By Dean Vaglia
Leader Staff Writer
For those preparing to tie the knot, Oxford’s newest shopping experience is a must-see.
Norah’s Bridal, founded by Maegan Perrin and her aunt Karen Weaver, opened for business on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 6 N. Washington St.
“We have been doing a lot of wedding planning over the past few years, and myself and my aunt have always wanted to be in the wedding industry,” Perrin said. “I like all areas of weddings, whether it be events or just the gowns, and she is really into the bridal gown industry.”
Already interested in the bridal industry, it was the experience of shopping around that pushed the duo into setting up shop.
“While we were doing the shopping, we had the idea of opening [a bridal store] in an area closer to home because we found ourselves traveling long and far to go to bridal salons to find dresses for our family members and friends,” Perrin said.
Both owners are originally from Romeo with Perrin recently moving back to Oxford, where her family also lives. The family connection is not limited to ownership and location; the boutique shares a name with Perrin’s 2-year-old daughter.
“[We are] kinda planting roots here again and getting the business up and running,” Perrin said. “We like that small town charm; it’s where I grew up and was born and raised, as was my aunt, so we just wanted to have a business in that type of area.”
Opening with a selection of bridal gowns and accessories, Perrin says bridesmaids’ gowns are coming later in the year and that event planning will be available once all the gowns are in. Gowns from seven designers including Pronovias, Evie Young and THEIA are available, as are accessories from Luna + Stone and Twigs & Honey.
Norah’s Bridal is open to walk-ins and appointments, including the “VIP Bridal Experience” where the store is closed for two hours to allow a bride and up to nine guests a private shopping experience. The VIP appointments cost $200.
“To try on the gowns, you would need an appointment, however if we do not have one at the time we will probably accommodate,” Perrin said. “Our goal is to offer our brides a fun, relaxed [and] intimate shopping experience. We believe in a comfortable, elegant and easy experience for every bride that chooses to shop with us.”
The desire to create a comfortable experience extends to the owners’ commitment to safety toward COVID-19. Hand sanitizer is available when browsing gowns, staff is masked and the building is sanitized on a nightly basis as well as between appointments.
For more information visit their website, norahsbridal.com, or call 248-800-4053.