Bridal boutique offers both style and service
AN INTIMATE new bridal boutique is providing a special destination for “bride tribes”.
Krystel Paul opened Chanel Jaymes Bridal Boutique at 61 McLeod St in June and is open Tuesday to Saturday and by appointment.
The only Queensland stockist of brands Daisy Brides, Karen Willis Holmes and Luna Willow Bridal, Ms Paul’s new business is offering plenty of difference, with the gowns featuring boho styles, statement lace and delicate beading.
She described her new venture as “a bridal boutique with heart”.
“I wanted to make it boutique style because there aren’t many here in Cairns,” she said.
“We will focus solely on the bride – we offer champagne and a luxe package with nibblies. You can bring your bride tribe along too for the afternoon.
“I had the idea for a while but put it on the backburner and it wasn’t until last Christmas I found my book with all the ideas written in it and I thought, ‘you only live once, I’m going to do it’.
“It’s a bit of a niche market.” The name of the business comes from three-year-old daughter Chanel and husband James, though a ‘y’ was added in to feminise it.
Ms Paul’s own struggles to find a great shop to buy her wedding dress was part of the inspiration for the new shop.
She eventually found Say I Do, now closed, which offered the service and styles she was after.
Out of all the gowns in stock, many brides have been opting for long-sleeved dresses.
“Often they’re getting married in the Tablelands in winter so they need a bit of extra warmth,” Ms Paul said.
“I’m servicing customers of all ages from Townsville to Thursday Island and while customers have been steady, the feedback I’ve received has been encouraging.
“Everything in here is nontraditional – I like things a little different. You’re not going to find a big froufrou dress here.”
Later this month, Chanel Jaymes Bridal Boutique will host a trunk show featuring gowns from Karen Willis Holmes’ Wildhearts Collection, and until November 30, check out the store to view dresses by Wendy Makin and
Willowby by Watters.
A trunk show is an event where a bridal boutique hosts a particular designer’s collection for a limited time.
It represents a unique opportunity to try on a designer’s collection straight from the runway before they are commercially available in stores.
Trunk show consultations work much like a regular bridal consultation except there are more dresses to try on than usual.
More details can be found on the shop’s Instagram, @chaneljaymesbridal, on Facebook or at chaneljaymes bridalboutique.com.au.