The Bridal Cottage Blog

I can’t believe it was one year ago today that I re-opened the doors to The Bridal Cottage.  What a year it’s been!  As I take this time to think back on this year, it makes me a little emotional. I have learned so much…and experienced even more.  I am humbled by the support of so many of you.  It has been such an incredible journey that just keeps on going. 

Leaving 103.7 The Buzz to purchase The Bridal Cottage was the hardest decision I ever made.  It was so incredibly difficult to leave. But now I know this is my path…and I see clearly that it was meant to be. 

Owning a business is so amazing.  And being part of a bride’s special day…well, that’s even more amazing!  It’s awesome to think back on how many bride’s have had their “ah-ha” moment at The Bridal Cottage.  I had mine here, and it’s so wonderful to share their moments with them.

There are so many “ups”, but I do have my downs too!  A dear friend of mine, Rel, owner of Image One, told me when I was thinking about buying The Bridal Cottage that “there will be days you will be elated, and there will be those days you feel like you have been punched in the gut.” And wow…he was right!  But I wouldn’t change anything.

There are so many of you that are in my thoughts today…those of you who supported me and encouraged me to follow my dream.  You know who you are, and I thank you.

My Team:  A year ago I opened with a staff of well, my closest friends.  They were there when I needed them the most. They rearranged their life to help me get the store off the ground and I will ever be indebted to them.  Being surrounded by my beloved friends meant more to me then I can ever express.  Christa, who always makes me laugh no matter what; Tammie, my rock and my morning coffee buddy; Rose, my dearest friend “Rosie”; and Jennifer, whom I would have never met if it wasn’t for Erin and am so thankful to have her as my friend.  We have shared so much in The Bridal Cottage…the stories just keep on coming too! And memories keep on being made.

And then there is the rest of my team.  The girls who are there with me day in and day out who make what we do so much fun.  Melissa…my confidant, my sidekick, and whom now I call a friend…I would not be able to do my job without her. Cassandra, so sweet and so smart, and so amazing with brides!

For those who had to leave us due to military obligations and that we miss so much…Monique and Brittany.  And to my new girls!  Leah, Allison and Savanna…the adventure has just begun!

My Family:  I have the most wonderful family.  To my parents, who have always supported me in everything that I do and who are my biggest cheerleaders!  And I most enjoy the little things…mom bringing us snacks to us on really busy Saturdays, rushing towels up to the store when the toilet overflows, and bringing hot soup to me when I don’t feel well.  To Erin’s parents…Mike and Nancy who have offered and given so much encouragement and advice.  To my brother Evan and his girlfriend Justine.  I adore and respect them both so much.

My husband: I don’t even know how to begin.  He is where I get my strength.  He makes me want to be a better owner, manager and person.  He is the love of my life, my soulmate and my best friend.

And last, but definitely not least, to Vikki who believed in me and taught me everything I know about the bridal industry. And to Una George.  Without her chasing her dream of opening a bridal store 34 years ago, I would not be where I am today. 

I am so excited to see what this year has in store for me and my team at The Bridal Cottage.  I am so looking forward to the future.  This ride has been unbelievable.  And it’s nowhere over!  I hope you continue on this journey with me…thank you, to all of you.

Photo of Melissa, Christa, Rose, Monique, Tammie and Lindy--January 2012