by Jonathan Weaver
Engaged couples still planning for their summer wedding can check off everything on their to-do list this weekend.
Rusted Rose Bridal Owner Shannon McDermott is finishing last alterations on this weekend’s Armstrong County Bridal Show in Kittanning.
The Armstrong County Bridal Show will be held at St. Mary’s Parish hall Saturday evening in Kittanning.
Hosted by Rusted Rose Bridal in downtown Kittanning, the event will feature nearly 50 vendors, Owner Shannon McDermott said – from caterers to jewelry, photographers and venues.
“All of the above,” McDermott said. “You name it – we have it.”
McDermott, of Cowansville, bought the store last April from former Bridal Reflections owner Karen Zambotti and reopened in September after remodeling. Even though she attended a show in Indiana a few weeks ago, McDermott was always going to be at least participating in this weekend’s show, but took over sponsorship after the event was nearly cancelled.
“Being as I took over Karen’s shop, I got the 30,000 phone calls (asking) ‘Are we having the show this year?’ With getting that many phone calls about it, obviously I saw the interest that the community had in the show,” McDermott said. “Being only open for six months now, I had a full plate, but it’s come together really well.”
More than a dozen wedding gowns and 10 bridesmaid dresses will be featured in a fashion show beginning at 8:15PM – including a lace trumpet dress just like the one McDermott walked down the aisle in at her Las Vegas wedding in November 2014.
All dresses are “budget-conscious” - priced less than $1,700.
“It should be a good show. I spread across the styles and designers, so you’ll see a little bit of everything,” McDermott said.
All proceeds will be donated to Christmas for Kids – a nonprofit based in Adrian –which donated during two major holidays at the end of 2016.
“They fed over 450 people last year – veterans, shut-ins, people who don’t have family – and they gave almost 200 kids Christmas gifts,” McDermott said. “It’s a really good cause. They’ll definitely put good use to the money. I’m excited to be able to donate that much to them.”
The bridal show – which will also give away a bridal gown and hall rental – opens at 5PM Saturday. Tickets at the door are $5.