Photo by Joe Lovell Amanda Speaker, Stratford Springs event coordinator, from left, helps Wheeling residents Lynn and Stephanie Courts consider wedding ideas during the Brides, Brunch and Bands Wedding Show on Sunday.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Future brides, grooms, in-laws, proud parents and friends all had the chance to meet a variety of wedding vendors and learn what they have to offer during the second Brides, Brunch and Bands Wedding Show on Sunday.

Hosted by The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register and The Times Leader, the event was held at the James E. Carnes Center just west of St. Clairsville. It featured numerous vendors, free samples, a fashion show and live musical entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to bring local brides and grooms the opportunity to explore all sorts of options for their upcoming weddings,” Pam Bennett, advertising director for the newspapers, said while helping attendees check in for the day.

Many brides-to-be who attended along with family members or other guests gathered ideas on what to wear, where to have a reception, catering, floral arrangements and many other important details. Vendors at the event included such businesses as Kirke’s Ice Cream, Valley Cheese Co., Diamond Lake Cabins, Hampton Inn, The Skyliner, Lip Sense, Stratford Springs, Masterpieces of Old Town and Mama C’s Bakery.

Other event sponsors included Main Street Bank, Masterpieces of Old Town, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Country Pride Restaurant, and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration.

The Dress Collection of St. Clairsville provided the wedding fashion show. That portion of the event showcased bridal gowns along with bridesmaid dresses, menswear and fashions for all wedding party members.

“I am excited to put on the fashion show,” Jenny Hickenbottom, Dress Collection owner and seamstress, said. “I like being there when people are at their happiest. I have a lot of energy, and I like celebrating with other people.”

Cloud 9 Salon and Spa created hairstyles and applied makeup for the models in the fashion show. Kristen Chester, Cloud 9 wedding coordinator, said being at the event was a positive experience and that she always enjoys helping people for their wedding day.

“As the wedding coordinator, you get to help and make that day special,” Chester said. “You get to help them with their hair and makeup and make the big day a little less stressful for them.”

Ashley Ware of St. Clairsville, who is planning her wedding for fall 2019, said she found lots of ideas and inspiration during the show. In particular, she plans to work with local vendor Kirke’s Ice Cream of St. Clairsville.

“We’re going to have an ice cream bar,” she said regarding plans for her reception.

Her future sister-in-law, Shanna Hathaway, said she was impressed with the selection of samples offered by Valley Cheese Co. of Centre Market in Wheeling. She also was excited to discover Diamond Lake Cabins of Scio for her own weekend getaway plans.

“Sometimes I literally get cabin fever,” she quipped.

Wheeling resident Stephanie Courts said she is not getting married for a few more years; still, she noted that attending the event was a perfect way for her to get ideas for her future wedding.

Registered brides had the chance to win a vacation to North Myrtle Beach or a trip for two to Seven Springs Mountain Resort that includes two nights’ lodging. The Easy Street band provided live entertainment, and Masterpieces of Old Town decorated the room.