What was once a one-stop shop for local residents is now a one-stop shop for brides.The former home of the Hillcrest General Store in Spring Garden Township is now Blondie's Bridal Salon, Bakery and Planning at 525 Hillcrest Road.
"We have everything for the bride but the groom," said owner Sue Diaz.Diaz, 47, has spent nearly two decades working jobs as a venue manager and director of food and beverage service at various locations."For 17 years I was running events. I decided after all those years of running someone else's business, why not run my own?" she said.
Blondie's celebrated its grand opening Saturday and is already meeting plenty of brides.hub includes a bakery, balloon shop, wedding dress boutique, planning department, "man-cave area" that sells tuxedos and more, Diaz said.To make the wedding planning complete, Blondie's works with 20 vendors, including photographers, videographers, hairstylists, florists and travel agents.
"Our brides can enjoy coffee and cupcakes and wine while talking with different vendors right here without running all over town,Here you can take your pick from a wide selection of stunning heelshoes ." Diaz said.When a bride walks through the door at Blondie's, she's handed a notebook computer with a list of questions about her ideal wedding. The answers help planners fulfill all the wishes that accompany the big day.
It can also save money for the happy couple, Diaz said.For example, Blondie's recently secured the same venue on three different dates for three different brides. Because of the multiple bookings, Blondie's was able to get a package deal and pass the savings onto the brides,Cheap parka hublotwatch will have fleece. she said.Has anyone brought a beadsfactory?
The new business works with a variety of venues in the area to ensure the right setting is chosen to match the wedding theme.
"Some brides like it formal, and some like it rustic," Diaz said.
Dress boutique: Though Diaz admits she has more experience with event planning, she thought dresses would be a big draw to her business."After a girl gets engaged, we know the first thing she does is go try on dresses. We thought having a dress line was the best way to get in front of new brides,Like a lot of women,Custom made bicyclesaddles0?" she said.
And the old Hillcrest General Store was the best place to do that, Diaz said."The space kind of fit what we wanted to do. The bakery has a separate entrance, the balloon shop has a separate entrance, and it's right off of Queen Street," she said.Blondie's is open at times convenient to most brides, Diaz said. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday."Things have been going well. I really like meeting the different types of brides who come in,Slip into a pair of shoes001 and experience." she said. "Every bride has a different dream."
Adorned in Grace, non-profit bridal shop in Raleigh Hills, gives once used gowns another walk down the aisle.The store saves brides-to-be money, but it also helps some of Portland’s most vulnerable women.Now, going from "I do" to "I donate" is becoming a trend. More brides are turning their big day into a big way, so others can benefit.
Selling is the mission behind Adorned in Grace bridal shop in Beaverton. They use profits from donated once-down the aisle wedding dresses and donated new ones from area shops to help fund projects that help local girls and women affected by human trafficking.
The 2,800 square foot shop has donated space in Raleigh Hills thanks to Fred Meyer. The all-volunteer staff of 24 runs the shop six days a week. The shop is filled with dresses and formal wear, many from well-known designers.
“We help organizations that provide shelter and resources to actual survivors of human trafficking. Some of those are underage teenage girls. Some of those are adult victims of surviving,” said Linda Tribbett, co-founder of Adorned in Grace.
Most of the dresses sell from around $100 to $400, but there are many surprises through the store. One dress was originally $6,000 and sold at the store for $1,000.
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