On Sunday January 23rd, the Raleigh Bridal Fair was held at a new venue in downtown Raleigh called
The Stockroom. Shawn Schindler of
Your Special Day invited me to come and I was so glad to finally see The Stockroom for myself. It is a wonderful space for ceremonies and receptions in a restored historic building at 230 Fayetteville Street. It has that popular urban industrial feel to it and is a nice open space that can be fashioned into many configurations. It was fun to visit with other vendors I knew and meet new ones. I invited my friend Diane McDaniels to come with me. Diane is the Event Coordinator for
Unity at Long View Center, an elegant church setting wedding venue in downtown Raleigh that has recently reopened. They are hosting an open house for wedding vendors on February 17th.
After greeting Sarah Morris, the events coordinator for both The Stockroom and
All Saint's Chapel, at the door, the first vendor was
Priscilla of Boston displaying their gorgeous wedding gowns. Here are two of my favorites:
This beautiful wedding gown is so soft and flowing and looks a bit retro with the gathered skirt and sash which can be many different colors, depending on what the bride wants.
This dress is covered with beading and is most elegant. Although it looks like it might be heavy, I was told that it was not. It is so pretty.
Randy Pulley was the DJ for the event. Randy and I worked together at Highgrove this past summer. I like him a lot and he was most helpful plugging my microphone into his system for the wedding. Good to see you again, Randy!
Simpsound was also there although this is not Jeff Simpson, the owner.
Simpsound is a DJ and Lighting service for weddings and other events. Believe me, he is great in both areas! I have done many weddings and admire Jeff's abilities in both music and spectacular lighting. I remember one (it is on this blog) where the bride and groom's theme was 1001 Arabian Nights. With uplighting behind the sheer drapes, it really did look like the interior of a large tent.
This is a display for
Alter Ego, a salon for hair and make-up. Dana Hunter, owner /stylist was there along with Belle Trachtenberg, make-up artist, and Alecks Blades, stylist and make-up artist.
Quintessentials was displaying their beautiful table setting. They have a retail store in North Hills that I love to peruse.
Shawn Schindler, a wedding planner who owns
Your Special Day, was our hostess. I have worked several weddings through the years with Shawn and she is really good at what she does. She had a wonderful display of her company complete with the video display which it seemed everyone at the show had. That is the state of the art these days.
I also met Shawn's daughter who has joined her mother and was on hand to learn the business.
This beautiful arrangement was by
Greg Warren Flowers. It was spectacular! I don't believe I have met Greg before. He was fun to talk to and told me that I was "famous" and known by everyone in the wedding business in our area! What a compliment. Thanks, Greg!
Diane from
Long View Center is speaking with Danny who is with Barbour & Hinton who provide music for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Ladyfingers Caterers were providing all the guests with delicious food! I had a heart of romaine inner leaf with a dollop of bleu cheese sprinkled with candied pecans. It was soooo good! Tudi Marin is their event coordinator. They are located on Whitaker Mill Road in Raleigh and cater for all occasions.
Amy Ruchte, the owner of
Emory Lane Photography, actually organized this bridal show. I met her for the first time there. She had some great photos. The one in the upper right was from a wedding that was shot in Switzerland.
Ashley Cakes provided cupcakes for everyone. You can see that people were picking them off the tiered display and enjoying them.
Ashley does such beautiful cakes. Here are three she had on display. I am sorry that I did not think to get her to get into the picture!
Lindsay and Lisa from
The Paper Company showed us their invitations and other paper treats. They are in Holly Springs and have quite a wonderful design talent for brides to have their own unique invitations, save the date cards, place tags, and wedding programs.
Yours truly posing in front of Greg Warren's pretty floral display. You can see
The Stockroom from the other end of the room here looking toward the entrance.
Our final stop as we circled around the room was
Red Light Chocolates. That was a popular booth as everyone loves chocolate! Red Light Chocolates is a family owned business specializing in handmade artisan chocolates. They use only fresh, natural ingredients and no preservatives. They can provide their goodies for wedding favors, bridal party gifts, wine and chocolate parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and engagement parties.
