About Villa's Bridal

"A wedding in a store"

Villa's offers everything you need for your special day

MANVILLE- "Villa's Bridal Gallery" on South Main Street in Manville not only creates custom-made dresses but it also caters to every aspect of wedding planning. This boutique offers one stop shopping for those who want to rent or purchase a tuxedo, buy or have a wedding dress custom made, buy a special gift or find those special details that will make every wedding look beautiful.

The owner of the shop, Erlina Villa, started "Villa's Bridal" in her home in Hillsborough. Her designs became so popular that she had to move out of her home and open a store. "My business started by word of mouth from just one customer at the Board of Education in Hillsborough," Erlina said. "I have to say thank you to all of my customers," Erlina said, who was happy to say her shop has been so successful during the past two years that she was able to expand her store to better meet the needs of those who are planning that special day. "She said public demand was the reason why the shop expanded. "I want to make it easy for the bride, groom and for the whole family," she said. "Weddings get to be such a hassle, there is so much planning. This way they can come here to the gallery and get it all taken care of," said Bobi Dorward, proprietor.

The gown portion of the shop, "Villa's Bridal Boutique" offers dresses not only for the bride, but the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride. The dresses are brand new and range from petite to plus sizes. Custom made dresses are Erlina's specialty; other designers like Vow &Vogue, Casablanca, Morilee and Victorias are also available to choose from. The gown on the rack range of $450 and up. Erlina's custom made designs start at $1,200. Customers can come into the store with an idea on how their perfect dress would look or they can come in with a picture of a dress. Erlina will also help a bride locate a dress that is hard to find.

Erlina began designing and making dresses in the Philippines where she made her own wedding dress but never wore. "My dream is to wear my own dress, that is where I get my inspiration from," she said. When Erlina moved to the United States she worked for Liz Claiborne as a pattern maker and designer. She managed and owned "Song Design Inc." a garment factory, and shen then worked for Nicole Miller as a pattern maker and designer in New York. Erlina blames the commute for her departure from Nicole Miller in 1996 but it al paid off because her own business was created. When she was looking for a place to mover her shop she chose Manville. "I was told this was a sleeping town and I said don't worry, I will wake them up." "Villa's Bridal Gallery" was a tiny corner store in 1998 when it opened, but after two highly successful years, Erlina was able to buy the building.

The second floor contains the other two parts of the boutique, "Villa's Tuxedos" and "Wedding Details by Bobi". The tuxedo shop is managed by her son Michael. Tuxedos and all the grooms and best men's accessories are available. There are many designers to choose from: Chaps, Oscar De La Renta, Fumagalli's, Perry Ellis and more. Free pick up and delivery service is available. The details shop was started by Bobi. This shop provides referral service and consultations for photographers, flowers, limousine, reception facilities, caterers, bands, hotels, and gown and boquet preservation. "We try to personalize each wedding as much as possible," said Bobi. Special invitations for weddings or showers can be created. The shop has a personal calligraphy artist or the invitations can be stamped by machine. Other decorations and momentoes like place cards, brides dolls, memory cakes, money baloon or bird cages, and wine boxes can be purchased. Bobi can also turn a wedding dress into a Christening gown or into a slip for a bassinet.

-by: Leslie A. Scott, Courier News, 9/30/00

Bridal Gowns | Mother-of-Bride | Bridesmaids | Flower Girls | Accessories