ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — In 2016, Ellen McFadden opened a small bridal boutique at 19620 Detroit Road in Rocky River.
Since then, she has had great success, due to “good word of mouth and a rise in market demand for a certain Radiant Bride treasure: designer wedding dresses,” says her husband, Scott McFadden.
Ellen originally stumbled upon the quaint little shop in what used to be a home when she was buying her daughters’ wedding gowns.
“She became so inspired that she bought the dresses — and the dress shop itself. It became Radiant Bride,” Scott said.
The store has a simple business plan, Scott notes: Work hard, serve the brides and stay humble.
“This plan resulted in continuous growth for the company, mostly from word of mouth, and has earned hundreds of five-star Google reviews, as well as testaments to the quality of service,” Scott said.
Ellen said she couldn’t have imagined the success they have now. She remains grateful to the brides, who, she believes, “have really helped make it happen.”
Prior to buying the bridal shop, Ellen worked in Timan’s window treatment shop just down the block.
She maintained the “old touches” at the dress shop when it became hers, and always featured a beautiful window display — a skill she learned by designing window displays for May Co.
“I love retail,” Ellen said, noting that she likes to create windows that “bring a smile to people’s faces.”
It must have worked well because, Scott said, “Rocky River residents dropped off notes to Ellen, always wanting to know when and what would be in the next display window.”
Radiant Bride now has plans to expand into a bigger, better space — right across the street, Scott said.
In their new multimillion-dollar, two-story building, guests will have access to six spacious bridal suites and a private parking lot with ample spaces directly behind the building.
“The company plans to keep its celebrated ‘old-timey’ charm,” said Scott, “by installing wood flooring, a fireplace and a limestone façade. And the current display window that brings joy to Rocky River residents will turn into two display windows.”
But Radiant Bride is more than charm and good customer service.
“Along with the personal attention and care during appointment sessions,” said Scott, “Radiant Bride is happy to serve customers with a wide collection of specially crafted designer brands, hand-picked and curated by Ellen herself.
“Some of the dresses she likes to keep in the store are brand names such as Allure Bridals, Blue by Enzoani, Enzoani, Love by Enzoani, Essense of Australia, Madi Lane, St. Patrick and Vera Wang.”
Ellen reflected on the past success as well as the promise for future success.
“We are so excited for the opportunity to build such a beautiful new shop in the heart of Rocky River, and we’re hoping it will be a truly memorable experience for our brides to shop with us.,” she said.
“We had never anticipated that we would grow in this way when we opened in our current location six years ago. We count it all as blessings to get to do the work we love with the people we love and to meet and serve so many dear brides and families at such a sacred moment.
“Our new space promises to be a dream to shop in and to work in. We can hardly wait!”
The motto of Radiant Bride is “All you need is love and a great dress!” Ellen notes that the brides already have love, and it’s Radiant Bride’s job to help them find that special, once-in-a-lifetime dress.
To learn more, visit https://www.radiantbridecle.com/ or call Radiant Bride at 440-863-2000.
Read more from the West Shore Sun.
