Ready for a white wedding

An engaged Centreville couple checked off a couple of items on their wedding wish list during the Culpeper Bridal Show on Sunday.

Katie Anderson, 24, and Nathan Midkiff, 26, were looking for a disc jockey and the perfect wedding cake to compliment their Oct. 2 nuptials.

“We found Sound Decision DJ Services. They’re wonderful,” said Anderson. “We’re still making our way around for the cake. But everything we’ve tasted so far is delicious.”

More than 250 people visited 30 vendors inside the banquet room at Pepper’s Grill adjacent to the Best Western Culpeper Inn.

It was a one-stop shop for future brides and grooms planning a wedding.

Some of the vendors offered photography, limo services, vacations, music, fitness packages, cosmetics, desserts, dinner samples, flowers, wine, and lodging.

Nathan Midkiff said he enjoyed the atmosphere of Sunday’s show.

“I like this a lot better than the Expo (in Northern Virginia). This is smaller and more intimate and people are not in a rush,” he said.

Culpeper couple Lauren Wine, 23, and Chris Reese, 23, said they plan to have their wedding at Pepper’s Grill in August.

They were at Sunday’s show in search of honeymoon destinations.

“Cruises, Inc. was a big help,” said Wine, hinting at a possible trip to the Dominican Republic. “But we haven’t decided yet.”

During the highly anticipated bridal fashion show, guests oohed and aahed as nine women sashayed down the runway modeling gorgeous beaded gowns.

Two men and two young boys also received some cheers of approval from the crowd. The women sported gowns by Ella Rosa and Alfred Angelo, while the guys wore tuxedos by Jim’s Formal Wear.

As they walked down the runway, Ginny Chilton of Weddings by Ginny in Fredericksburg described the gowns and tuxedos in detail for the captivated crowd.

“I think the show was good and the amount of people that showed up was great, now that’s what I like,” said Chilton.

Jacquelyn Bishop of Classic & Contemporary Photography in Fredericksburg said couples should book a professional photographer to capture those special wedding moments.

“Everybody eats the food. Eats the cake. Puts the gown in storage. What are you going to have left? The pictures,” Bishop said.

Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Thea Donaldson, who applied the models’ makeup, collected a long list of potential clients during the show.

“This went really well. I think this was a great turnout. This makes me want to get married again,” Donaldson gushed.

Across from her, Tracy Augstell and Shane Sheaffer of Caroline Street Catering in Fredericksburg dished up some tasty crab dip, meatballs, and sweet desserts.

And for the record, there were no Bridezilla sightings at Sunday’s bridal show.