Mondays with Mindy: Shows and Expos

A wedding day can take several months to years to plan. These life altering events are becoming more and more elaborate as the years pass. How does a bride (and hopefully groom too) avoid or at least lessen the stress of planning a wedding? Stay organized. Write out a check list of all the details needed for your day and stick to it. Crossing off each item one by one is not only very satisfying, but will keep you organized and less stressed.

Don’t know where to start? Bridal Shows. Bridal shows have come a long way. Since weddings have become more and more extreme, it only makes sense that bridal shows would follow in those footsteps. Bridal shows are a great tool to find amazing vendors local to your area. Not only is it a place to meet these vendors, but it’s an opportunity to see what the best of the best in the industry have to offer.  All the latest and greatest trends are laid out for the brides-to-be to see.  Even if certain vendors are crossed off your list, the expos are wonderful places to get ideas. Say you already have a photographer lined up for your wedding day. That shouldn’t stop you from seeing other photographers work. You may spot a nontraditional photo of the bridal party that sparks your imagination for your own bridal party to try out on your special day. Since most vendors bring examples and samples of their work, you will get a firsthand view of what each business can do. I am neither married nor engaged but love when I get a second to sneak away from our booth to walk around and check out the newest trends! Plus, I have two words for you…CAKE SAMPLES!

Below is a list of upcoming events where you can visit Up-Do’s For I Do’s!!

Hope to see you there!

XOXO Mindy



September 9  Alexandria- Mark Center


September 16 DC Convention Center


October 2 & 3   Wedding 411 Fashion Show


January 5            Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Show


January 13 What’s Up? Bridal Showcase in Annapolis


January 20           Washington Bridal Showcase at the Patriot Center


February 2 & 3     Baltimore Bridal Show


April 7th               Historic Inns of Annapolis

June 18 - Brittany

Brittany had contacted me last year for her June 2011 wedding. I was sooo excited to be a part of her day.  I love traveling to the Eastern Shore and spending time with bridal parties at the gorgeous River Plantation. I always feel that I get a little mini-vacay when I am there. As I was working with Brittany on her paperwork to book us, I came across her fiance's name. I couldn't believe it. She was marrying Eric. I've known Eric's family for a long time. We went to Sunday school together when we were still in diapers.  I was so happy when I saw his sister at a wedding a few years ago and had the pleasure of doing her hair then. Now it was Eric's turn and he couldn't have picked a better person to share his life with. Brittany was super calm and such a joy to be around. She even lost (was possibly stolen the night before her wedding) her cell phone. Umm....I would be a mess knowing my lifeline to the outside world was cut off but she did great and in some ways, maybe even better having to be forced to relax. With such a large party, I spent a few hours with this group. I talked to each bridesmaid, finding out their life history, where they were from and how they knew the couple. Here are few photos from the talented K.C with Seven Set Studios. K.C is married to Eric's sister, Jessica and they have the most adorable daughter ~ Aubrey.

Mother of the Groom is on the left. She is an angel and I loved spending time with her on the wedding day.  Gorgeous Jessica and Aubrey on the right <3

In addition to having K.C there, Brittany had the fabulous Emily Hayes. I grabbed these photos from her blog...head over to her site to see more of Brittany and Eric.

I think this may be my favorite photo. Love the dresses, the scenery and the fact that they all look truly happy to be there with Brittany. What a great group of gals! 

 

There is handsome Eric waiting for his gorgeous bride!