Models show off the latest in bridal fashions before a crowd at the third annual Emerald City Bridal Show.
It begins with a proposal, a ring and the distant thought of chiming wedding bells. A wedding day is exciting, but the planning leading to it can be stressful and time consuming.
The third annual Emerald City Bridal Show, at the Lane County Fairgrounds on Jan. 21 and 22, aimed to help couples plan the perfect wedding.
Engaged pairs walked hand in hand through a maze of 80 booths, gathering information about photographers, floral shops, entertainment packages, receptions and caterers.
“Being able to get all of the information in one spot without setting up an appointment is really great,” said Stacey Carpenter, a recently engaged Corvallis resident. “It is a great way to talk to them.”
Carol Ketchum from Sreese Productions Company has organized the bridal show in Eugene for the past three years. Sreese Productions has produced bridal shows in Salem for 14 years and has expanded its exhibits to other cities across Oregon.
Participating businesses provided tips and information. The fashion shows proved especially helpful for engaged couples who had not purchased their attire.
“Watching the fashion show was great for getting ideas on dresses,” said Jennifer Holcomb, an Oregon State University student.
Fashion Expressions in Albany is best known for its attire for theme weddings. During the bridal show, the shop exhibited its unusual style. The groom wore a zoot suit and a Mad Hatter hat, and the bride wore a gown topped off with a Chester the Cat hat.
“We strive for good service and selection. We like to be unique,” said Joyce Nesmith, owner of Fashion Expressions. “Our most common theme weddings are western and medieval.”
The Excelsior Inn in Eugene is a bed-and-breakfast that can be a unique place to hold a wedding reception. Excelsior offers catering, wedding consultants and a chance to rent the entire inn for the whole day. It also provides transportation such as horse-drawn carriages and limousines.
“The Excelsior Inn has a classic beauty and is like renting a mini mansion,” said Mike Wilt, a manager at the inn. “It has beautiful landscapes and is like a private and elegant home.”Thistle Dew Farms in Corvallis specializes in dried flower arrangements that appear fresh. It offers dried flower wreaths, corsages, boutonnieres, altarpieces and centerpieces. Unlike fresh flowers, the floral arrangements can be kept for years after the wedding. Thistle Dew Farms also provides a grapevine arbor and a large assortment of vases.