The Lloyd Ex looked lovely in white as the inaugural Lloydminster Wedding Showcase packed the WLS Convention Centre.
The first-ever Wedding Showcase drew large crowds of curious visitors Sept. 20, marking a successful first year.
“The response has been really positive,” said organizer Elise Joy. “People are really excited to have something like this come to light.”
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Joy says she’s been in the events industry since 2011 and has seen other exciting showcases in Lloyd, but COVID-19 put a halt to much of the big event festivities.
“Unfortunately, COVID put a damper (on them) and there hasn’t really been a big reboot since then,” she said. “With all of our inventory that we stock and our expertise, we just thought it was time to try and bring a reboot of the wedding showcase to Lloyd.”
She organized the event alongside her mom, Barb Bulhoes, who runs Joyous Occasions Decor and More and Shanna Lindsay of Crafted Roots Creative Studio.
Joy says the event was received positively and there was excitement in the community for it.
“The lead up was really exciting, we ended up getting about $10,000 in grand prizes from businesses to give to brides and grooms,” she said.
The event featured vendors showing off their products along with a fashion show where prizes were handed out. Vendors also had the opportunity to take to the stage and talk about their business while answering questions throughout the day, which was ultimately about planning your wedding or event.
“When someone comes in today, it’s truly about planning their wedding or their grad party, or you could plan a Christmas party,” said Joy.
While nothing’s been confirmed for next year, the Wedding Showcase is likely to return.
“We are already talking about year two,” she said. “Honestly, the response has been so positive. The preregistrations came in really good.”
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