More than 100 people attended Hilton Orrington's first-ever "North Shore Boutique Bridal Fair" in Evanston March 15.

The event featured a fashion show with wedding dresses provided by Diana's Bridal Shop and Dame Couture and a raffle drawing as well as music by violinists Roxtette, the Bill Pollack Orchestra, string trio Hot Pink, guitarist Bryant Albert and DJ Rio Anderson.

Among the many vendors in attendance were Bittersweet Pastry Shop, Bloomingdales, Carol Woldhuis Designs, Chicago Style Weddings magazine, Dame Couture, Diana's Bridal, Emanuele Tuxedo, Ingrid Boone Photography, Katherine Anne Confections, Redmoon Theater, TNZ Sculptures, Wish Upon A Wedding, Wrap It Up Wedding and Party Planning Company and Vision of Elegance: An Event Planning Company.

"This is the first time we've held a bridal fair at the hotel and it was important to me that from the outset we would be inclusive of all communities including the LGBT community," said Lisa Lauren, Hilton Orrington's catering and conference services sales manager. "This included the image that we used for all of our marketing materials. Whereas before I would've used a woman in a wedding gown, I decided that our cover art for this event would feature two wedding bands since not all brides wear wedding dresses."

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Wish Upon A Wedding. According to its website, Wish Upon A Wedding is "the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-changing circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation."

A swag bag full of discounts and giveaways was given to the first 100 couples to register for the event.

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