With the arrival of a new year, couples across the region are looking ahead to wedding season—and one local event is helping them get a head start on planning.
The Southern Elegance Bridal Expo returned for its fourth annual showcase, filling the River City Event Center with vendors and excited attendees. The expo is designed to help brides, grooms, and their wedding parties turn dreams into actionable plans, all under one roof.
Event founder and organizer Jessica Turner emphasized the event’s focus on weddings, but noted its value for anyone planning a special occasion. “It’s really for anyone who wants to plan an event, but our main focus is definitely weddings,” Turner explained. “I encourage brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride—really the whole group—to come and experience it together. There’s so much to see and do, and it’s a great way to start bringing your vision to life.”
Turner highlighted the expo’s hands-on approach, which allows couples to interact directly with products and services. “In a world dominated by digital and social media, we wanted to offer something tangible,” she said. “You really don’t know what you need until you see it in person, and that’s what makes this experience so valuable.”
The expo featured a wide variety of vendors, each specializing in a different aspect of the perfect wedding day—from catering and photography to dresses and decor.
Among the returning businesses was Sugar & Spice Confections, a local bakery offering cupcake catering. Owner Melissa Carter said the expo has been a rewarding experience. “We’ve participated for the past three years and have built great connections,” Carter shared. “It’s wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new couples. We love sharing our treats and being part of the excitement.”
Also on hand were Mark and Hannah Sullivan, co-owners of Timeless Photo Booth. As a married couple, they understand the challenges of planning a wedding and enjoy contributing to the event. “Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so it’s great to come here, show what we offer, and see all the different vendors in one place,” Mark Sullivan said. “It’s really something special.”
Organizers say they are already looking ahead to next year, with plans to expand the expo and make it even more comprehensive for future couples.
