Spotlight: The Bridal Finery
Tali Gallo and Roberta Noronha, owners of The Bridal Finery, are making magic happen in their swoon-worthy bridal boutique. The intimate home to dresses made by the world’s most prominent designers is situated right here in Winter Park. Tali and Roberta are passionate about offering stylish brides a one-of-a-kind experience to find their made-to-order or sample size, designer gowns. The genius pair have been in the industry for years and each bring something fresh to the table. Together they make a super chic, crazy knowledgeable team that is sure to make your day at The Bridal Finery one you will remember forever!
Credits:
Bridal Gowns: The Bridal Finery
Venue: Sydonie Mansion
Video: KEJ Productions
Hair/Makeup: Makeover Station
Florist: Raining Roses
Models: Premiere Models
In your eyes, what characteristics make The Bridal Finery so unique?
Myself and the other Owner, Roberta, are the bridal stylists. We felt like the client deserved the most experienced stylist and that was us. All of our inventory is available off the rack. Many of our dresses are one-of-a-kind runway or production dresses so only one lucky bride will wear that gown. In this day in age with social media, I find that so important.
How long have you been in this industry and what drew you to bridal fashion?
I’ve been in the industry since 2005. I think from an early age I knew I wanted to work in a very women dominated industry. Weddings weren’t really under my radar but fashion was. While I was going to school for business, I was recruited to work for a local bridal shop. Within a couple of months, I knew I would do this for the rest of my life. Bridal fashion really drew me in because of its size. Designers are some of the most caring, hardworking people I have ever met. I love styling my brides and I love supporting these designers. It is a win win.
What trends have you seen take off in the wedding industry lately?
Are there any you would use if you were having your wedding today?
Lately, everything is clean. Since the royal wedding, clients are more open to seeing dresses without detail on them. I love this look because it allows you to style with accessories and play up the look different ways. I think what really defines the past year of bridal fashion is the move toward individualism which I love.
Every bride is wanting something different. Just a few years ago, everyone wanted the same thing and didn’t care of thousands of other people were wearing it. Now brides are taking more risks. For my wedding day, I went super funky and different with no regrets, while I loved my look I’m such a sucker for a clean, crisp gown. I would totally wear a silky fitted crepe gown to my wedding today.
Do you have any advice for brides who aren’t sure what they are looking for?
It’s normal to feel this way. If you do, stop looking online and go try on dresses. You will find it. You always know what you don’t like when it’s on. I think our industry has really made the whole dress process super complicated. We are women and we make big decisions all the time. We can certainly find the right wedding dress. Go in with a positive mind. For most of my clients I find the dress within the first four they try on. If not, we pull more and we figure it out. We work together. *Another quick tip, is to look at your closet. It’s easy to think you love lace because that’s so much of what we see online, but if you are not a pattern girl, you may hate lace.
The experience of finding THE dress is something so special.
What does the experience look like when someone walks in the door at The Bridal Finery?
When designing The Bridal Finery, we decided to focus on making it welcoming and not intimidating. We style one bride at a time. We only have two rooms in our boutique. One for alterations and one for our new brides. It’s intimate and tucked away from the street on purpose. We work together to find your perfect gown. We have a full collection of accessories so we show you the whole look.
There are features about the experience we can’t reveal because we like to make it extra and like no other shopping experience. When you find the dress we celebrate and we help you with all the steps that follow. I’m a follow up queen. It is probably my favorite thing. I love to check in on my clients and see how I can help. I do this throughout their engagement because why not help connect them to the right person and be available to answer their questions.
6 – What are your goals for The Bridal Finery in the next 5 years?
We love our space and don’t want to move into a “big box” store look. Right now our goal is to grow our business while keeping the small intimate space. We don’t want to get lost in the growth plan and miss out in what we already have that is so special.
I think with partnerships we will be able to do that. We look forward to keeping you posted on those.
What is the best part of your job?
This is a hard one. I really love what I do. It’s fun to own your own business but the best part is still finding the bride her wedding dress and accessories. I don’t think anything will ever beat that.
What is your cocktail of choice?
I like ciders or anything light and refreshing. I’m always open to trying something new.
Where did you meet your husband?
We met downtown at a bar with friends. So romantic. haha. Our first date was at a diner that is no longer in business.
What is your favorite US city?
I love Winter Park but outside of here it would be a toss up between New Orleans and New York. I love the energy and all the live music.
What is your coffee order?
Iced Chai with almond milk.
What is your favorite splurge item?
Dresses. A well made dress is everything. I love Ted Baker, BCBG, Reformation, and All Saints. I cut back on getting my nails done for months to buy a dress. It’s always worth it. I keep them for years and take good care of them. Maybe that’s why I like designer wedding dresses so much.
Contact The Bridal Finery to set the time for your appointment and we’re sure you will leave with the dress of your dreams!
