Fourteenth: Something Bleu Bridal A Destination Salon
What’s so special about Something Bleu Bridal in Saratoga Springs, NY? It has become a destination spot for many brides-to-be. Shopping for the perfect wedding dress in Saratoga is an unforgettable experience…like that of a fairytale!
Welcome to Saratoga Springs! People from all over travel to the city of Saratoga Springs to enjoy all of its offerings. There is something for everyone and every age group in this charming, but bustling 28 square mile city. It is known for its history, horse racing, mineral baths, music, and food. Saratoga is also becoming known for its array of unique wedding venues and one extraordinary place to seek the perfect wedding gown.
Something Bleu Bridal has a long history of its own. This bridal salon stemmed from the success of business owner Denise Eliopulos who founded Bird of Paradise Boutique in 1981 in downtown Saratoga Springs. She expanded her business to include Immortal Beloved Bridal in 1994 and upped it a notch when she opened Something Bleu Bridal in 2005. Denise is well respected in the fashion community in Saratoga and abroad. She left her mark on the hearts of many brides and felt it was time for a change.
Marissa Mackay found her Cymbeline wedding gown at Something Bleu in 2009 and married on July 11, 2010.
Marissa accompanied friend, Kathryn Metzler, to the Saratoga salon to look for her gown for her Christmas wedding on December 28th, 2017
Marissa and Kathryn met at a wine pairing dinner at The Thirsty Owl in Saratoga. This was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. The Owl is their go-to place for wine, dinner, drinks, and meetings. It was apropos that The Thirsty Owl would be where I first met Marissa and Kathryn. Denise arranged the dinner to introduce me to this now business duo…and the newest owners of Something Bleu Bridal.
Something Bleu owners, Marissa Mackay and Kathryn Metzler, admit that this business venture is something they could never do on their own but knew that it would be wonderful to do together. The strengths they bring with them balance each other out. They are so excited to take the legacy that Denise built and bring it to a whole new generation.
Marissa originally dreamed of owning a Bed an Breakfast. She wrote a business plan and had a property in mind but it fell through.
“I had recently caught up with Denise over dinner at The Thirsty Owl (everything happens at The Owl). I emailed Kathryn, “Want to own a shop together?” She responded with a “Yes!” We reached out to Denise to let her know that we were interested in being her succession plan. One thing led to another, and now here we are!”
This main ballroom is full of the latest designs from some of the bridal industry’s top designers. What makes this salon unique is that they encourage brides to browse and get a feel for the collections. They allow the bride to choose the styles she would like to try on. Trying on wedding gowns is a very personal experience, and Kathryn and Marissa recognize the importance of creating a warm and caring setting. Often brides are ushered in and ushered out of other big name salons, never even having a say in what they want to try on. This amazes me and is the reason I suggest my clients take the trip to Saratoga Springs and make a fun weekend out of it. You will notice immediately the charm and allure of Something Bleu Bridal.
“Walking into Something Bleu is like stepping out of time. The salon is in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, where time hasn’t stopped so much as been suspended. Fashions come and go, necklines go up and down and back again, but at Something Bleu, brides can explore timelessly chic bridal fashions from Europe, Canada, and the United States in one of our four completely private dressing suites.”
Cressida by Lea-Ann Belter (left) | Devoted by Astrid and Mercedes (right)
Every square foot of Something Bleu makes you feel like you are in the middle of a handwritten romantic tale. From their Victorian style dressing suites to their newest accessory wing, your experience will make you feel like you don’t want to leave and leave you wishing to write your own chapter to add to their history.
“My design experiences with Something Bleu leaves me with so many memories. I have worked with Denise for almost 20 years designing veils and accessories for her brides desiring something made especially for them. Denise has stayed on as Creative Director which affords me more time to see her while blazing a new and exciting chapter with Marissa and Kathryn.”
Everytime I visit Something Bleu I find new inspiration for my accessory designs. There are so many gowns I love. Canadian designer, Lea-Ann Belter, will always be my first love!
Jacaranda by Lea-Ann Belter
Harmony by Willowby by Watters
Splendor by Astrid and Mercedes
Juliet by Wtoo by Watters
Photography by Tracey Buyce
My most recent visit to Something Bleu Bridal featured a trunk show by Studio Levana. This beautiful wedding gown collection includes soft laces, illusion, and embroideries that flatter the curvy bride. Their patented interior corset creates a smooth, feminine shape that allows the bride to celebrate her curves. I found so many gowns that I loved!
Sage by Studio Levana
Lida by Studio Levana
Photography by Tracey Buyce
Kathryn and Marissa asked Headpiece.com to be a part of their first photo shoot for submission to Saratoga Bride Magazine—#1 Niche Magazine in NY. What made this first shoot special was that co-owner, Marissa, was chosen to model.
“We were a bundle of nerves for the first photo shoot for very different reasons. Marissa was nervous about being in front of the camera all day. I was nervous about whether or not we were going to pull everything together.”
Venue Saratoga Lake Golf Club
Bianca by Lea-Ann Belter
Marissa and Kathryn’s first shoot was incredibly impressive and made the pages of Saratoga Bride Magazine. Collaborations with Saratoga’s finest; Tracey Buyce Photography, Make Me Fabulous, Rena’s Fine Flowers, and Rain or Shine Tents and Events, made this first experience appear flawless.
Caget by Headpiece.com
French lace double Anna Veil by Headpiece.com
Elisabetta Polignano has made her way to the top of my list my for wedding gown design. I find incredible design inspiration for unique accessories to accentuate her styles. When I see her gowns my ideas come freely and instantaneously.
Cassandra Veil by Headpiece.com | Malala Gown by Elisabetta Polignano
Snow blanketed the Saratoga Spa State Park just in time for the shoot. Its showing changed the color palette to hues that couldn’t be arranged by any set designer or stylist.
Tessa Veil by Headpiece.com
Michigan Gown by Elisabetta Polignano
As I left the new owners of Something Bleu Bridal at the end of my March 3rd visit, I turned back to wish them well. I saw something at the top of the stairs to the entrance of their grand salon that I hadn’t noticed when I arrived. The beautiful silk Astrid and Mercedes wedding gown my daughter, Brielle, wore on her wedding day was on display to greet new brides. I left Something Bleu with a warm and grateful heart for both the old and the new.
Next month on the Fourteenth:
Shooting with Michael J. Ramos