33rd Cheyenne Bridal Expo 2025

Ain’t no winter cold enough

Another year, another Wyoming winter and, of course, another exciting Cheyenne Bridal Expo! No amount of biting wind, slick roads, or dangerously fast, weaving semi-trucks could keep vendors or recently engaged couples away. Tucked into the cavernous yet cozy Grand Ballroom at Little America, wedding specialists showcased their offerings, from barn venues to stunning wedding gowns, and outdoor ceremonial alters to meticulously (and lovingly) decorated cupcakes. We set up the Ludwig Photography exhibit, complete with wedding, bridal, and engagement photo albums, and elegantly composed and framed wedding photographs displayed on large easels. Though loading everything with frozen fingers stung, the smiles and excitement revealed in the eyes of couples, their friends, and family, more than made up for it.

Planning doesn’t need to be scary

Planning a wedding is both an exciting and exhausting endeavor. There is a plethora of things to think about: photography, the venue, table centerpieces, hair and makeup, catering; the list goes on and on. For a bride or wedding planner, looking up information on any of these things online can yield a fruitful search, but only at the cost of time and sifting through an ever-growing amount of sponsored search results. Even though the road was treacherous, the trek was well worth having access to a variety of vendors and meeting them in person, as it not only cuts down on indecision, but fosters community and connection, Wyomingites supporting other Wyomingites. Plus, it’s more fun to watch the DJ push the fancy button that makes the fog machine blast colorful misty light in person.

Fashion Show

The Fashion Show, hosted by none other than Kati Hime, owner of LKH Bridal and the woman spearheading the Cheyenne Bridal Expo and Wyoming Weddings Magazine, was the highlight of the day. Every hour throughout was graced with an array of showstopping dresses, the thunderous and exciting boom of runway music, and of course, beautiful models with invigorating stage presence. For many future brides, finding the right dress is more than simply picking out a wedding day outfit: it’s deciding the way they will look when they open their wedding albums in twenty years, deciding how rich their future evocations of the past will be. Kati did a remarkable job describing the ins and outs of each dress, from details about the fabric, to which gown is best for not getting too many sticks in the tail at an outdoor venue.

The Best Part: People

A major highlight of any bridal expo is connecting with the brides-to-be, their family, and friends. From Cheyenne locals, to bringing grandma up for a day trip out of Fort Collins, every trip to the expo was full of purpose, and it is always a treat to learn snippets of everyone’s personal story. Some wedding dates were closer than others, some with photographers booked and others without, a testament to how every wedding planning process is unique to each couple. Photographer booked or not, I’m eager to draw from decades of wedding experience to offer advice on the planning process: I know first-hand how intimidating it can be, and sometimes, all anyone needs is a guiding hand on their shoulder. The Cheyenne Bridal Expo is always fresh and exciting to me. This expo marks my 25^th consecutive attendance.

My excitement for the Laramie Sweetheart Bridal Expo thaws my frosty fingers and makes up for cold and biting Wyoming wind. I look forward to seeing you all at the Laramie Sweetheart Bridal Expo February 18^th, 2025!