The 2016 Bridal Fair held Saturday at Texarkana, Texas, Convention Center proved once again that local brides need look no farther than Texarkana when planning the wedding of their dreams.
The five-hour wedding-planning extravaganza gave brides-to-be a chance to gather with friends and family and confer with experts to coordinate their needs-from the dress to jewelry, accessories, makeup, photography, wedding cake and catering.
"Any and everything to do with weddings, planning, this is it," said Adrian Soyars of Townsquare Media, who has put on the event each year with the help of sponsors such as TEXAR Federal Credit Union, Dillard's, Monica's, the convention center, Ruth's Flowers, Julie's Deli and Dot's Rentals and Sales.
Saturday marked the 16th year for Townsquare Media to host the fair, which Soyars said is the premier event each year for the area's blushing brides.
Crystal Foley, Dillard's sales manager, said the department store has participated in the event since its 2000 inception and looks forward to it each year. Foley and her team were set up near the entrance of the fair to launch their Kate Spade collection of modern and unique kitchenware for those looking for the perfect wedding gifts.
Foley said times have changed and the current generation is much different than the last.
"The trends have really changed," Foley said, adding that she sees a lot of brides going for tiaras or hairpieces rather than the traditional wedding veils.
One thing that hasn't changed is the demand for traditional china sets, Foley said, whether for wedding gifts or to mark first anniversaries. Dillard's has registry selections and offers one-on-one meetings with bridal specialists to help the bride get her new home in order.
Mahogany Jones is one such specialist and has offered her expertise with the company for the past year.
"She helps the bride select everything she needs to get settled in her new home," Foley said. "She goes over home decor and helps get them set up."
Jones is a bride-to-be herself-set to be wed on Aug. 20.
Jones said she is still in the planning stages of her own wedding, as well, and is looking for a more modern ivory dress.
Texar provided pink sashes to help the future brides stand out at the fair while mulling over plentiful options, with over 60 vendors and exhibitors such as stylists, photographers, caterers, deejays and more. Brides were entered for a chance to win one of three prizes-including Kenny Chesney concert tickets and $2,000 cash.
Makeup sales ladies were on standby, such as Lexy Cameron from Broken Bow, Okla., and her longtime friend Julie Butler of New Boston, Texas. Butler and Cameron represented SeneGence and featured a product line called LipSense designed especially to provide long-lasting lip color.
Butler said the specialized product is designed to last 24 hours without kissing, smearing or rubbing off. Butler had several different shades laid on a display table and offered samples.
The bridal fair went out with a bang-a bridal fashion show where the latest styles of bridal wear were showcased for those still looking for a dream dress.
Julie Furlough, owner of Julie's Deli, one of Texarkana's hometown eateries, was present with her team members as they showcased two fanciful wedding cakes-one of them a powder blue.
Furlough and employees observed that they sell far more "naked" and "stucco" textured cakes, with less frosting and more tiers, than in years past.
"Most of these brides don't want their mother's cake," Furlough said. "We haven't seen your cookie-cutter wedding in at least 20 years."
Furlough said the restaurant is celebrating its 20th year serving the Texarkana area.
"I've been really blessed to have all of these great people," Furlough said turning to Jennifer Tanner, executive chef and catering manager for the restaurant.
"When you hire good people, it makes a difference," she added.
Julie's offers more than just bride's and groom's cakes. The restaurant also offers full-service catering.
"Helping brides get the wedding of their dreams is important to us," Tanner said. "Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. We try to make this one of the more fun aspects of the wedding, less stressful."
"We will do all the leg work for them," Furlough added. "We are full-service. From planning to the end of the day, we want to see all of the pieces of their puzzle come together."
Furlough said all of Julie's cakes are completely homemade.
"We are Texarkana made from scratch," Furlough said laughing.