Like many of the brides-to-be at the 2010 Bridal Fair, Selina Adams of Terre Haute was hoping to gain some new ideas for her 2012 wedding to Brian Bourbeau.
But when her name was called at the end of the Bridal Fair she couldn’t contain her happiness.
That’s because Selina’s name was announced as the grand prize winner of a five-day honeymoon at Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of event vendor All About Honeymoons & Destination Weddings based in Terre Haute.
That was just some of the excitement at the 2010 Bridal Fair conducted again this year in Providence Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
The weekend’s cold forecast didn’t deter Angie Fuller of Robinson, Ill., from coming to the event.
Kristy Dooley of Country Lane Carriages & Trolley Inc. of Rockville talks with Angie Fuller of Robinson, Ill., who fills out information Sunday as her mother, Jeanne, looked on.
On Sunday, she and her mother, Jeanne Fuller, were spotted checking out the latest in wedding fashions, food, catering, decorations, videography and photography, and more.
Did Angie, whose wedding date is Aug. 7 of this year, like what she saw? “Oh, my gosh, yes,” she said. “It’s not just bridal gowns. I like that there is just so much variety.”
Angie’s mother, Jeanne, agreed. “It’s really wonderful,” she said of the event. “I like to see all the new (decorative) trends like the high towers.”
Even Kenzie Green, who, with her mother Ashley Baunach, modeled flower girl and wedding dresses for Lucia’s Bridal of Terre Haute, enjoyed the festivities.
Kenzie Green caught the eye of Cathy Azar of Azar's Catering Service, a vendor during the Bridal Fair. The 7-year-old and her mother, Ashley Baunach, were modeling wedding-related fashions for Lucia's Bridal.
And what is her favorite thing about modeling? “Mostly, trying on a whole bunch of dresses,” the 7-year-old said, with a smile. Kenzie even pointed out she has been modeling for some time. “Since I was 3,” she said.
This year’s event was highlighted by Sunday’s Style Show, featuring the latest in wedding and prom attire by Illusions Bridal & Party Shop of Vincennes.
Linda Malooley, Providence Center associate director, was pleased with the Bridal Fair. The attendance was good despite travelers having to negotiate the remnants of the heavy snowfall and ice which formed earlier in the week.
Providence Center’s hosting of the Bridal Fair gave Linda an opportunity to see some of the vendors she works with throughout the year. She noted the number of vendors at the Bridal Fair each year is beneficial to those planning weddings or other events.
“Having so many and varied vendors really makes it ‘one-stop shopping’ for the brides,” Linda said. “The brides come away with some ideas and possibilities. As for me, I like being able to talk to the vendors that are at Providence Center on a regular basis. There are photographers, florists, wedding consultants, DJ’s and others that are as much a part of Providence Center as our own staff.”
Jessica Baxter of Rockville talks about her May 15, 2010, wedding and reception that will be held at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Linda Malooley, Providence Center associate director, took care of scheduling Jessica's facilities needs.
Linda also enjoys putting a face to the name of a bride-to-be who has scheduled her wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower at Providence Center, in addition to new clients interested in the facilities that include O’Shaughnessy Dining Room, a conference room, an outdoor lodge and grotto for outdoor services as well.
“When booking a wedding reception so much of the initial contact is by phone,” Linda explained. “The Bridal Fair gives me the option to meet the brides, grooms and sometimes the entire bridal party. That is enjoyable. It’s great to see the excitement in their eyes.”
Linda welcomes comments from attendees and vendors who participated in this year’s Bridal Fair. E-mail her at provctr@spsmw.org.
WTHI sponsored the event again this year and plans are to have another Bridal Fair in 2011, according to Jim Swander, WTHI local sales manager.
Providence Center’s working relationship with WTHI, in connection with the previous bridal fairs, has been a great, according to Linda.
“We welcome WTHI-TV and would enjoy being the host venue again next year,” she said. “It is now a Providence Center tradition!”