By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
They may be transplants from Findlay but Steve Inman and Jessica Shepherd have already put down strong roots in the Bucyrus community — and they plan on digging those roots a little deeper this weekend.
Inman and Shepherd, owners of Sparkling Images Photography, converted the Carlisle House on the corner of E. Mansfield St. and Lane St. into a photography business nearly a year ago. As their business grew and they attended more and more bridal shows, the duo had a thought: why can’t they have their own exclusive bridal show in the town they have made their own? On top of that, why can’t they include all of the local businesses that also cater to weddings?
Thus, the brainchild of Inman and Shepherd was born. The Sparkling Bridal 2014 bridal show will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. this Saturday at the historic Carlisle House located on the corner of East Mansfield and Lane streets.
The photographers have invited 15 local vendors to the intimate bridal show. Those vendors include not only examples of Sparkling Images Photography but also Special Moments Bridal Tux and Prom Center, Salon Ooh La La, U Be Dazzled, Joanie’s Beauty Salon, Norton’s Flowers, Pure Romance, Crossroads Original Designs, The Pampered Chef, Katering Kountry Style, Kimmel Cleaners, Dillinger’s Event Center, Advocare, Morning Glory, Ehrharts Drive Thru and Sparkling Audio DJ Services.
“We were looking for a way to get more involved in the community and to get all of the Bucyrus brides and the Bucyrus families to realize what resources they have here in Bucyrus,” Inman explained. “There’s a lot of great bridal vendors and a lot of great caterers; if we can get at least some of those in one place, I think it allows the bride and the parents, all of those people in the decision making process, to realize you don’t have to go outside of town. You don’t have to go to Marion or Mansfield or Upper (Sandusky). There’s a lot to offer right here.”
Once the idea formed, Inman and Shepherd approached various businesses in the community to see if they would like to be involved in the show.
“We got great response,” Inman said.
Inman said they had to turn some vendors away due to space issues. Nevertheless, brides will have access to a vendor from each area of the wedding business.
“That gives it that intimate, elegant chance,” Inman said. In future shows, he hopes they will be able to rotate vendors in order to give couples and families more options.
Sparkling Bridal 2014 will be an open house event where brides and families can attend the show and register for giveaway prizes.
“I think it will be fun,” said Inman. “It’s a different take on bridal shows. Instead of just the big barn full of people, you know kind of hawking stuff at you, it’s a chance to come in and quietly and elegantly talk to people and build a relationship.”
If you’re going to spend anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 on a wedding, you should get to know the people who will be working with you throughout the process, Inman believed. He saw the understated and elegant event as such a way to form those connections.
“We kind of create that kind of environment where you get to know them before you spend the money,” said Inman. “And as vendors, we want to know you. We want to know who we’re working with. This environment we hope presents that opportunity.”
Inman and Shepherd have done the round of impersonal bridal shows. Now they want to create something that will not only give back to the community but create stronger connections too.
“We don’t necessarily want to be the biggest bridal show in Ohio. We just want to be a bridal show where you can come, get to know your vendors, for brides that are really looking for options and opportunities. And, the vendors involved, the owners and people that will be here are great people. And they’ll take time; they’ll talk to you, almost a consultant deal. They’re willing to help you and answer some questions.”
Inman encouraged any brides interested in attending to bring questions for the vendors.
“Most of us are just happy to share what we know. If you can learn from our experience, do that. Take that. If you gain nothing else from the show, you’ve gained a lot from that.”
To find out more information about the bridal show, visit the Sparkling Images Photography website at www.sparklingimagesphotography.com.