Rev. Albert M. Haywood, 61, has been officiating weddings since 1980.
“I have performed on about 3,500 weddings,” said Haywood.
Haywood has performed at many different theme weddings including Western, Hawaiian, biker and gangster weddings.
“I always go dressed up according to the theme or by the request of the customer,” said Haywood. “Once I was asked to perform on a hot-air balloon, and I said, “yes,” but that couple never called me back.”
Haywood has traveled around the country bringing humor and a different touch to ceremonies.
“I don’t judge people. I just want them to be happy, and I try to meet their expectations,” said Haywood.
Haywood said he would go anywhere in the world to perform. He is proud and satisfied of the path he chose.
“It’s been a very fulfilling career. It’s a great experience meeting the couples and their families,” said Haywood.
Haywood was one of the professionals assisting engaged couples during the 2009 Wedding Expo hosted by the Kern County Bridal Association at the Fairgrounds on Jan. 25.
The event exposed all of the traditional services, such as bridal gowns, photos, video, limousine and decorations, for a wedding, and some not so usual, all under one roof.
From invitations to the honeymoon destination, the list in between is enormous and can drive anyone crazy.
Kyle Brown, coordinator and organizer of the event, suggested that the ideal is to begin planning a wedding 18 months in advance.
“If it’s on your budget get professionals because you only get one chance to make a good impression,” said Brown, who mentioned that many couples are postponing their weddings for next year due to financial problems.
Therefore, engaged couples come to this kind of events hoping to find better deals instead of hiring a professional coordinator.
According to Brown, the average cost of a professionally coordinated wedding is $20,000, a price too high for a young couple like Marco Rivera, 21, and his fiancée Johanna Hernandez, 20.
“We found everything we need here, so there is no need for a planner. That money, we’ll save it for other stuff,” said Rivera.
An alternative to a costly wedding planner was offered by Bella Noche Events.
“We offer customized advice. Some couples need more help than others, or simply they want to prepare some stuff themselves,” said Tara Hernandez, coordinator of Bella Noche Events.
Their basic package starts at $400 and includes 10 hours of consultation that basically focuses on rehearsal and wedding day coordination for a traditional and romantic wedding. “The bridal must be at the spotlight and we make sure that happens,” said Hernandez.
The show also offered some services to ensure the bride looks her best for the most important party of her life. EuroPhoria Medical & Personal Spa displayed a different experience for the guests with a bridal spa party.
“Our bridal spa party is becoming more popular every year,” said Heather Dasher, a representative at the EuroPhoria stand.
“Your guests can enjoy a massage, a revitalizing facial or a nice tan,” said Dasher.
Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center also was present offering brides breast augmentation, laser liposuction and tummy tuck among other “looking good” services to beautify brides for their weddings and honeymoons.
The expo ended with a fashion show that featured bridal gowns and tuxedos. The next bridal show will take place at Seven Oaks Country Club on April 29, 2009.