Hilton Garden Inn says ‘I do’ to host bridal show debut
February 22, 2011
By Laura Geggel
Vicky Markussen, owner of Victoria Graceson Floral Design, arranges a bouquet of peach and cream roses with peach stock and peach-colored hypericum berries. By Gary Halperin
Brides and grooms often have a flurry of shopping before their big day, and they usually have to leave Issaquah to do it.
The “I Do!” Casino Night reverses that trend, with 17 vendors — including wedding planners, photographers, bakers, hair stylists and even an eyelash extension company — coming to Issaquah’s Hilton Garden Inn.
Dress for the evening is casual.
Gina Mary Bahhage, owner of Gina Mary Hair Design, plans to show patrons hairdos and makeup that her stylists have done for brides in the past. If a bride has a scar or a blemish, airbrush makeup can cover it up, leading to a beautiful wedding photo.
Cynthia Golpe, the Snoqualmie founder of MyCakes, plans to have three wedding cakes on display and a medley of sample cakes, including guava, carrot, caramel, red velvet and chocolate.
Jules Nesenblatt, the owner of Amaris Design Fashion Consulting, will showcase the handmade jewelry she fashions with pearls, 14-karat gold, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and gems.
Nesenblatt said she looks forward to sharing her craft with the community, as well as “having a mini Vegas-style event.”
When the couples need a break from wedding shopping, they can try their luck at the free, Viva-Productions casino, playing blackjack, roulette and trying signature cocktails prepared by a mixologist. Free desserts and dinner appetizers will sate the appetites of hungry guests.
Vicky Markussen, owner of Victoria Graceson Floral Design, is co-hosting the event with the Hilton Garden Inn and Gina Mary Hair Design.
Markussen and Bahhage organized a smaller wedding show at Gina Mary Hair Design in October, and it went so well the Hilton agreed to host a larger event.
“We wanted to bring something to Issaquah so people could get to know the local vendors and just know that we’re out here,” Bahhage said.
After 11 years in the floral design business, Markussen noticed how the responsibility of wedding planning usually fell on the bride, and decided she wanted to organize a wedding show that appealed to men and women. The idea of a show, coupled with the entertainment of gambling and food, spurred her forward. She even invited Nash Fung, a wedding magician, so participants can glean more ideas for their weddings.
“He’s so engaging and entertaining,” Markussen said of Fung’s mysterious tricks.
Brides, grooms and their friends and family can also enter raffle prizes with their casino winnings.
“I want to help them find a nice match and help them realize a vision for their wedding,” Markussen said.
If you go
‘I Do!’ Casino Night
- 6-9 p.m. March 3
- Hilton Garden Inn
- 1800 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
On the Web
- Register for the ‘I Do!’ Casino Night at www.idocasinonight.info. Find it on Facebook at ‘I Do!’ Casino Night.
Laura Geggel: 392-6434, ext. 241, or lgeggel@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
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IM Gourmet, Inc. is a local bakery and gourmet food company that will also be a vendor at the show. We will provide amazing cupcakes to sample and also do a raffle to win a dessert basket.
Can’t wait :)
Its gonna be a very fun wedding show!