The Tribune

When Bahamas Bridal Show founder and executive producer Tommy Stubbs started the annual event he made a promise to help local businesses reach more clients and to encourage brides- and grooms-to-be to shop at home for their weddings and other special events. And based on this year's show, the 30th instalment, he has kept that promise.

"Back in 1990, I didn't imagine this event would continue for nearly 30 years, with an average of 1,000 persons attending and 40 businesses participating in some way each year," he said.

With close to 50 wedding and home suppliers, this year's bridal show - held on April 15 under the theme 'The Promise' at the Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive resort - represented one of the largest gatherings of the most prominent businesses in the country.

"I'd hope the show's success is based on our professionalism and keeping it fresh with the times," said Mr Stubbs.

He gave special thanks to Sherry Matthews of the United States, who assisted with the start of the Bahamas Bridal Show and inspired him and Buttons Bridal & Formal Wear to organise the first show in 1990 with 16 exhibitors and 805 persons in attendance at Le Meridien Royal Bahamian Hotel, where Sandals now operates.

This year's lucky couples received prizes and gifts totalling $30,000, while enjoying demonstrations, fun games, food samples and a fashion show.

"By now, everybody knows we don't fool around when it comes to giving away wedding and other gifts and prizes at the bridal show," said Makeva Wallace, the show's coordinator.

The grand prize winners, Tamara Flowers and Rosmond Joseph, who are planning a December 22 wedding, went home with a $5,000 down payment from Arawak Homes; a weekend getaway at Harbour Breeze Villas, Long Island, from Beyond The Décor; a wedding gown and groom's tuxedo from Buttons Bridal & Formal Wear; a personalised aisle runner from Heavenly Aisles; bridal make-up from Eye Candy Studio; a $2,000 photography package by Captured Moments, and more.

Meanwhile, Farentino Knowles and Briquel Sherman won a honeymoon getaway to the Hilton at Resort World Bimini for submitting the best video on why they deserved to win. Over $30,000 in gifts and prizes from businesses were given to registered prospective couples.