Post and photos by Mary van Ogtrop

It’s a well-documented fact that just about every girl dreams of her wedding from age, oh, five. Some girls dream of long, flowing trains like Maria’s in The Sound of Music. Some dream of Pachelbel’s Canon in D. And some dream of on-site tattoo artists, corsets and mint green tuxedos.

So for the bride–or groom–in all of us, Philly’s Crane Arts Building played host to the first-ever Unbridaled Expo this past Saturday. A colorful smattering of local designers, bakers, DJs and civil union officiants were on hand to make sure your big day is just as individual as you are–so whether you’re the Princess Bride or Bridezilla, you could have found your nuptial niche here.

For a vegan-friendly wedding cake, visit the Virago Baking Company at South Broad–their vegan peanut butter cake had everyone, and their taste buds, talking. For a classic pastry menu, three cheers go out to Betty’s Tasty Buttons, whose “Rosemary the Goat” (made with chocolate, rosemary and goat’s milk) was my favorite treat of the day–not to discount their “Phluff,” a Philly spin on the beloved pastry spread.

Eco-friendly wedding planning had major representation at Unbridaled. The ladies at Mair Affair gave me tips on crafting a wedding gown out of hemp or recycled materials. And the ever-awesome Arcadia Boutique specializes in what to do after the big show with their new, eco-friendly travel service, Away @ Arcadia.

And now, the clothes. If you’re looking for the aforementioned mint green tuxedo, hit up Sazz Vintage–they’ve also got ruffled shirts and leisure suits galore. In the ladies’ department, Fabrica’s Nickolette Phillips can design just about anything, including traditional and cutting-edge gowns, clutches and “fascinations,” which she describes as “little somethings for your hair.” And for a more tight-fitting affair, head to Delicious Boutique to lace up their signature corsets.

I also got to hang with the Philly Roller Girls, take photobooth shots with my friends and enjoy a couple brews provided by the new-to-Philly Memphis Taproom. In all, it was a great day to be both a daydreaming wedding planner and a Philadelphian. Here’s to Unbridaled, take two!