Bridal Show Galore

Becky, Dan and I got our hiking shoes on and made the rounds at Madison's largest and grandest Bridal Show. From the first booth to the last we got so many good ideas, found vendors and even decided on some noes. To say the bridal show was a success is an understatement. Dan and I made a plan prior to going what vendors we wanted to focus on and stuck to that list. Plus Becky was an amazing note taker and kept Dan and I on track.

Instant replay brought to you by Jeni.

The first stand was a specialty chocolate confections vendor. While I'm not sure if we will use this vendor for anything I did have an awesome experience. They took my picture and put it on a lollipop. Now if you are think how they did it check back later and I'll take a picture and post it for you to see. I haven't eaten it yet so the chocolate may taste gross but hey I'm on a lollipop.

While walking around the outside we found some good photogs, some DJ's and cake places. Lots of cake, I'm talking every cake vendor (had to be 10-15) all had samples. What Dan and I learned from this... ICING IS GROSS. Whether it be fondant or buttercream neither of us liked it. Not to mention we don't really like sheet cake either. So we left cake as a no and we would find the only vendor selling cheesecake. The samples were delicious and I think *wink* this is our type of cake. The vendor gave us a really cool idea with ordering simple flavors and having a toppings table. That way all our guests can choose what kinda cheesecake they would like. Toppings ideas are fresh fruit, jams & chocolate sauce, really the sky is the limit. Well, our budget and Monona Terrace Catering abilities may really be the limiter. However, we decided we could perhaps buy the stuff ourselves and have the baker smuggle it in. Can you imagine a bill reading "Smuggling Fee $15"? It would be super funny.

About mid way through the show we happened upon an seamstress who specializes in wedding dress alterations. Let me tell you this woman was a life saver. She solidified my distaste of the Champaign David's Bridal and let me know why (THE EXACT REASONS WHY) my dress wasn't fitting my body. The answer is...drum roll please...a shorter waist than the average population. This was then confirmed later in the day with the Madison David's Bridal Alterations. With my mind being vindicated and also being more knowledgeable on the alterations needed. I was very happy. The woman at the show took the time to look at the photos and point out what needed to be changed. I was so grateful I'm almost inclined to use her for my alterations but will need to look in Urbana first. Having her in Madison is very inconvenient for me.

Towards the end is where Dan made a huge dent in our planning. While Becky and I were kinda tired and sick of the whole place, Dan landed upon an amazing (well we hope) photographing team. This husband and wife team were winners of theknot.com (our wedding helper) photographers of 2010. Who could ask for a better reference? Anyway he talked in detail with them and found great comfort in their style and how talented they are. Needless to say as of this morning they are our photographers. I talked in great length with Ben (the husband of the team) to get our questions answered. Since they were still free we had a contract drafted and signed and payed the deposit today. All I can say is Nov 6th they are now booked for the wedding extravaganza of the year.

This show was a blessing and kinda of last minute plan. When I decided to return to Madison to focus on my dress, Becky casually reminder me of the show. So we went and loved everything.

As a side note...Dan got so many compliments for being at the show as a groom and just so you all know I didn't have to trick or bribe him into coming. I just mentioned that I was going and I guess I assumed he would be there too. He was and it was a great to go there together.

P.S. Thanks again Becky for all your help during the show, organizing the shows pamphlets and dress shopping. Dan and I appreciate a ton all your efforts to help us along. :)