Michelle McFarland recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of her boutique The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley, Michigan, with a social extravaganza and an unveiling of her dramatic and contemporary remodeled 8,000 square foot boutique.
The event was planned, coordinated and executed by Tracie Morris, certified wedding planner and CEO of You're The Bride, Detroit, Michigan.
We caught up with Michelle to ask about the milestone, and her thoughts for the next 25 years.
VOWS: We see you are still very much in the glow from your store’s 25th Anniversary celebration!
Michelle McFarland: The anniversary party was exactly how I wanted to celebrate – pure joy until 3 AM! Having industry leaders fly in from across the country meant the world to me. Ann Campeau from Strut Bridal, Amanda Cash from Amanda's Touch, Jenn and Kathy Walker from Charlotte's Bridal, Kristin Carlson from Bridal Elegance, Jodi Boser from Blush Prom, and a surprise visit from designer Colby John – it felt like a family reunion of the best kind.
Looking around our newly renovated 8,000-square-foot space during our anniversary celebration, watching industry friends from across the country mingling with local business owners and our incredible team (many who've been with us for over a decade), I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This journey has been about so much more than selling dresses – it's been about creating an experience that celebrates love, dreams, and individuality.
VOWS: And it wasn’t just celebrating an impressive milestone, it also showcased the newly renovated store. How would you describe it?
Michelle: When we opened our doors 25 years ago, I knew we had to be different. The bridal industry was ready for disruption, and Metro Detroit was ready for a fresh approach. We started in 1999 with bridal accessories - veils, headpieces, jewelry, shoes, invitations, guests books...if a bride needed it for her wedding day she could find it with us! Then in 2008 we added wedding dresses. What I didn't know then was just how many incredible stories we'd be part of – 17,000 'yes to the dress' moments and counting!
Our recent glow-up, designed in collaboration with the talented Renae Bailey, perfectly captures who we are: edgy, sexy, and completely unique. With nine private bridal suites, a champagne lounge (yes, we have a liquor license!), and an array of exclusive designs, we've created something that didn't exist before in bridal retail. Every detail reflects our commitment to being more than just another bridal store.
VOWS: When you think about the journey you and your team have been on for these many years, what first comes to mind?
Michelle: Looking back over these 25 years, what strikes me most is how we've grown every single year. In an industry where so many stores have come and gone, we've not just survived – we've thrived. And it's all because we never stopped innovating, never stopped listening to our brides, and never compromised on creating magical moments.
The numbers are amazing – 17,000+ brides who've found their perfect dress with us, countless bridesmaids we've styled, and accessories we've carefully curated. But what really matters are the relationships we've built. Metro Detroit has embraced us as their go-to bridal destination, and we've embraced right back, becoming part of the community's fabric.
VOWS: What guidance can you offer other bridal boutiques at different stages of their own development and success?
Michelle: I wish I could say to all my fellow bridal store owners: DREAM BIG. When we started, people said our ideas were too different, too ambitious and we would fail. But that's exactly what made us successful. Whether it's building those private suites, getting that liquor license, or designing our own collections – every "crazy" idea helped us create something special.
VOWS: And for the future…?
Michelle: As I look toward the next 25 years, I'm more excited than ever. The future of bridal retail belongs to those who dare to be different, who create experiences worth remembering, and who put their heart into every single appointment. The sky truly is the limit, and we're just getting started.
The party might be over (though people are still talking about it!), but the celebration continues every day when another bride finds her perfect dress in our store. Here's to 25 years of dreams and dresses, and to all the magical moments yet to come!
For additional details and photos from the event: https://yourethebride.com/the-wedding-shoppe-25th-anniversary/
