The Big Fake Wedding is a really neat organization that creates an alternative bridal show experience for attendees to see wedding vendors live in action. Now, this doesn't mean that you'll see a florist assembling bouquets on site or a calligrapher detailing envelopes—it means, attendees get to see the labor of the vendor face to face, in an intimate setting that is overwhelmed with rows of booths. Attendees are treated like wedding guests; after all, they are witnessing a real-life vow renewal. And there's a full-blown reception! The pressure is off, and the inspiration/celebration/relaxation is on.

This was my first experience with any sort of bridal expo—and my goals going in were to make connections with vendors in Georgia and hope for the best for leads on potential clients. To be honest, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing! But I did everything I could to prepare—practicing setup, hand-crafting all my giveaway banners, printing all things; you know the drill.

Each vendor at The Big Fake Wedding has a high-top table in what they calling "The Tunnel of Love." This area is what you would expect from a traditional wedding expo—vendor displays with giveaways, business cards galore, and hopeful people giving it their all to make connection with a potential client.

One area I know I could improve upon is the introduction to myself and my brand as people approached my booth. I spoke way too much about paper and didn't learn nearly enough about the bride and what she's looking for.

This event was a combination of the perect size guest-count and a non-overwhelming environment that made this event enjoyable for me. The Atlanta BFW had about 300 attendees with about 30 (or so) featured vendors. I really appreciate the way the BFW selects their vendors; they hand-select small or midsize, local businesses in the wedding industry that they think will be successful in a hands-on wedding expo such as theirs. Many vendors that I met had never been a part of a wedding expo before; that was encouraging!

Before the event, each of the vendors receives a mood board from the team at the Big Fake Wedding. And honestly, it was so cool to see all the various vendors (especially the florists and designers) create a space that was cohesive yet unique in so many aspects. No one really knew what the other's work would look like, yet it came together in a way that looked super inspiring from a visual standpoint.

Full disclosure: I haven't had too many leads from this experience. But it was a good experience, and I would consider doing it again. I am thankful for the connections that I made with other business owners, and I am glad that I challenged myself with something new.

If you're looking to be a part of a wedding expo, The Big Fake Wedding creates an intimate, "pressures-off" environment that is really valuable for getting your work in front of potential clients.

Watch it all come together:

Photography: Rebecca Judy Photography, Justen Clay Photography, and Debbie Neff Photography / Venue: Foxhall Resort / Day of Coordinator: Wedding Belles / Florals + Event Design: Shamrock Florist, Stems Atlanta, Chairish Your Design, Harts + Petals, and Maria Schendzehlos Design / Hair & Makeup: Make Me Up / Dessert Bar: Cake by Tara / Wedding Dress + Bridesmaid Dresses: Downtown Gowns / Menswear: Blank Label / Men's Accessories: Ties by Lucy / Hand-Lettering: Wildeflower Paper Co. / Dessert Favors: Malvi / Popsicles: Steel City Pops / Videography: AHP Photo + Video