The historic Ringgold Depot was extremely busy Saturday, Jan. 21, as hundreds of people turned out to take part in the city’s second annual “Southern Charm Wedding Expo.”

Couples, parents, families and friends from across the area took part in the event, which gives numerous local business owners the opportunity to showcases their services to prospective brides, according Daniel Shepard, Ringgold marketing and Downtown Development Authority coordinator.

“We really had a great turnout for the second year in a row,” Shepard said. “Everything flowed very smoothly, and it gave brides and grooms the opportunity to check out and inquire about wedding plans from several busi-nesses right here in our region.”

The expo included photographers, caterers, florists, and several other vendors from not only Ringgold, but from Dalton, LaFayette, and Chattanooga, Tenn., as well.

“There’s a good variety of vendors here at this event, and it gives folks the chance to get different ideas and prices from businesses who have a lot to offer,” Shepard said.

One such vendor was the very popular Cakemakers, Etc., which offered delicious samples of gourmet wedding cakes.

“This is a great event, and we are really happy to be a part of it this year,” said Dan Carey, who is affectionately know as Dan “The Cakeman” and has been in the wedding cake business for a number of years. “We had the oppor-tunity to take part in the big Chattanooga Expo (recently) as well, but we chose to come here to Ringgold because we wanted more interaction with the brides, and we value the one-on-one connection when helping someone plan their special day. With a bigger expo, you’re passing out info and off they go. But here in a smaller venue we really get to talk with the brides, get to know them a little, and hopefully get to design a cake for them that they’ll always re-member.”

For the second year in a row, the weather was a concern, but didn’t deter people from paying a visit to the expo.

“We were a little worried at first that the sloppy weather my keep people from coming, but we were very pleased with the turnout, as were the vendors who made numerous contacts and expressed interest of returning for next year’s event,” Shepard said.

Expo-goers were treated to numerous samples and door prizes, and were able to witness models showcase bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns, and tuxedos.

“There was a little something for everyone here and hopefully brides-to-be were able to get ideas for their up-coming weddings,” Shepard said. “Not only is the event great for those planning to get married, but it brought a lot of people to town and helped out a variety of business in the process.”