THUNDER BAY - Carolyn Mantuso and Jeff Johnson have only been engaged for two weeks but they are already looking at ways to make their special day as memorable as they can, and there is no shortage of options.
“We are starting to plan the big day,” said Johnson. “We don’t know yet, but probably summer 2020.”
“We wanted to get know all the local vendors and check things out,” Mantuso added.
The happy couple was among hundreds taking in the many different ways to make a wedding day as special as possible courtesy of local vendors and businesses during the 17thAnnual Thunder Bay Wedding Show on Sunday.
This year there were more than 70 exhibitors, from DJs, photographers, food and wine services, transportation, to dress and tuxedo boutiques.
“This is the real lead-in to the June, July, and August weddings,” said Andre Fitzgerald, manager of the Wedding Show. “But we are seeing a lot of 2020 brides attending this show. It’s not just for this year.”
More than 170 brides registered for this year’s show, though Fitzgerald expects that number will probably be higher with couples just coming by to check things out.
“The big thing today is the Last Couple Standing contest where one lucky couple is going to win a $7,100 package, including DJ services, photography, videography, and dress,” Fitzgerald said.
Mantuso and Johnson were among the couples competing to be the Last Couple Standing and they said winning the grand prize would go a long way to helping them cover the expenses for their wedding.
They still haven’t decided how big they want to go, but there was no shortage of ideas on Sunday.
“It’s overwhelming a little bit,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of good options. We are trying to keep it a little smaller, maybe spend a lot on the honeymoon.”
But the Wedding Show isn’t just for brides-to-be and happy grooms. Fitzgerald said it really offers a glimpse into the many services available here in the city to make any occasion a little more lavish.
“We see an array of vendors and businesses other than just weddings are available here at the show,” he said.
“Whether it’s limo services for birthday parties, or anniversary or if you need make-up or hair services. The Wedding Show can be perfect for the bride to jump into planning, but its also perfect for the general public to come down and see what great opportunities Thunder Bay has for choosing some spectacular services.”
