In July, nearly everyone has a wedding to attend. Whether you're a guest, a groomsman or a florist, right now weddings are a popular topic of conversation. However, no one has wedding bells on the brain more than the bride-to-be. I would know, as someone who's engaged and experiencing all of those inevitable bumps along the road to betrothal.
Good thing there's an upscale bridal boutique in Madison that can make that road a little smoother. Premiere Couture is a lovely space filled with stunning designer bridal gowns ($1,000-$4,000), bridesmaids' dresses, veils and accessories, set against an ultra-feminine decor of pink walls, toile-print dressing room curtains and soothing candles. Even the most frazzled Bridezilla could relax here.
As I tried on dresses with the help of co-owner Laura Evenson, I knew I was in good hands. She fluffed my train and tied on sashes until they looked perfect, and said things like, "That neckline looks great on you!" or "This dress matches the beach theme of your wedding!" (That's attentiveness.) She even called a designer during my appointment to see if a dress I liked could be changed.
Evenson and co-owner Rosemary Williams have spent 10 years cultivating the impeccable attention to detail they're famous for. Choosing up-and-coming designers you won't find elsewhere in Wisconsin, they lovingly handpick each gown. "I love helping brides find just that dress," says Evenson.
At Premiere Couture, I got a preview of what it'll be like to wear that dress on the big day. My favorite: "Jane" by Caroline DeVillo (a strapless lace gown with a zipper to turn it into a short party dress!).
