Kevin Clifford/Nevada Appeal Brides- and grooms-to-be find out information about music, flowers, photographers and cakes for their upcoming weddings at the 16th annual Bridal Extravaganza event at the Nevada Appeal Sunday.
It was a day of dreaming, lazily walking through rows of booths touting the best cakes, sharpest photography and hippest tunes and wondering what it would all look like. There were samples of chocolate and sushi, pictures of far-off destinations and videos capturing every memory.
And the one question on everyone's mind was, "When is the big day?"
More than 1,000 people turned out Sunday for the 16th annual Bridal Extravaganza in the lease area of the Nevada Appeal building on Mallory Way. The event featured more than 30 exhibitors, members of the Weddings of the West and South Lake Tahoe Wedding and Honeymoon Association, showcasing their wares.
"We sent invitations out to 4,000 brides to come. It's a one-stop shop to do everything from get an idea of what you want or to finalize some plans," said Mark Frady, owner of Tux Town tuxedo rentals.
Weddings of the West is a local organization of more than 130 wedding professionals who work together to promote the industry and abide by a set code of ethics, including fair pricing and contract guidelines, according to Frady.
Dan Kimm, representing Rockit Productions mobile entertainment, said he enjoys coming to the Bridal Extravaganza because it gives him a chance to connect with people, both potential customers and his peers.
"It's nice to be in the same room as my colleagues because we all have a different flavor and people have different tastes," Kimm said. "So it's nice to be able to refer them right across the room to what they are looking for, if they want a different style."
Stacy Jimmerson, 28, of Reno, was among the brides eyeing the booths Sunday afternoon along with her fiance, John Casaulong, 22, of Reno.
"We are getting married in October and just wanted to come and check out the options. We don't have anything booked but the place, so this is good," Jimmerson said.
While the exhibitors hope to build contacts and make brides aware of their options, Frady said they just enjoy being able to show off their specialties.
"In many cases, price isn't discussed here. It's just to see what they can do, and if they are available. Brides just love coming to events like this," Frady said.
-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.