CdM Businesses Team Up for First-Ever Bridal Walk on Sunday

CdM Businesses Team Up for First-Ever Bridal Walk on Sunday

More than 20 brides spent the afternoon strolling through Corona del Mar, shopping and researching wedding-themed businesses that teamed up for the inaugural CdM Bridal Walk held Sunday.

“This was small and intimate,” said bride-to-be Jennifer Huynh of Fountain Valley, who is planning an August 2013 wedding. “It was entertaining, it was elegant, there was no pressure. It’s a community event, not a bridal expo, and it had a different atmosphere.”

Brides began the afternoon at the Port Restaurant, where they checked in and received a map showing about 30 participating businesses. Then they walked or drove their own course, visiting shops including Tony Florez Photography studio, The White Dress bridal gown shop, Beach Candy swimwear boutique, Mark Patterson Jewelry, Corona del Mar Florist, Francis-Orr Stationery and more. Many of the shops offered refreshments and special coupons — or ideas for brides to consider while planning their weddings.

“I definitely got some ideas,” said Jamie Pienkowski of Newport Beach, who is planning a May wedding. “Everybody was really nice. I had some ideas, but it’s coming down to the wire. Now it’s time to prioritize.”

Michelle Plummer and her fiance, Frank Nellor, of Aliso Viejo, are planning a June wedding, and they said they really enjoyed checking out Sherman Library & Gardens as a possible venue.

“The gardens were amazing,” Nellor said.

“It was a lot of fun,” Plummer said. “I’d definitely recommend it for other brides.”

The event concluded at Five Crowns Restaurant, where the brides and their friends, or mothers, or fiancés, sampled a specialty cocktail called Wedding Cake that included whipped cream-flavored vodka, as well as passed canapes, in the garden rooms. Brides received raffle tickets at each shop they visited, and at the end of the day, tickets were drawn for prizes including restaurant gift certificates, flower arrangements and a Mark Patterson platinum and diamond band. Barbara Wallace, a former wedding planner based in Corona del Mar and author of “Beautiful Bride from Every Angle,” signed copies of the book as gifts to registered participants.

Organizers said they were pleased with the success of the event, and they planned to organize another.

“I think it was a good start,” said Harriet Malmon, owner of Francis-Orr. “I hope we do it again.”

Josette Patterson of Mark Patterson Jewelry was a major force behind the walk.

“It was worth all the work,” she said, watching as brides laughed and shared stories at Five Crowns. “It’s an investment in the future.”