MEANT TO BE MINE

About 300 dresses are on display in the bridal boutique, located on W. Maumee St., and Palmer estimates she has 3,000 dresses in her flagship Meant To Be Mine shop in Delta, just across the state line.

Dresses line the walls and are arranged on racks in two of the rooms, and the old-fashioned pocket doors have been slipped back into the walls to create a spacious display area. A third room, which Palmer calls the “sparkle” room, has accessories, including trains and veils that brides can rent, as well as jewelry sets and other items. Most important, she said, is the Reveal Room, where brides can try on and model their choice of dress for Mom, Grandma, and bridesmaids. Tea, coffee, and charcuterie are served as prospective brides are helped into and out of wedding gowns, Palmer said as she leads an impromptu tour of the main floor rooms. A dais with mirrors gives the bride a look from every angle.

“We have sizes 0-32, to fit any style, shape, budget, and we also have dresses for the mothers of the bride and groom and flower girl dresses,” she said. Alterations add a tailored fit to every gown and they are free with dresses purchased at either store. Undergarments, petticoats, slips, shoes, handbags, virtually everything a bride needs to make her day special is available at the new boutique.

While their Delta store has a larger selection of quinceañera dresses - samples can be brought to the Adrian location to save travel time says Lupe Salazar-Handen, wedding planner and Palmer’s assistant.

Your one stop dream wedding shop. Now offering catering/ coordinating services in addition to dresses for brides, bridesmaids, mothers and flower girls. Tuxedos and suits rentals/purchase. New York style with small town service.

JBL Bridal Company

517-918-9996 

306 W Main St, Hudson jblbridalcompany.weebly.com

Having a large wedding? The Banquet Hall at Dundee's Old Mill seats 300. Catering assistance available. Charming historical setting.

Old Mill Banquet Hall Dundee Village Office: 734-529-3430

242 Toledo St, Dundee dundeevillage.net

Bridal party or wedding couple can stay at the suite! Space for getting ready and photo opportunities. Two bedrooms, kitchen, deck.

The August Company Building & Suite

517-759-9043  128 E Chicago Blvd

Tecumseh

The Ella Sharp Museum is renowned for its storied architecture and distinct spaces - ideal for a wide variety of romantic weddings. Two unique locations to choose from, and many more ways to celebrate.

Ella Sharp Museum

517-787-2320

3225 Fourth St, Jackson ellasharpmuseum.org

EVERY BRIDE HAS A VISION...

Remember hearing guests whispering, "She's glowing!", as she walks down the aisle. Make Desjarlais Aesthetic Center a part of the preparation for that final touch to make your day memorable. Cosmetic laser enhancements, injectable fillers, laser hair removal, body contouring, silkpeels and advanced skincare.

Desjarlais Dermatology & Aesthetic Center

517-759-3191 • 2000 Curtis Rd, Adrian drdesjarlais.com/bridal-packages 

Take a tour: airbnb.com/h/the-august-company-building

Call the Old Mill to book your shower/wedding. Marjorie E. Busz Conference Room seats 70, Wedding Chapel seats 120. History/ambiance abound.

Old Mill Chapel and Conference Room

734-529-8596

242 Toledo St, Dundee dundeeoldmill.com 

The TCA stage can be decorated to fit your style. The theater seats 500 guests. Guests can enjoy wine before the ceremony in the lobby. They'll also put your name on the marquee!

Tecumseh Center for the Arts

517-423-6617

400 N Maumee St, Tecumseh thetca.org/rentals 

Affordable, pet-friendly hotel. Large suites and jacuzzi rooms available. Currently updating all 63 rooms. Guests can book on vrbo.com.

Tecumseh Inn & Suites

517-423-7401

1445 W Chicago Blvd, Tecumseh tecumsehinn.com

We take special care to ensure the bouquets and on-site floral décor reflect your individual style and budget. Delivery available.

Grey Fox Floral

517-423-3735

116 S Evans St, Tecumseh greyfoxfloral.com

Having a variety of styles has helped propel more traffic into the store, keeping business local and providing options for formal occasions. While bridal dresses are the primary inventory for Meant To Be Mine, there also are prom, pageant, and other special occasion gowns. Tuxedos, she said, are available only at the Delta store.

Palmer grew up on a farm south of Adrian and graduated from Adrian High School in 1989. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1992 in Fashion Design from Siena Heights and headed south to Cincinnati where she had a boutique featuring some of her own designs.

“I have been sewing since I was four,” she said. “When I was in Cincinnati, I sewed a lot of dresses. I sewed wedding dresses, pageant dresses, dresses for drag shows,” she said. I even sewed for costumes for a female wrestler and suits for secret service agents. I’ve done a little bit of everything.”

Throughout the manse, Palmer has added antiques and repurposed vintage pieces for merchandise displays that add to the ambience of the venerable home. Up a steep staircase is Lucky Owl Photography Studio, a local photographer specializing in weddings, boudoir, and portrait photography.

At Meant To Be Mine, Palmer said, it’s all about the “dream dress, the eye-catcher, the confidence-builder.” Since the boutique just opened in December 2022, it has sparked a lot of interest. The business’ Facebook page has photos of brides-to-be showing off their “I Said Yes” sign that has become a staple of the modern wedding gown search. Palmer loves working with brides to pick out their perfect dress. “I encourage brides to wear their individuality in a custom dress,” she said. “It sets us apart.” n

Meant To Be Mine

419-822-0183

1546 W Maumee St, Adrian meanttobemine.com

The Moveable Feast Catering

EVENTS SURE TO IMPRESS

Recognized by Conde-Nast and Bon Appetit, Dan Huntsbarger — an award-winning chef, has been serving the freshest catered food since 2006. His expert team offers total event planning/bartending for all size gatherings. American/ ethnic foods, vegan, plant-based/ restrictive diets, desserts and wedding cakes. Free consultation.

The Moveable Feast Catering

734-428-9526

223 E Main St, Manchester themoveablefeastcatering.com