As a wedding planner I try to visit every bridal expo. Very much like a bride I come home with a big fat brown paper bag filled with business cards and brochures of suppliers working in the bridal industry. It is confusing, sorting through them and keeping only the ones I eventually would like to refer my clients to. I do have to admit, over the past 8 years I have become very lazy in attending. My big fat brown paper bag seems to be getting emptier by the year.

Then last year something new popped up in the Perth market… First Comes Love – an alternative wedding fair.

It certainly was different.

Instead of the usual big ball rooms or convention centres, it was held in a really old pub, The Oxford Hotel in Leederville. Don’t tell anyone but even I got lost in their rooms filled with old charm and whispering walls. It wasn’t like a bridal expo at all. Nobody was hiding behind their tables inside a booth filled with their products, instead everyone was interacting with each other. I could not tell the suppliers apart from the brides and grooms. Music, free popcorn and fairy floss for all! You could choose to be groovy and try out the photo booth with a keepsake picture, models were walking around dressed in bridal gowns and stopping for a chat.

Every supplier went out of their way to show off their products in their artistic arrangements and set-ups. They were so inviting that you couldn’t help but ask them questions and in no time you were so engaged and lost track of time.

There was even a picnic room, filled with pink flamingos, palm trees and picnic blankets, so I grabbed a bag of freshly made popcorn and sat down for a while to watch some beautifully made wedding videos.

http://vimeo.com/42912537

Angela and Leah, two very clever girls from Studio Bomba hit the spot and created something which was so very much needed in Perth.

I was one of the suppliers this year and made some wonderful new friends. It felt more like I was part of a very big family in an inspiring and creative space. You should see my big fat brown paper bag. No need to sort through this one. Every single business card will stay.

All the beautiful photos were taken by the fabulous wedding photographer Angela Higgins

Ms Gingham says: I get so excited when I see these events! Wedding fairs should be full of love, happiness and fun and this looks exactly like that type of event. First Comes Love is very aptly named! Thanks to Cathrin from CD Weddings for her review!

About Cathrin: With an affinity for the unique and keen sense of style Cathrin D’Entremont, owner and founder of CD Weddings, helps her clients discover and develop their vision and pairs them up with Perth’s most talented vendors to execute their event of a lifetime.

Be sure to check Ms Polka’s Event Calendar regularly to keep in touch with all the fabulous wedding events Australia wide!