Something Really Special
By Hilary Dartt
As the Prescott area becomes an increasingly popular destination for weddings, so does the need for quality wedding services and venues. That’s why, according to event founder Hazel Bowman, the 14th Annual Prescott Bridal Affaire Expo “will be the best yet.”
The Expo is scheduled for Sunday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic Hassayampa Inn at 122 East Gurley Street. While the event will maintain all the things that make it special, it also will feature some new elements, starting with the person in charge.
In her first year at the helm: Tahna Falk, Owner and Creative Producer of StarStruck Event Planning. Tahna has attended the Expo as an exhibitor in the past, and she said she’s always known Hazel “has something really special, here.”
So when Hazel asked her to take it over—“she wanted to pass it on to someone who loved it as much as she did”—Tahna knew she couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Referring to Tahna’s “dedication, passion, and eye-for-detail,” Hazel explained the reasons she asked Tahna to be her successor: “After a thoroughly enjoyable thirteen years invested in the Prescott Bridal Affaire Expo,” she said, “I knew it was time for new energy and leadership. My criteria was non-negotiable: it had to be someone who knew the area, considered our community to be their home, and who understood the bridal industry. And, it had to be someone with the commitment, integrity, and vision in taking the [Expo] to the next level. I found all that—and more—in Tahna.”
Tahna added that she also brings to the table “organization, attention to detail, professionalism, reputation, and new ideas. This is a well-organized event where every exhibitor can shine.”
Building on ‘Something Really Special’
In addition to all the things attendees said they loved about the Prescott Bridal Affaire Expo—free entry, high-quality exhibitors, great prizes (including the grand prize, worth thousands of dollars), and an exceptionally friendly atmosphere (enhanced by strolling musicians and gown, hair, and makeup models)—this year’s Expo will feature a few changes, Tahna said.
First, the layout in the Marina Room will be less crowded; she’s removed six tables from there to allow for better flow, and if there are enough exhibitors, she will be tenting and renting the Marina rooftop to exhibitors too. The Expo is also hoping to have Lew Rees, a local celebrity who led the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce for ten years and current events/marketing director for Western News & Info, will act as emcee, making important announcements (including prize-related ones) throughout the day. For the first time, the Expo is also hoping to have a sound system that is connected to all of the rooms, so attendees and exhibitors can hear those announcements in every room at the same time.
For Brides-and-Grooms-To-Be: a Single place to Find Everything Wedding-Related
Wedding couples can expect to find many high-quality vendors at the Prescott Bridal Affaire Expo from florists, wedding planners, and venues, to photographers, DJs, hair and makeup artists, and more.
Tahna said many brides or couples make a full day of the Expo; they bring their friends, family and/or members of the wedding party, spending several hours at the Hassayampa Inn.
The 14th Annual Prescott Bridal Affaire Expo is presented by Tahna Falk’s company StarStruck Event Planning, and co-hosted by the Historic Hassayampa Inn and Verve Events and Tents. Sponsors include Prescott Woman Magazine, The Daily Courier, The Lonesome Valley News, Magic 99.1, Jennifer Rice Photography, and first-time sponsors Raskin’s Jewelers and Motion Candy Media.
For more information, visit www.PrescottBridalAffaireExpo.com or call 928.445.0012.