Inside Look | Blue House Bridal Boutique

I met Valerie when I was about 7 months pregnant with Remington in the midst of an insane heat wave blasting the Midwest. Reggie and I were part of a car show taking place in the heart of downtown Carmel, and it just so happened that we parked just up the street from Blue House Bridal. I told Reggie I’d be back in a few minutes, and off I went, hoping to meet a fellow wedding industry peer and perhaps to find some cool air! And here we are almost two years later, and besides becoming a wonderful client, Valerie has become a sweet friend of mine. We both have little boys – just 2 months apart! – and we love them both dearly! I’m excited to see them hang out and become great friends over the years! A while back, I stopped by to visit Valerie at Blue House Bridal. I just love her boutique, her dresses, and her passion for her business. I’ve been excited to share more, so let’s just get right to it! Stewart Imagery asked Blue House a few questions to help you get to know them a bit better. For more information, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook.

SI: How did you start your business? When did you open the doors at Blue House Bridal?

BH: I worked in the wedding industry for over 8 years before I started the business. Having seen all aspects of this amazing time in a family’s life, I really felt that how the bride looks is the most important thing. If a woman feels beautiful then everyone will notice her no matter what and there is nothing that can stop her! For one of the most memorable days of your life, why not look the best and make everyone eat their hearts out! 🙂 I opened my doors on November 2, 2010!

SI: I love the name of your boutique! What inspired you to use the name Blue House Bridal?

BH: Well, clearly it came before the actual space was found. 🙂 I really want Blue House to be a place that our brides bring their children back to or even their grandchildren. I wanted a name that encompassed that as well as a feel that you are really taken care of by us.

SI: What bridal style defines Blue House Bridal? What bridal styles do you love and why?

BH: We are what you won’t find anywhere else. I believe we carry the best dress around. You may be able to find something similar, but ours are always better. 🙂 If you have searched high and low and can’t find your dress, it is because you haven’t visited us! The styles I love really are anything that makes people say “Wow! Did you see that dress?” and “Did you see her in that dress!” Listen, you want people to not only love the dress you are wearing, but love you in it even more. Since every person is different in what their best features are, there is no one “style” that I can love more because it would be leaving out a potential person from finding their dress here.

SI: What differentiates Blue House Bridal from all of the other bridal stores out there?

BH: Us. We really care about each and every one of our brides. Our goal is to have you know that you look your absolute best and know the dress is the one thing you will not have to worry about on your wedding day. You’re not just another bride buying a wedding dress to us, you are “Jessica” finding the perfect dress to marry “John” in.

SI: Do you read or subscribe to any wedding magazines? If so, what are your favorites?

BH: Of course, I get them all!

Valerie offered a few tips for brides in search of “The Dress”:

Shop only when you’re ready.
Bring along that person or persons whose opinion you trust. Once you’ve decided on your dress, bring everyone else back to see it.
Be honest with your stylist. If you don’t like a dress, simply let them know. You’ll be that much closer to finding exactly what you’re looking for.
Do your homework before setting a budget for your dress. Keep in mind that alterations are an additional expense.

SI: What is your favorite must-have accessory that you recommend to brides for their wedding day?

BH: Other than their best smile because they feel so stunning, a great pair of earrings. You can never go wrong with earrings.

SI: Just for fun – What celebrity wedding would you like to style?

BH: Well, I would do two: Kim Kardashian and Nelly. I just love a sharp dressed man!

SI: What are some of the hottest trends for 2014 brides?

BH: Non-strapless is huge. Lace is still really popular, but so is tulle, which is a personal fave. Fitted is still very in, but with a more relaxed fit as well.

SI: What is your favorite aspect of owning and operating your business?

BH: That I get to help women finally embrace their bodies and see how beautiful they really are. I always say we want to really be able to go on a shopping spree and buy up a whole entire store because everything looks good on us, but that is not the case. So rather than try to find the latest and greatest, like we do in our everyday clothes, and try to make them work, why not find the best and most stunning for the day that is all about love and happiness! When a woman feels stunning there is nothing that can stop her. She radiates beauty and love and that, no one can resist!