4:28 p.m.

I haven’t been to a bridal boutique in a very long time.

Blu Ivory Bridal & Evening recently invited me to their press day, which I sadly missed. As many people know, however, I’m a strong supporter of local brands, so my curiosity led to setting up a private visit today instead.

I’m not married yet, but I think every woman treasures her Big Day very much – be it in the past or the future. So I’m very interested to see what the store has to offer, not to mention that apart from bridal gowns, Blu Ivory also has evening wear. Some brands on display include Paraezo, Jovani and Terani.

All I can think of right now are the weddings of two of my best friends. They both got married in the last two years and had stunning, mermaid-like gowns. I’m already immersed in the memory of corset-fitted, frilly dresses. They looked gorgeous…

Ok, back to reality! I’m heading down to the boutique now. Stay tuned for the full report!

5:55 p.m.

Beautiful boutique! Unfortunately, my iPad died. So the full story will be up in a few hours. Stay tuned.

8:45 p.m.

I loved Blu Ivory Bridal & Evening boutique. Upon entering, the lady I was corresponding with over e-mail greeted me with a hello in a delightful British accent. Her name was Katie and she was wearing a royal blue dress and a big smile on her face.

Katie was joined by boutique’s owner Bruce Dang. His store has a variety of evening, cocktail and bridal pieces. Bruce is a designer himself, who focuses on wedding gowns. In fact, he is the creator of Paraezo Couture that was showcased at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto last season.

Bruce and I had a very interesting chat. He told me that he has been designing for six years, a skill he learned from his mother who is a seamstress. “She taught me everything about pattern making, threading and design,” he said.

Although bridal wear is his main focus (Paraezo Couture), Bruce also does eveningwear (Wish by Paraezo).

The name Paraezo was inspired by the word Paraiso (translated as “paradise” from Spanish). The “wish” part reflects Bruce’s desire to create a collection in the future where part of the proceeds will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Apart from gowns, the boutique has delicate jewelry, as well as handmade bridal bouquets made from beads and silk.

Wedding gowns range from $2,000 to $4,000, while evening wear is priced between $200 and $1,000.

The name of the store has an interesting story behind it. Bruce explained that the “Blu” part comes from the saying “something borrowed, something blue,” while “Ivory” refers to the fact that most wedding gowns right now are ivory in colour as opposed to white.

The boutique has been opened since the end of March. I know I will be coming back.

Bonus: check out the photos from Paraezo Couture’s latest collection that will be showcased at the Toronto Fashion Week in October this year!