Charlotte Bridal Fashion: E.G. Couture Grand Opening
Mrs. C.J. of J. Majors in Dilworth and Shea Walker (the boutique manager for E.G. Couture) hosted quite the shindig at the Matthews boutique last night. While noshing on baked brie, delicious shrimp cocktail and sipping some vino I mixed and mingled with wedding planners Carla Eustache from Style Perfect Events, Tara from T. Michelle Events, Anne Markey from Favor Me Events and Erica Stawick of Green Shoes Weddings & Events and Lesley Novak and Tonya Braddock of Blush Weddings and Events. Photographers Chuck Eaton, Kristin Vining, and Drea Cunningham (who shot all of these photos) were also chatting it up with us. Also, Jeri Brentlinger (who writes custom honeymoon travel guides) and Tiffany Ratcliff from Weddings and the City and Mandi English bridal hair stylist. I also had the pleasure of finally meeting Kimberly Bachelder from the Ritz-Carlton and bridal makeup artist Courtney Vose. I didn’t see Vinny but did see Diane Esposito from Split Second Sound.
The few-month old boutique now has racks lined with gorgeous designer and couture consignment bridal gowns from designers like Rivini, Anne Barge, Judd Waddell, Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Vera Wang, Carmela Sutera and San Patrick. They are all in impeccable condition and for a fraction of the price for what you’d pay full retail. Bridesmaid and mother of the bride options from Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka, Love by Enzoani and Siri round out the mix.
Pop in to see the accessories — everything from shoes by Kate Spade, Blue Tux and Grace; Sondra Roberts bags and clutches, Cheryl King veils and gifts and stationery from Anna Griffin. The custom designed leather guest books, bridal suite and photo books by Gillian Stevens of Dewdrop Designs are a definite must-see.
I grabbed a few of the mini cupcakes (thank you The Blushing Bakeshop!) for the road before meeting back up with Drea, Shea and Mandi at Soul Gastrolounge in Plaza-Midwood. I met owner, Lisa Kastanas and after I waxed poetically about how much I love the restaurant, the space, the food … asked her "If someone wanted to rent out SOUL for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception — is that an option?" Her answer, "We have a lot of people who ask, and, it’s open for discussion." That, dear brides, would be a hip and delicious party, no?
