Central Coast Bridal Show

Today, Jacob, my mom, and I went to our very first bridal show! It was quite an experience! I don't know if I had really prepared myself for the madness! I had heard about before we got engaged and had been silently crossing my fingers that Jacob would propose before then so I'd have an excuse to go! Ha! My mom drove up and met us at Madonna Inn. We purchased tickets online which allowed us to go in an hour early- and let me tell you, I am glad that we did! There was already a line of brides and mothers and grooms by the time we arrived. They gave us "bride" and "groom" stickers and bags to hold all of the goodies in. It definitely was getting packed as the morning wore on. Jacob had heard that there was free food- and all he did was go from vendor to vendor eating the yummy samples (I can't say that I'm not guilty of that either... nor was my mom... haha).

There were tons of vendors representing all sections of wedding planning, and almost all had some sort of drawing or giveaway or chocolate sample. I'm pretty sure I gained a few pounds... that isn't good for dress shopping! Haha! Unfortunately, most of the vendors were from the San Luis Obispo area, so that didn't help us out much... but I did find a few photographers and videographers that I'm going to check into. My favorite videographer was Cana Video Productions. They have an artistic style that I really like! I tried to get a sample from iTunes but for whatever reason it's not working... maybe later.

There was also a florist (Flowers To You, by Jessica) that was after my own heart (her entire display was bright pink and green and orange, totally my colors!) but unfortunately she doesn't travel... oh well. She was nice enough to let us take a few pictures! Maybe I can find a florist in Santa Barbara who shares my style and will take inspiration from her designs!


The show did get a little overwhelming after awhile... I should have worn a sign around my neck that said, "No I don't have any vendors, but this is because we just got engaged a few weeks ago, not because I'm a lazy bride that doesn't have her act together! Also, we're looking at late June/July 2009, and we're not looking for a site unless you're based in Santa Barbara. Additionally, if you serve food, my fiance Jacob would be glad to eat everything, take your card, and pretend that we're having a SLO-area wedding just so you'll give him more food. Lastly, I'd LOVE to enter any and all drawings you might be having, so maybe I'll win a free honeymoon, tooth whitening, or engagement photo session!"

We stayed until about 12:30, and we were all pretty worn out and overwhelmed. Surprising, Jacob came out of the experience the best! He wasn't overwhelmed at all! Ha! I think it's because of all the chocolate that he ate... haha.

We all trooped back to our house afterwards, and we dug through all the goodies we had received. I wish that there was a bridal show in Santa Barbara sooner than September- I think it would be really helpful to meet all the local vendors. I'm really glad that my mom came up- I can't wait to really start the wedding planning process with her! It's going to be so fun!