Petoskey Bridal has been making brides feel beautiful for nearly 56 years. And in 1990, it was purchased by a lady named Theresa, commonly referred to as Mother Theresa, in the community.
“So, she actually started working here in 1969 as a seamstress and stayed for many years until she purchased it. So, she had a long history here before she owned it,” said Theresa’s youngest daughter and store bookkeeper, Angie Way.
“She used to take the alterations and sew it on the wedding dresses. Worked with many, many brides. And over the years we’ve met second and third generations of those same brides that our mom worked on and now keeping it going,” said Cindy Whitley.
Theresa had three girls of her own who became part of this new endeavor right away.
“I started at 15 with the previous owner. And then, when mom bought it, I went forward with her, and then Cindy came along a few years later,” said Gerri Lynn Belfy.
“I came in 1993 when my daughter was a baby, and she just needed a little help, I didn’t know. What that would look like, but I think I started changing things then, and I haven’t really ever stopped. That’s kind of what I do,” said Whitley.
While they didn’t think they’d end up following in their mother’s footsteps. They each play a role in keeping her legacy alive. Cindy now owns the store. Gerri Lynn is the assistant manager and seamstress, and Angie has been the bookkeeper since the store came into their family in 1990.
“I stumbled upon it. You’re the reason why it’s here. You’re the one who was with her at the time that said, we can do this, but she taught us that, that we can do it. So of course, we have to say that” Whitley said.
“I didn’t expect to still be here, but it’s in our blood. We can’t quit,” said Gerri Lynn.
Petoskey Bridal recently celebrated their grand re-opening in their new location, and they made it a point to keep their mother’s memory alive in the new space.
“I just definitely felt her with us and so in the designing process, I kept thinking of different ways I wanted to include her. So, we have a tribute back there, and an article that was written with the news review of the Tea Party that she used to do. She had all the girls learn how to sew, and then she put on this grand tea party and do that. And then we also have some great fun, vintage photos of her around to share the love and keep it all going. So, there’s little bits over here everywhere that’ll never go away. That will never change,” said Cindy.
The team hopes brides leave Petoskey Bridal feeling one way...
“Beautiful, loved, pampered. And they definitely do. Our staff is awesome.”