Introducing Kelly from Yours Truly, Kelly Bridal Store
The first time I heard about the Reading Bridal District was from my mother-in-law. I was having a hard time finding a dress in Louisville and I was starting to get frustrated that I wouldn’t find my dream dress. Because I was from Louisville, I had never heard of the bridal district. I remember thinking when we got there that there were so many bridal stores and if I couldn’t find it there, I wouldn’t find it! I found my dream dress that day and since then so many of my friends and family have purchased their dresses there! When I heard about Kelly’s store I knew I would love it! It is super cute and she is so helpful. We recently borrowed two designer dresses for a fun photo shoot at the Newport Aquarium. She helped me find the perfect dresses and her prices are super reasonable! Be sure to check out her website: https://www.yourstrulykelly.com If you are looking to sell your wedding dress after your big day, be sure to call Kelly.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a part of weddings? I first realized that I wanted to be a part of weddings when I was in College at the University of Kentucky for Fashion Merchandising. I had taken a class on "Costume Design" and wrote a thesis on the History of Wedding Gowns. I was completely fascinated with the whole "wedding concept" and quickly realized that I wanted to work in Bridal and someday, possibly own my own Bridal Boutique.
What is your background? My background is in Fashion Retail Management. I have a Bachelor’s degree from UK in Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles with a minor in Business. I have worked as a Store Manager for 15 years for companies such as: Michael Kors, Talbots, Liz Claiborne, The Limited, and Parisian Department Stores.
What is your favorite part of a wedding? My absolute favorite part of the wedding is when the Bride approaches the audience for the first time to walk down the aisle. It’s completely breathtaking and you can always hear gasps from the guests because she is so stunning!!!!
What are your favorite upcoming trends? My favorite trends for bridal gowns are introducing color!! I LOVE Wedding Gowns that are a shade of color completely different from the traditional white, ivory, or champagne! It shows the uniqueness of the bride and the fact that she doesn’t have to follow "the rules!" I also LOVE the "Vintage" style! I know many brides are asking for "Vintage" looks, and I am able to provide actual "Vintage" gowns from over 50 years ago if they are interested. If not…my boutique showcases many styles that incorporate vintage lace, beading, and silhouettes that the current brides are searching for.
Tell me about your wedding. My upcoming wedding is on March 24th and is being held in our Bridal Boutique! We are actually going to stay open for business until 2pm and then I will be working frantically to transform our boutique into our wedding venue. I am creating a very intimate atmosphere with dozens of votive candles and romantic bouquets of Blue hydrangeas, baby’s breath and pink roses. We are hosting about 30 family and friends and everything from the ceremony to the cocktail reception is being held in the boutique. We are incorporating our store colors into the wedding with the Fuchsia and Navy. My gown is a Justin Alexander that I actually purchased from European Bridal . . .they have been very good to us by consigning many of their sample gowns and accessories!! The Mayor of Reading (Bo Bemmis) is our officiant. My 7 year old son is our ring bearer. There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen since we wanted to keep it very simple. Our caterer is Java Glaze Cafe which is located on Benson St. in Reading and our Cake is being made by "A Cake For You" which is also located in Reading. It should be a very fun and relaxing event. Then Allen and I are taking off for a few days and closing up shop to travel to Southern California. We will reopen our boutique on Saturday, March 31st at 10 a.m.
