posted: Saturday, Jan 16 12:00am

Top quality gowns, great prices, outstanding service . . . that's what you get at Bridals by Philvens! As a 45 year old professional, I was looking for a sophisticated gown for my country club wedding but didn't want to pay an arm & a leg. After visiting 14 bridal stores all over N.E. Ohio, I finally went back home to Akron and checked out Bridal by Philvens . . . just a 5 minute drive from my law school office . I should have STARTED there! Venus (the owner) had 4 dresses on the rack which all would have been great. I was interested in a floor model. And she had plenty of gorgeous dresses like that starting at $99. Plus, she can order designer dresses and has a huge stock to try on. The floor model gown I selected was PERFECT. Although it was too large, not a problem . . . their expert seamstress tailored that gown to fit me like a glove for $130. So, for $230, my dress made me look like a million bucks. I went to JoAnn Fabrics and picked up veil tulle and made my own elegant veil for $35. The whole thing was perfect. Do not make the mistake I did and look everywhere else. Save time and gas money. Go to Bridals by Philvens and get a top quality gown without going into unnecessary wedding debt . . . you won't be sorry . . . Venus (the owner) is the absolute best! She is helpful, informative, professional, and such a sweetheart. She is the real deal, and I'm so glad I found her! It's also wonderful to support a local business rather than impersonal, greedy chain stores that can't compare in quality and price to Bridal by Philvens. Venus has been doing this for 20 years . . . she's the BEST!!! Check out her web site at http://www.bridalsbyphilvens.net And when you go, call Venus to let her know you're on your way. Parking is behind the store, accessed from side street near Krispy Kreme or other side next to Temo's Candies. Go . . . you will be so glad you did, and you'll look like a million bucks without going bankrupt.