Some fresh ideas
Inaugural event helps brides with planningBy Megan Bollinger Sentinel reporter mbollinger@lewistownsentinel.com
Article Photos
LEWISTOWN - The Sentinel's inaugural 2008 Bridal Expo, held at the Lewistown Country Club, kicked off with several brides and their families lining up outside in anticipation, waiting to get into the event.
Ashton Peters, 19, of Milesburg, hasn't set the date yet for her wedding but wanted to check out participating vendors to get some ideas for her special day.
"I know how I want the church to be decorated, but I still need flowers and ideas," Peters said.
Peters and her fiance, Chad Walter, of Milesburg, became engaged on July 22, and Walter's mother accompanied Peters to the bridal expo to offer her support.
Amy Wagner, 22, of Beavertown, came with her mother, Sherry Wagner, and sister, Robin Grove, who is to be her maid of honor. Wagner said she already knew what she wanted for her wedding but was unsure who to hire or where to look for a bridal gown.
"I know what I want but I don't know where to get them," said Wagner, who was especially interested in the horse-drawn carriage display by the vendor Dayze Gone Bye.
Wagner said she and her fiancee, Mike Lang, 26, also of Beavertown, decided on June 6, 2009, as their wedding date.
The twenty local vendors that participated in the event on Sunday were Arbonne, Bon-Ton, Britcher, Cakes by Margie/Avon, Central Novelty, Dance Harmony, Dayze Gone Bye Carriage Rides, Gman, Lewistown Country Club, lia sophia (sic), Longaberger, Love Shine Rentals and Catering, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nicole's Cakes/Downtown OIP, Pampered Chef, The Sentinel/County Observer, Wal-Mart, Wedding Videography by Eloc Medi and Zion Salon & Spa.
Future brides also entered to win door prizes provided by some of the vendors during the expo.
Advertising Director Matthew Bolich said he thinks the event was a success.
"We were pleased to see a great turn out of this expo. The Sentinel hopes to be able to make this an annual event," Bolich said. "We worked diligently to have a variety of vendors, informative presentations and great door prizes. The Sentinel strives to provide community events that our readers will appreciate."
Sentinel Style Columnist Jacquie Bennett shared tips for selecting the right bridal gown for every body type and for selecting a mother-of-the-bride dress during her presentation during the expo. Jewelry consultant Nicole Eddinger from lia sophia (sic) also featured the business' jewels that complement the special day.
Brides and their families also had a treat as Dance Harmony performers showed guests different styles of ballroom dancing that could spice up their receptions.
