Weekend Ahead: March 19-21

Two bridal trunk shows and a bridal show where you can meet vendors, taste cake, and research Charlotte venues? Sounds like a busy weekend for Charlotte brides-to-be!
Our big bridal show
Months in the planning, and the first of Charlotte Wedding‘s own bridal showcases, the Charlotte Wedding Connection will be held at the Levine Museum of the New South from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, March 21. See gowns and bridal accessories from J. Majors Bridal, Hayden Olivia, Macie’s Encore Bridal, and Penguin’s Tuxedos; meet photographers Chuck Eaton, Cunningham Photo Artists, Glenn Roberson Photography, Juliet Photography, and Photoplay; and sample some of Amy Craparo’s—of Wow Factor Cake Design—delicious cakes or some goodies from the Secret Chocolatier. See Southern Stationers‘ selection of bridal invitation suites, learn more about Charlotte venues like The Dunhill Hotel, Holiday Inn Center City, and the Levine Musuem and meet with local wedding planners and designers Style Perfect Weddings and Events and Green Shoes Weddings and Events. Snack on something delicious from Reid’s Fine Foods or Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar and speak with representatives from Williams Sonoma, a Silver Affair and Elling Travel Services about your registry or honeymoon travel plans.
PLUS! Register to win a pair of wedding bands from Diamonds Direct AND a trip for two to the Hilton Barbados. What a way to start off your wedding planning process!
Tickets are $10 at the door (or $5 in advance). Purchase here or by calling 704-335-7181 ext. 122. Sunday, March 21, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh Street.
Gowns in Gastonia
I can easily make the twenty-minute trek for a visit to Mary Jo’s to wander for hours looking at fabrics and trim. But this weekend a stop at Poffie Girls is a must for the Kitty Chen (a new designer to the Poffie Girl’s selection) trunk show Friday and Saturday. Detailed beading and appliques and fabric and lace overlays make unique and elegant designs the base of Chen’s collection. Limited appointments available by calling 704-866-0198, 512 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, poffiegirls.com
Say ‘yes’ to one of these dresses
My obsession with Melissa Sweet is equal parts the name "Melissa," and the simple fact I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a gown from any of the designer’s collections (Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Reverie, Vineyard, Platinum, Jewel) that wasn’t breathtaking and gorgeous in style, detail, and fit. In recent years an addition of bridesmaid dresses—bonus: in styles you can actually wear again—and accessories to the designer’s cache have made it even more of an obsession of mine. Stop by J. Major’s in Dilworth (appointments are recommended) this weekend and see both the Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston collections. Try one on and find your dress! 2400 Park Road, Suite G, 704-372-0082, jmajors.com