Brides and grooms trying to create a specific vision for their upcoming wedding day may get a little assistance from an unlikely source — Gainesville Parks and Recreation.

The city department is offering couples the chance to meet photographers, florists, caterers and other wedding-related professionals face-to-face at the upcoming North Georgia Bridal Expo.

The 25th annual event will be from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Gainesville Civic Center at 830 Green St. in Gainesville. Two fashion shows featuring original designs and attire for the wedding party are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., according to the North Georgia Bridal Expo website (northgeorgiabridalexpo.com.)

Tickets are $5 at the door. Cash or check is accepted. Event sponsors are the Gainesville Civic Center, The Times, Carrie Jean Photography, Oakwood Occasions and Greg Hall Weddings & Events.

The Bridal Expo started as an idea to showcase the Gainesville Civic Center as well as introduce brides and grooms to area wedding vendors, said Brenda Martin, administrative division manager for Gainesville Parks and Recreation.

“We wanted to show them that they didn’t have to go to Atlanta area to plan their wedding,” she said. “We had all the vendors here in Northeast Georgia.”

Expo vendors will meet the range of needs for brides and grooms before, during and after the wedding.

Before the wedding day, brides may wish to pamper themselves and relax. Therefore, some beauty and spa businesses will be on hand.

On the big, couples will want to capture their moments in pictures, dine with guests and cut into a wedding cake. Vendors such as photographers, caterers and bakers will show off their skills and offer samples. Of course, the bride- and groom-to-be will need a picture-perfect place to hold such an occasion and may desire decorations to create a specific look. Venue sites and florists will be there, too.

Finally, the happy couple may want to jet off to an exotic location or stay close to home for the honeymoon. And vacation planners at the expo can help with that.

The No. 1 advantage to the North Georgia Bridal Expo is the personal attention, Martin said.

“It gives (the couple) a chance to come and see the vendors and meet them person to person,” she said. “When they go home, they can say ‘I like that person’ and ‘I will call them and make an appointment.’”

The second advantage is area businesses will reap the rewards.

“I think the vendors that are here in Gainesville and Hall County ... have the opportunity to showcase their business and meet the brides and grooms who will do business with them,” Martin said.

For more information, call 770-531-2680 or visit northgeorgiabridalexpo.com.