The Bridal Showcase, A collection of Wedding Professionals

The Charlotte Observer Sunday July 28, 2002

On May 26, 2002, Jennifer Dunlap and Christopher Bruce were married at her family's home on Lake Norman. The ceremony was held by the lakeside with white wooden padded chairs adorned with pale blue azaleas in tin cups. Each guest was given a handmade fan that also served as the program.

The bride wore a white strapless ball gown with a pale blue sash that wrapped around her waist and trailed down the back of the dress. The dress was beautiful on its own but was only made complete when she was presented with a pair of white Adidas tennis shoes appropriate for her outdoor wedding.

The bridesmaids wore blue and ivory gowns and carried smaller versions of the bride's bouquet, a beautiful array of vibrant colored roses and calla lilies. Each was hand-wrapped in pale blue ribbon. Magnolia of South Carolina handled all of her floral details to create the perfect summer wedding ambiance.

After the 5 p.m. ceremony, the guests enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres before moving under the tent to their placed seating for a candlelit dinner reception catered by Best Impressions. As the night progressed, the bride and groom danced the night away to the disc jockey sounds of Zamboni Brothers. The tables were stunning with rose bowls filled with different hues of pink, orange and yellow roses, Water-filled glass vases contained floating candles and rose petals. The tent, tables, chairs, china and linens were supplied by Party Reflections. The tent was like something from a storybook with its twinkling lights and high peaks.

The cake was made by a close friend and bridesmaid and was exactly what Jennifer had dreamed of. The night was absolutely perfect ... so perfect that the bride and groom continued to party until 2 a.m. The other guests had the option of leaving earlier in the night by trolleys that were provided by Trolleys of the Carolinas.

The event was planned and coordinated by Kelly Carson of Carolina Weddings and Events,'the organization that produces The Bridal Showcase. Show organizer, CW&E, chose the Dunlap/Bruce wedding for this special section's feature story. They were particularly impressed with photographer Kim Hummel, and because of her exceptional work chose to use one her photographs of the Dunlap-Bruce wedding on the cover of the section. Hummel is an up and coming photographer in the Charlotte area. Having studied several years under Deborah Tripplet, she is now on her own and working tirelessly to become a name in her own right. Show organizers consider her one of the top photographer's in Charlotte. Hummel is a true professional and easily captures the bride's needs and desires without compromising her talent in any way. The bride is left with photographs that not only capture the memory of the day, but the memory and feeling of each moment as well. Kim Hummel Photography is located on West Morehead. To learn more about her packages and rates call 704-331-0655.

Remember to give all of your vendors plenty of notice prior to your wedding date as most vendors book quickly.