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PAMPER PERFECT PLACE FOR THE BRIDE
PAMPER PERFECT PLACE FOR THE BRIDE
By Anita L. Sherman
The Wedding Day, one of the most special occasions in a bride’s life. And much of the success has to do with the dress.
In a recent survey from BrandonGaille, sadly 80 percent of women had regrets about their wedding day. And one of the top reasons was their dress. Thirty-percent of those said they would have exchanged their dress for a different one after they saw the photos.
Adding to that disappointment, the cost of wedding dresses has risen in recent years as well. The average price in the U.S. is $1,100, not counting alterations and accessories.
According to Fox Business, count on spending somewhere between $400 to $1,700 for those yards of wedding whimsy wonderfulness. And wonderful it should be. Whether you try on three or thirty dresses, that final selection, of silky svelte or layers of lace, should be beyond special and that’s where Theresa Campbell could have your back.
“I’ll be there for them,” said Campbell who lovingly refers to all her customers as, “my brides.”
Campbell is the owner of Olde Towne Bridal & Event Boutique located in Old Town Warrenton.
“I really enjoy what I’m doing and I want the dress to be perfect for the bride,” said Campbell who does all the alterations herself.
Campbell learned her craft in the Philippines, her home country, where she grew up in Iloilo City on the island of Panay.
While she had worked in the healthcare field, her move to Fauquier County launched a new career and the idea came from her husband, Ed Campbell.
“He had the idea to open the shop,” Campbell said. “He told me…you can do this…you know how to do alterations.” “He was right. I do.” Campbell has a degree in industrial technology and merchandizing. She has her own machines now, speaks Spanish fluently and, perhaps most to her credit, has a huge heart when it comes to working with bridesto-be.
“I care about my brides,” she said. “I want them to feel special.” To that end, Campbell will make sure that she is available for any lastminute details – no matter how small.
“Many brides these days are going for smaller, more practical weddings,” said Campbell, whose shop features several lines of bridal wear including Morilee and Lotus Threads (New York).
While the standard color chosen is predominantly white, softer shades of ivory or champagne are very popular as well. Bridesmaid and mothers-of-the bride dresses also are available, along with tuxedos to rent or purchase.
Campbell and her husband also run AMDG Screen-printing and Embroidery, products that help commemorate that special date with wine glasses, mugs or pens.
While the shop is open set hours, Campbell prefers prospective brides make an appointment ahead of time. “I want to be able to work with them uninterrupted,” said Campbell, “this is not just any dress.”
Campbell said brides often come in with a group of friends for the initial looking and then return later with mom.
Satisfied and happy customers from throughout the region have helped her business grow through word of mouth.
August will mark a three-year anniversary and she couldn’t be happier.
“I’m thinking of a special event,” Campbell said. “A trunk show…maybe Mimosa with Mom…I’ll offer discounts. I want my brides to be happy.”
Olde Towne Bridal & Event Boutique, 47 South 3rd Street, Warrenton, Virginia 20186. www.olde-towne-bridal-and-event-boutique. business.site.