Since 1997, Taylor’s Bridal Boutique has been the go-to for brides in Elmira and the surrounding area. “I’ve outfitted over 11,000 weddings in my career,” says Linda Taylor, who owns the business with her husband, Ron. “Some of the brides from when I opened in 1997 are now bringing their daughters to me.”

Over the years, Taylor’s Bridal has grown into a multi-generational business. Taylor’s daughter, a master seamstress, has handled alterations in the boutique for 27 years, and Taylor’s granddaughter has been working there since 2017.

Despite the bridal boutique’s strong reputation in the region, owners Taylor and Ron realized it was time to enhance the space to welcome the next generation of brides. “We’ve been in this building for about 25 years, and a lot of the look that we have right now is from back when we first opened this store,” says Taylor. “With so many new bridal shops opening, it’s time for us to refresh our space.”

The business received support from My Main Street, a program that aims to strengthen businesses, boost productivity and revitalize main streets. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“Today’s brides have changed,” says Taylor, who’s been in the wedding gown business for 43 years. “When brides today purchase the dress, they want that beautiful picture of the ‘I said yes’ moment.” As part of the refresh, Taylor’s Bridal transformed its lower level to an ‘I said yes’ and ‘First Look’ area. “We [now] have a beautiful neon signage on the wall and a sofa… it’s just very soft and pretty,” says Taylor.

Taylor explains that after investing heavily in upgrading the lower level, they knew it would take time to focus on the main floor. With the support from My Main Street, they’ve been able to begin modernizing that space sooner than planned, with new flooring and paint to bring a “soft, romantic” energy to the boutique.

“Since we opened up our lower level, we’re getting more and more appointments,” she says. Taylor is confident further leasehold improvements will continue to boost her clientele and bring more customers to the community. "Once the main level is finished, it will help to elevate the business even more."

Taylor has enough experience to know that no matter how timeless a gown is, the experience is how you get customers to spread the word to their friends. The business has a deep legacy in the community, a legacy Taylor wants to foster and pass on to her daughter and granddaughter.

“Being able to modernize the store with the help of My Main Street is going to keep us going,” says Taylor.