January 2008 Archives

	Photo by Graham Cullen A couple embraces behind a display at the 22nd annual wedding expo held at the FSK Holiday Inn on Sunday.

The Main Event's 22nd annual wedding expo attracted bevies of brides to the Holiday Inn near FSK Mall on Sunday.

About 100 vendors offered most of the items on any bride's checklist -- venues, photographers, disc jockeys, skin care services, jewelers, bachelorette party-organizers -- and a few they might not have thought of -- such as custom bra-fitters.

Last year's event attracted more than 1,000 people, according to Carol Cahall, president of the Main Event. She expected the same turnout this year, if not greater. A line of brides waited outside the hotel before the doors opened at noon.

Cahall said the company, which started as a retail party supply store in Mount Airy, will start planning today for next year's show.

Like some weddings, the expo takes about a year to organize, between booking the venue and scheduling vendors.

Proceeds from admissions went to the Frederick chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Brides-to-be, their friends, family and fiancŽs supported the ACS while entering contests to win door prizes, watching a fashion show and sampling wedding cakes.

Many said they came to look for a few particular vendors. Other newly-engaged couples hoped to scope out as many corners of the expo as possible.

As they sampled wedding cake, Anna Boyer, of Middletown, and Keith Fowler, of New Mexico, said they got engaged about two weeks ago.

Like others at the event, Boyer said she is already starting to feel stressed about the wedding, though they won't tie the knot until November. The expo was an opportunity for them to start getting some ideas.

"It's all the stuff we need to find out about all in one place," Boyer said.

OF all of the things that the reporter could have taken pictures of at the show - they chose my display!!! Too bad they didn't have the decency to give me credit!