Love is in the Air

The wedding season is in full swing, and today’s busy brides need all the help they can get.  According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 4,627 couples got married in Macomb County in 2008.  Numbers such as those indicate that couples are tying the knot no matter what the condition of the economy.  Many couples spend whatever it takes to make their day special to them.  With the products and services from the following three local Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) clients, help is on the way. 

A well dressed bride is a priority, so if a woman you know is getting married soon, let her know that Bella Rose Bridal Boutique in Shelby Township offers a wide variety of gowns, veils, tiaras and accessories for every type of wedding.  If the bride has something in mind that she does not see among the many styles available, she can even create her own gown! 

Before owners Michelle Sims and her daughter Brittany Alfonsi started the business in 2009, they came to the SBTDC for help with their business plan.  The SBTDC helped them put the plan together and get everything in order.  Michelle & Brittany have over 20 years of combined experience in the bridal industry. 

Bella Rose Bridal Boutique has also made it a mission to have Michigan-made products featured in their store.  Tiaras can be custom designed and made in-house.  Bella Rose Bridal Boutique can help a bride from start to finish. 

After shopping for the perfect gown, the bride can treat the entire bridal party to a chocolate party at Champagne Chocolates in downtown Mount Clemens.  They can accommodate children and adults into their kitchen to hand make their own truffle creations.  Participants leave with their own custom truffles to eat or share!  Champagne Chocolates also allows their chocolate party customers to bring in their own food and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while relaxing before the big day. 

Owner Debbie Heuchert started Champagne Chocolates over 20 years ago, and serves quality chocolates made with fresh products, and no artificial ingredients.  The store offers a full variety of chocolates, truffles, toffee, clusters, custom chocolates and packaging for weddings or businesses, and much more.  Debbie came to the SBTDC for assistance with marketing for her expanding business. 

The happy couple may plan to honeymoon in an exotic paradise once the wedding festivities are over.  If that requires a new swimsuit or two for the bride, then Exelnt Designs in Warren should be the next stop, because their goal is to take the frustration out of buying a swimsuit.  All swimsuits are manufactured on-site, and may be custom fit and made.  Exelnt Designs offers swimsuits in one-piece, two-piece and tankini styles, along with cover-ups and accessories as well. These can all be made from any of the twenty six different fabric patterns that are shown on their website.  

Owner Patricia Crowder came to the SBTDC for help with her business plan in order to expand to new markets.  She started Exelnt Designs over 26 years ago.  Her experience in the industry ensures that all customers will find the right swimsuit for them. 

Don’t let this wedding season pass without directing the bride in your life to these local businesses.  She will be sure to thank you!