Saying ‘I do’ | Johnstown Bridal Showcase will feature latest wedding products, services | Features

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – For those planning a wedding, this event will be a one-stop shop before saying “I do.”

The 19th annual Johnstown Bridal Showcase, presented by The Tribune-Democrat and Johnstown Magazine, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, 301 Napoleon St., downtown Johnstown.

“This is an opportunity for brides to come with their families and loved ones to see what the area has to offer,” said Christine Marhefka, director of advertising for The Tribune-Democrat and Johnstown Magazine.

“If they’re looking for a certain thing or multiple items, they can find that information here,” she said.

“We get a nice attendance every year with about 250 to 300 people who come out and make it a day.

“They are coming from Altoona, Indiana and Pittsburgh. The show has a broad reach, and we’re excited to host this event and bring it to the brides of the area.”

Marhefka said the event brings wedding businesses together under one roof.

“It allows vendors to talk to each other about the business, and it gives them an opportunity to mingle among themselves before the event starts,” she said. “During the event, brides can look at one particular business and then go look at a similar business and compare what each one has to offer and make their decisions. You can call somebody or look it up online, but talking to someone in person and looking at samples gives it much more depth.”

The showcase will feature 34 experts from the wedding and bridal industries.

“I think it’s one of the premiere shows in the area, and word is spreading,” Marhefka said. “We have vendors who are returning, but we also have some new ones this year, and that’s always exciting.”

Vendors include bridal and tuxedo shops, jewelers, caterers, hair and makeup professionals, photographers, videographers, entertainers, venues, event planners, transportation companies, caterers, real estate, financial services, honeymoon specialists and gift registries.

Featured businesses will be Kranich’s Jewelers, Boscov’s, Whispering Hollow Estates, Live Casino, Swinston Travel, Larenas, DJ Jack Labarko Inc., Fresh Harvest/Laurel View Village, Community Arts Center of Cambria County, Flair of Country Catering & Event Planning/The Willow, Emerald Photography LLC, Hampton Inn, Airplanes and Adventures Travel, Asiago’s, Grand Ballroom at Windber Recreation Park, Peles Salon & Spa, JP Nutrition & Fitness, Pampered Chef, Feathered Lane, Third Eye Perspective, Celestial Brides & Prom, Renewal by Andersen, Quality Alterations, Forget Me Not Floral & Gift Shoppe, Helen Dugan – Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty, Gypsy Queen, Baltimore Life, Mona’s Unique Boutique and Deep Blue Travel.

“We have all the bases covered for everything that a bride may need,” Marhefka said. “These vendors are here to do business, have their appointment books, and they’re ready to hold dates and take deposits.”

The latest trends in gowns and tuxedos will be put on display from 3 to 4 p.m. during a fashion show.

“The fashion show is a great way to showcase bridal dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses and tuxedos,” Marhefka said. “It’s exciting for the brides.

“They get to walk around talking to vendors, but then they can sit down and take a break and see these fabulous wedding dresses.”

Fashions will be modeled from Diamond Bridal, Celestial Brides & Prom and Feathered Lane.

“Each one has something special to offer for the fashion show, and the designs they choose to bring are amazing,” Marhefka said. “Diamond Bridal will bring bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses. Feathered Lane will have tuxedos that will just wow you with the colors. Celestial Brides will have unique dresses.”

She said the hope is that brides-to-be will have the full bridal experience.

“Even if they’re only thinking about what they want and don’t book that day, they’ll be able to get the information they need to make some decisions,” Marhefka said. “It’s a nice day out to help plan for their special day.”

Tickets for the show are $15 in advance and available online at www.JohnstownBridalShowcase.com through 9 a.m. Feb. 2.

Tickets will be available at the door for $20.

A ticket qualifies attendees to receive a free one-year subscription to Johnstown Magazine and a chance to win door prizes, including a $2,500 wedding band gift certificate plus $1,000 and $500 prizes to Kranich’s Jewelers, and one of four $250 Boscov’s gift cards.

For more information, call 814-532-5042, email [email protected] or visit JohnstownBridalShowcase.com.