First-timer and future bride Carissa Bain said, while she started planning some time ago, the show experience proved to be informative.
"It helps a lot with planning. For those people who haven't started planning yet, they would see what they need or have forgotten. I totally forgot about the limousines and I think it helps you a lot with planning and gives you a sense of direction," she said.
With the first annual event now past, organizers say they are pleased with the feedback from participants and attendees and plans are already underway for the next exposé.
"This bold and creative initiative, was designed primarily, to heighten awareness and showcase the fabulous wedding product we have at the resort to the local market, show our gratitude in a very tangible way by giving back to those persons who have supported us over the years and simultaneously seek additional revenue for the resort," Resort Site Inspec-tion/Communication Specialist Earnestine Moxyz said following the event Sunday.
"The event proved to be a networking masterpiece and indeed a match made in heaven for ourselves, our sponsors, vendors and above all brides and attendees. By all accounts based on feedback – it was a resounding success and plans are already underway to conduct this event again next year, and make it an annual one."
Moxyz noted that based on the amount of attendees and the feedback from those who attended, she would say the show was successful.
"We had anticipated about 300 persons. The level of support that we received from vendors was great," she said.
"We had a lot of new vendors that we were not exposed to before that provided their services to us and we were very pleased with the level of services that they provided and certainly with the major sponsors – Cele-bration Cruise Lines and After Seven Bridal and Formalwear we could not have been more happier."
The other vendors included Take The Cake, Video Majic Productions, Photo Specialist, Ethelyn Rolle Limousine Services, Pope's Taxi and Limousine Services, Derek Carroll Photography, Exclusively Mo'Nik and hair and make-up specialist Kendra Willams.
"We had a whole spectrum of the bridal industry represented at the bridal show today. What I am really excited about is the fact that the tickets were minimal – $15, and the gifts were top of the line as there were so many fabulous prizes including our very own packages we offered here at the hotel.
"We had one lucky winner who won her wedding cake free, her bridal dress free and on top of that they were able to get their honeymoon free because Celebrations was able to provide a trip for two on their cruiseline. So for a minimal fee they were able to save thousands of dollars on their wedding."
According to Moxyz, the show also afforded network opportunities for Vanessa Clarke, Lashando Burnside and Fiona Dixon who sing at weddings as they received additional bookings that night.
Burnside is a Grand Bahama resident and Clarke – a four-time Marlin Award Winner and Cacique Award Winner – is originally from New Providence.
"The feedback was wonderful. I am now doing this full-time and this show offered me the opportunity to showcase my gifts," she added.
Among the door prizes were four tickets on-board the Celebrations Cruise Line; two tickets via Sky Bahamas anywhere in The Bahamas; a solar manicure and pedicure from Senses Spa; a 25-minute Swedish Massage from Senses Spa; $200 off any photo package at Photo Specialist; a dress for the bride – her choice selected from anywhere in the world, compliments of After 7 Bridal; and a $65 gift certificate off of any wedding cake from Take The Cake.
