The 2023 Dubuque Bridal Expo Makes Wedding Dreams Come True (PHOTOS)

Many of us fantasize about our wedding day our entire lives. We mentally plan the music, the ambiance, our groomsmen and/or maids of honor, and long for the entire process to go off without a hitch. The planning and coordinating can be overwhelming.

The Dubuque Bridal Expo 2023 helped eased the process for countless couples, who filed in the Grand River Center in Dubuque on Sunday, January 15th. This was not only a one-of-a-kind Experience for all who attended, but a massive celebration of so many phenomenal local businesses in the Tri-States.

Y105 was broadcasting at the event for the first couple hours, talking to several representatives and making the most of the fun. One of the staples of the Dubuque Bridal Expo is its multiple runway shows.

Thanks to the great folks at Milroy's and Modern Threads, I was able to participate in the first runway show. Yesterday was the beginning of my modeling career, you could say. My excitement only rivaled my initial nerves.

Credit must be given to Jessica Pfohl Paisley and her sister Jacquelyn for helping with the process. My fellow male and female models were also especially gracious. I modeled two suits for Modern Threads: a sharp blue paisley number and a gray sport coat complemented by a patterned collared-shirt and cognac shoes. Both were equally stylish.

Big thanks to my girlfriend, Catherine, who was kind enough to capture my strut (or my "drip" as the cool kids say) with her great photos!

Credit must also be given to Stacy Raap, the event's organizer, who, once again, went above and beyond in assuring the 2023 Dubuque Bridal Expo was a successful event. Raap is tireless in her commitment to making sure guests and exhibitors alike are taken care of.

Those who sprang for VIP tickets got treated to several goodies, including complementary food and drinks, additional entries into the expo's many drawings, a tote bag, and more!

I love this event because not only is it the premier one-stop-shop to get a look at everyone who can have a hand in making your wedding special, but it's a celebration of small, local businesses. Dozens of area boutiques, such as Zazou's, Modern Threads, Accessorize Me, Zen Lens, and a legion of others, were on-site, ready to make consultations and extend several options to newly engaged couples.

Beyond that, delicious drinks were served, music doubled down on Sunday Funday vibes, and eventgoers were treated to a truly special morning/afternoon of planning and discovery.

Once more, a big thanks to Stacy, Jessica, Jacquelyn, Modern Threads, and all the great people who assisted me and so many others at the 2023 Dubuque Bridal Expo!