C amano Island is set to become a mecca for wedding planning, if only for a day.
Yes, brides and their mothers, sisters, aunts and friends, and maybe even a few bridegrooms, are expected to flock to the Camano Senior and Community Center, which is holding its third annual bridal show Oct. 22.
Fifty vendors will tout their services and products, such as gowns, cakes, catering, photography, invitations and wedding venues, including the community center.
“You wouldn’t think on an island – it’s a little out of the way – that we could have such a nice event,” said the center’s executive director, Laurie Miller, adding that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the past two years.
That’s thanks in part to the rustic, lodgelike appeal of the center, Miller said.
“When you come into the entryway, the first thing you see is a floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace,” she said. “You feel very woodsy, like you’re up in the mountains somewhere.”
Brides also will have a chance to learn about other venues in the area, such as the Four Springs House on Camano Island, The Grand Willow in Mount Vernon, Tazer Valley Farm in Stanwood and The Farm at Sunday Lake, also in Stanwood.
Of course, the highlight of the event for eager brides will be the fashion show at 4 p.m., featuring gowns from Wedding Bells of Mount Vernon.
Wedding Bells owner Jessica Dalke said models will present about 20 dresses during the show, including styles from Maggie Sottero, Alfred Angelo and Venus Bridal.
Even in Mount Vernon, it seems, New York and Hollywood couture affects popular trends.
“You can get a big dress without all that tulle,” Dalke said. “It’s different than the princess look. It’s a lit bit more elegant.”
Graceful swells of lush fabric, usually satin, are often adorned with jewels for extra sparkle.
Strapless gowns seem to have the widest appeal, but many brides, worried they’ll be left hanging in the bust area, are opting for the happy medium of cap sleeves.
More straps than sleeves, they offer an alternative to halter or tank-top necklines while still maintaining the strapless profile.
“They’re kind of not quite off the shoulder,” Dalke said, adding that capless and strapless still reign for young brides.
“We’ll have a lot of girls that will come in and say they don’t want strapless,” Dalke said. “But they try on the strapless and they look so good, they end up buying strapless.”
Reporter Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037 or sjackson@ heraldnet.com.
Fall Bridal Spectacular: Oct. 14 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; www.fallbridal.com or 206-937-3264.
Seattle Wedding Show: Jan. 6 and 7 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; www.weddingshow.com or 800-505-5900.
The Northwest Bridal Showcase: Jan. 20 and 21 at the Everett Events Center; www.nwbridalshowcase.com or 425-418-3307.
Lynnwood-Everett Wedding Expo: Jan. 27 and 28 at the Lynnwood Convention Center; www.bridesclub.com or 425-778-7155.
Fall Bridal Spectacular: Oct. 14 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; www.fallbridal.com or 206-937-3264.
Seattle Wedding Show: Jan. 6 and 7 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; www.weddingshow.com or 800-505-5900.
The Northwest Bridal Showcase: Jan. 20 and 21 at the Everett Events Center; www.nwbridalshowcase.com or 425-418-3307.
Lynnwood-Everett Wedding Expo: Jan. 27 and 28 at the Lynnwood Convention Center; www.bridesclub.com or 425-778-7155.
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