I'll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Jim Thorpe. Coming around Rt. 209 on that hot August day in 2008, I caught a glimpse of the Victorian buildings and a view of the Asa Packer Mansion atop the front hill. I was instantly captivated.

As my family and I drove further, passing the train station, I fell in love with the town. We were in Pennsylvania to find a place to call our new home. I knew instantly that Jim Thorpe, PA, would be it.

What appealed to me that day is what I believe appeals to all that enter this quaint and fair mountain-nestled town—its charm proclaims the splendor of romance as only the Victorian era could deliver it.

On summer days or fall weekends, couples walk hand-in-hand down our streets, enjoyi a meal in one of our many fine restaurants, take an old-fashioned horse and buggy ride up Broadway and down Race Street, and stay overnight at one of the many quaint, cozy and romantic Bed & Breakfasts. If you are lucky enough, you may just overhear one of the many proposals that are made in our romantic little town.

So, being the entrepreneur I am, I noticed this, and my business Jim Thorpe Weddings & Events was born. The idea was not just to plan weddings, but to promote Jim Thorpe as a premiere wedding location for the Northeastern region of the United States.

This town couldn't be more perfect. With the beauty of nature that surrounds it, and its artistic vibes and sophistication, it is a perfect backdrop for what is one of the most important days of your life. After all, a century ago, Jim Thorpe was second only to Niagara Falls as a wedding destination.

Seeking people with similar interests, I met with Dorie Perdie of Through the Looking Glass, and John Drury of the Mauch Chunk Museum—with its beautiful Ballroom. Perdie and Drury had been planning on putting together a wedding expo to showcase Dorie's culinary skills, the Ballroom, and Jim Thorpe.

I joined their efforts. Together we are planning Jim Thorpe's resurrection to its former glory as a premier wedding destination.

And so, this November Jim Thorpe will host the first of what I hope will become an annual Jim Thorpe Wedding Expo. It will showcase the many local and talented cake makers, dress and tux shop owners, DJ's, videographers, photographers and artisans and business proprietors that help to make wedding day dreams come true.

It's a great event to remind those in Carbon County of this lovely wedding destination and open the eyes of those that live in New York and Philadelphia to our beautiful town.

The Expo will be held on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom, 41 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe. There will be music, food and cake tasting; a bridal fashion show; special give-a-ways, and much more. It will be broadcast live on Magic 105.5.

Admission is free, but couples are encouraged to register at www.jtweddingexpo.com for a chance to win a Day of Wedding Planning package worth $500 from Jim Thorpe Weddings & Events.

For more information, call: 484-629-5070, or email: info@jtweddingexpo.com. I hope to see you there.

Tara Banninger-Kubas