Flaco Guapo Media
Story/ photos permission from Conexión San Ángelo
SAN ANGELO – After the 28th West Texas Bridal Showcase’s cosmetic makeover debut, new vendors, a new sponsor, addition of a new selfie ring bar, its’ always popular fashion show, when all was said and done, the main attraction came down to one prospective Leap Year, bride-to-be, Amanda Hamlin, who came away with the Super Bowl XXVIII trophy. Not really, but rather the "last man [woman] standing" and winner of the Legend Jeweler’s gold, silver diamond ring valued at $2,500!
Hamlin, who was among five other women competing for the small, diamond-like shaped fake ring, was able to find it at the 3:17 mark as this reporter clocked the official time. Amanda, who turned out to be the winner, emphatically drove home the point convincingly when she raised her arms in triumphant fashion.
James Pettit, owner of West Texas Bridal Showcase, then presented Amanda with the real deal, diamond ring.
After Hamlin wiped off the excess cake (5-tiered “Naked” buttercream cake made by Susan Ball, owner of Café Bakery), she collected from the battle royale with her competitors, Amanda was asked when did she know she was holding the fake diamond. 
Mr. James Pettit, owner of West Texas Bridal Showcase
“I almost put it back down.” “But at the last second my finger brushed it and I felt, this is it!”
Left-to-right: Madison, Amanda Hamlin, mom-Sharon, and sister, Chelsea
Amanda concluded the interview by informing us that her wedding date with fiancé, Cullie Gentry, is scheduled for Leap Year, February 29, 2020. On hand to see Amanda show off her new best, bling, bling diamond, friend, were her two sisters: Madison, Chelsea and mom, Sharon. A third sister was unable to attend due to work.
“How special is this for you today to have been the winner?” “I can’t stop smiling, this is amazing,” concluded the 2019 winner of the Legend Jewelers ring.
Mother, Erica DeLeon and cutie pie, daughter, four-year-old, Jemma Torres.
Left-to-right: Brenda Rodriguez, Alydia Lugo and Lesly Rodriguez. Alydia is showing off her bling, bling "a diamond is a girl's best friend" to her BFF!
The WTBS averages attendance-wise 1500 on a yearly basis. This year, the holiday bridal Super Bowl for women event probably had an even larger turnout due to the beautiful weather. Pettit stated that 100 vendors sold out the McNease Convention Center as it kicked-off at 1 p.m. followed by the fashion show at 4 p.m. It closed with a bang with its traditional, hunt-for-a-diamond chase.
This year’s WTBS sponsor was Myers Boutique, under the new ownership of Micah and Krystan Pratt. Myers’ General Manager, Luis Ortega had some of his ladies on his staff participate on the fashion show.
Familiar vendors such as: Miss Hatties, Legend Jewelers, David’s Bridal, Korona’s Formal Wear, Mahon’s Alterations, Jackson’s Ladies, were there once again. As for some of the new vendors: Expose Salon, Angry Cactus, Stars on the Concho, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and Cordially Invited Wedding Planner.
This year a portion of the WTBS proceeds will go to benefit the Terry Mikeska Foundation.
