Future brides and grooms, along with members of potential wedding parties large and small were all smiles on Sunday as the Lake Country Wedding Showcase featured 35 vendors from around Simcoe County at the Best Western Mariposa Inn.
Shelby Stock, owner of Ever After Bridal Boutique in Orillia, has been working with the Best Western Mariposa Inn since 2020 to host the event twice a year.
“We have great attendance and great results from it,” she said.
Greetings and congratulations resounded in the halls as people discussed their engagements and future weddings.
This year brought an assortment of new vendors to the venue, along with repeat vendors, all of whom brought samples and prizes. From Couchiching Craft Brewery to Costco, local vendors were on hand in an effort to make the wedding planning experience simple.
Heather Little recently branched out and opened her own mobile bar service, Twisted Taps Event Co. She was sampling a number of mocktails and offered a discount and gift basket prize package.
“Where do you get 300 pounds of ice?” is a question Little said people might ask when planning their wedding. “I help with that and create drinks, with glassware and so they can knock it off their list and don’t have to think about it again.”
Bride-to-be Holly Whiston and her maid of honour, Caitlin Sine Jewett were attending their first showcase. Whiston will be married next August and has both her officiant and dress already selected. But the Lake Country Showcase opened their eyes to the many more items to help with.
“There’s more than some might think,” said Lynn Ellsmere who sat at the table to show how Costco can help with weddings. She listed items they offer: platters, flower arrangements, cards, even travel insurance.
Bailey Wood and Cheryl Sabourin are friends who will each be married in 2026. They didn’t know where to start the planning. When Sabourin noticed the Lake Country Showcase event on her Facebook feed they decide to attend together.
“In all honesty, I just want to take it all in. I don’t know what my colour scheme is, I don’t know what kind of vibe I want ... I don’t know anything yet. So I figured I will come here, have a look, talk with some people and see,” said Wood.
The friends were impressed with the variety of vendors. One of whom took them by surprise was Kelsea Dale, who owns a unique business called Royal Paws Pet Services.
Dale is a licensed dog handler. She works with photographers and planners to include the furry family members at weddings. She said it helps take the pressure off of the couple and their family and friends.
“A lot of people include their dogs in the wedding and the photography. But there are more cats involved than before. Next year I’m working with a couple and their rabbit, too,” she said.
Gail and Robert Lutes have been offering DJ and officiating services for 15 years. They have attended Lake Country Wedding Showcases every year.
“You get a lot of people wanting information and ideas,” said Gail about the event. She explained people are more excited after they have booked and made the reservations. “We’re getting a bit smaller weddings, or they’re over the top,” she said of trends over the past five years in the business.
Dresses, suits, and cakes are key considerations. Things like gifts for the bride — a photo shoot with Beach Bum Boudoir — spa packages and dance choreography are also items to consider for the big day.
Stock said some vendors might be intimidated by an event like this if they’re a new business or just getting established.
“Just show up, meet people, it’s a very fun environment for everyone," she said.
She explained her favourite thing about the showcase event is the people and how well everyone works together. “Making connections with the vendors and being able to include my family and friends,” summed up Stock.
If you missed this weekend's event, you can look forward to another chance to attend the winter wedding showcase in early 2025.
