Wedding and Wine Festival at Nesselrod
My article for the Radford News messenger....
The Nesselrod on the New Bed and Breakfast was the site for a new approach to bridal shows this past Sunday. The fist annual Wedding and Wine Festival took advantage of the beautiful gardens perched over the New River. Brides-to-be strolled the gardens to preview and meet vendors of wedding services.
Alyce Haynes of ASG Productions, LLC, said “we wanted a different approach to the warehouse style bridal show.” ASG Productions, LLC, produced the event along with Nesselrod on the New Bed and Breakfast. Thirty vendors were available Sunday showcasing their services and products.
Chelsie Hall and Marvin Flinchum have set their wedding date for September of 2014 and attended the festival to get more ideas. Venues, caterers, photographers, and musicians were just some of the services they were able to talk to and discuss their big day. They were accompanied by Flinchum’s mother, Wanda. It was a group effort to explore the possibilities for the upcoming nuptials.
Along with the bridal show Attimo Winery of Christiansburg and Coltsfoot Winery from Abingdon were set up to provide tastings. The wine tasting area proved popular as it also provided tables for resting and talking. Purchasers of a wine tasting ticket were provided a tasting glass. If you did not care for wine you could purchase a walking ticket.
The sun jumped in and out of behind clouds providing at times welcome warmth and then cooling everyone off with a stiff breeze. The tree lined paths led visitors from one area to the next. In one area vendors had their own tents and in another a large tent housed a variety of vendors.
After a couple decides to tie the knot there are dozens of decisions to make and the festival provided answers. You could talk to photographers and view their work, sample food from caterers, shop for jewelry, find out if a DJ had all the music you wanted, meet florists, and taste wedding cakes. All while enjoying the first day of Fall.
Ken Jones of Hooptie Ride in Blacksburg brought a stretch limo that seats eight. Another transportation option available was Laurel Springs Percherons, a horse drawn carriage so you could arrive at your wedding in equine style.
Serena Atkins of Slumber Parties talked to brides about hosting bachelorette parties, no men allowed. Li’l Bit Corny, a gourmet flavored popcorn vendor in Radford shared samples and told visitors how they could have custom popcorn for their wedding.
Visitors were entered into a raffle and were eligible for a number of door prizes including a free wedding for up to 50 guests.