Angela Marchese always loved a fairy tale wedding. Growing up in a large family, she participated in many nuptial events as a flower girl, guest, and bridesmaid. “When I was in college and deciding upon a career, I remembered that as a kid, I loved playing dress-up, and I’ve always loved attending weddings,” she says. “My first job in college was with a florist making wedding arrangements, cutting flowers, and creating centerpieces.” Upon realizing that she wanted to make the wedding industry her permanent profession, Angela majored in Wedding and Event Planning at the New York School of Art and Design.
She discovered the future home of her intimate boutique during a detour off of Route 4. “I found this place by accident,” she says. Located in a converted cottage, her locale offers a truly boutique experience in downtown Maywood.
Although her original business plan was focused on event planning and florals, Angela quickly gained the attention of wedding dress companies who reached out, offering her access to their wedding gown lines. Now she carries some of the major designers that brides-to-be pour over in their bridal magazines, including Allure, Abella, Madison James, and Mikaella.
Being the primary focus of a wedding event is a significant undertaking, and Angela acknowledges that it’s a different process for each bride. “All of our appointments are one-on-one. There is no one else in the store so we can provide a very personal feel. We begin with a two-hour consultation to discover your vision, likes, and dislikes,” she says. The process begins with reviewing preferred Instagram and Pinterest posts along with any other images and looks that appeal to the client. “We review what the bride likes and doesn’t like and discuss if she’s open to trying something different. We talk about what colors and shapes she prefers and what her ‘must haves’ are,” says Angela.
Angela estimates that only about ten percent of brides who come in with a specific dress or type of gown in mind end up buying it! “I am pretty good at helping brides choose the right gown style,” she laughs. “It’s important that it suits not only their style and personality but also the wedding venue and budget.” An important consideration for brides is that a dress may take months to arrive once it is ordered. Angela helps her clients understand the ever-changing trends and styles so that they choose a look they will still love--even if their wedding day is 18 months away.
“Many brides also consider what their future spouses want to see in a dress. That can make things even more complicated if the bride envisions a ball gown and the groom imagines his bride in something completely different.”
In addition to bridal fashions, Angela offers customized service packages, including event planning, coordination, design services, and “getting ready assistance” to help the bride get dressed on her wedding day. “That results in a more relaxing and enjoyable day for all,” says Angela.
“I am a solo act here. It’s just me. I can tell you every detail about every bride I’ve ever worked with. My brides leave here as family—in fact, I was in the wedding party of my first customer! I get to know people personally,” says Angela. “I know what’s important at the end of the day. The marriage between people and their families.”
