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Bridal bliss

Brides-to-be check out their options as they look forward to walking down the aisle

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Amber Alcazar, of Otho, samples a miniature cupcake from Hummingbird Confections Saturday afternoon at The Messenger Bridal Spectacular in the Career Education Building at Iowa Central Community College.

Future brides, potential brides, maids of brides and mothers of brides and a few, just a few, future grooms, paid a visit to the annual The Messenger Bridal Spectacular Sunday afternoon in the Career Education Building at Iowa Central Community College.

Amber Alcazar, of Otho, has been married to her husband Dan for several years. She fit into the “maid of bride” category.

“I’m here to give suggestions,” she said, then sampling a miniature cupcake. “It’s a lot of work.”

Her friend Darci Smith, of Fort Dodge, is the person getting married. Smith was surrounded by Alcazar and several other family members, friends and some of the future bridal party.

The groom was absent.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
John Junkman, the owner of Foley’s Clothing, talks formal wear with quests at The Messenger Bridal Spectacular Saturday afternoon in the Career Education Building at Iowa Central Community College.

“He’s at home,” Alcazar explained.

For her own wedding, she found attending the show was a great way to get started on plans.

“Sometimes you just don’t know where to start.” she said.

Fred Schneider, of Fort Dodge, was among the grooms at the show. His bride, Wendi Vinnece, of Eagle Grove, also attended.

“I’m accompanying a bride today.” he said proudly.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Miniature cupcakes from Hummingbird Confections offer a delicious, and perhaps mortal, treat.

Planning their wedding has been a joint effort.

“We talk about everything,” he said. “I listen well. She comes up with the ideas. Then we talk.”

They do have some time to iron it out. Their date is June 22.

Kaitlyn Stewart, of Callender, is the owner of Hummingbird Confections.

She had samples on hand, miniature cupcakes in vanilla, lemon and the most dangerous of all, “Death by Chocolate.”

“If you’re going to die you might as well die eating chocolate.” she said.

While there may not actually be a lethal dose of chocolate that can be included in a cupcake, Stewart remains proud of her work.

She said that attending the show had been a good experience.

“We’ve had a good steady stream of visitors.” she said.

She said that she’s noticed a trend of couples choosing to focus less on a traditional cake and more on having a desert bar available.

She’s also seeing treats on the guest tables.

“Instead of centerpieces,” she said. “People are doing small cakes and cupcakes. They get two for one for their money that way.”

She too noticed the lack of grooms.

“I haven’t seen many grooms at all,” she said. “Most of them are here for the samples.”

The show included vendors from wedding venues, caterers, entertainment and formal wear suppliers. The afternoon also featured several demonstrations and door prices.

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