THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay businesswoman has expanded her wedding service to provide bridal gowns and formal wear after recognizing a local gap in affordable wedding attire.
Nancy Tillberg, chief executive officer and founder of Shine Photo and Inspired Weddings, called the new business a "natural" extension of her wedding service.
"People that are looking for an eco-friendly, small wedding ceremony at an affordable price are also looking for an affordable-friendly wedding dress," Tillberg said.
"It's done on a consignment basis. We take in dresses from the brides and commission is dependent upon whether or not it's dry cleaned, the condition and the age of the dress."
Also available are other formal wear items including mother-of-the-bride dresses and prom dresses. Inside the formal wear studio, the brides-to-be can choose from an array of bridal gowns attended by a formal wear consultant.
"We want to give them a nice experience," she said.
"When people come in to try on a dress, we're going to give them a swag bag that will include information about our wedding service as well. In turn, people that are booking our weddings are going to get information about the dress and formal wear options, so it's, it's just a natural part and progression of the business."
A professional photographer, Tillberg offers a variety of wedding sets at her rural property for her Inspired Weddings pop-up wedding service. The barn loft offers a view of the country landscape and horse pasture as a setting for a country-style wedding, elopement or renewal of vows.
There is also a pasture location and a forested garden, complete with a chandelier over the wood stump altar.
Tillberg's formal wear studio is accepting dresses for consignment sales, in which people can participate by calling 807-631-5162. Appointments can be made online at inspiredweddings.ca beginning June 1 to shop and try on the clothing. People who wish to bring in a dress for a consignment sale must arrange to do so by phone.
The Chronicle-Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
