2023 Mat-Su Wedding and Special Event Expo held at Raven Hall

WASILLA — The 2023 Mat-Su Wedding and Special Event Expo was held at Raven Hall Saturday, March 11.

This is the first time the expo has been held in three years due to the pandemic.

"It's nice to get out and about again,” Fleurish, the art of flowers owner Tonja Hall said.

The Expo featured a variety of new and returning vendors in the wedding industry, including caterers, florists, chefs, DJs, photographers, and bridal gown shops.

Hall participated in the 2019 expo at the Palmer Train Depot. She said the Raven Hall offers more room to fit even more vendors and visitors. She said this event is an important tool for highlighting local experts available across the community.

"I think the Valley needs this now," Hall said. "We have lots of great vendors and we can compete with Anchorage."

The expo is hosted by Women Warriors Event Planning, an organization founded by three local veterans Tanya Viglione, Debbie McKimmey, and Karen Denton.

"I think they're very, very organized and they can plan anything. They're a pretty powerful team," Hall said.

Viglione said that she was happy with this year's turnout. She said they had a high amount of vendor participation and plenty of local betrothed cycling through Raven Hall.

"It seemed pretty steady," Viglione said.

Arctic Rose Bridal Salon owner Diane Tresham said that she was happy with how everything went.

"They did a great job. They put on a wonderful event for everybody," Tresham said.

McKimmey said there are a lot of wedding vendors opening up in the community as well as seasoned veterans. She said the expo is a great way for vendors to connect.

"We can help each other out. There's enough business for all of us to stay busy," McKimmey said.

Viglione said that she appreciated the continued support of local vendors they've worked with over the years.

"All of us do a lot," Viglione said. "We've all kind of grown together. It's been nice."

There's a lot that goes into a wedding: planning the venue, theme, decorations, attire, food, drinks, music, and the list just keeps going. Hall said that planning is the most powerful tool a bride and groom can use when planning their special day.

"I would say organization is key to planning a wedding- and delegate delegate delegate, especially when it comes to the day of the wedding... It'll take the stress off of them," Hall said.

Hall specializes in the floral aspect of the wedding. She said it's one of the most important factors that tie the atmosphere together.

"I believe there's a lot of feelings in flowers. They project a mood, a vibe. They make people happy," Hall said.

Tresham specializes in helping brides choose the perfect wedding gown. She said it comes down to listening to each client and helping them make their dream a reality.

"It's like their mission and I love to be a part of it," Tresham said.

Tresham said that choosing the right dress and the right venue are the top priorities for any wedding. She said weddings work best when all the elements come together and play off each other.

"That puts the mood and everything into place," Tresham said.

Tresham has been married to her husband Ron for over 6 decades. She said that she still has her original wedding dress in the shop.

"I still love it," Tresham said.

Tresham said that she enjoys helping people prepare for their big day and seeing them get just as excited as she was.

"This leaves a memory forever," Tresham said.

Door proceeds from the Mat-Su Wedding and Special Event Expo went to the American Cancer Society.

Women Warriors Event Planning hosts numerous functions throughout the year.

"We like to help create memories," McKimmey said.

For more information, call 907-841-0767 or visit womenwarriorsep.com

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com