A sunny Sunday morning set the scene for the inaugural Buffalo Bridal Expo at the WNY Events Centre in Clarence. The event was hosted by the Buffalo Bridal Association, Western New York's innovators in providing and guaranteeing outstanding bridal service.

Energetic crowds poured in to the events center, which was filled to the brim with vendors unique to The Buffalo Bridal Association. The locale followed a village theme, with quaint "street corners" displaying signs such as "Soulmates Street," "Bridal Boulevard," and "Memory Lane." Down every path, ornately decorated tables provided stations with vendors specializing in everything from jewelry, flowers, and wedding gowns to limousine services, photography, and banquet facilities. Local restaurants and bakeries such as Ilio Dipaulo's, Ohlson's Bakery and Café, and Sushi Nagasaki offered samples of freshly prepared delicacies, and guests delighted in tasting everything from wedding cake to chocolate fondue.

Michael Fantaske, administrator of the Buffalo Bridal Association, commented "brides are very vulnerable, and they have a lot of different places where they can go to find out who would best serve them on their wedding day, but none of these places tells a bride who she can trust, who she can count on, who she can depend on, who is going to charge what they say they are going to charge, and in essence, who is going to do right by her." Indeed, what makes the organization so unique is that every member that becomes a part of the Buffalo Bridal Association undergoes a competitive screening process in which they are highly scrutinized, ensuring that only the most reputable are on board to serve clients who seek assistance from them.

True to its mission, the expo generated a feeling of caring and excitement for all brides as well as their families. All future brides-to-be proudly donned stickers labeled "Bride" and there were continuous raffles and prize packages gifted throughout the day. Event goers were pampered with makeovers by Capello salon, gift baskets, delectable desserts, and numerous opportunities to win fabulous prizes courtesy of the Bridal Expo.

Dave Muscoreil, co-owner of "Muscoreil's Fine Desserts and Gourmet Cakes," is a member of the Buffalo Bridal Association as a vendor. He remarked on the association's dedication to its costumers, as well as the goals of the bridal expo; reflecting on his twenty five years in the service industry, Muscoreil commented "Growing up in my grandmother's restaurants, she taught me that quality always prevails, and that has proven to be so true. I want to focus on the beauty of the bride and the groom. When it comes down to it, that's what the day is all about, the bride and groom saying I do forever. It's a lifelong commitment, and that's what I try to convey to my customers."

Evidence of the happiness generated by the association was apparent all throughout the events centre. Future brides of all ages beamed at the star treatment they received courtesy of the expo's many vendors, and all patrons of the event basked in the generosity and entertainment provided by vendors and performers alike. Runway fashion shows were conducted every hour; male and female models showed off fabulous wedding attire from wedding gowns for the bride to tuxedos for grooms and ring bearers, while live dance music was performed by KB Express.

Near the catwalk, real life bride-to-be Julie Cusimano expressed her admiration of the occasion. "I like how there are more choices here and how it's so spread out; it's not like everybody else's." Cusimano, who is getting married on September 20th, 2008, commented "we have everything except for the photography and cake, so that is our main focus for today." Without a doubt, regardless of their mission, guests at the expo had plenty of options to choose from, and much excitement to be enjoyed.

For more on the Buffalo Bridal Expo, go to the event website at www.BuffaloBridalExpo.com.

For information on the Buffalo Bridal Association, go to www.BuffaloBridalAssociation.com