Bridal Expo Offers Discounts, Comfort To Sharnett Brides

The Dayton Bridal Connection held a bridal expo Sunday afternoon not only for new brides but also for those affected by the sudden closure of Sharnett Bridal and Prom in early July.

Chelsie Grawe, a bride-to-be from Dayton, said she saw the dress of her dreams on a Sharnett model and was upset when the store closed. She said she came to the expo hoping to find something new.

She had the same idea as several other brides, Lori Cordonnier of Dayton Bridal Connection, said. She added several vendors offered special discounts to Sharnett brides who were left empty-handed.

Caterers, photographers and other vendors were offering a certain percentage off some packages, Cordonnier said. This would not necessarily make up for the original loss but would defray some cost, she added.

Sharon Arnett, owner of Sharnett Bridal and Prom, recently claimed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation on dozens of claims.