We just wrapped up our 10th Annual Grand Bridal Expo, and it was the best one yet! Juried wedding vendors from across the state came out to share their knowledge and services with over 150 brides-to-be. Five lucky winners received featured prizes from the following vendors: E.C. Campbell Photography gave away an engagement session; Cre8tive Cupcake gave away 150 cupcakes; A Matter of Taste gave away ten bottles of champagne; Holiday Inn Express and Suites of Petoskey gave away a night’s stay in their Jacuzzi suite; Darrell Christie Photography gave away a package of reception photo booth services. On top of the featured prizes, many attendees went home with door prizes that ranged from cookbooks, to champagne flutes, to photo frames. We love how our vendors joined together to donate so many prizes for our future brides!
The most anticipated of the giveaways? The Grand Giveaway – a wedding package valued at over $15,000! The prize included: a ceremony and reception venue at Castle Farms; wedding catering by BJ’s Restaurant; rehearsal dinner catering by Grey Gables Inn Restaurant; wedding photography by Paxton Photography; reception entertainment by A+ Event Entertainment; guest transportation by Midnight Madness; men’s apparel from Petoskey Bridal; wedding cake by Tas T Creations; bouquets and boutonnieres by BLOOM; ceremony officiate services by Pastor Jonathan David Mays; reception photobooth by Shutterbooth; ladies hairstyles by Last Tangle Salon and Tanning; hotel accommodations for the bride and groom at AmericInn Lodge and Suites. The lucky winners, drawn live in a finale to the fashion show, were Lauren Gall and Ryan Kukulka of Gaylord. A July 2015 Castle wedding is planned. Congratulations again, Lauren and Ryan!
The Grand Bridal Expo also featured a Celebration Lounge, in honor of the show’s 10th anniversary. Beer, wine, specialty coffee, popcorn, and the Pita Cruiser food truck of Charlevoix were available to brides, guests, and vendors. Lounge furniture donated by Taylor Rental of Petoskey made the lounge a great place to sit, relax, and go over all the wedding planning details. The lounge area also served as the location of the vendor social on Saturday evening. Our show vendors had a chance to chat with each other about the past season and discuss the season to come. All of us involved in the industry love working together, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate then being with each other!
All in all, the Grand Bridal Expo was a great success. We’re so happy to be able to host it year after year. Despite the work, it’s definitely one of our favorite events to plan. We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!