One Stop Wedding

OGDEN — Now is the season for brides and grooms to plan their spring or summer weddings. These moments of stress have been captured by Hollywood in movies such as Father of the Bride, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Bride Wars. It is a cutthroat time when brides are willing to do anything possible to have the day they have always dreamed of.
Many businesses and services are available in Ogden to help limit the stress and make a day worth remembering. The Standard-Examiner hosted the annual Spring Bridal Gathering at the Union Station in Ogden, Jan 22-23, for upcoming brides and grooms. 
“(This event) is a way of getting out in the community and provide a convenient location for brides to meet local wedding businesses and help them plan for the big day,” said Standard-Examiner event-coordinator Jennifer Thorpe.
According to Thorpe, this season’s brides aren’t looking for the traditional wedding style. The Union Station’s north wing was full of booths related to weddings. There were florists, cake decorators, catering companies, reception halls and even insurance companies.
“Brides are looking for something different,” Thorpe said. “That’s why we have several options for anything they may need.”
The Ivy Lane Reception Center, at the historic Eccles Mansion on 25th St., was at the event, offering services to get all of a couple’s wedding plans accomplished in one location. Jadee Dryden, a 2006 Weber State University dental hygiene alumna, said she works for Ivy Lane when she isn’t working as a hygienist.
“Sometimes I need a break from dental hygiene and this is a great change for me,” Dryden said. “Because I work part-time, I get a chance to do a little of everything. I may decorate one week and do something different the next. Ivy Lane is nice because it is a full-service location where we do everything. Literally the only thing we don’t offer is the dress, photographer and the groom.”
Chelsea Frasier, a WSU freshman, was at the event. She had gone to Davis County and other places along the Wasatch Front looking for items for her wedding.
“My wedding’s in September so I have some time but the most difficult thing has been finding a location,” Frasier said.
Florists were at the event showcasing floral displays and offering advise.
Element Design Décor owner Cindy Speters said doing floral arrangements independently for clients is something she has always loved.
“I used to have a business located in downtown Ogden, but I found I wasn’t able to do what I really wanted to do,” Speters said. “I couldn’t spend as much time doing what I really loved. Now I have become a freelance florist. This allows me to be selective and keep the volume down so I can focus my attention on a single event.”
Whether students are looking for a location to hold their wedding or just need help planning, there are several companies in Ogden ready to help. For more information on vendors at the event visit www.bridalgathering.com.