Bridal Shows Not Just For Brides

Strolling amidst white gowns, sparkling tiaras and lavish cakes may not be most men's ideal way to spend an afternoon, but that's just what Don Pittman, of Grand Blanc, did on Sunday.

The groom-to-be brought his finacee, Jackie DeMarco, to the Bridal Show at the   to scope out the options for their spring wedding.

“It was actually his idea,” said DeMarco of her betrothed.

Though Pittman was a little embarrassed by that bit of information, his wife-to-be said she was proud of him.

“Everyone says I'm so lucky that I have a guy who will take me to bridal shows,” DeMarco beams.

Though undecided about most of the menu - she wants a pig roast and he, a chef, would rather prepare the food himself - the couple can agree on one thing.

“The cakes are great,” said DeMarco about Tasty Layers, a Burton bakery that offers more than twenty cake and filling combinations (including dark chocolate and peanut butter mousse) and custom designs.

Though it was a predominately female crowd, Pittman wasn't the only guy at the event.

Dustin Rourke, of Fenton, was there accompanying his childhood friend, bride-to-be Danielle Harbin, on her quest for chair covers for her wedding in October while her groom stayed home in pajamas.

“She said she wanted me to come and help, but she knows exactly what she wants,” said Rourke, who is also helping the groom choose his tuxedos.

 “I trust him,” said Harbin,while looking over her shoulder as she checked out Special Occasions display for which colors to use on the chairs.

Another future bride, Brittany Reamer of Linden, was glad she came to the show on Sunday.

“We've been to a lot of other shows and hadn't found anything,” says Reamer, who is getting married in the gazebo in Fenton's “Here I found my DJ, a caterer and I'm going to have my reception here, at the community center. It's all local—it's perfect!”

 Other vendors at the show included Northlight Studio Photography, Pure Romance and Bon Appetit Catering of Davison, which displayed carvings made out of fruits and vegetables.

“Weddings are happy events. I enjoy it,” said Jim Beam, who has run Bon Appetit with his wife for 32 years.

“Except when the bride is late to eat.” he added with a chuckle.

For Nicole Kalil, who runs Something Blue Bridal Boutique in Holly and is a newlywed herself, it's more than a business.

“Brides always say that when the wedding is over, they feel like they don't know what to do with themselves,” said Kalil, whose business has been open for a year. “I feel like I get to relive it over and over. It's a fun industry.”