![The 41st annual Wedding Party Expo highlights](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20220116110710/FDDT_MBride2.jpg)
The 41st San Diego Wedding Party Expo was presented at the US Grant Hotel on Feb. 19. This Luxury Collection Hotel is newly restyled and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There were three floors in this historic building where this upscale event took place. Prospective couples were able to see products and services for their upcoming weddings such as photographers, videographers, caterers, honeymoon destinations, and florists. Pamela Ann Noxon is the founder of this event and has been helping brides out since 1996. There were 100 wedding experts on hand to discuss that special day. Booths were set up with tasty hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and delicious desserts. A contest was going on to vote for your favorite cakes in the Ultimate Cake Taste Test Challenge. Why not have a signature cocktail for your event? Bella Beverage Catering sponsored a cocktail lounge to sample said libations. Everyone could enjoy wine tasting, and the US Grant Hotel in the Chairman’s Court gave such a grand tasting. A gentlemen’s lounge was set up with craft beers and mead tasting, which also included grooming and fashion. A Gentlemen’s Fashion Show was also head in the Bivouac Ballroom of the historic hotel.
Designer Michelle Hebert presented an exclusive tea-style fashion show in the lobby. Hebert’s style is very romantic and heavily influenced by nature. One of her standout creations for the crowd was distressed couture, which was shown in her finale. Attendees could meet Hebert in the wedding gown “designer row.” Jana Ann Couture was there to discuss her designs that she creates to bring out the inner princess in you. One of her specialties is puppy couture. She creates matching gowns for your dog on your special day using the same fabric as your gown. Adolfo Sanchez was also on hand to discuss his high-end creations with a touch of edge. Sanchez creates sophisticated must-have gowns.
The afternoon culminated with the much-anticipated Fashion Show by La Jolla’s M Bride. The owner of this upscale boutique, Michelle Martin, is known for her couture gowns. Martin has been a mainstream on Pearl Street in La Jolla for the past 13 years. The runway sizzled with designs by Ines di Santo, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Sachin and Babi, and Elli Saab. The creations were breathtaking. Check out M Bride’s upcoming trunk shows. The next one will feature Sachin and Babi on Feb. 24 and 25.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. The 2017 Oscars Party at The Lot, La Jolla, will take place.
Fashionistas walk the red carpet in formal attire, enjoy a special menu, great atmosphere, and view the awards ceremony at the Lots big screen. Reservations required. Purchase tickets online at www.thelotent.com.
Saturday, March 11,
Luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to benefit Soroptimist International of San Diego. Gretchen Productions at the Sheraton Harbor Island East Tower will present this event, “Women Stronger Together.” Call 858-569- 6260 for information.
Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com