Reclaimed Rentals
Family-run Nathaniel’s Unique Events (1733 Summit Ave., 833-4818 or nathanielsuniqueevents.com) held the grand opening of its Scott’s Addition location in August 2015. Richmond natives Jay and Pam Edwards started the business (Nathaniel is Jay’s middle name) after helping to plan their son and daughter-in-law’s vintage wedding. “It just all fell into place is the best way to say it,” Pam says. The company specializes in one-of-a-kind furniture and lighting rentals from vintage sofas to farm tables, and Midcentury to modern.
Urban Expansion
Urban Set Bride (602 N. 29th St. — by appointment only, 562-1212 or urbansetbride.com) is expanding into the apartment next door, adding a reception space for incoming clients, an in-house florist (Amanda Burnette), an in-house seamstress (Charla Bjostad, Pleiades Bridal Design), and office space for co-owner Christine Haines Greenberg’s event-planning company Wood Grain & Lace. Scheduled to open in December, Greenberg says “It was a really great opportunity when the space became available.”
From the Butchery to the Banquet
Metzger Bar and Butchery (801 N. 23rd St., 325-3147 or metzgerbarandbutchery.com) now offers wedding and special event catering. Specializing in small and boutique weddings, Metzger offers dining options from its regular menu as well as custom menus. They can create the cake, too. Their event coordinator will oversee all the catering details. Be sure to book your wedding well in advance though, as this smaller company already has several weddings on the books.
Bridesmaids Welcome
Lex’s of Carytown (3020 W. Cary St., 355-5425 or lexsofcarytown.com) now offers bridesmaid dresses in addition to its bridal gowns. Lines such as Johnathan Kayne and Corizzi are priced at $119 and up. GiGi Wall, vice president, buyer and store manager of Lex’s, says the shop decided to expand into bridesmaid apparel after receiving multiple requests. “We want to get bridesmaids into something other than the typical dress,” she says. “This is the dress that you can absolutely wear again.”
Goodbye Bella
After 12 years, Bella Rosa (3979 Deep Rock Road, 855-1000 or bellarosabridal.com) is closing. Check out the liquidation sale on everything from dresses to fixtures before the doors shut for good in early 2016. An online letter to the store’s patrons reads: “We have decided to take our business interests and energies in a new direction as of the beginning of next year [2016].”
Now Open
Annalise Bridal Boutique opened in October 2015. (Photo by Kate Magee)
In October 2015, Annalise Bridal Boutique (1309 E. Main St. — by appointment, 649-3000 or annalisebridal.com) opened. Owner Lindsey Livesay says she made the decision to open after having a less than stellar experience trying to find her own perfect wedding dress in the Richmond area. Offering a mix of designer dresses from funky and fun to elegant and traditional, she has curated a variety of styles suitable for all tastes. “I’m just hoping that I’m another outlet for Richmond brides to find some quality designer dresses,” Livesay says.
Sweet Success
While Sweet Fix (404-2349 or sweetfixrva.com) is no stranger to the wedding industry, it opened a storefront at 9 W. 10th St. in September 2015. The retail space offers small dessert cakes, tarts, cupcakes and more using seasonal, local ingredients. The space itself is inspired by the ’50s retro diner style, with modern elements mixed in. “I needed more space and a much larger kitchen,” says owner Amanda Robinson, who has seen a steady growth in business since starting the company six years ago.
Wedding Renaissance
Looking for a one-stop-shop for all of your wedding needs? The Shoppes at The Renaissance (101-107 W. Broad St., 649-3373, ext. 201) has made it their mission to provide such an outlet, housing services including Hayes & Fisk Photography, Invitation to Party and Lou Stevens Glam Squad. All of the shop owners will be available to give advice and tips the first Wednesday of every month, whether you purchase from them or not.
