This weekend’s “Mock Wedding” experience at the Bridal Spectacular bridal show became a real Las Vegas wedding when Robert DeTie and Stacey Reddick married in a vibrant ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and a crowd of bridal show attendees.
With the intent to showcase the collaborative creativity of Las Vegas wedding professionals, Michael Testagrossa of JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa originally designed the Mock Wedding concept for brides-to-be for Bridal Spectacular’s popular January show.
“We had been thinking about a way to display our services more in a creative fashion,” Testagrossa said at this weekend’s bridal show. “Rather than having little bits and pieces at booths, we thought it’d be great to have a wedding experience. Well, of course, for a wedding experience, you then need to have a bride and groom.”
Soon Testagrossa and his team began their search for the ideal models for the Mock Wedding experience to be hosted Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at Cashman Center.
“We wanted people who were real, who represent today’s couples,” Testagrossa said. “A real couple, regular people who’re fun to be around and a little bit edgy.”
Through the recommendation of Teresa Meli of Enchanted Florist, Testagrossa found the perfect fit in two Enchanted Florist employees, engaged couple Rob and Stacey.
“We were like, ‘Oh, this is even better,’ Testagrossa said of discovering this couple was engaged. “This is like a practice run.”
As months passed, Testagrossa also gathered wedding professionals from all fields to participate in Bridal Spectacular’s breathtaking event. With input from florists, photographers, bakers, wedding attire specialists, rentals and décor representatives, planning consultants, musicians, and more, the Mock Wedding experience quickly became a collaborative effort with creative vision worthy of a real wedding.
“When we went to try on the tuxedos, we were talking to the groom,” Testagrossa said. “And I just jokingly said, ‘Hey, you know, we’ve got a tux. She’s got a dress. Everything’s going to be there. You should just get married. All you need is a certificate.’”
But what was mentioned in casual conversation didn’t go unheard by the groom, who made the decision to speak to his bride about this unique possibility.
“Five days later, he calls,” Testagrossa said of the memorable conversation that took place only five days before the bridal show. “And he’s like, ‘We’re going to do it. … We’re actually going to get married.’”
Ecstatic at this news, Testagrossa and those involved chose to keep this announcement quiet to allow the bride and groom the opportunity to share with their families without the hype. But while the real wedding wasn’t announced publicly until the big day, Testagrossa immediately took action to give Rob and Stacey’s wedding the personal touch.
“It totally changed the dynamics,” Testagrossa said. “Now it became a little more personal. So we tried to then incorporate more of who they were into the ceremony.”
From including Rob and Stacey’s baby, Ace, into the aisle walk to changing the first dance song to the couple’s request of “Because of You” by Unwritten Law, the Mock Wedding team ensured the couple was content with plans for their bridal show ceremony and reception.
“The great part was just that they’re so sweet, just their approach,” Testagrossa said of Stacey and Rob. “You really get involved in who they are and you get a sense for the love they have for each other, and you just want to make it so perfect.”
For Stacey and Rob, the Mock Wedding team created a real wedding event that exuded the contemporary style of their couple. But for all the modernity, this real wedding spoke most of all to the timelessness of marriage.
“With Stacey and Rob, they were just so excited they were actually going to get married today,” Testagrossa said. “Even the grandmother came up to me at the end and was like, ‘Thank you for helping them do this.’”
Stacey, Rob, and their families knew what mattered on this couple’s special day. It wasn’t the color of their linens, the amount of guests, the flavor of their cake, or even the venue. While those elements are important, Rob and Stacey’s wedding day proved that love is the true beauty and core to any wedding.
“You just have to stay true to what are the most important components,” Testagrossa said. “We all like the prettiness and the extras, but when it comes down to it, you really want to focus on what we’re really there for. And that’s the couple.”
Thank you, Rob and Stacey, for being a reminder of the reason for weddings as you celebrated your own special day. We are so honored to have shared it with you. Congratulations on your marriage, from all of us at Bridal Spectacular!
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Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012
Photographs: Adam Frazier of Artistic Imaging
We would like to thank the following professionals for their participation in the “Mock” Wedding experience: Alt F Photography, Amelia C. Hair and Makeup Artistry, Artistic Imaging, Bella Bridesmaid, Bridal Spectacular, Champagne Creative Group, Classical Entertainment, Couture Bride, Digs Studio, Enchanted Florist Inc., Flora Couture by Floral 2000, Gimme Some Sugar, 1st Impressions Invitations, JMT Eventology, John Morris Photography, Jovani Linens and Event Design, Julie Reed Events, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, Las Vegas VIP Limousines, LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals, Lighten Films, Naakiti Floral Design, Quest Drape, Rev. Phil York, RSVP Party Rentals, Semper Fi Events, Sound Fusion Entertainment, Studio ATG, Aleksandra Tregub, and Tuxedo Junction.
2 comments on “Rob and Stacey tie the knot at Bridal Spectacular bridal show in “Mock Wedding” turned real wedding”
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Thanks, Teresa! I’ll be sure to include that detail in the article.
They both work at Enchanted Florist….