Bridal show is toast of the town

Visions of sugar plums and bridal gowns belong to June brides who start their wedding planning in February. That’s why the debut of “Pop, The Bridal Event” was held on Sunday. The Americana at Brand was the host for a fashion show featuring gowns by designer Ines Di Santo, who was present to meet several hundred brides-to-be. A runway surrounded by bowers of flowers was set up on the Green. Kate Spade fashions opened the show, climaxed by Di Santo’s bridal designs presented by Jobyna’s Bridal’s Americana location.

Taking place before the show in Americana’s Beauty Lounge, some 30 vendors offered tips on creating that most personal of weddings. For $25 a ticket, brides-in-waiting, a smattering of fiancés and plenty of moms sampled wedding cakes, dessert bars and cookie bars with shot glasses filled with milk—the latest in wedding food presentations. Fiancé Oscar Herrera said he came for the food. His bride-to-be, Jennifer Ramirez, who grew up in Burbank, had photographers, gowns and spa treatments in mind.

But it was the fashion show that brought down the house as model after model wore bridal fashions in red, black and the traditional ivory and white. Model and Glendale resident Nayri Kalayjian was especially fetching in a strapless gown.

Celebrity guest Niecy Nash of the Style Network will have her own wedding in May. Nash told the crowd she was no “Bridezilla but humorously referred to Mom Margaret Ensley as a “Momzilla.”

At the end of the show, smack in the middle of the runway, Glendale resident Michael Pashanyan popped the question to Astrik Melikyan. Astrik, taken by surprise said, “Yes!” as the audience of more than 400 guests applauded.

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Just as love was in the air at the Americana, so it was at Damon’s Steak House. Feb.16 marked the end of “Share the Love” campaign, sponsored by the Downtown Glendale Merchants and Glendale Kiwanis. For several weeks, food and checks have been collected from supporters for the Salvation Army’s Food Bank services. About 20 hearty souls braved a chilly night to drop by Damon’s for a cocktail or two. Serving up Mai Tai’s and Chi-Chi’s, were guest bartenders Kiwanians Randy Slaughter, Vince Espinoza and T.J. Denton.