Beautiful Bridal Says Yes to the Motor City

[All photos by Michelle & Chris Gerard]

Detroit brides have new options in their wedding planning. Walking into the newly renovated John N. Bagley House and getting "The Keasha Experience" from owner Keasha Rigsby, the wedding dress search in Detroit has become much more inspired.

Rigsby, who starred on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress and TV One's Keasha's Perfect Dress, recently moved from New York to open her flagship store, Beautiful Bridal, at 2921 East Jefferson. She searched across the country to find the right place to open her boutique, and she and her business partner Vallery Hyduk fell in love with the historic John N. Bagley House, built in 1889.

"The building wasn't as dilapidated as others we saw," she says. "But it was in pain." She looked past the ugly wallpaper and old carpeting and focused on the intricate woodwork, the character, and the staircase.

Rigsby used to watch black and white movies with her mom and when she saw the staircase, she thought of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. She loved that staircase.

Rigsby and Hyduk received the keys in November and transformed the space in a few short months. In that time, they received a grant from Motor City Match, which helped them complete the renovation and open their doors in early February. The result is an elegant space where brides can come in and make their dreams a reality.

A true boutique experience, brides must make an appointment to come in. At their appointment, they'll sit down with Keasha and discuss how they want to feel on their wedding day. Then, the magic happens.

Beautiful Bridal has been booked since they opened a month ago.

The space is also available for events. The ladies are planning a wedding in the mansion in October.

The first floor of the mansion is completely redone for the boutique. In time, Rigsby and Hyduk would also like to transform the second and third floors, which currently house offices, restrooms, and storage.

• Beautiful Bridal
• Motor City Match