For the gowns, for the flowers, for the fun — more than 200 brides-to-be, friends and family gathered for the seventh annual Cary Magazine Elegant Weddings Gala, held March 7 at The State Club.

Sipping champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cake samples, brides-to-be connected with dozens of the area’s top wedding professionals, to plan the details of their wedding day.

This year’s gala also offered its first-ever Grand Fashion Show, presented by Traditions by anna Bridal Boutique and featuring an array of designer bridal gowns worn by Models for Charity.

Surprising and delighting gala guests, model Mercedes Walker accepted the surprise marriage proposal of Arthur Deo Jr., which he delivered right on the runway!     

Grand sponsor of the Cary Magazine Elegant Weddings Gala was The State Club; presenting sponsors were Flow North Photography and Traditions by anna Bridal Boutique.

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