Plan destination wedding during Bridal Expo
PANAMA CITY BEACH — From Valentine’s to wedding season, the love continues on Sunday with Marry Me at the Beach.
The second annual Bridal Expo at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort features venues, caterers, photographers, wedding planners, jewelers, bakers, entertainment and formalwear vendors to help plan a wedding at the beach — a natural choice.
The beach provides the ideal backdrop for capturing canvas-worthy photos, and Jan Simmons Photography will be giving away an engagement photography session every hour during the expo.
“An engagement shoot is very special and should reflect each couple’s own ideas,” said Simmons, who also shoots a lot of weddings at Edgewater. “I always advise couples to wear something comfortable, something that is more classic than trendy, so that it is not dated looking in a few years. I think solid colors and button downs for men work best on every man. Women can get away with more.”
She also advises the couple to coordinate colors in the same color family, and for men to avoid T-shirts with emblems. A wardrobe change also is permitted.
“If a couple is getting married on the beach and wish to do engagement photos on the beach as well, I advise my brides to think pastels, and also of dresses that move with the wind, romantic dresses flowing in the sea breeze. There are many shops at Pier Park that cater to that look. I have also found dresses at discount prices on eBay,” Simmons said. “I meet my couples one hour before sunset to do a beach photo shoot. The lighting is perfect and hopefully we'll catch a beautiful PCB sunset and end the session on that note.”
Some couples prefer to be posed for photos, while others just want to be captured in the moment.
“Here are a few tips I give my couples: Eat something light before you come. If your man sweats, bring an extra shirt for him,” Simmons said. “Also be prepared to have fun, because we will be practicing for the main event, poses, checking how our hair looks and working on ideas for romantic photos after the wedding. It's kind of a run-through for the big day.”
Other vendors at the Bridal Expo who can help prepare for the big day include Aairus DJ Entertainment, Aqua Med Spa, Arzu Ersoy D.MD, Black Tie Formalwear, Cakes by Tanis, Celebration Place, Classic Creations by Cindy, ClothesLine Boutique, Crush Nutrition, Dave & Buster’s, Destin Bridal Directory, Emerald Coast Photo Booth, Events by Dallas, Gulf Talent, It Works Global, Kirby Studios, Laura Jennings Photography, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Metabolic Research Center, Montego Bay, Origami Owl Jewelry, Painting with a Twist, Palm Beach Tan, Runaway Island, and Simply Elegant.
Jae’s Sinful Delight’s Designer Cake Gallery in the Shoppes at Edgewater, which recently relaunched to focus on custom cakes, is showcasing artistic creations.
“Our custom cake business has been growing beyond expectations,” said chef and owner Jae Camino. “Our new concept will free up our time to focus exclusively on custom cakes and specialty desserts.”
For those who are planning a summer wedding, the Resort Collection suggests a smooth fondant on cakes to stand up to the heat and keeping all dessert refrigerated until it’s time to serve.
“Resort Collection Weddings offers the ideal place to say ‘I do’ no matter what time of year,” said Catherine Collins, marketing manager at Resort Collection. “Whether you envision a fairytale ballroom wedding, or you picture your toes in the sand walking towards your groom, Resort Collection has the perfect venue for you. From planning to catering, every detail is taken care of by our Certified Wedding Planners.”
Resort Collection also advises not to forget guests’ comfort — providing plenty of ice-cold drinks, electrical fans and cold washcloths in the summer, as well as throws as party favors or warm drinks on chilly days in the wintertime.
For those planning a wedding on the sandy beach, tents are great options for Florida’s unpredictable weather, but Resort Collection advises a “Plan B” indoor venue in case of a heavy rain or shower. And if you want to dance the night away, temporary flooring on the sand makes it a lot easier.
Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort is just one of 10 beach resorts in the Resort Collection. On Sunday, one grand prize winner will win a three-night stay at a Resort Collection property and free rehearsal dinner for up to 20 guests at Montego Bay Seafood House and Oyster Bar in the Shoppes at Edgewater.
What: Second annual event features nearly 30 vendors, hourly giveaways and grand prize drawing
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21
Where: Conference Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, 11212 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
Admission: $5 at the door or register in advance for free entry at weddings@resortcollection.com
Details: 850-235-4948 or MarryMeAtTheBeach.com or Facebook.com/MarryMeAtTheBeach
2016 BRIDAL EXPO
