Say "I BOO" Halloween/Alternative Wedding Expo

06/09/2024

Due to circumstances we couldn't foresee or control, the Expo and events are being moved to October 26 and 27. We will be starting a fresh with updated vendor highlights and times after the weekend! In the meantime, if anyone would like to do an elopement this weekend in the beautiful area of the lake and woods, our Pirate Pastor is available, and our photographer as well! A great time for a private vow renewal or ritual ceremony! Please call in advance for time with our fun and amazing Pirate Pastor! We will also be offering engagement and couples mini shoots over the weekend! 5 photos, same day digital delivery, professionally edited, $75. Elopement/ritual we ask for a $100 donation to the officiant, and $50 to the photographer.
(309)335-9533. 1 Rend Lake Cabin Drive, Benton IL. By appointment only

21/08/2024

We are changing venue, but not the magic! Still located in Benton, IL on gorgeous Rend Lake, but different location! Vendors and ticket holders if you haven't gotten the move information, please let me know! We are mapping out and finalizing the area at Rend Lake Cabin in the woods this weekend!

18/06/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Moonlit Ankh
So creative, and sweet too! Shana brings custom creations that are great for your alternative weddings, gifts for your attendants, centerpieces and more! Check out her gorgeous pens for your guest book, and jewelry for your special day! Pamper yourself with products and enjoy this amazing artists work!

17/06/2024

We have our first winner for free tickets to the Witches Ball! Congratulations Devon!
Next up, 2 free tickets to the Masquerade Ball on Saturday Sept 7th. Trivia question coming later this evening!

13/06/2024

One of the young brides I met through a vendor called yesterday. She was really upset about a family member sending an RSVP to her wedding with a hand written note that said "married in black, you'll wish yourself back". She was considering making radical changes to their wedding to be more "normal"...
The I Boo wedding expo exists for one reason. Because whatever you want your wedding to be, it is normal! It is normal to want your wedding to be an expression of who you are as a couple, and as individuals. We hope to support your unique vision and show that non traditional is becoming the norm. More and more couples are embracing color and interests and personality into the special day. So be you! Don't let someone else steal your happiness.
A lovely couple I knew a few years ago placed a poem in their invitation that I thought expressed it well when some family members thought their rainbow theme was "too much"
It said "We want our day to be lovely and gay. If that's not OK, then stay away"
Simple, to the point, and true.
Rock on my peeps. Be your normal.

10/06/2024

It's time for trivia! Tonight is even a riddle as well! Here are the rules: The first correct answer we receive via PM wins! Tonight's giveaway, 2 tickets to the Witches Ball! (Vendors, staff of One Love LLC, and suppliers of the show are not eligible. Please contact us for your event pass)
Here we go: I am a guide, I am a spy, I may have four legs, I might even fly...we make a pact, who am I?

07/06/2024

The tickets are on sale for both the Witches Ball and the Masquerade Ball. We have had many questions in many groups, so I will do the answers to the FAQs.
Q: What's the difference?
A: The Witches Ball is completely oriented to the Pagan community. It includes mass ritual, broom dances, has vendors of pagan wares, art demonstrations, a silent art auction, lots of giveaways and more! It is also much more expensive for tickets ($125) as there are a lot more activities, more extensive food and beverages, lots of giveaways, more extensive performances, free readings and commemorative items provided.
To Purchase Witches Ball Tickets:

https://buytickets.at/onelovelivepainting/1268229

The Masquerade Ball is simpler, still has readings, some activities, and a photobooth, and a charcuterie style buffet. It's more of a Renaissance theme and fun for everyone, and very affordable at $8

To Purchase Masquerade Ball tickets:

https://buytickets.at/onelovelivepainting/1170833

Q: Do vendors for the show have to buy tickets?
A: For Wedding Expo Vendors who have paid booth fees, We have a master pass available that gets you into all events. We will be sending the link to you and additional information. (Mostly it just covers food costs)

Q: How can I verify these events are real?
A: It's easy, just like all of the events for the weekend you can contact Dan at Camp Manitowa by following the contact links at Camp Manitowa.com
Also tickets are sold through ticket tailor, which verifies event contacts! This is the only way to purchase tickets, so be aware if anyone tries to sell them any other way! And last but not least

Q: Will there be any chances to win free tickets?
A: Yes! We will be doing 2 free tickets to each event monthly via the FB page with live trivia contests.

