Bridal Bliss!
ROSE HALL, St James — THE Bridal Dreams Jamaica week of events climaxed on Sunday with the much anticipated Bridal Dreams Showcase themed ‘Fruits of Passion’ at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
During the well-attended event, several wedding planning businesses came out to show what they had to offer, from, honeymoons, wedding dresses, lighting, decor, to bedding, reception venues and more. Patrons, many of whom are soon-to-be brides, anxiously walked from one booth to the next to see if there was anything that would suit their wedding day needs.
Among the exhibitors were Di Foto Shoppe, EZ Catering, Dermatology Solutions, Sparkle Bella Hair Salon and Spa, Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, McIntosh Bedding – Sealy, Zedoj Events, Jewellery Junction, Jewels Resort, Favorly Gifts, Paperboy, ShowJam Inc, Jan’s Bridal and Flowers, Wedding Giggles and Island Pictures in motion.
The sessions kicked off with the much anticipated Fork me, Spoon me Aphrodisiac Food Seminar hosted by gastronomist and chef, Amy Reiley, who flew into Jamaica from Los Angeles especially for the event.
She shared on set a live demonstration of a recipe from her new book ‘Romancing the Stove’, – watermelon soup. Watermelon is known to have aphrodisiac properties. Following Amy’s intriguing presentation, patrons were lured into the Epicurean Showcase to have a taste of different foods from caterers on location.
Representatives from Tortuga, All that Batters, Select Wines, Catherine King’s lychee cake with twist and Kayon Barrett’s Fruit cake deluxe, were also in attendance.
Also featured was the Nearlywed game show, a unique version of Game Show Networks’ Newlywed Gameshow.
Adding a touch of elegance was the Dreamworld Fashion Show with models displaying extravagant wedding gowns and attire courtesy of Wedding Center and Flowers, Jan’s Bridal Boutique and Flowers, Quoture by Isabella, Carmen’s Exclusive Queen Bee Salon, and DM84 Clothing.
Executed by a core team of five event planners, the week of events was clearly a success.
“It (the event) is very exciting, it’s very informative and it makes you want to get married too,” said Dr Cherie Tullouch, who was among the scores of persons at the event.
“There are so many options here, and it makes you feel that the planning process is so easy,” added Tulloch, who said she was at the event getting valuable information for her girlfriend who plans to get married next year.
She was particularly impressed with the offerings of the wedding venues.
And Nickeisha Irving and fiancé Patrick Morgradge, who plan to get married next year, said they too were impressed with the event.
However, they expressed a “little disappointment” with the small number of cake vendors at the event.
Event director Dionne Waugh described the second staging of the Bridal Dreams Showcase as a success. “We are extremely happy. We had captured the unmet needs of the audience from our first staging in 2011, and have used them to create an unforgettable atmosphere everyone would enjoy — engaging activities, educational presentations and exotic foods. Feedback from patrons and exhibitors alike has been good. We look forward to creating an even better experience at our third staging,” said Waugh.
— Mark Cummings