Vendors find good exposure at ninth annual bridal fair

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Lew Whitener
Lew Whitener

February 23, 2008

Vendors find good exposure at ninth annual bridal fair

By Bev Davis The Register-Herald Sat Feb 23, 2008, 11:24 PM EST

“Call me, and I’ll give you a ride in a beautiful stretch,” Sarah Pollock told a couple of brides-to-be during the ninth annual Bridal, Prom and Special Occasions Fair Saturday at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley.

The owner of Hickory Limo Service said limo rides are still popular for proms and weddings.

“It’s something memorable for a couple, whether they’re going to their prom or traveling as part of the ride to the wedding reception or away to their honeymoon,” she said.

Tom Harvey of Harvey’s Bridals and Fashions said he always looks forward to the annual event.

“The atmosphere here at Tamarack is great,” he said. “Not only do they have the space and the beautiful surroundings, but it’s quiet enough you can talk with the people who come by the booth and get to know them a little better. They have time to look at the display and see some of the fashions we have to offer.”

Two audiences packed the Hulett C. Smith Theater for fashions shows presented by Harvey’s. Dozens of models brought to the runway this year’s finest selection of bridal and formal wear.

Many first-time vendors attended this year’s show. Melanie Terry and Maxine Coats of Kroger welcomed guests at their table featuring a wedding cake and brochures detailing what they have to offer for special occasions.

“The fair was recommended to us by someone who came last year. It has turned out to be a really good way to be involved with the community and to let people know how we can help them plan wedding receptions, parties and all kinds of special occasions,” Terry said.

Amid a display of purses and jewelry, Karen Campbell enjoyed showing off Beijo designer bags and Lia Sophia fine jewelry. A first-time vendor from Fayetteville, Campbell said she had the opportunity to share opportunities in direct sales with visitors at her booth.

“A lot of people don’t realize they can get a lot of things through direct sales. This has been a really good business opportunity for me, and I’m glad for the opportunity to share that opportunity with other people,” she said.

Rose Winland of Mike Winland Photography Studios in Charleston was also a first-time vendor this year. “We heard about it from friends who came last year, and it got them a lot of business,” she said. “They told us how nice the people are to work with down here, and they were right. It’s been a really good experience for us.”

Hannah Radford, owner of Fairytale Weddings in Daniels, was back after participating in the fair for several years.

“So much of the work I do deals with weddings, this is a great event for me,” she said. “I enjoy meeting the brides and talking with them. It’s nice to be able to have that face-to-face contact with them.”

Shari Jones of Joey & George’s Catering teamed up with Sherri Jackson, owner of Mon Cheri, the Cake Maker, at a booth featuring all types of foods and cakes. Those who visited the booth sampled lots of fancy fixins, including mini apple cakes made by Jones. “That was grandmother’s recipe doctored up,” Jones said.

Charles and Joan Shiflet, who have operated Shifoto at Coal City for many years, were back for their fourth year to share their expertise with the crowds.

“This is great exposure for us,” Joan Shiflet said. “There’s always a good turnout.”

“There is nowhere else in the world where you could get to meet and talk to this many people in one place,” Charles Shiflet said.

Hamlet Smith, owner of Life Strategies Counseling in Beckley, was back for the second year. “Being here last year allowed me a venue to launch pre-marital counseling services, and we started a program as a result of the response we got here,” he said. “We had a significant response from couples who wanted to give themselves a better start in marriage by having pre-marital counseling.”

Brittany Ashe and Tara Loniewski of Chantilly Lace in Blacksburg, Va., were first-timers. Specializing in bridal and formal wear and tuxedos, they attracted guests to a booth featuring some unique fashions with a vintage appeal. “I know we’re a couple of hours away, but we have some unique things to offer,” Ashe said. “We’ve been meeting lots of brides and letting them know where we are and what we have to offer.”

Ashlee Skeens Hunt and her husband Nathan, first-time vendors from Cross Lanes, welcomed people to their Affordable Wedding Photography booth. A Beckley native, Ashlee has lots of family ties in the area and said the bridal show provided the perfect opportunity to showcase a business the couple launched in January.

Mac Tieche of Black Knight Country Club in Beckley said the event provides good networking opportunities as well as a chance to attract business for weddings, receptions and special events.

“We always hand out literature and we get call-backs every year, so it’s very beneficial for us to be part of this show,” he said.

Michelle Burgess of Photography By Michelle of Shady Spring said she enjoys showing off her work and giving people ideas about how to get the best results for their wedding and special occasion photos. “I enjoy photography because it allows me to capture a special moment forever. Photographs are such an important part of a wedding or special event. I really enjoy being able to share that with others,” she said.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com

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