03/06/2024

Vendor Spotlight: EPIC Event Rentals! Want WOW factor at your wedding? Just check out this amazing vendor! Not only do they have all of your rental needs, but they have customization for invitations, clothing, and much more! Courtney and her team go above and beyond for their couples! Check them out! https://www.facebook.com/share/hCnzmam59Jt1H8EJ/?mibextid=qi2Omg

31/05/2024

The much awaited Witches Ball is now open for ticket sales! https://facebook.com/events/s/witches-ball/1110597763351506/
Join us for a magical night of dancing, mass ritual, food, and entertainment! Come in Costume as your favorite Witch, Familiar or Magical being and see if you win the $500 grand prize for the costume contest. Enjoy the pasta and salad bars, the broom dance, readings of all kinds, and put your name in the cauldron for one of twenty fantastic door prizes! The evening will conclude with a silent auction of art and handmade items! All proceeds from the auction will go to the artist or artisan who creates the piece. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are available at https://buytickets.at/onelovelivepainting/1268229

22/05/2024

Vendors, we have had messages that didn't come through! If you haven't seen your vendor spotlight, please resend your info. If you haven't submitted your info yet, please do so. Our followers and potential guests would love to get to know you!

01/04/2024

The Biggest Vendor Spotlight of them all: Our Amazing Co-host Camp Manitowa!
If you are looking for a beautiful venue, this is it! 40 acres of gorgeous nature, the most amazing owners and staff, and a feeling of peace when you drive in the gate! For your wedding or any event call Dan and visit us at the Expo!
https://www.facebook.com/camp.manitowa?mibextid=ZbWKwL

A beautiful retreat center and a residential and day summer camp for kids entering grades 2-9. Locat

29/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Glam by Gracie
Looking for makeup and hair? Our show has what you need! Gracie brings experience and dedication to our show! Soft or bold, she can make your look special! Available for mini weddings at the show, pop ups and the masquerade ball as well! Contact her directly for your appointments!

29/03/2024

Reminders for Vendors:
1.Please remember to give us your information for vendors spotlights.If we don't have your information we cannot promote you. 2. Booth fees are due at the time of contract signing. Unless you have made prior arrangements with the producers for booth fees, your contract is not completed until they are paid. The show is filling up quickly and we can't turn down other vendors for spots that aren't secure.

29/03/2024

We have added a Renaissance area to the show, including a medieval themed mini wedding area! We are currently seeking vendors for that area as well as couples who are interested in the remaining 2 mini weddings. If interested feel free to message or email [email protected]

24/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: FatBarbie Makeup by Mary Malone

Who's the beauty who brings the beauty? That's Mary. Looking for something soft and natural? Enchanted? Scary & Sexy? She's got it all. Who's got my face for my big day? FatBarbie Makeup. Visit Mary at the Expo, and online!
Appointments will be available for weddings, the Masquerade ball, and other events directly with our makeup artists!

https://www.facebook.com/mbaker1986?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Fatbarbiemakeup.com

23/03/2024

We are all about making Fairytale weddings come true. And in those fairytales, whether light or dark, there are Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses. And as always in every fairytale, for a time it isn't pretty, and s**t gets real. So we ask that no matter what your type of best wishes are...prayer, mantra, light, color or just positive thoughts, that you join us in sending hope and strength to King Charles and Princess Catherine in their battles with cancer, and for Queen Camilla, Prince William, and their children and families as well. It takes a lot of courage to come forward as they did, and we send them every wish to live happily ever after.

21/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Richelle Priscilla Live Artist

Richelle Priscilla, an artist who's been painting since she could hold a brush. After studying and earning her BFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Richelle has made her home in El Paso, IL, where she brings her creative visions to life.

Richelle's art journey is all about storytelling. She believes every piece has a tale to tell, whether it's drawn from real-life experiences or the depths of her imagination. To her, art is pure magic – each stroke of the brush is like casting a spell, weaving together emotions and narratives.

When she's not lost in her studio exploring new ideas, you'll often find Richelle capturing the magic of weddings as a live painter and bridal portrait artist. There's something truly special about immortalizing those precious moments on canvas. She also loves creating personalized watercolor guest portraits as unforgettable wedding favors.

