regard to DIY, budgeting and
themes at Sunday’s WV Weddings Extravaganza.
Those in attendance had the chance to meet Durham and pose for photos.
Happening simultaneously was a makeup session presented by Nico Spalon of
Morgantown.
Bonnie Belles Pastries hosted a wedding cake display featuring designs for every
taste ­ from very traditional buttercream­frosted fondant cakes to trendy
untraditional themes, such as Mardi Gras and outdoorsy designs. All are popular
among brides, who are using wedding cakes as a focal point for their personally­chosen
themes, said owner Linda Fowler.
The Cupcakerie of Morgantown was on hand, as well. The bakery offered delightfully­
decorated cupcake miniatures, proven to be a popular choice among brides, said owner
Anna McCarty. That way, flavors can be mixed and guests can have their choice, she said.
The cupcakes are presented in a tower fashion, topped with a small cake for traditional
cake cutting.
In addition to “swag bags” stuffed with money­saving coupons and products, a number of
giveaways were awarded. Some happy brides­to­be left with prizes such as $100 gift
certificates for cosmetics and photography, overnight stays and discounted fine jewelry.
Attendees could also browse an area where information was available regarding everything
from spas and venues to videography.
Durham, who shared that it was an honor to be featured at an event in his home state and
that he found Bowman to be a gracious host, has already committed to next year’s WV
Weddings Extravaganza.
“We’re very excited about that,” Bowman said. Bowman and Durham are pictured below, during an interview with WBOY. Above are
other scenes from Sunday's WV Weddings Extravaganza, sponsored, in part by
Bridgeport Conference Center and the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors
Bureau. Photos by Julie Perine. View a full gallery of photos by Marcus Eschenmann of
Ben Queen Photography HERE. © 2014 Connect­Bridgeport.com