Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

What’s new: Paris Bridal has completed its first year in its new Norco location.

What it is: A bridal store

What it offers: Bridal dresses, bridal accessories and evening gowns. The business, the culmination of a lifelong dream of owner Candi Lawrence, offers both ready-to-wear and custom-made dresses. It is unique in the variety of dresses and coordinating apparel and accessories it offers, Lawrence said. “It’s a one-stop shop for brides,” she said.

Lawrence said she purchased the business with an eye toward increasing inventory so that brides can find everything they need — such as coordinating bridesmaid and flower girls dresses — under one roof. The 1,000-square-foot space also features purses, shoes, veils and bridal jewelry. Lawrence moved the shop from Pasadena to Norco last year to shorten her commute from her home in Riverside. It is the only bridal store in the city, she said.

When it’s open: By appointment only. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

When it opened: August 2006

Where it is: 3940 California Ave. Suite A, Norco

Who owns it: Candi Lawrence

About the owner: Lawrence has been a clothing designer for more than 30 years, 25 of which was spent primarily designing childrens and juniors clothing.

Her fascination with fashion began in childhood and propelled her to obtain two fashion degrees from California Design College in Los Angeles. Lawrence said she received her first requests for formal gowns after making a prom dress for her daughter. She then began sewing and designing formal dresses, wedding gowns and a wide range of other apparel.

Lawrence has five adult children and lives in Riverside with her husband.

What’s next: Lawrence’s long-term goal is to open two more bridal stores and to incorporate wedding planning into her bridal services. She also hopes to debut her first line of bridal wear next March.

Find out more: 951-737-5444 or e-mail parisbridal@aol.com

Source: PE.com