I was so very excited to photograph Rebecca Kimura, the woman behind making so many Kentucky brides truly feel like a princess on their wedding day! I have had numerous brides and friends get their wedding dress at Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique and been overjoyed by the customer service and beautiful product they received. I even got my dress at Rebecca’s…it was the very first one I tried on and just knew it was the one! I thought for sure I wouldn’t find my dress in Louisville, that I would want to go to Cincinnati or Chicago to find something really “different” but Rebecca’s made it so easy for me! My mother and I were so happy with my dress and the service they gave us. If you still in search for the perfect dress… don’t hesitate to check out Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique.
1. Tell me about Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique. What all do you offer and how long have you been in business?
We opened in September of 1989. We now have 2 businesses side by side, Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique and Rebecca’s Black Tie. The two businesses compliment each other and make it easy for the bride to do most of her bridal attire planning in one place! We offer bridal gowns, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom, flowergirls, veils, jewelry, accessories and tuxedo/suit rental.
2. How did you get started in the bridal dress business? What do you love most about it?
I graduated in Criminology but knew I didn’t want to do anything in that field once I got out of school. I always loved fashion and sparkle, so bridal was a perfect fit! I have been blessed with some wonderful employees throughout the years that have helped me create a great place to work and a great place for brides to feel comfortable while helping them plan their big day! I love seeing the brides find that perfect dress!
3. What makes Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique experience unique in Louisville?
I have great employees that really love what they do. It shows in how they handle the customers every day. It is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and we do not pressure people to buy. We get to know the customers and enjoy walking with them through the whole process.
4. Who should a bride bring with her when selecting a dress?
A bride should bring a trusted friend and her mother, if possible. Too many people can lead to too many opinions! A bride should be able to choose what she wants to wear, not what her friends want her to wear.
5. What are all the things a bride should consider when selecting a dress?
I think a bride should consider the venue where she is getting married when selecting a dress. Also, comfort, style and price are important aspects of her decision.
6. Who are your favorite bridal designers that you carry?
We love all the designers that we carry- that is why we carry them! We have a wide range of styles and prices for every budget and bride. Each company offers something different and it depends on the bride as to what she is looking for. Once we discuss with her, we can direct her towards the designer that will best suit her needs. We carry Watters, Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Essense of Australia, Alfred Angelo, Martina Liana and Stella York and Mikaella.
7. What are some bridal trends through the years that you love and some you are happy to see go?
I am loving all the lace! It is so romantic and beautiful. I was never a big fan of the “cold shoulder” dresses where the shoulders were cut out, but…to each his own. It was still fashion!
8. What did your wedding dress look like?
I have to say that my wedding dress was not my favorite dress I have seen over the years. It was very heavy, long sleeves with lots of dangling beads…ahhh. I had only had my business for a few months, so I didn’t know then what I know now.
9. Favorite story about a bride/dress experience you would like to share?
There are so many stories from 25 years of business and it is hard to pick my favorite. I will have to say that I love doing our Brides Across America events in July and November. We give away wedding gowns to military brides that are either deployed or their fiances have been/are deployed. We have heard so many wonderful stories about these true heroes. One time a bride’s fiance called her from Afghanistan while she was in our shop. He asked her what she was doing and she told him she was standing in the dress she was going to marry him in. He cried, she cried and we all cried! It was really special.
10. What do you like to do in Louisville when your not helping brides find the perfect dress?
I love to have friends over to cook, eat and enjoy good wine. I prefer to eat at home, but one restaurant that I have to have at least once every couple of weeks is Hiko-A-mon…best sushi in town!
