PHOTOS: Recapping the Dubuque Bridal Expo 2022

All week long on Y105, I talked to Stacy Raap, one of the organizers behind the Dubuque Bridal Expo 2022. The area's largest wedding show took place on Sunday, September 18th at the Grand River Center, and it was several hours of camaraderie, music, and all around good vibes.

Raap and her faithful team of organizers were committed to assuring the event would not only be overwhelmingly successful, but an experience for all who came out. The Dubuque Bridal Expo featured $5,000 worth of giveaways, an upwards of 75 exhibitors eager to welcome people with open arms, and a VIP experience an hour before the 10am start that was worthy of the distinction.

Giving credence to the experience factor of this bridal show was the presence of not one but two fashion and runway shows. At two different points during the show, all eyes turned to the runway inside the Grand River Center's ballroom, where men and women donned beautiful tuxedos and dresses, respectively. Accompanying their struts was lively music to make for a memorable experience for all involved.

Everyone from Zazou's Bridal Boutique to White Florist was in attendance, helping newly or nearly engaged couples plan their perfect day. Raap spoke about the event last week promising how big and diverse the Bridal Expo would be as a whole:

It definitely has evolved into [....] one of the largest bridal expos in the Tri-State area that we've seen or been a part of in a very long time.

The ballroom floor of the Grand River Center was covered in white pedals, and the space itself was packed wall-to-wall with many exhibitors.

I was broadcasting live at the event from 9-11am. As a result, I got to see the VIP guests fill out the ballroom at 9am before general admission folks began to congregate at 10am. I spoke with several different vendors on-air and got a feel for their respective businesses.

This was an experience you could accurately describe as "hands on." Several exhibitors had different displays, samples, and takeaway items at their respective tables. These companies offered the best of the best in the area for attire, jewelry, music, boutiques, photography, videography, makeup/hair décor, spas, and much, much more.

Tip of the cap to everyone who made this event possible. And a big thanks to Stacy Raap and fellow organizers at the Dubuque Bridal Expo for having us out!