Austin Wedding Extravaganza

Weddings by Kennedy Booth: Tent, custom lighting and full legnth white callas lillies

by Eric Hegwer

in Austin Weddings

There were tons of deals to be had – especially among the wedding photographers in Austin. They must have outnumbered every other vendor at the Bridal Extravaganza almost 3 to 1. The only other group who had numbers even close were florists slash event designers.  It was fun roaming among the masses – everyone had grand ideas, and was searching for just the perfect idea or golden nugget for their wedding.

One time, a long time ago I had a booth at this very show. I few in from California for a chilly weekend in January while I was still working as a Biochemist.  I was going  to begin my new life as a wedding photographer in Austin. That was back when the show lasted 2 days. Now the bridal show is just one.

I still go to the show, but not to talk with brides, or even network with other vendors. Now I attend to share the experience that today’s brides experience. I fill out the form pay my $14, and walk the walk. Its fun – I get so see many of my friends whom I’ve worked with countless times, and then I also get to meet all the new folks who have no idea who I am.

This last sunday I brought one of my smallest cameras, a Leica M4-P. This little black and silver unit is one of my favorites, because it can take pictures in the dim light of the Palmer events center without using a flash. It’s also pretty tiny, so I don’t stand out as a professional photographer. I loaded it with some Fuji 800 and pushed a stop to get decent pics – if some of them look dark it’s because I didn’t flash (so I wouldn’t attract attention to myself).

Here are a lot of shots of flowers, cakes and booth displays.  I find it absolutely incredible that all these amazing displays were assembled that morning.  The show started at noon, and I arrived just as the doors opened.  Everything was perfect.

As always, use them if you want to, (but if you do, please link back to www.EricHegwer.com), and feel free to comment below if you have any questions.

Pictures from the Austin Bridal Extravaganza - 28

More cupcakes!  You can't go wrong with these mini treats.

More cupcakes! You can't go wrong with these mini treats.

One of the most active booths was Nuptial Necessities - they have it all!

One of the most active booths was Nuptial Necessities - they have it all!

Vintage Villas was well represented in a double wide booth.

Vintage Villas was well represented in a double wide booth.

The Austin Party Central Booth - black and white, with pink -  Very modern and retro at the same time.

The Austin Party Central Booth This booth came in 2nd place overall - black and white, with pink - Very modern and retro at the same time.

There were so many photographers!  Tables and tables of displays and albums.  But I don't advertise - so no wedding booth for me.

There were so many photographers! Tables and tables of displays and albums. But I don't advertise - so no wedding booth for me.

I don't remember who this was but it sure was delicious!

I don't remember who this was but it sure was delicious!

Pictures from the Austin Bridal Extravaganza at the Palmer Events Center

Pictures from the Austin Bridal Extravaganza at the Palmer Events Center

A bride (with notes) sampling the artichoke dip from Courtney's catering

A bride (with notes) sampling the artichoke dip from Courtney's catering

My good friend Thalia Morgan from Memory Lane Event Center

My good friend Thalia Morgan from Memory Lane Event Center

There were lots of Tuexeo rentals showing off the latest styles - but the strange thing about a tux is that it never goes out of style (I guess that's why I have 3)

There were lots of Tuexeo rentals showing off the latest styles - but the strange thing about a tux is that it never goes out of style (I guess that's why I have 3)

Dian Reimer, Harpist.  I've been to several events where she plays for the bride and groom and it is really elegant.

Dian Reimer, Harpist. I've been to several events where she plays for the bride and groom and it is really elegant.

A four tiered cupcake display with peacock feathers from Me by Cupcake and More

A four tiered cupcake display with peacock feathers from Hill Country Cupcakes

I think this was AllieFower Event Floral Design - will somebody let me know in the comments below so I can give the proper credit - Thanks.

I think this was AllieFower Event Floral Design - will somebody let me know in the comments below so I can give the proper credit - Thanks.

A simple but elegant black and white table display with two forks

A simple but elegant black and white table display with two forks

Appetizers in chineese soup spoons

Appetizers in chineese soup spoons

Of all the booths, the C & J display smelled the best

Of all the booths, the C & J display smelled the best

Just look at that red rose display from Creative Petal Designs - I count 4 dozen red roses on this side alone.

Just look at that red rose display from Creative Petal Designs - I count 4 dozen red roses on this side alone.

A wrought Iron table display with dripping flowers, cryustals and hanging candles.

A wrought Iron table display with dripping flowers, cryustals and hanging candles.

More flowers from Wow Factor Design

More flowers from Wow Factor Design

Wow Factor Design

Wow Factor Design

A tall table display with white feathers, white roses, and an assortment of other White flowers - I'd guess this one was about 4.5 feet tall by Wow Factor Design

A tall table display with white feathers, white roses, and an assortment of other White flowers - I'd guess this one was about 4.5 feet tall by Wow Factor Design

Cakes from Simon Lee Bakery - one of Austin't best and most tasty!

Cakes from Simon Lee Bakery - one of Austin't best and most tasty!

mmmm Cake......

mmmm Cake......

Pictures from the Austin Bridal Extravaganza

Pictures from the Austin Bridal Extravaganza

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{ 3 comments }

Kari Shelton June 23, 2009 at 2:18 pm

It was wonderful meeting you Eric! Thank you for beautiful pics of our booth. WOW Factor ended up as “Best Booth” – it is great to get some pics that really show that! We will be linking you on our site – such a pleasure to talk with. Hope to see you again soon! Let us know if we can help you in any way!

The WOW Factor Floral Team

Kristi Hargis June 24, 2009 at 10:19 am

Do you have any other pics of our booth? That one is amazing, and if you do, I have GOT to see them! Great Work!

Eric Hegwer June 25, 2009 at 12:23 pm

Of course I do, Kristi – I’ll send them your way.

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