‘I love weddings’ — Pennsylvania Bridal Association owners gear up for Clearfield show

By Andy Stine

astine@altoonamirror.com

CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Bridal Association sets up bridal shows that create a one-stop shop in planning a bride’s wedding day.

Kaitlin Myers, an occupational therapist from New Bethlehem, and her husband Adam, a wedding photographer, bought the Pennsylvania Bridal Association five years ago and the two haven’t looked back.

Myers will host the Clearfield County Bridal Show from noon to 2 p.m. March 1 at the Premier Wedding & Event Center in Clearfield.

“We met the people that used to own Pennsylvania Bridal Association by doing bridal shows with them,” Myers said. “A few years ago they reached out and said, ‘Would you like to buy the business?’ I love weddings. Any time I can help someone out is awesome.”

When it comes to a one-stop shop for weddings, there can be a lot of different jobs that show up to a bridal show. Most shows can expect DJs, photographers, videographers, pastors, caterers, and event coordinators to be on hand.

“They just have to go around the room and talk to everybody. They can decide who they like, and there are different options for everybody,” Myers said of attendees.

There have also been past brides who have attended the bridal shows and have come back to sell leftover material from their weddings.

“Brides are like ‘Oh my gosh, I can buy table cloths or decorations from these old brides,’ and they don’t have to go buy brand new,” Myers said.

Most brides won’t go away empty-handed as most vendors give away something from their service, while Myers gives away a free set of wedding bands to every bride who walks in the door.

“We try to make it so everybody wins,” Myers said. “There’s always a need for wedding services. It’s kind of cool.”

Myers started out working the shows with the previous owners at the main table back when the association hosted five shows a year. The Myers’ took over the ownership in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and were hit hard by the absence of brides attending the shows.

They now host two shows, the other one being in Venango County. Myers also did a show in St. Marys in Elk County a couple years ago.

“We’re always looking somewhere to expand,” Myers said.

Last year, Venango County had 40 brides register for the event, while Clearfield County had 60 brides.

What is Myers’ advice for those who are planning a wedding in the future?

“Have fun and shop around for things,” Myers said. “It’s for a crazy important day in your life, and you want to have fun in the process. Don’t stress about it too much.”

Brides and vendors can register for the free event at pabridalassociation.com.