By Emma Morley

Last updated at 12:51, Monday, 26 September 2011

Hundreds of eager brides-to-be filled Carlisle Racecourse yesterday for the Live the Dream Wedding Show.

The catwalk was the centre of attention

The region's biggest wedding event was once again the place to be for brides and grooms looking for inspiration for their big day and they brought family and friends with them to enjoy the day.

With more than 60 exhibitor stands all the wedding day essentials were covered, with top local experts in the wedding industry on hand to give tips and advice.

Two catwalk shows gave visitors the chance to see some of the stunning bridal gowns, groomswear, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride outfits available in the area.

There was also chance to take advantage of a special offer of an express manicure from Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa. DW Sports Fitness, Carlisle, sponsors of the Live the Dream Wedding Show, held a competition to guess how many calories manager Barry Earl burns during a 45-minute spinning class to win two months membership.

Bride-to-be Nicola Birkett from Maryport got lots of inspiration for her wedding at Loweswater Church in August 2013.

“It has been really useful,” she said. “I’ve got lots of ideas, especially for bridesmaids dresses from the catwalk show. I’ve also seen some invitations and cakes and there are two companies I’m interested in for my flowers.”

The event, which has been running since 2007, was organised by CN Events.

“It isn’t surprising that Live the Dream continues to be the biggest and most prestigious bridal event in the county,” said David McNeill, of CN Events. “At this show we have introduced a new area for exhibitors as the three floors are bursting to capacity.

“There were queues outside waiting for the doors to open which reinforces that Live the Dream is the bride’s first choice.”

• For a full round up of the event, don’t miss the new look wedding supplement Your Wedding Monthly (formerly Cumbrian Weddings) published in the News & Star’s sister paper The Cumberland News on October 7.

First published at 11:31, Monday, 26 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk