The Independent Wedding Association is known to embrace creativity and do things outside the box.  Take, for example, our new inspiration magazine titled Hearten.  Jello molds and Minnesota shaped pie on a stick are just a few of the unexpected beauties in this magazine!

Another example happened tonight at Pinstripes in Edina.  The IWA presented Groom’s Night, a wedding fair with a manly twist.  It is about time grooms get their time in the spotlight and we wanted to celebrate all the things about a wedding that are manly!  Cigars, whiskey, bowling, pizza, The Traveling Photo Booth, Superman, manscaping, etc.  It was all here.  Brides, of course, were welcome as well, and we saw many couples equally chatting up vendors and attending the mini educational sessions. 

Though all the vendors exhibited lovely work, the booth that really stood out was Cocoa and Fig.  They designed an indoor s’more station that was TO DIE FOR!  House made graham crackers and decadent chocolate squares were set out for guests to assemble after toasting their gourmet marshmallow to perfection.  It was a fantastic idea and I would love to see this food station at weddings this upcoming year (especially any weddings where we are the photographers so we can eat the treats!). 

Overall, the show was a big hit, and a huge round of applause goes to Becca Dilley who founded the association, enthusiastically keeps it up and tirelessly keeps planning new and cool events like this!  Please visit the IWA website to see a list of vendors.  We are member run and funded and are very proud of what we are bringing to the Twin Cities wedding community! 

Here are some images of the fair!  Images are showing the booths of Munster Rose, Posh | Rebel, Festivities!, Sassafras, Redshoes26 Design, a list of the mini sessions, Cocoa and Fig, and the entire group.  Enjoy!