LU FACS department helped local and student brides with bridal expo
With ring by spring in season and wedding bells to sound, the Liberty University Family and Consumer Sciences department hosted its second annual Bridal Expo. The fair took place March 26 from 2-5 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space. Doubling last year’s attendance, nearly 300 people attended the expo, and over 40 vendors and local businesses shared their mission with local brides. From event planning to DJs, bridal wear and florists, friends and families were seen around the expo visiting a variety of companies.
One of the most popular vendors, Ashley Grace Bridal, attracted many brides and brides-to-be at its table. The bridal store offered $100 off a dress if brides decided to book an appointment with them. Martha Hamlett, a bridal consultant for Ashley Grace, explained a bit more about the business.
“We are here to serve Lynchburg and make all brides beautiful,” Hamlett said. “I love talking to the girls and finding out what their visions are.”
Hamlett recommended brides plan for at least eight months ahead, emphasizing that dresses take at least four months to ship.
“Planning is very important, knowing what your time frames are, how long dresses take to come in and getting your venue,” Hamlett said. “Come see us. Come see our stylists. Come talk to us because we feel that we have the best stylists in town.”
Ashley Grace Bridal also hosted a fashion show for brides to show off a few of its favorite wedding dresses. They have close to 10 different brands of wedding dresses, including Justin Alexander, Randy Fenoli and Serene Ame. Students from FACS 351 modeled the dresses for those in attendance to watch. Kaila Haines, a student model from the class, picked the dress “Pia” by Maggie Sottero to wear.
“We’re just so excited to show brides all the different dresses from Ashley Grace Bridal,” Haines said. “I got to try on a few options, and I just love this dress because it just reminds me of a princess-ballgown dress.”
Maddie Caffrey, a future bride, attended the expo with her mom in hopes of finding some vendors for her wedding that will be happening next year.
“I just thought this would be a really good place to see what is offered around here and especially seeing who would travel,” Caffrey said.
Professor Chelsea Milks, who teaches FACS 351, organized the Bridal Expo with help from her students in FACS 355. They began planning in April 2022.
“The purpose of the expo is for local businesses to hopefully gain business by having brides book with their venue or whatever their specialty is,” Milks said. “The purpose is also learning so students get to help plan the event, work the event and also network with vendors.”
“Our goal is for this to be a good experience for vendors. We value partnerships in our department,” Milks said. “A big part of event planning is networking, so we want to be a light first … We want to share the good news in this industry.”
All ticket proceeds and vendor fees went towards the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center.
For more information about these events, follow the department at @libertyuniversityfacs.
Lunt is a feature reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter
