Brides and grooms on trend

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

Bridal fashion received a spectacular ovation during the staging of the inaugural Jamaica Bridal Expo at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay.

The two-day bridal affair, held recently, showcased some of the most flamboyant bride and groom attire available. A one-hour fashion show by Bliss Bridal Boutique and Earle's Fashion ended the activities of each day on a high note.

On the ladies side, Bliss Bridal Boutique delivered exquisitely designed gowns which demonstrate that Jamaican brides can go on trend. Many patrons flocked the booth to get information on how they can source their dress for that special day.

Interestingly, many of the models were not the typical slim-built body type one sees on the runway. Voluptuous full-figure beauties wowed the audience as they walked down the catwalk. It showed too that Bliss Bridal Boutique had something unique to suit any body type, something the crowd did not mind seeing for a change.

Dapperly clad men in Italian-styled suits were equally amazing and the handsome gents secured a few screams from the ladies who held nothing back as the models wore Earle's Fashion with pride. The slim-cut pants mixed with fitted jackets also showed that Jamaica is in line with global fashion trends for men and grooms do not have to import a suit to satisfy their taste.

Managing director of Jamaica Bridal Expo, Peter Shoucair, explained that the Jamaica Bridal Expo was a great success, a sign that this has the capacity to be annual event.

"When we initial came up with the idea and approached the different sponsors, they saw the vision and came on board. Wedding is a multi-billion-dollar industry and Sandals alone does more than 5,000 weddings each year, Shoucair said.

He continued: "We had 80 booths and so we will have to move it to the bigger section at the convention centre and, hopefully, double the number of participants in the areas of attractions, hotel, restaurants and entertainment.

"The Montego Convention is not only a beautiful location to host events, but to get married as well. Mexico is top three in the world on places to get married and there is no reason Jamaica can't be among the top three," Shoucair noted.