Monday, Aug. 25, 2008

Expo showcases Latin style

By Mary Hopkin, Herald staff writer

The atmosphere couldn't have been more festive at the Miss Quince & Latin Bridal Expo at TRAC in Pasco Sunday.

Beautiful young women modeled the latest in bridal wear, from strapless satin to embroidered lace, while dapper young men donned bright vests.

More than 4,000 people attended the second annual event, which featured Jaci Velasquez, a Grammy-nominated Latin Christian singer and actress.

Velasquez watched the event fashion from a front row seat and treated the crowd to a song during the live wedding of Gracie Valle and Walter Chimal at the Expo.

Michelle Bodine, a manager and consultant at Formal Couture in Richland, said the event offered exposure to new customers, which is important for the small, upscale bridal and formal wear boutique that has been open since December.

"It's been a really good day," she said. "We have our model here and she is changing gowns every hour or so."

Ten elegantly decorated cakes suspended from plates hanging from an oversized white parasol -- an eye-catching centerpiece that sent plenty of attendees to Pepe's Bakery booth.

The Sunnyside Bakery is owned by Anna Gutierrez and Jose Cortez.

"This is the first Expo we've done and we've had a lot of people coming and talking to us," said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez said the summer wedding season has been very busy and the bakery delivered five wedding cakes Saturday. They also donated a wedding cake for the Valle-Chimal wedding that took place during the event.

Cynthia Sanchez, owner of the Yakima-based Cythia's Custom Decorations, arrived at TRAC at 5 a.m. to start setting up the floral-topped columns that surrounded the event's main stage and doing decorations in the TRAC foyer. It was a great opportunity for her to show off her decorating artistry.

"I've gotten to talk to a lot of people and show them what I do," she said.

The Expo was organized a year ago by Gracie Campos and Blanca Torres of the Seattle area. Other special guests at the event included Miss Hispanic SEAFAIR Alyssa Garza and Miss Tri-Cities, Kyna Harris.