By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of those brides-to-be who ventured out for Niles Downtown Wedding Walk.
Merchants had door prizes aplenty and many suggestions to create a perfect wedding day.
"I think this can be a really neat event. We only had eight brides come in. I think it needs to be more centralized and made more user-friendly. It was kind of slow," said Diane Hatch, manager of the gift shop at Riverfront Cafe.
Winners in the Miss Niles-Brandywine pageant greeted visitors to the participating stores. They assisted in directing shoppers to refreshments and pointed out special items of interest.
Miss Congeniality, Cassandra Butus welcomed shoppers in from the rain at Majereks. Once inside brides could get a personalized bookmark as Angie West demonstrated her calligraphy talents offering her services for invitations and place-cards with a personal touch.
Across the street, young and mature brides were busy looking for the perfect dress for their walk down the aisle. Sentiments Bridal Shop owner Bernice Strotter says her shop carries both new and consignment gowns to fit every budget.
"I remember one young couple who had several children. They had just joined a church and were going to get married. They were able to get the gown, the tux and a complete outfit for one of the little girls for around $100. I knew then this was an important service," she said.
Strotter first brought the idea of the Wedding Walk back to Niles after seeing a similar event in Holland. She agreed with Hatch. She felt it was a better idea to have the fashion show and displays at one location as they had in previous years at the Niles Inn.
Those looking for a wedding dress need not worry about finding a dress they love and then finding out it won't fit. Seamstress Dorothy Lee's alteration services are offered within Sentiments both to those who find their gown at the shop or bring one in from elsewhere.
"We pride ourselves on being a full service shop. I have added lacing to the backs of gowns that were too small and taken up the hems on those that are too long. I can add to veil and change a dress from having sleeves to sleeveless," said Lee.
County Down Pastries and Deli was the tastiest stop on the walk. Samples of wedding cake drew in a number of shoppers for the first time.
"Those who didn't know we were here and found us for the first time, purchased bread and pastry. They said they would be back. That alone makes our participation worthwhile," Michelle Prillwitz, owner of the shop, said.
Vicky Williams owner of Tippy Toes, said a few people had stopped in. She like many of the other merchants had special draws for those strolling the downtown looking for the best ideas.
"We like to suggest that the entire bridal party come in for some pampering. They can fill in table place-cards or finish up other last minute tasks while getting a pedicure or manicures," said Williams.
Roncari Thayer Jewelers' Sandra Boyce made a point of showing one of the more brides-to be, Patty Carlisle, the beautiful multi-stone necklace and bracelet set designed as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece..
"We do a great deal of custom work. Many people come in that want the diamonds from a relative's ring made into a new updated design. Of course we do all the engraving as well," she said.
Though there was some disappointment in the number that turned out for the Wedding Walk, those that did attend the event, seemed pleased to know all they could find right here in downtown Niles.