MANAYUNK

By Caitlin Maloney

Photography By Alexa Nahas Photography

Nicole Miller Manayunk has been calling the corner of Rector and Main Streets home since 1994. Though it’s always carried Nicole Miller’s Bridal Collection, the Manayunk location has recently become a go-to destination for Nicole Miller bridal in the region.

With only six other Nicole Miller boutiques in the country, brides from all over flock to Main Street, Manayunk to get the wedding gown of their dreams. Though some other regional boutiques may carry Nicole Miller’s gowns, the Manayunk location carries the full bridal collection and has something not many other stores have—experience.

“We pride our business on customer service and experience,” Store Manager, Samantha Sciolla, said. “We know the brand, so if you’re looking for a Nicole Miller gown in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are the place to come for it.”

Nicole Miller's Bridal Collection is renowned for its unique cuts and modern styles that are versatile and effortlessly chic. Though they appear simplistic, the gowns are not without embellishments. Nicole’s designs naturally enhance a woman’s figure with details such as eyelash lace trim, illusion necklines, and jewel-lined straps.

“The Nicole Miller bride wants a sophisticated, elegant gown in a non-traditional style,” Samanda added. “They want a dress that feels as good as it looks. We sell designer gowns at an attainable price point from $485-$2,800.”

If you’re looking to really stay on budget though, here’s a tip: once a year, Nicole Miller hosts their White Friday sale on Black Friday where they sell all of their sample gowns and any discontinued gowns just for that day. Everything is $1,000 or less—yes, you heard that right! Some gowns are even 90 percent off and sell for as low as $100. They also have six bridal trunk shows a year where they offer 10 percent off and goodie bags from some of their favorite local wedding vendors.

If you’re in the market for a wedding gown, call to schedule a bridal appointment. You and your entourage will be given the red carpet treatment (literally) in the upstairs bridal suite by the Nicole Miller team.

“When I talk to a bride, I ask them questions about their wedding—their venue, if they’ve worn Nicole Miller before, what they are looking for, and what they’ve seen online that they like. Then, I get to work picking out five or so dresses I think will be what they’re looking for,” she said.

Samantha joked that Nicole Miller is either a bride’s first or last stop in the dress buying process. The winning dress is often the first dress a bride tries on when their appointment begins. While most brides begin gown shopping eight or more months in advance of their wedding date, one benefit of shopping at Nicole Miller is their quick turnaround time.

“If the gown is available in your size and style, we can get almost anything within seven business days, but I don’t recommend waiting,” Samantha said. “Checking things off your list is the best part of the planning process and we are happy to store wedding gowns for our brides until they are ready to be picked up for alterations.”

Those who are familiar with past Nicole Miller bridal lines will be seeing a whole new look coming in her Spring 2017 collection.

“The new collection is little more bohemian than what we’ve ever done, but in a good way,” Samantha said. “There are some great new details and silhouettes that are perfect for an outdoor or destination wedding.”

Though the new collection will be in stores this spring, the current line, including best-sellers ‘Dakota’ and ‘Abigail,’ will remain.

“I have sold hundreds of these gowns because they never look the same on each bride,” she said. “We are stylists at the end of the day, so we can help you accessorize your dress to make it your own.”

Besides having a great selection of wedding gowns, Nicole Miller Manayunk also carries separates, beachwear, day dresses, cocktail, and evening wear—perfect for "brides to be" shopping for their shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon.

Samantha added, “We also cater to wedding guests, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom.”

But, as a bride-to-be herself, helping brides find their perfect gown will always be Samantha’s favorite.

“It’s very important for you to feel like yourself on your wedding day and find something that is the perfect complement to who you are. It’s a magical thing when you put on a Nicole Miller gown and it feels right for you. You just have to trust your instinct in this process.”

Learn more here.