Morristown GreenLocal opinions, news, events, real estate & more from Greater Morristown
Pictures from Friday's gala opening of Morristown bridal studio 'i do, i do'
By George!
February 15, 2010, 7:02AM
Shannon Boyd of Jackson and Katie Van Rensalier of Hackensack saw an online ad, and became Morristown brides for the night. Photo by Kevin Coughlin"Morristown needed this," Laura Biancosaid at Friday's gala opening of bridal studio i do, i do.Laura is spearheading a "Don't Elope!" campaign--she runs the My Bellissimawedding service a few blocks away--and she predicted the new studio will help her cause.
"Women will come here from all over," Laura said. "Every bride wants to feel like she is the only one getting married. They want a one-to-one experience. This is for the luxury bride. This is upscale."
I do, i do is a joint venture of Patricia Lipper and Leia Harley, longtime friends and colleagues in the fashion industry.
They will sell bridal gowns ranging from $1,200 to $4,000, and accessories. On Feb. 25, they will participate in Here Comes the Bride, a local bridal show at the Hyatt Morristown.
"I had high expectations. This has surpassed my expectations," Susan Brierly, style editor of New Jersey Bride magazine, said of the spacious, tastefully appointed studio. "This is extraordinary."
Susan said the wedding business is more insulated from economic downturns than most industries.
"Girls always get married," she said. "They always want dream weddings."
Although the recession has thinned some bridal parties, New Jersey weddings still typically cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 and $55,000, said Kara Thorson, co-owner of My Bellissima.
Enjoying the scene Friday were Shannon Boyd of Jackson and Katie Van Rensalier, who became model brides for the evening by responding to an online ad.
For Katie, a recent Rutgers grad who has performed at Madison's Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the event was like a dress rehearsal for her impending nuptials.
Shannon was keeping her eyes open. She has made one trip to the altar, and has not ruled out another.
"I'm looking for Mr. Right," she said, flashing a bright smile. "Everyone deserves to be happy!"
