New bridal shop aims to bring the “wow” experience to Utica

UTICA — Watching a family member’s experience shopping for a wedding dress was the spark that inspired two friends to open their own bridal shop in Utica. “Last January, I traveled with my cousin to do her wedding-dress experience,” Franca LaBarbera says. She describes the experience in one word, “Wow!” It made her realize that a similar “wow” experience was lacking back home, and that’s where the idea began. She reached out to her longtime friend Kristine Champion and suggested they open a shop together. “I mentioned it in April, and here we are,” LaBarbera adds. Bella Bride opened on Jan. 17 at 200 Genessee St. at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica. The pair, who met as teenagers while working at Justice at Sangertown Square, bring diverse backgrounds to their partnership. LaBarbera has a background in finance, while Champion brings a retail background — including 12 years of running specialty retail stores and managing big-box stores. Right away, the women had a space in mind. LaBarbera’s father runs Frank Vita Men’s Clothier, Inc. at the Marriott Utica. There was a vacant space right next door, perfect for what they needed.  “Downtown is being revitalized,” Champion notes. Lots of wedding receptions take place at the hotel. “It all sort of started falling into place.” LaBarbera and Champion spent time doing some demolition and construction work in the 750-square-foot space, including creating a greeting area, showroom, and dressing room. They also spent a lot of time researching exactly what they wanted to carry in the shop, traveling to meet with suppliers and attending industry events. “We handpicked our inventory,” LaBarbera says. Being mindful that people want different things, the pair strive to carry a variety of high-quality items in different styles and at different price points. Inventory includes bridal gowns, dresses for bridesmaids and mother of the bride, accessories, and even fun items like jean jackets and sweatshirts. And they made sure to bring the “wow” to their experience. “Our aim is to make it as special for the bride as possible,” Champion says. “We want them to feel as special as they can.” They meet with brides by appointment, and the experience starts with a personalized sign welcoming the bride, she notes. After getting the brides settled, they take them on a tour of the showroom, get to know them, and start to get a feel for what they want. There’s a comfy robe for brides to wear in between gowns they are trying on. “We’re very much a part of the whole process,” LaBarbera adds. They can suggest options and offer advice to help a bride make her gown selection. Of course, the process ends with a “yes to the dress” photo moment. Since celebrating the grand opening of Bella Bride on Jan. 17, which included a ribbon cutting with the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, the response has been great, Champion says. People enjoy having a local option instead of having to drive to Syracuse, Albany, or further, she contends. “It’s nice that we are now giving an option a little more local.” The pair are active on social media promoting Bella Bride. It also helps having a storefront right at the Marriott Utica, which makes the business highly visible to brides touring the venue. The business owners also hope to participate in wedding expos as time allows. Bella Bride’s appointment hours are Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday from 1-7 p.m., Friday from 1-4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.