Despite the snow falling in Hamburg, the atmosphere in the Indian Fort Inn was welcoming for their Bridal Expo on Sunday, March 1, which included a free buffet for brides. Sandra Bixler, the event coordinator from the Inn, stated that the expo was created to bring together local businesses. She also described how The Indian Fort Inn provides venues for non-traditional weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.
Two local florists were represented at the bridal expo. Lorraine Randazzo from Centerport Flower Shop in Mohrsville talked of her thirty years’ experience with flowers. She stated that at the shop they “do it all, big or small” and also provide other services including gift baskets. Kurtz Florist in Hamburg was in attendance. Nancy Kurtz had a display of orchids, bouquets, and their handmade jewelry featuring Herkimer Diamonds, quartz crystals from Herkimer County, New York.
Men’s formal wear was on display by Hamburg’s Dietrich’s Men’s Shop. Les Werley and Craig Leiby described more than twenty years’ experience in tuxedos and more 180,000 different styles available to order. Werley expressed that Dietrich’s prices are competitive and that the convenience of doing business locally adds to the savings.
April Naftzinger from Maven Travel in Hamburg was seated with pictures from multiple travel destinations available for browsing. Naftzinger stated that it is important for anyone planning to schedule a trip with Maven to know that there is “no consultant or booking fee” and that there is someone “on call 24-7.”
Leesport is the home of Folk Fotos, which was the photography studio represented at the expo. Owner, Laurie Folk, has been in operation for seven years. She photographs at weddings, showers, and special events, and takes family portraits.
John Decker, DJ of Kutztown, played background music for the bridal expo. Decker has been providing DJ music in the surrounding area for 28 years and said he is known for his personalized service. Also representing Kutztown was Ronnie Arehart, a sales associate at Sorrelli. Arehart described opportunities at Sorrelli for complimentary bridal jewelry parties. She said that Sorrelli jewelry is popular as bridesmaid gifts, especially due to the wide range of colors and styles.
Amber Seidel of Seidel Graphic Design was on hand at the bridal expo with a wide variety of event stationery including invitations, menus, and thank-you cards. Seidel said that she “delivers truly unique wedding stationery” for brides-to-be.
Voted “Best of Weddings” in 2013 by The Knot.com, Christie’s Memorable Cakes was on hand with samples of mini-cupcakes and a full album of cake decorating ideas. Owner, Christie Coleman, said that she has been located in Fleetwood for four years. She makes cakes for all occasions and provides complementary consultations and tastings for brides.
Bridal expo attendees, Deidre Werner and Alexis Kistler, both Hamburg Area High School graduates, and their friend Tammy Yorski of Schuylkill Haven, are all planning weddings. They came to the Indian Fort Inn to get ideas for their own celebrations. Werner discussed how helpful it is to talk with expo vendors in order to develop a budget for her own wedding plans and recommends this idea for other brides-to-be.
The Indian Fort Inn worked to provide a sense of community with their March Bridal Expo. Upcoming plans at the Inn include a pet adoption day and an event with the American Indian and Bikers Alliance. For more information, contact Sandra Bixler from the Inn, at 610-562-4315.