If you're interested in commissioning a piece or having Richelle paint live at your wedding, feel free to shoot her a message. She'd love to chat about how she can turn your vision into a beautiful work of art!
https://www.facebook.com/share/jPpHGJPcg9uqQjPd/?mibextid=qi2Omg

21/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Red Aspen-Meet Pixie!
In an expo filled with Fae, Elves and Creatures of the night, how amazing to have a Pixie to make you beautiful! See her at the show and check out her FB for all of your product needs!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2586569591504135/?ref=share_group_link

21/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Jo Wilkerson -Scentsy
Most of us know that Scentsy brings delightful fragrance to our homes and offices, but it can be a great addition to your wedding as well! Add a warmer to your decor, give as a proposal gift to your party members, or a Buddy to your ring bearer or flower girls! Come see Jo at the expo and connect with her online for all of your needs!

https://jowilkerson617.scentsy.us/

17/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Pressing Moment by Felisha Green!
So much variety! Come visit at the Expo to get 20 oz, 40 oz and Bluetooth enabled tumblers! Choose a ready made piece or having something unique made for your very special wedding!

15/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Glitter RX
Meet our sparkle expert!
Hi, I am Kimberly Hudson, owner of Glitter Rx. I have always been a “crafty” person but in 2021, I fell in love with rhinestoning or blinging. To increase my knowledge and skills, I have taken classes from some of the worlds most talented rhinestoning artist. From simple “blinged out” pens to Drinkware to fashion, I can make it sparkle.

So if you want to Let Your Sparkle Shine, you can message me prior to the event or I will be available onsite to add that special touch.

Facebook: Glitter Rx
Tik Tok: Glitter Rx
Email: [email protected]

15/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Antiquarian Couture
On Saturday only join us for the opportunity to shop the beautiful and unique steampunk jewelry of Antiquarian Couture! Each piece is a true work of art from a gentleman of vision. You won't want to wait for September to check out these gorgeous pieces, so follow on FB today!

https://www.facebook.com/antiquariancouture

Jewelry created from vintage and antique parts, inspired by fashion eras and ready for the modern wor

15/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Ariana Bauer, master seamstress.
The wizard of lace and amazing creative. From alterations to gorgeous custom creations, if it can be sewn Ariana can do it. The Expo has 2 custom gowns in progress with this charming lady! Check out her website here and contact her for your needs!

https://arianabauer.com
Find me on Tik Tok and Instagram:

Hello, I'm Ariana. I am Master Seamstress, Tailoring Wizard, Custom Dressmaker, Jeans Repair Technician, Bridal Alterations Master, Fairy Dressmother, Costuming and Historical Expert, Sustainable Fashion Guru, and more. If it can be sewn, I can sew it! Specializing in alterations, bridal, special oc...

15/03/2024

Vendor Spotlight: Amy Salazar with Paparazzi!
Looking for the perfect affordable accessories? Amy has some beautiful pieces for your wedding, engagement, and much more! Visit her at the expo and online!
https://shop.paparazzipremiere.com/amysglamnglitz

11/03/2024

Yes, vendor spotlights will be starting soon! We are thrilled to have spaces filling so quickly! Follow us to see each new vendor and connect with some amazing people! We are also thrilled to say we are working on 4 of our 5 mini weddings, and our couples are so cool! We have added a location by the lake that is so beautiful. Created for the vision of one of our brides, it will be a gypsy dream come true. We are adding a crescent moon swing backdrop at the masquerade ball, and a really great gate guard on the way for the cemetery in the haunted forest! Our thanks go out to everyone who is coming together to make this an incredible weekend!

07/03/2024

We have added another venue option to our mini weddings! The lake front is now available! We are very excited to offer this setting on gorgeous Rend Lake! There are 3 weddings left available of the 5. If you would like to apply or ask questions, feel free to message or email us at [email protected]

04/03/2024

How exciting! Our first couple have decided to be married at the Expo, and they are as sweet as can be! We also have two out of 3 photography spots filled, rentals, photo booth and much more! We have Red Aspen, one jewelry person, one live event painter, and one mua! It's a great start! We will be beginning vendor spotlights tomorrow, to introduce our spectacular people! There are still many spots open, so feel free to send us a DM.

24/02/2024

We are now accepting vendors for the show! Drop us your email address in the comments or by PM for full information! Have questions? Feel free to message them or ask here as well!