In a fun setting, sisters-in-law Jenna and Kari Whittington helped future brides choose the perfect bridal dress with the assistance of a designer at Whittington Bridal in Kingwood in January 2012.
“We have made a place where families who wait for groups to arrive feel honored and have a specific, unique experience for them where they feel like they’re type of part of the Whittington family,” said Kari Whittington.
Twelve years later, the bride purchase moved its services to a bigger tower in the same shopping center in June.
Meet the masters
Jenna and Kari Whittington met while dating sons in Kingwood, and they both graduated from Kingwood High School and Texas A&M University.
Soon after graduating from school, the two became sisters-in-law and spent several years teaching at Kingwood Middle School and Kingwood High School.
The two women decided to form a partnership and launch their own bridal shops business out of a passion for weddings and Jenna’s passion for creating the perfect wedding experience.
“I often wanted to be in weddings. Like I loved all things bridal, as a kid my Barbies planned their weddings, they were entrepreneurs. That is what we did in reality. But I did it in my imagination”, Kari Whittington said.
What they offer
Since the evacuation, Whittington Bridal has expanded to eight levels with eight dressing rooms, from three stages for wedding dress appropriate services and dressing rooms in each phase. In addition, the bridal shop added a table, prom gowns and prom gown fitting services.
By beginning each session with a mimosa, Whittington Bridal, per the owners, creates a soothing atmosphere. Following the event, a one-hour interview with a designer will take the bride-to-be through the boutique’s more than 350 wedding gowns obtainable to try on.
Dresses are therefore paired with components with the assistance of the designer, and the occasion is celebrated with a champagne bread.
“We wanted the practice for all brides to be a great and wonderful experience but at the same time not overwhelming, still pleasant, still fun without being intimidating”, Jenna Whittington said.
The Whittingtons said they would advise brides to schedule an appointment so they can fully enjoy their services despite the fact that the boutique accepts walk-ins.
The details
Whittington Bridal offers various designer dresses ranging from $1, 500-$7, 000. Designer dresses offered include, Justin Alexander, Aria Bride, and their own designer brand,.
“This is an emotional purchase and you have to be aware of how you’re feeling. It’s not always going to be logical, you can’t reason your way into a purchase of a wedding dress”, Kari Whittington said.
Through their bridal business, the Whittingtons support nonprofits including, a nonprofit that rescues women from human trafficking. Elijah Rising receives a portion of their boutique sales each month from Whittington Bridal, and a larger portion comes from Corinthian James, the private collection. The other non-profits that the business supports include and.