1,000+ guests are slated to attend this one-stop-shop for all wedding planning needs
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Anyone with a Facebook or Instagram account knows that Dec. 25 through Feb. 14 should be rightfully dubbed “engagement season.” There’s just something in the chilly air that makes people get down on one knee. For all of those couples who flooded social media on Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day with cute selfies flaunting their sparkly rocks, reality has probably creeped into that feeling of bliss — there’s an entire wedding to plan.
Simultaneously stressful, confusing and exciting, organizing the perfect “big day” involves a lot of moving parts — choosing and booking the venue, deciding on food options, and of course, saying “yes” to the dream dress. To make the process as seamless as possible for area brides and grooms, Visit Bucks County is once again hosting its annual Bucks County Wedding Show on Sunday, March 10, from noon to 3 p.m. at Delaware Valley University’s Moumgis Auditorium.
Last year’s event attracted more than 1,000 attendees, who enjoyed a free one-stop-shop for all of their wedding needs.
“It’s one of the only shows where you can get almost all the venues all under one roof, and really get a feel for what Bucks County has to offer,” said Jenna Worrell, business development and events manager at Visit Bucks County. “I like to think Bucks County has a lot of hidden gems. We have a lot of rustic and historic beauty, mansions on the water, all that fun stuff.”
At the Wedding Show, couples can gather information on a variety of local venues, including river and lakeside mansions, romantic bed and breakfasts, wineries, countryside barns and historic landmarks. They can also explore cake options, find the perfect photographer, and sample food and beverages.
In addition, guests can participate in DIY sessions and learn tips and tricks from Amy’s Creative Cakes, Brooke Straiton Photography and Ye Olde Yardley Florist. Non-stop entertainment will be provided from wedding band Philly Rock & Soul, with a grand finale fashion showcase by Warrington’s Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and Bob Egan Entertainment.
Franco Salerno and Wendy Ianieri, the husband-wife duo who founded Darianna in January 2013, are thrilled to be a part of the Wedding Show for the first time and showcase all their shop offers.
“We’re going to do all the new bridal that’s just come in, some of the tried and true ones. All the different styles and silhouettes will be on display,” said Ianieri, adding how long- and half- sleeves are very “in” this season. “We’re showing everything from the simple chic to the ornate ball gown and everything in between.”
As for the grooms and groomsmen, Salerno said navy blue, cobalt blue and grey tuxedos are popular right now, as well as a brand new cornflower one.
“I think it’s going to overrun every other tuxedo that we have,” he said.
Classic black tuxedos and suits will also be seen on the runway. The majority of the models in the showcase will be current and former clients of Darianna, all of whom responded to a request posted by Ianieri on social media.
“We really weren’t sure what kind of a response we would get, if any,” she said. “I think within the first half hour, we had five or six emails. The loyalty and that feeling of family, that’s the whole thing they want to come back and be part of again. That made it all the more special that we’re going to be refitting these girls and guys from even a couple years ago.”
According to the couple, Darianna — a combination of their daughters’ names, Daria and Deanna — is the definition of a family-owned business.
“It’s just us,” Salerno said. “We started this from scratch and it turned into a pretty big, recognizable business.”
The shop is open seven days a week and offers wedding gowns and tuxedos, prom dresses and apparel for black tie affairs and corporate events. For every client who walks through Darianna’s doors, Salerno and Ianieri work to ensure they’re given personalized attention — even after the store closes for the evening.
“During business hours or after hours, anybody can text our store number and it goes directly to me and Franco. When you have brides and grooms that can be a little nervous or stressed or worried over something, and they can actually text the owners of the store and get the answer regardless of what time it is, they love that,” Ianieri said. “And it keeps us in touch with them on a different level. It’s not, oh you have to wait until the store opens. They have access to us pretty much anytime they need it.”
The two have been known to respond to texts while on vacation in Thailand and Italy. It’s never a bother because they simply love what they do.
“When you have a bride at 9:30 p.m. who just thought of something and she’s freaking out, and she gets the answer a minute later, that’s huge for them,” she said. “It makes them feel better. It makes our business run better. It’s something I don’t think we could actually work without right now.” ••
For information on Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, visit dariannabridal.com or call 215–491–8500.
If you go…
The 2019 Bucks County Wedding Show will take place Sunday, March 10, from noon to 3 p.m. at Delaware Valley University’s Moumgis Auditorium, 700 E. Butler Ave., Doylestown.
Admission is free, but pre-registered guests will be entered to win a romantic getaway, which includes an overnight stay for two at The Ash Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast, two Bucks County Wine Trail Passports, a gift certificate to The Washington House Hotel & Restaurant, and a gift certificate to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
Go to VisitBucksCounty.com/WeddingShow for more information and a full list of vendors.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
