Donald Teuma-Castelletti
CLARENDON March 4, 2018
Sunday afternoon saw the unveiling of two, brand new bride-focused opportunities in Clarendon, when a networking show took place at a local winery and a business decided to roll out their offerings to the curious brides-to-be.
The first Pontiac Winter Bridal Show took place at the Little Red Wagon Winery, where vendors offering everything a bride could wish for her big day, showed off their services and visitors had opportunities to start planning out their ideal wedding.
Organized by two industry experts – Margaret Phillips of Creative Perspectives and Erin Dittburner, a mobile makeup artist – they noticed a lack of networking or vendor shows in the Shawville area and knew they were the ones to pull it together.
“I know that when I go to [weddings], I have to travel out of the area,” said Dittburner. “But I know there’s brides here, too.”
Filling in the main hall of the winery, every corner was chock full of something new and exciting for a bride planning her dream wedding to discover. While one table may offer flowers or jewelry options, another would help organize the business portion, like officiating the wedding.
“We’re not retailing here, we’re looking for contacts,” said Phillips.
However, tucked away in the corner as you entered was a new business, that’s wholly Shawville born and raised. Looking to be the go-to service in the area for all things decorating, the Pontiac Wedding & Event Décor & Party Rentals rolled out the red carpet for their unveiling, showing off their services and a taste of what the public can expect.
“It came together naturally,” said Sabrina Crawford, one of the founders. “It’s something we’ve always been interested in.”
Both hockey moms, Crawford and Pauline Pitt decided to collaborate and show off their talent for decorating by helping make big days perfectly tailored to what individuals want. Researching online, they’re looking to work with events across the Pontiac while offering modern colours and styles for every occasion.
“The main thing is to stay new and modern,” added Pitt.
Excited to get started in the business, the decorating service is already booking clients and looking forward to a busy wedding season.
While their business is just getting started, many well-established businesses were also onsite to show off their services. Whereas Kelly Cobus Photography shared their wedding survival kit (a durable duffel bag, carrying everything forgotten until it’s needed on wedding shoots and the big day), Lise McCorriston of Lise’s Flower Palace explained why it’s okay to go with artificial roses nowadays.
Meanwhile, Cindy Sidock would show options for suits and dressing up the whole wedding party and Textures Salon had plenty of options for getting the bride and her bridesmaids all dolled up. A blow-up photobooth was operational, where folks jumped in for a quick picture to see what Funtastic Photo Booth had to offer, and Katherine Mullen Bridal Studio brought in a model to show off her clothing options, having Cheryl Benkhe stroll about, mingling with guests in dresses of various regality.
Rounding out the services on display were Larry Lepack of Wedding Ceremonies By All Seasons, Rhonda Regimbal of Pure Romance and the winery itself, which proved to be an ideal setting for intimate wedding parties.
That wasn’t all for the vendors though, as goodie bags offered at the door were stuffed with business cards from many more services in the area.
Wrapping up all the fun opportunities at the show were many door prizes, where brides could win goodies or gift certificates to help their planning get started.
