Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on March 1, 2018.

There were white doves, a display of wigs, a DJ, wedding dresses, jewelry and cakes at the First Annual Floyd Bridal Show at the Floyd EcoVillage’s Event Center Saturday afternoon.  Venders showcased wedding venues, décor and flowers while attendees streamed in.

Twenty-seven vending booths included information on videography, hair, nails and make-up.  Local caterers provided sample appetizers and working musicians played music suitable for wedding ceremonies.  There was a photo booth and even a wedding dress fashion show that featured gowns from Floyd’s Little Dress shop. Brides-to-be received gift bags.

“We’ve been to a few Bridal Shows and this is the best,” said vendor Jody Franko of Rose of the Winds Travel.   She cited the way the event was organized, the flow of attendees and the quality and variety of vendors as highlights.

Franko, who talked with brides and grooms-to-be about honeymoon trips, shared a booth with wedding officiate, Katherine Chantal. Chantal noted that the EcoVillage Event Center, also a wedding venue, was a beautiful setting for the Bridal Show.

EcoVillage Event Coordinator and Bridal Show organizer, Maggie Hessinger, said the show exceeded her expectations.   “We had 61 brides and grooms attending with their families.”

Hessinger said she is encouraged that Floyd is becoming a wedding destination that will employ local talents and businesses.  “We definitely want to do it again,” she said about the inaugural Bridal Show.  – Colleen Redman

Kathryn Ashera Rose speaks with wedding harpist Julia MacMillan and flutist Dan Warren.  Rose was promoting the Anahata Education Center’s riverfront wedding venue on Dobbins Farm Road.

Eddie Davis of Roanoke’s Flowers by Eddie takes a photo of a bride-to-be for the flower shop’s Instagram site.

SWVA Wedding Event Planners pictured are Katie Turman, Elaine Braley and Heather Turman. The business has been providing compete wedding planning services for two years.

Valerie Moran and Chef Michael Gucciardo of Mickey G’s Bistro served up Italian appetizers, including Sicilian meatballs.     Owners of Floyd’s Little Dress Shop hold up one of the shop’s wedding gowns. The shop also sells mother of the bride and groom dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and accessories. A tea party-themed photo booth was part of Manor House Teas booth display.  The tea house hosts private teas and special event tea parties.  A vendor from Silks, Ribbons & Roses – a full service florist and event planning business out of Woolwine – talks with attendees.  Along with The Floyd Event Center, Silks, Ribbons & Roses helped to host the event.

Attendees watch the fashion show, pictured in the first photo that shows Angela Montejo modeling her wedding gown, recently purchased at the Little Dress Shop, and Maggie Hessinger, event co-organizer and show emcee.  The cakes pictured above were made by Copper Hill Cakes and Goodies. Th doves are from Flying Doves Memories and the jewelry display is by Filamina Jewelry. – HERE is the story I wrote about the EcoVillage Event Center in 2016.  – Our World Tuesday