WINONA LAKE – Bridal and Prom Expo, held Sunday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, Winona Lake, was the place to be for anyone planning a big event. The organizers of the event were Tommy Vance of Tommy Vance Productions, a video-recording service, and his wife Ashley. The expo was the fourth bridal show they’ve produced. The couple had been worried about cancellations or people staying at home because of storm forecasts. Vance said, “Any storm named ‘Titan’ causes some worry.” The sun broke through the clouds, however, and brides-to-be and grooms-elect, high schoolers counting down days until prom, along with parents, siblings and friends, made it to the center to take a look at what’s available in the world of party planning. There were caterers, venue representatives, photographers, tuxedo rentals, hair and makeup providers, DJs, florists and a caterer who specializes in espresso drinks. There were also two runway shows, the first presenting wedding gowns and dresses for mothers of the bride, and the second featuring prom gowns. Local women and high school students from Warsaw and Triton modeled the gowns, donated by Ellen’s Dress to Impress in Wabash. Among the models was Renee Salyer of the Warsaw Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. Ashley Vance said this was the first year for including prom dresses, “but there is a link there,” she added, referring to the dresses, hair and makeup that are a big part of both events. Ally Keefer, one of three owners of bon eve, a wedding planning company, explained that the job of a wedding planner is to take the ideas of the bride and make them into reality so that the bride can relax and be the guest of honor on her big day. “And if there are bumps,” said Keefer, “the bride doesn’t ever have to know about them.” Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, northeast of Warsaw, was one of the venues represented at the show. A spokesmen said the club is available for rent to the public, and anyone interested in using the club rooms for a wedding or other family event might even add a few rounds of golf into the rental package. A unique vendor was American Espresso Catering of Mishawaka. In business 11 years, the company offers to set up at an event – wedding, corporate meeting, family gathering – and serve coffee drinks made with espresso. They gave out samples of vanilla, hazelnut and caramel cappuccino to show just a few of the beverages they provide. The caterers can also provide a candy bar as well as the drinks. Each year about 500 people attend this expo, said Ashley Vance. She said she hopes that number would be reached this year and by the people streaming in, that probably happened.
