Luxury Kansas City Wedding Showcase Highlights Exclusive Bridal Competition and 2008 Runway Show

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - January 15, 2008) - Brides competing in an exclusive competition for the most exquisite weddings will be announced at the LUXE-Kansas City's Wedding Showcase 2008™ January 26 - 27 at the InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza.

The LUXE event will also include a runway show featuring top bridal designer, Rivini; a live auction to benefit NewHouse, an organization that helps support families that are victims of abuse; and an awards ceremony at the LUXE Awards black tie event and fundraiser, 'The Fine Art of Weddings.'

Laura Mease, owner of Laura's Couture Collection, said she created the wedding showcase a year ago to benefit charitable organizations and bring brides and vendors together. "Laura's Brides for a Cause™ is comprised of former, current and future brides of my bridal boutique to raise awareness and donations for a worthy cause. It's also an exclusive opportunity for brides and vendors to celebrate beautiful, luxurious weddings," said Mease.

Former brides and wedding vendors vie for a coveted LUXE Award in a variety of categories that range from best overall wedding to best cake design. Members of Laura's Brides for a Cause™ reviewed the entries and submitted the top five in each category for judging. Notable judges from across the country include best cake judge, Kerry Vincent of the Food Channel's "International Wedding Cake Competition," Renee Grannis of ABC, and Chadwick Brooks of KC Magazine. The event also elicits the support of top media sponsors for awards and showcase events including KC Magazine, The Knot and InStyle Weddings.

The success of the 2007 LUXE Wedding Showcase prompted its return in 2008. The weekend event begins Saturday and includes a formal tea and fashion show for mothers' gowns and special occasion dresses, a special appearance and trunk show by Rivini, as well as the LUXE Awards.

For ticket information contact Laura at www.laurascouture.com. Visit www.luxeawards.com or www.luxe.name for current information about the showcase and LUXE Awards.

Schedule:

Saturday, January 26, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rivini Wedding Gown Trunk Show

1:00 p.m.

Ice Sculpting contest

2:00 p.m.

High Tea - featuring Mothers' and Special Occasion gowns

Informal modeling of evening gowns

7:00 p.m.

LUXE Awards black tie event and fundraiser, 'The Fine Art of Weddings'

Sunday, January 27, 2008

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bridal Show featuring 'Kansas City's Finest Wedding Professionals'

Silent Auction

Contact Information: Contact: Valerie Jennings 816-221-1040