Brides to be and the businesses that serve them kept the St. James Banquet rooms covered in white at the hotel’s first Wedding Expo.

Showcasing the services available for newlyweds, the event featured displays from carriage drivers, limousine services, bakers, caterers and photographers. A harp player even demonstrated her skills.

Event organizer and Public Relations Director for the St. James, Jennifer Chavers, said the hotel wanted to let people know what services were available for their nuptials.

“They need to be exposed to different things and Selma’s a great place to have weddings,” she said.

Chavers said the turnout for the event was good.

“They (wedding planners) came in steadily all day,” she said.

More than 25 booths displayed vendors of all stripes, Chavers said.

“We had cakes, photos, poetry,” she said.

The event featured many local businesses as well. Butler Truax, Wrapping it up and McRae’s all had displays set up.

Chavers said the hotel already is seeing the benefits of promoting weddings.

“We had a huge after-rehearsal dinner,” she said.

Chavers said none of it would have been possible without help from her employees.

“I want to thank all my employees for the wonderful teamwork,” she said.