Lehigh University's Rauch Fieldhouse hosted the 13th annual Eastern Pennsylvania Bridal Expo Jan. 10 and 11 where brides, grooms and their families perused four aisles stocked with over 110 vendors offering everything a couple needs to create their most magical day.

Wesley Jenks, vice president of marketing for Jenks Productions, the company who has produced and sponsored the event since 2002, said he is grateful for the show's growth and success over the years.

"I like the people in Pennsylvania," Jenks said. "They're friendly, helpful and accommodating. The vendors are great and easy to work with.

"[Rauch Fieldhouse] is an easy building to work in, with plenty of space for wide aisles," he said.

With the average wedding costing $30,000 or more in some locations, according to a March 2014 story by CNN Money, up from $13,385 in 2013, Jenks is pleased with this year's participation.

"We always like to see more vendors and brides participating," he said, "and this year we have the same amount of vendors as last year which, in this improving economy, is good. Some years it's up, some years it's down. It depends on the demographics, and [the Lehigh Valley area] is doing well."

From the engagement to the honeymoon, the Bridal Expo offered something for everyone.

Local bakeries attracted some of the largest crowds.

Ariele Brown, from Catasauqua, and her fiancée, Sean Rodriguez, of Bethlehem, sought the ideal wedding cake. Sampling cakes from Allentown's Village Bake Shop, Brown said, "We're looking at bridesmaid dresses, DJs, photos, flowers and finding a cake."

"There's a lot to see here," Rodriguez said. The couple plans to wed Dec. 12.

Jackie Bodor, owner of Pondelek's Florist and Gifts in Hellertown, said, "I like this expo because it is spread over two days. There's plenty of time to talk; it's not like a cattle herd of people who have three hours to see everything.

"The venue is really well organized and bridal-friendly," Bodor said, a veteran since the expo's first show.

Colleen Laky, owner of Piece 'O Cake, in Macungie, has participated in the expo each of the five years since she started her business. "People have huge expectations [for their wedding cakes]," she said.

"I attended pastry school in Manhattan, which opened so many doors for me," Laky said. "This is really a dream come true.

"Meeting brides here is a great opportunity," Laky said, who is booked solid for May and who has brides ordering cakes months in advance.

Melissa Velez, of Allentown, represented The Pros Entertainment Services, which offers photography, videography and DJ services in 35 markets across the country. "This is a good show. It's the biggest and longest in the area and a big part of our year.

"We get to talk to other vendors, see how the year went, and meet lots of brides, grooms and their families," she said.

Throughout the afternoon, the Bridal Expo offered fashion shows by Jon's Bridal, Bella Bridal and VK Bridals and presentations by several companies including The Woodloch Resort & Spa and Rockin' Ramaley.

Participating companies included bridal shops, formal wear, photographers, videographers, jewelers, florists, bakers, travel agents, printers, caterers, disc jockeys, entertainment, makeup and hairstyle artists, banquet facilities, hotels, limousines, wedding consultants, officiates and more.