Brides Against Breast Cancer Tampa VIP Night

Last Night was the Vip Night for Brides Against Breast Cancer. This was the first time doing that along with the regular sale. As the attendees ( brides plus guests)arrived to the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel they walked the pink carpet( supplied by Grand Events) to registration table to check-in. There they had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for $1.00. We were drawing during the event for a Free Wedding Dress ( valued up to $ 350.00 or they could use the discount off of a higher priced dress) and also a 4 day 3 night trip to Coconut Bay Resort ( all inclusive) in St. Lucia.

They were also treated to a free bridal publication from The Perfect Wedding Guide. As the guests left the Vip night , they were also given a goody bag supplied by Get Married with some goodies inside from various vendors.

After checking in, they were treated to glasses of wine & pink champagne along with a Mashed Potato Bar, fruit and cheese display,bacon wrapped scallops & and a Cappuccino and Expresso Bar….( Cafe A La Carte ) During the “cocktail hour ” they were also able to bid on Silent Auction items like hotel stays, wedding cakes & Flowers , plus a signed Martha Stewart Book.

One of the new additions to our gown sale this year was the Groom’s Lounge. The entire lounge set-up was supplied by Grand Events. Big thank to Grand Events, there lounge was a great success in the groom’s eyes and also for the kids in attendance.

After the cocktail hour the brides were let into the Ballroom to the main area and were greeted by ABC Members that were there to volunteer. The Brides were then treated to a suprise. Holly from Studio 10 was there to greet the guests and we had a very Special Guest with her… Cassiday…

Cassiday is sufferering with Breast Cancer and had asked the Making Memories Foundation for a wedding dress for her and a dress for her daughter. The Man that stood by her during this breast cancer treatment process has asked Cassiday to marry him. Cassiday arrived by Rolls Royce ( supplied by Ambassador Limousine) with her daughter and Fiance to the sale thinking she was picking out a dress. We suprised her with the help of fellow ABC ( Association of Bridal Consultants)Members a complete wedding including location for her. When Holly started reading off the different vendors and they came up and presented her with certificates for the wedding on March 30th, 2009 . Tears we filled in her eyes and her groom to be was speechless.

After the “Wish ” for Cassiday… Holly drew the tickets for the free dress and also for the trip and the Brides eagerly were anticpating being allowed to shop for the dress of their dreams nefore the public the next day. Once, Holly asked the volunteers to let go of the chain , the brides hurriedly grabbed dresses and were off to the fitting room …

It was an amazing night and we raised $ 14,000 on the VIP night … We are so excited for next years sale and can hardly wait! Will keep you updated on the date for next year and also the location!

Below is a list of the Kind and Generous ABC members that donated to Cassiday for her Dream wedding!                                                                                                                                

Sacino's donating the Groom's Formalwear for wedding

Mike & Dave donating their video services to Cassiday

Location: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa                                            

Tina and Katie from Safety Harbor presenting to Cassiday

Photographer: Brian C Idocks Photographics

Videographer : Artistic Media

Music : Creative Productions

Minister: Virginia  Bishop – Loving Unity

Flowers: Apple Blossoms Floral Design                                                                        

 Tux:Sacino’s                                                                                                                                                                             

Rev.Virginia Bishop donating her officiating services

Scott Darhower donating flowers for Cassiday's wedding

Brian Idocks hugging Cassiday after giving her photography for wedding

Below are the pictures provided by Marley from Beautiful Wedding Photography for you to enjoy. Marley was present for the entire sale and was shooting complimentary photos of each of the Bride’s as they found their dream dress.. Thanks Marley for your time each year and the amazing photos you so graciously donate…