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KITSAP WEDDING EXPO
Friday, February 21, 2014
Bridal show prepares brides for their wedding day BY SERAINE PAGE SPAGE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
You’ve got the ring. Now it is time to start planning for the big day. There’s no better way to get an idea of how to plan a wedding than to attend a large wedding expo. From f lowers to dresses, brides will have access to all the wedding day essentials to touch, see and taste all in one spot. The Kitsap Wedding Expo is the largest wedding planning event in Kitsap County under one roof, and in its second year, it has grown, said Sunny Saunders, Kitsap Wedding Expo event producer. “This is the largest expo that we have on the peninsula,” she said. “(We have) everything to get you ready for the big day and after.” First things first, a bride must choose what venue is best for the wedding day. Without a location, planning the rest is a bit difficult. Washington State Parks representatives will be available to give information on local parks that are also wedding venues. “You can’t hire anybody else unless you know when and where it’s going to be,” Saunders said. Sixty vendors will be available to offer ser-
vices to brides, including caterers, venue representatives, DJs and photographers. Attendees will receive a complimentary bag and will be able to enter various raffles for prizes. Vendors are from as far away as Shoreline and Puyallup. Some vendors will offer sample services such as hair styling and makeup tips. The highlight of the day will be the fashion show, Saunders said. American Rose Bridal is sponsoring the show for attendees to see everything from bridesmaid dresses to mother-of-the bride dresses. Jewelry and menswear will also be featured during the 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. shows. “They’ll have a big booth at the show so people can actually shop while they’re there for the small items,” Saunders said of the fashion show sponsor. Last year, more than 800 guests attended the event. This year, the event will host more than 1,200 brides seeking out much-needed services. As for why brides flock to the Kitsap Peninsula, the answer is as easy as saying yes to the popped question. “This is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. to get married, and
Contributed photo
A bride walks the runway at last year’s fashion show. there’s a lot of areas over here that make it possible, especially if you’re on a budget,” said Saunders. “We have beautiful parks and venues. The pricing on this side of the water is more reasonable.”
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Admission is $6 for attendees 17 and older. Military, military dependents and seniors (60+ older) will pay $5 for
Contributed photo
A soft white satin is popular for wedding gowns, as is pink. admission. Attendees 16 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
A wedding planner’s advice to grooms BY KEVAN MOORE
KMOORE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
Lauren Lomax has been involved in wedding planning for about four years and estimates she’s played a behind-the-scenes role in some 200 or so weddings. Lomax previously worked at two wedding venues in North Carolina where she
managed sales and event coordination before starting at the Kitsap Conference Center in May. Lomax says it’s her job to “make sure the bride gets what she’s always dreamed of.” To that end, I asked her what kind of advice she’s likely to give to grooms. “That’s an interesting
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question because there are so many types of grooms out there,” Lomax said. “There’s ones that are just as involved as the bride and others that are like, ‘It’s your special day.’” Any groom, though, can take a play out of Lomax’s playbook, and do whatever he can to support his future wife.
“I think it’s really about the support (they can offer),” Lomax said. “I don’t like to skimp out on the importance of the groom. You always have to respect everyone that’s involved in the decision making process, but for the groom, it’s all about that support because it’s going to get hectic and you just have to be there.”
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There is one formula, though, that seems to work best in Lomax’s experience. “I always say that the happiest brides that have enjoyed the planning process the most, have had their groom with them every step of the way, (with) all of the decisions,” she said. “Whether it be folding origami or working on the guest list, it’s all of those little things that really builds it up as their special day. I always tell the bride and the groom, ‘This is your special day together.’ There are a lot of factors that go into that. You have to look at your guest list. You have the influence of your parents and your grandparents, but this is your special day.” One person, apart from the bride herself, that a groom should never overlook, is his future mother-
For more information, contact info@kitsapweddingexpo.com or call 360-692-2957.
in-law. “It is the girl’s day and the mother of the bride is such an important factor in that, too,” Lomax said. “It’s something (moms have) kind of dreamed about their whole life as well.” Lomax couldn’t think of any real horror stories involving grooms, but that doesn’t mean everybody at every party has been on their best behavior. “I’ve been lucky,” she said. “I’ve always had really good grooms. I’ve had some crazy best men that I’ve had to reel in some, though.” Lomax and the rest of the staff at the Kitsap Conference Center are happy to help any bride and groom that comes their way. To find out about holding a wedding and reception at the newly expanded Harborside Conference Center or at Gold Mountain Golf Course, call 377-3785 or visit www.kitsapconferencecenter.com.