Call it a passion. Call it an obsession. Call it wedding planning. Those planning their big
day had plenty to be passionate about and obsess over Saturday at the Qantum Communications bridal expo at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. The expo featured a variety of vendors, a fashion show and $5,000 in door prizes.
"We've been doing this for 16 years," said John Bodiford, general manager of Qantum Communications. "It's one-stop shopping."
Brides were able to look at DJs, florists, caterers, formal wear, photographers, videographers, jewelers and antique car rentals. Since there were a couple of vendors for each category, brides could also compare prices.
The expo was divided among three rooms. The first room was for the vendors.
Guests were able to walk from booth to booth looking at, and sometimes tasting, samples of their work, as well as discussing prices. After the expo, brides were invited to talk to vendors about making reservations. "I live local so I wanted
to check it out and get some good ideas," said Ashley Rice, who plans to marry Scotty Swindle in May 2010.
She said she was impressed by vendors like Cakes by Debbie.
"We do wedding cakes and specialty cakes," said Debbie Barrinton of Cakes by Debbie.
Barrinton appeared on TLC's cake designing competition which aired Oct. 19. She also competed in a competition that will air in March.
One of the vendors present was Auburn Flowers and Gifts. "We're a full-service florist," Tamara Mills said. "We try to completely cater to a bride."
Qantum Communications set up a booth for their DJ services.
The next room was more formal and featured a plethora of hors d'oeuvres brought to guests by waiters bearing silver platters.
The fashion show was put on in the third room.
Young men nicknamed the "Men in Black," put on a silly, yet tasteful, catwalk to the song "It's Raining Men."
The show was followed by the giving away of door prizes. Some prizes included a $50 gift certificate to Swanson Diamond Cen- ter, two Droid phones and scrapbooking sets.
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