Cynthia L. Herzog 
FITCHBURG – All you need is love – well, that and a dress, tuxedo, rings, flowers, cake, food, music, makeup and hair, photographs, a limo, a tent and favors – and the list goes on – in planning your wedding day.
To help plan your special day, Leominster resident Brenda Giambrocco, along with local businesses, are welcoming the community to an intimate “Veils and Cocktails” wedding expo from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at Fay Club, 658 Main St.
“We realize that the bride and groom and their families have been through a difficult time during the pandemic, like all of us, but we believe it is time to come together again, in person, and celebrate these special events in our lives,” said Giambrocco, owner of Leominster’s Fleur du Jour florist. “And the historic Fay Club seemed like the perfect venue for this elegant event.”
Giambrocco, who has been to bridal shows in the past, says she is thrilled to host this bridal show saying it will be different from others.
“I’ve been to a lot of wedding expos in the past that were very expensive,” she said. “There were several vendors in each category who were also there. With this expo, I thought it would be nice to bring together a group of professionals and organize a small, intimate event that a bride, her bridesmaids and her mother could come to without feeling overwhelmed.
Participating vendors will include Fleur du Jour, Duvarney Jewelers & Co., Ray Richard DJ, Central Mass Productions, First Choice Limousine, Veronika Patty Photography, The Fay Club, The Cake Studio, Atlantic Tent, The Finicky Fork Catering Co., Elizabeth Ann’s Bridal boutique, Claw Shop Day Spa and ceremonial costume rental.
“On your special day, you want everything to be perfect, and as a florist, I believe flowers add a touch of romance to the celebration,” Giambrocco said. “I also think the flowers reflect the couple’s style and give us a glimpse of what their life together will be like.”
Giambrocco will showcase a sample of her bridal bouquets, centerpieces and a beautiful gold hoop wedding arch, adorned with flowers that can be rented for a wedding.
It all starts with the ring, and Steve Duvarney of Duvarney & Co. Jewelers in Fitchburg wants people to find “the perfect wedding bands that will symbolize your life together.”
Jackie Santos, owner of The Cake Studio of Leominster, believes that a wedding cake is not only an important centerpiece for the couple’s special day, but also reflects their personalities.
“People celebrate with music and food, and I think cake is a great addition to their celebration,” Santos said. “The cake can say a lot about the creativity and personality of the couple and what they want to express to their guests.”
Santos will showcase some of his designs for wedding cakes, desserts and cupcakes. She will also give away a $50 gift certificate for people’s wedding orders.
All eyes are on the bride, and Elizabeth Ann’s bridal boutique in Auburn will be there with a selection of wedding and bridesmaid dresses. And for the groom and groomsmen, stop by Formal Attire Tuxedo Rentals in Leominster to shop for the perfect tuxedo.
Make it a day to remember with professional bridal shower and groom party services with Claw Shop Day Spa in Leominster and to capture all that beauty, Veronika Patty Photography, from Ashburnham, will be on hand to show the power of photography.
“I’m so excited to be part of a live wedding expo again,” Patty said. “Being face to face with the bride and groom, hearing their style and hopefully having the opportunity to catch their memories for generations to come makes me so happy.”
Artisanal platters, land, sea and vegetarian dishes, to a dessert bar are just a few of the creations on the menu with The Finicky Fork Catering Co., of Fitchburg.
“We promise to wow your guests with exquisite cuisine, expert coordination and gracious service on your special day,” said owner Dawn Aker-Ayala.
What’s a wedding without music and lights? Stop by Music For All Occasions and Central Mass productions. from DJ Ray Richard for music and lighting ideas, and get the party started. And don’t forget the tent, the fabulous folks at Atlantic Tent Rental will be there to help you with all your tent needs.
Finally, arrive in style with First Choice Limousine, from Lunenburg, to make a stylish first impression.
When visiting the wedding exhibition, people will see that all the businesses are local, which was important in planning this event.
“I think it’s essential to buy local,” said Giambrocco. “The vendors who will be at the wedding expo have been in the wedding industry for a long time, some of us for 40 years. We have followed the latest trends, we are ready to travel to your wedding destination ~ because we just love what we do.”
Giambrocco added that one lucky couple will have the chance to win up to $5,000 in gift cards, which were donated by each of the vendors at the event.
There is no admission charge and there will be complimentary champagne for the bride and her guests.
“Join us for an evening of relaxation and light meals as you begin the journey of one of the most special days of your life,” Giambrocco said. “Meet some of North Central Massachusetts’ finest wedding vendors at one of the most historic locations, we look forward to meeting you.”
