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Dreams of Wedded Bliss Abound at the High Country Wedding Expo Held Sunday Feb. 22

By Madison Fisler Lewis

Feb. 23, 2015. On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Boone Mall was filled to the brim with excited brides-to-be, family members, friends and family as the annual ACES High Country Wedding Expo once again took place in Boone. From 1-4 p.m., the annual event featured caterers, bakers, photographers, venues, rental companies, florists, outfitters and other assorted vendors hoping to make an impression on an excited bride-to-be.

Approximately 60 vendors who specialize in weddings and special events were present at the expo, catering to the hundreds of people who attended the showcase this year. One of the events centerpieces, a bridal fashion show, was put on by South’s Clothier.

“There were a few hundred people and we had 100 brides register at the door,” said ACES President Elizabeth Hempfling.

“All the brides bring their fiance or friends and family members. I think it went really well.”

While the event is meant to showcase the great event vendors that the High Country has to offer, it also provides a way for brides-to-be to give back to the community at the same time. The proceeds from entrance fees were donated to local nonprofit Western Youth Network.

“In total, we raised about $750,” Hempfling said. “But once we tally the final amounts, ACES will make an additional donation.”

This event has become an annual staple, and is held before the craziness of wedding season gets fully underway.

“It is great for the local brides, but also for the destination brides too,” Hempfling said.

“I had a lot of clients come up from of the mountain to attend. It is great because it gives a good look at what we can offer all in one location, on one day, and they can shop around to see what fits their style and needs. It makes the process very seamless and it saves time too. We always get a positive response every year and we look forward to doing it again next year.”

Check out photos from the event below.

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Photos by Ken Ketchie

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