Testimonials

* I’ve had such an exceptional experience with the Jacksonville Bridal Association! There is no other organization in Jacksonville that provides such fantastic networking opportunities and advertising opportunities at low to no cost. The networking parties allow us to meet and socialize with other vendors in the industry in a relaxed environment. We’ve been able to connect with new vendors as well as some of the who’s who in the wedding industry. The networking events have helped put us in font of a variety of vendors and has expanded our referral network. Our listing on the Jacksonville Bridal Association website has brought more traffic than the majority of our paid advertising online! We receive weekly leads for weddings have booked multiple events from them. I highly recommend becoming a part of the JBA, you won’t find another opportunity like it! Francesca DiSalvo-FollmerNewton Farms Catering

* The Jacksonville  Bridal Association is a great idea for bringing vendors together and helping like-minded people network in a relaxed atmosphere with no strings attached.  Meeting peers in a social environment is a great way to get to know each other more.  The upcoming publication of the Bridal Guide for Jacksonville wedding professionals and at such an affordable price is the icing on the cake.  This is what Jacksonville has needed for years. Kudos for finally making it happen! Tom Day, RTP Productions

* Thank you for the great hospitality last night. It was so good to see so many talented people in the same room. Thank you for doing what you do. It makes a wonderful difference! Thank you again and have a great weekend! Iverson, Iverson Catering

* “At last!! A local website,designed by, and for Jacksonville’s local wedding vendors. As soon as David opened the site to the public,the leads starting pouring in almost immediately. It’s so refreshing to be able to have a local resource available to us to help promote the wonderful world of Weddings.Thanks to David and The Jacksonville Bridal Association.” Mike Metz, MM Photo

*Networking parties and events are a great way to meet people in your shared industry, but sometimes those meetings can be awkward and very expensive. The Jacksonville Bridal Association has relieved both of the negatives in that equation. Not only are membership and meetings free, David Rister has made it pain free as well. Several times during the evening each member is asked to take out a business card and share it with someone you don’t know. It so eliminates that awkward moment of walking up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself, because everyone is doing it at the very same time. Great food, open bar and meeting new friends and colleagues. Thanks!! Kathy Puckhaber, Kathy’s Alterations

*The Jacksonville Bridal Association networking parties are a great way to meet vendors. When I first started my business I met many photographers, bakers, florists and other vendors in one location. It also gave me an opportunity to see new venues, try different catering and cakes, listen to bands, and see rentals set up. As a new business owner it was an extremely efficient and fun way to get to know the many great vendors of the Lowcountry. I also had an opportunity to sponsor at an event and found that the feedback and promotional opportunity to show off my candy buffet was worth the price in candy. I have benefitted a great deal by being a member of the association and look forward to many years of networking.Tanis Jackson,Tanis J Events, LLC

*I will be “forever grateful” For David Rister and Jacksonville  Bridal Association. I had a meeting with David last year in September 2010 that started in David’s office, and then we took it to a local restaurant. This meeting lasted over 3 hours, for no other reason but to help me, a new Wedding and Event Vendor in Jacksonville, because that’s what David & Jacksonville Bridal Association does and they do it for free!! From that meeting we spoke about the networking parties and how New Dream Catering will benefit from them. I was introduced to many of the great Wedding Planners and Vendors of Jacksonville. By the time the networking party was done (a few hours) I have received now to date just from that one networking party alone numerous amounts of Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, All Occasion Events and many Great Friends/Relationships in our field. All the referred vendors New Dream Catering uses or recommends, I have met through David Rister & Jacksonville Bridal Association Networking Parties. With no hesitation I contribute a great part of our ongoing success to David Rister and Jacksonville Bridal Association.  Thank you for all you efforts in making The Jacksonville Vendors Community a place I now call my home…. Chef Eric Gaffin, New Dream Catering

*Jacksonville Bridal Association is a great resource for vendors and brides.  It  has also created a wonderful social networking group within our industry.  I have had the opportunity to meet and share ideas with new vendors that I am excited about working with in the future.  I believe the collaboration the Association encourages will make our industry even stronger.  Courtney Parades Fini Event Planning

* Not knowing many wedding vendors in the Jacksonville area, we started to join networking groups and quickly found out about the Jacksonville  Bridal Association.  Immediately we started to meet other vendors, and receive referrals.  It has been such a pleasure to be a member of this association.  They know how to have a good time, while networking and getting down to business!  Thank you for allowing us to be a member! ~ Carmen Ash Photography, Carmen Ash Coblentz