Wedding showcase a success

Pioneer Bluffs in Matfield Green held a wedding showcase Sunday to highlight the venue and give area vendors and brides-to-be a chance to connect.

"Yesterday (Sunday) was a huge success!" said Lynn Smith, executive director of Pioneer Bluffs.

There were 35 vendors at the event including photographers, florists, bakers, lodgers, caterers, event planners, rental companies, a musician and attire, gifts and a photo booth. Overall, there were about 170 people in the barn for the wedding showcase.

There were many prizes given away at the event. The grand prize consisted of Pioneer Bluffs items including wine glasses, keychains, a book, a magnet and a $200 gift certificate for a Pioneer Bluffs wedding. In addition to the grand prize, vendors contributed to fill two additional gift baskets. Each bride also received a gift bag with a $50 gift certificate, which can be used for a Pioneer Bluffs wedding. Smith said many future brides were interested in checking dates and that two wedding dates were booked by Monday morning.

"For me, the best part of the day was just before the guests began to arrive," said Smith. "I looked around and saw what they would see, exhibitors who had built an amazingly creative space in the barn. They brought in furnishings, barn wood pieces and countless handmade items that decorated our beautiful barn with a unique, rustic wedding ambiance. And then when the first bride and groom arrived, the entire ground floor of the barn — vendors and volunteers — erupted in applause. Our vendors and volunteers were as excited to share this space with wedding couples as they were to visit."

Smith said several vendors and future brides said this was the best bridal fair they have ever attended. Pioneer Bluffs is in the process of surveying vendors and guests to get additional feedback on the event.

Smith also noted Sunday was a windy day and it emphasized just how weather-tight the barn is after renovations.

"I enjoyed the day, and heard nothing but positive comments from the brides, their guests, and the other vendors," said Edye Wright of Wright Focus Photography in Wichita.

Kimberly Webb, director of information services at USD 490 chose to book her wedding at Pioneer Bluffs after the show.

"I loved the location," said Webb. "It is in a quiet, beautiful area that will make for some great photos. The showcase itself had a nice sampling of vendors that had some great information and ideas to share. I actually found a photographer there and will be ordering a couple of things for my wedding that I never would have thought about if I hadn't gone."

Source: Wedding showcase a success