A STROLL TO REMEMBER

The Geneva Bridal Stroll will bring together 30 businesses to showcase how they can help with your big day

By Kelley White | Photo provided by The Crystal Bride

The date has been set, and the next few months in your planner are just waiting for dress fittings, hair appointments, makeup tutorials and tastings to fill them. It’s time to plan your wedding day and with such a momentous occasion on the horizon, any help with details and logistics is welcome. If this is you, mark your calendars for the first Geneva Bridal Stroll from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27. Bundle up, gather your nearest and dearest and head to downtown Geneva to begin your wedding planning journey on the right foot. “Geneva Bride was the original Wedding Walk,” says Kelli Rogers, sponsorship director at Geneva Chamber of Commerce. That hasn’t taken place since 2018, she says. “The Chamber was approached to see if we would like to create a new Bridal Stroll, (and) the first one was supposed to be in 2020.” After being put on hold due to the pandemic, the Bridal Stroll is back and will be a ticketed event. “The Bridal Stroll will consist of 15 storefronts located in downtown Geneva as well as a couple in Batavia,” notes Rogers. “Businesses who do not have storefronts will be partnering up with Penrose, Copper Fox and Cafe & Barr where they (will be) able to display their products and services for brides (and) weddings!” In all, Rogers estimates there will be about 30 businesses participating in the Bridal Stroll, noting little gifts are available at participating stores. “(Participating businesses) will range from bridal gown shops, catering, photography, specialty gifts, reception locations, hotels, jewelry, med spas and much more!” Nancy McElvenny, owner of top-tier bridal boutique and participating vendor The Crystal Bride, encourages attendees to make the most of the Bridal Stroll. “It’s a great event where brides get to come into the town of Geneva and (visit) the venues to get a sense of what the store is like and what they offer, and they can follow up and make appointments at a future date,” she says. “It’s wonderful to get to meet the brides and let them know that we want to be a part of their story and we want to be a part of their special day.”

REMEMBER

Visit www.genevachamber. com to learn more! According to the Chamber website, the event costs $30 for brides, a ticket that includes one guest. Additional guests can attend for $5 per person.

Stroll throughout Geneva and meetover20vendors, includingflorists, photographers, bakeries, hair &makeup, transportation, venues, photobooths and more!

Experience thefun side of wedding planning in Geneva FEBRUARY 27TH •10AM-4 PM

Register afterFebruary1atgenevachamber.com Complimentaryswagbag withregistration forthe bride

Sweeten

SOMEONE’S DAY

VALENTINE’S DAY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

GENEVA COMMONS

1308 Commons Dr • Geneva 630.208.1484

Located between Color Me Mine & Noddles & Co. RMCFGeneva.com

Feeling ’22Trending prom styles

Is this year’s big dress centered around school instead of marriage? Prom dresses this season are trending toward the individual, encouraging each partygoer to stay true to themselves. If you are still contemplating your perfect ’fit, check out these ideas for inspiration: >> COLOR, COLOR EVERYWHERE: Look for rich hues and jewel tones. Experiment with different textures and 3D designs to enhance colorful tones. >> SLIM-FITTING SILHOUETTE: Go for classically flattering silhouettes, which lend an air of maturity and timeless style. >> ASYMMETRICAL HIGH/LOW: Reach for the remix on the classic high/ low silhouette with a midthigh hemline on one side, waterfalling down to a subtle train. >> POWER SUIT, BUT GIVE IT SPARKLE: Slip into a suit, a style that lends itself to creativity and opportunity for a uniquely cool vibe. >> PAGING LADY WHISTLEDOWN: Gain inspiration from trending show “Bridgerton” and showcase romantic silhouettes in diaphanous fabrics. >> COLD SHOULDER: Consider off-the-shoulder Parisian styles with a high slit or full-length silhouette draping off both shoulders to evoke high fashion.

Start your journey to find the perfect prom ensemble and book an appointment at your local boutique!

 SPECIAL OCCASIONS ON THE AVENUE 2 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-406-1515 www.specialoccasionsontheavenue.com  WOLSFELT’S PROM 153 Ashland Ave., Aurora 630-896-7166 www.wolsfeltsprom.com