SUNDAY, January 11th at 1:00 p.m. the Opelila-Auburn News and the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Program have teamed up as sponsors for the 2009 BRIDAL EXPO at the Grand Mariott National Lodge and Conference Center . This annual event has been presented by the OA News since 2000, catering to brides-to-be with dozens of professional vendors, offering ideas and services for the wedding day. This year is more exciting than ever, with the co-sponsoring by the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Program, who are providing professional speakers to present two, information and inspiration-packed talks, in support of healthy relationships and the concept of forever : "Keep Your Marriage Sizzling"  and "Keys To Blissful Communication."  

I had a chance to speak with Melissa Blackburn, the marketing coordinator for the OA News who organized the Expo. Her bubbling enthusiasm had me smiling as she described another new item for the expo, being the GROOMS LOUNGE! That's right, this is going to be fun for BOTH the brides and grooms-to be!  These guys will be able to "lounge" with a golf expert (who will share tips to improve anyone's game), sports on a big screen, some refreshments and fun.

Vendors will cover photography, jewelry, catering and cakes, invitations, venues and lodging, music, rentals, and, of course, bridal gowns!  Brides-to-Be are eligible for $5000 in Door Prizes! A beautiful  Clothes Rack Fashion Show begins at 4:00. Tickets for the entire afternoon event are $8 at the door. For more info about the expo, visit their website.

I am personally looking forward to attending this event with my daughter, Hilary, who is planning an August wedding!

This event comes on the heels of HEALTHY MARRIAGE Month in the state of Alabama, designated as February by Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Mrs. Patsy Riley. For some delightful reflection and motivation on marriage, visit www.alaba,amarriage.org and read some of the essays collected from eighth graders across the state, who wrote about "The Best Marriage You Know." PRICELESS!

 

© Copyright of photos and content, 2009. Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA at www.marahawks.com

 
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16 Comments on 2009 BRIDAL EXPO in Auburn, AL

JAN
09
2009
159,450 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Hey Mom....Congrats on the wedding! Maybe you'll overhear a bride talking about needing a new home! I was going to exhibit at a Bridal event here in ATL this year, and then opted out of it. I'm wondering if we would of got something out of it....the company said they only have 1 maybe 2 realtors there.

Hmmmmmmmm...

9:51pm • #1
634,072 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow Mara, this Bridal Expo has everything. Love the idea of that Grooms Lounge. Congrats on Hilary's big day coming this August. I see where she gets her beauty from!

10:30pm • #2
240,645 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Mara ! - Congrats on the new son-in-law on the way !

I exhibited at one of these Bridal events and actually got a couple of leads from it.

... oh and by the way, if that thumbnail of you is how you look now, then how are you old enough to have a daughter getting married !!! you look like you could be her few year older sister !!!!

10:46pm • #3
198,293 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Congratulations Hilary (and Mara) ! It is such fun ( and stress) planning a wedding - have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute!

11:07pm • #4
JAN
10
2009
159,177 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thom - I plan to carry some business cards, for sure. Two transactions I closed last year were for newlyweds.

Gary - I was impressed with the idea of a Grooms Lounge too! I just hope those guys don't miss out on the wonderful talks. Everyone needs to hear those! Thanks, too, for the compliment ;-)

Sheldon - That's great news about your leads! And thank you for your kind words...btw, my thumbnail was taken last November...and Hilary DOES have an older sister, Rebecca, who is the one in the top photo!

Mary - Thank you! You sound like you have some first-hand experience!

5:44am • #5
245,157 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mara, how exciting for you and your daughter to be planning a wedding.  I only have boys so I will be relegated to the sidelines, but I think I'm okay with that.  This event sounds like fun for everyone.  Enjoy it!

7:19am • #6

Hi Mara, Congratulations on the Wedding!  Sounds like you and Hilary will be having a great time at this Expo!  How exciting!  I have two nieces getting married this year, and am looking forward to both weddings.

Hugs to you both,

Shawn

8:40am • #7
467,696 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You have a daughter that is gettting married??? For God's sake Mara you don't look old enough to be married yourself. So can I borrow your fountain of youth for the weekend sometime?:)

10:16am • #8
245,157 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Now Bill, this is the perfect example of a wonderful comment.  What a doll!  Mara, he's right... you look like a teen!

10:34am • #9

Mara-This sounds like a great event, but unless your new "son-in-law" is all into place settings, and color coordination with the 2 of you I can't imagine hime not wanting to check out the Grooms Lounge :)  Maybe a hey we can split up for x time until Speaker A is on might work.

Anyway, sounds like a wonderful day to spend with your daughter, and for anyone that is getting married.

Kathy McGraw
10:52am • #10
381,595 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Mara, You are adorable and a delight.

 Loved our phone conversation today! You and your girls are beautiful. That photo of your daughter on the steps is priceless. Thanks for sharing yourself, your girls and your excitement of the bridal show. Hope to see more photos after the event tomorrow.

11:09am • #11

precious moments in a woman's life...thanks for sharing.  love you mom!

Rebecca Hawks Kenney
12:11pm • #12
1 Featured Post

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials for your daughter.  Is it a coincidence?  There is a big Bridal show and Expo this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center.  Its a huge event with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees.   We even considered being an exhibitor when we started in the real estate business, but the cost of the event was too costly at the time.  However, this year, we have a good friend who is exhibiting.  For those going to the Phoenix Bridal Fashion Debut and Wedding Services Expo, visit Susie and Alan at TheChocolateCactus for your customized Chocolate treats and favors.  Let them know that Vincent and Dora sent you :)

12:12pm • #13
269,423 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I believe Birmingham's Southern Bridal show is tomorrow also....congratulations on the upcoming wedding!

6:37pm • #14
159,177 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Susan, Bill - {{{blushing}}} {{{laughing}}} You guys are such fun! I think I've been blessed with some good jeans---mainly from my Uncle LEVI ;-) Thank you!

Shawn - Thank you! I wonder if your nieces are close friends, sharing notes, etc. This will be one year to celebrate! Much joy to them!

Kathy - I'm sure the Grooms Lounge will be quite a happenin' place for the guys. I think the speakers are a great idea too, and I'm looking forward to doing this with Hilary---and taking some pics!

Margaret - Needless to say, you were the stAR of my Saturday! THANK YOU for such joy and inspiration and for sharing your stories of success...that was truly the biggest and most wonderful SURPRISE! I'm still seeing stars...*** :-)

Dora and Vincent - Thank you! The CHOCOLATE CACTUS sounds like a lot of fun---as ANYTHING chocolate does... good for you to link up with them. From these comments, it seems there are quite a few bridal shows going on across the country.

Ann - Thank you! It would be fun to see the B'ham show...It's probably a lot bigger than the one here in Auburn...but we are going to have a great time and get focused on the wonderful wedding plan. Thanks for stopping by!

8:08pm • #15
JAN
30
2009
240,530 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations on the coming wedding! Please keep us up to date on the happenings... by the way... if you'd like, email me a request... I'd like to send you a link to my daughter's wedding video stuff... I know... it's not for everybody- but if so, just ask.

8:04pm • #16

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Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Homes for Sale, Auburn, AL Real Estate

Auburn, AL

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First Realty Auburn Alabama

Address: 1725 E University Drive, Auburn, AL, 36830

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