ORANGE PARK – Dozens of vendors were at the Clay Bridal Spectacular last Sunday at the Thrasher-Horne Center to show off their products and services to brides planning their big days.

“This is the third annual,” said Bob Olson, Director at the Thrasher-Horne. “Three years ago, we came up with the idea of trying to do an expo for Clay County. There’s never been a bridal expo in Clay County. We kind of felt like, Jacksonville can have ‘em, why can’t we?”

The expo featured a variety of vendors, set up boutique-style so that visitors could visit them and socially distance for safety.

Brielle Horner is a 20-yer-old future bride who was scheduled to marry last December but moved her wedding back because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She modeled her wedding dress at the expo for Pink Bouquet Bridal, the shop where she purchased it. She also wore a mask that matched her dress design.

“When I went in, it just felt very warm, and I felt like I was loved,” Horner said. “I felt like I was just able to pick out whatever dress I wanted. Being here at this event, I’m able to show off that it doesn’t matter what you look like; you’re able to pick out the dress that you want for your special day.”

Horner also said COVID has pushed many weddings back, according to what she heard from brides with whom she spoke.

Tammy Martin, manager of Pink Bouquet in Orange Park, had a different take on the situation.

“This is the third year,” she said. “We were surprised that, you know, 200 brides, between 200-and-250, actually registered. Brides are getting creative, and no one’s really letting the coronavirus stop them from getting married.

“And as much as you think couples wouldn’t be traveling, they are traveling. They’re traveling and doing destination weddings.”

Other vendors present included photographers and caterers.

Our Story Productions provides photography and videography for its clients. This is the first year that they have attended the Bridal Spectacular.

“We’re happy to be here in this expo to meet brides,” said Aida Varas, photographer for Our Story. “It [COVID-19] has affected us and the families that are trying to get married. Very surprised [at the turnout for the expo]; we’re very fortunate.”

Based on ticket sales, Olson projected that visitors’ volume to the expo would be roughly the same as last year’s attendance of about 200.