Jennifer Hagler, Boise, began her search last spring for the perfect wedding gown - without much luck.
"We considered going to Salt Lake City or Seattle because I couldn't find what I really wanted locally, and the designer dress I originally looked at started at $6,000," Hagler said.
Hagler wanted something original and not off-the-rack - a dress that would be unique in design and reflect her personality and fashion style.
She'd heard about Shera Rowley, a professional seamstress and designer working from her home in Nampa. So she gathered up her photos, bridal magazines and drawings and took them to Rowley, who designed the perfect, form-fitting ivory satin gown with soft chiffon floral accents cascading down the back, she said.
Since then, Rowley decided to open her own shop, and in February SC Bridal debuted in downtown Nampa. "SC" stands for Something Creative.
"Everybody loved my dress because it was unique," Hagler said. "My husband thought it was beautiful and said it was definitely me. It was cool to know that no one else would be wearing the same dress. When you spend that much money you don't want to see your friend wearing it at her wedding."
The cost of Hagler's gown was about $1,000. Most custom designs by Rowley range from $700-$1,200.
Rowley has been working professionally in the bridal industry since graduating in 2000 from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco and has partnered with other dress shops in the past.
"I love the creative energy I feel when I'm working on a dress, and having a retail location lets me be surrounded by beautiful dresses every day," Rowley said. "I work to give the shop a very intimate feel. I keep very limited open hours, using scheduled appointments the rest of the time so a bride can have my full attention while she is in the shop."
In addition to a full custom couture service, SC Bridal offers off-the-rack bridal gowns and accessories from designers such as Casablanca, Jacquelin Exclusive, Eternity Bridal and a custom house label, as well as formal wear for bridesmaids ($100-$175), flower girls ($60-$100) and other occasions. Veils, tiaras, jewelry, shoes, invitations and other wedding accessories are available. Rowley also is developing her own bridal line that she hopes to market throughout the United States.
"On a custom gown, I make my patterns from scratch, according to the bride's measurements. The dress goes through several fittings to ensure it fits perfectly. This often also includes bead work and embroidery," Rowley said. "When I make a custom gown, you will never see another just like it again."
Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481
AROUND THE VALLEY
Matrix Engineering starts up in Boise
A partnership between Douglas Unger, principal engineer, and Christina Sorrels, project manager, has resulted in the formation of Matrix Engineering Inc., a consulting engineering firm, at 950 W. Bannock St., Suite 1124, Boise.
Unger, involved in consulting engineering for 23 years, is a licensed professional engineer in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Utah. Sorrels, a graduate of BSU's College of Engineering, is preparing to write her professional engineering exam in the next several years. Also joining the firm are Kris Kettelle and Ken King. Both are experienced in design, AutoCAD and document production. Phone: 860-2961.
Idaho First lending office moves to Boise
Idaho First Bank has opened a commercial, professional and small business lending office at 250 S. 5th St., Suite 800, on the top floor of the C.W. Moore Building in Boise. The office previously was in Meridian. A ceremony to celebrate the bank's grand opening will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The move follows the recent appointment of Don Waniata as the company's Boise president. Among his responsibilities, he will work with CEO Greg Lovell to manage the bank's growth.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 947-0424.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/
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