Bridal show highlights Valley wedding venues, consultants

ANCHORAGE - Donna Turner's annual bridal spectacular and fashion show was at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa Jan. 14. Turner is one of Alaska's better-known bridal consultants and owner of Donna's Corner on South Big Lake Road.

Several dozen wedding industry vendors showed their wares - from idyllic Mat-Su Valley wedding venues and catering companies to gift handcrafters, beauty shops and wedding photographers.

For those planning a wedding in the next year, this was certainly the place to be.

Florene Carney said she and her husband, Doug, began Snowfire Gardens as an "accidental business." Their love of gardening grew into an outdoor event venue when friends began to ask if they could stage weddings at their home at Mile 5.2, Fairview Loop Road in Wasilla.

The Bridal Spectacular filled the summit at the top of the Sheraton hotel with wall-to-wall festivities from noon until late afternoon, with lights, music and masters of ceremonies from R&R Productions in Wasilla.

In addition to Turner's wedding and formal gown models, Celeste Bond's Celestial Designs provided a stunning array of lingerie designed for virtually all makes and models of Alaska woman.

Vendors seduced attendees with gourmet taste treats and Latin dancers from Alaska Dance Promotions entertained young and old during breaks, demonstrating how to add the excitement of dance into wedding reception events.

More images may be seen, printed and downloaded online at Dave Harbour World Photography, tinyurl.com/6mxbc2f.