Imagine a lace-embroidered tulle ivory gown sashaying through the room. Or a long drip of white silk fabric with pearls and crystals on the waistline sauntering by.
Or picture an ivory mermaid lace dress lined with silk and featuring a narrow satin sash breezing past, with its so-called illusion neckline, sheer and showcasing intricate embroidery on the skin.
These could be the clothes of queens, or in this case princesses, who are wearing them on the day they say, “I do.”
The importance of these milestone pieces is anything but underplayed at Isabella’s Bridal Co. on Cardinal Drive where such delicate, elegant, intricately-made gowns by top designers are beautifully showcased.
“Isn’t this just divine?” muses boutique owner Melissa Patrick, pointing to a strapless ball gown with gathered chiffon designed by Enzoani, then turning to a design by Theia – a gown with round pieces of silk fabric likened to flower petals sewn on tulle, each with a tiny pearl in the middle.
Patrick, who named the store after her 13-year-old daughter, opened the bridal boutique in August, and meets with clients by appointment only until the holiday season starts in November, when she’ll offer regular hours.
Isabella’s Bridal Co. carries 9 top bridal lines and is the only boutique in Florida where clients can purchase the highly customized designs of Claire Pettibone, Sarah Janks and Karen Willis Holmes. There are currently 60 styles of dresses in the showroom, and the selection of merchandise continues to expand. Most designs offer a light, airy feel.
Gowns range from $1,000 to $7,000 plus customization, meaning clients can add or change sleeve style, create a different neckline, alter the style of back or add a train to tailor the dress to their taste.
Patrick decided to open a bridal boutique that offers personalized service to clients on what’s supposed to be that once-in-a-lifetime search for the idyllic wedding dress. “I wanted to create an atmosphere that I’d want to be in if I were a bride – one with a boutique feel to it, so they feel special when they come in,” she said.
Shopping for a bridal gown is so unique an experience, she says. It’s more than just a dress. There’s an emotional aspect to picking out a bridal gown. “It’s the experience,” she said. “They want to go to a bridal shop, and be with their mom, their maid of honor, friends and family.”
Patrick consults with clients about the designs, styles and what they look best in. Then they go through the gowns, find the style they like, and may discuss customization.
Having observed weddings when she helped with her father’s catering business, the 35-year-old “fashion enthusiast” got the wedding fever and in 2008 she and a partner opened a wedding and events planning business. She has now incorporated the wedding planning into the bridal boutique.
Her clientele comes from around the state, including Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The boutique offers everything from a traditional bridal look to a more unique one. Many of the dresses have a soft romantic feel – with more chiffon, less tulle, more elegance, beading, and soft, flowing, airy fabrics.
“I want her to feel like a princess for a day,” she said. “Brides want to make some statement on their wedding day, wearing something that represents who they are.”
Patrick, who moved to Vero Beach from Connecticut with her family when she was 18, remembers well her own bridal gown shopping experience 15 years ago. With nowhere to shop in Vero, she, her mother and sister set off for West Palm Beach where she shopped at a chain bridal store and settled on a lace dress. It was a good experience for her, but she missed out on highly personalized service, one she offers at her shop.
The 1,400 square-foot space features old Chicago brick wrapped around columns, a black concrete floor, hefty wood bar and steel clothing rods, all juxtaposed with the ornate workmanship of gowns such as a strapless Enzoani ball gown with gathered chiffon; a Karen Willis Holmes beaded gown, and one of Canadian Lea-Ann Belter’s eye-catching designs.
Claire Pettibone, a Los Angeles designer noted for her intricate hand-sewn lace work, offers several vintage-inspired designs. Her gowns are highly customized. If a client prefers a sweetheart neckline or a V-neck, or a sleeve added, or spaghetti straps, Patrick measures the client and off it goes to the designer to be custom made.
Isabella’s carries both the couture Enzoani line and the Blue by Enzoani line, which is more ready to wear. There are Nicole Miller long dresses that range from $1,200 to $2,000. And short ones that can be worn to a rehearsal dinner, bachelorette party or engagement party.
And dresses aren’t just for brides. Some of the designs would make a splash at a black-tie event, gala or holiday party.
Isabella’s also carries the veil and accessories collections of Sara Gabriel and Jaclyn Jordan as well as the Badgley Mischka bridal shoe collection.
But it’s the gown that is the crowning glory of the wedding purchases, Patrick says.
“The mood changes when they come out in their first dress,” she said of clients emerging from the fitting room. “Now she feels like a bride. Mom sighs, and the jaw is going to drop.”
“They’ve been talking about it, planning it, booking venues,” she adds. “But until she puts the dress on, she doesn’t see herself as a bride. It’s then that it makes it real.”
