Wednesday, September 4, 2002
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Wednesday, September 4, 2002 |
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Bridal store celebrates 20 years in business By CAROLYN CARY
It has been 20 years since Belles and Beaus Bridal & Formalwear opened its first store in Fayetteville. Located on the east side of North 85 Hwy., it contained 1,000 square feet The company began with owner, Joan Branton, and Betty Huddleston Mayfield. Huddleston would often put on a bridal gown and visit nearby businesses, letting everyone know that bridal dresses were now available locally. The showroom is now at its largest location, further north on Hwy. 314. It contains 6,200 square feet, and employs seven consultants, two seamstresses, a shipping clerk, a tux manager, and a part-time employee. Owners Joan and Lamar Branton have lived in Fayette County for 27 years and are the parents of Lyle, who works with them, Raymond, who lives with his family in Griffin, and is looking forward to ordination, and Joy, who is married to the Rev. Steve Chapman. The Chapmans and their five children are missionaries in Africa. "We began in 1982," said Joan, "and that is the year that everyone wanted a bridal gown like 'Princess Di.' While the Princess Di 'pouf sleeves' and high neck have been replaced by the new strapless looks, we make sure that all brides are still dressed as a princess. We treat each prospective bride as royalty." "Things may have changed a lot in the past 20 years, but even after all this time, there are some things that remain the same. Belles & Beaus is still around and thriving thanks to years of hard work and lots of dedication by everyone involved." The local carrier of the line "Eve of Mi Lady" bridal gowns, the line has been a staple for the company for the past 20 years. The bridal shop is located at 282 Hwy. 314 and can be reached at 770-461-4818.
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