Staff Report
Gainesville —
More than 15 Gainesville-area vendors will work together for a third year in efforts to keep prospective brides shopping local when preparing for their weddings.
“A Bridal Affair” is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at First State Bank Conference Center in Gainesville.
The event includes refreshments, drawings, giveaways and the opportunity to win a $500 gift certificate.
Best of all, organizers said, it provides area women the chance to check off their wedding shopping lists of catering, jewelry and photography without having to venture beyond home and purchase those same items from pricier Metroplex vendors.
“We’re trying to keep it local,” said organizer Brenda Willingham, who has presented the event with co-creator Debbie Fleitman since 2011. “It’s a one-stop shop. You can get your cake here; you can get everything. It’s all-in-one and it makes it easier. And every year, this gets better.”
Willingham said the first year’s event had an attendance of around 30 brides-to-be, and the 2012 event had 50, and the demand for variety is growing. Organizer Fleitman, who creates embroidered wedding essentials such as ring bearer pillows and garters, said in 2011 that she encourages her clients to express their personalities when planning a wedding.
She admitted the results can be unusual. Fleitman explained she once made accessories for a couple who choose camouflage as their wedding colors.
“It turned out well,” she said. “The colors looked very pretty.”
Willingham said she’s worked with all kinds of couples from those who yearn for conservative nuptials to brides who prefer to add color and sparkle to their special day.
“Every bride is different,” she said.
Participating vendors for the 2013 installment of “A Bridal Affair” include Arche Winery, Aunt Sweettooth’s, Avila Art, Barbarosa Studios, Blue Ostrich Winery, BreJeweled, Chapman’s, Cherished Memories, Gainesville Civic Center, Gene’s Photos, KD Designs, Mathews Photography, Muse, My Daisy Catering, Sarah’s On The Square, Solemnity Day Spa, Vine and Branches, Wiese’s and Perfect Moment Photography.
For more information, call (940) 665-0108 or e-mail arfleitman@sbcglobal.net.
