Here Comes the Bridal…Shop

Writer / Heather Simpson
Photographer / Lemongrass Photography

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Traditions like this never change, no matter how much weddings change through the years. When Sophia’s Bridal, Tux and Prom closed the doors on its location on U.S. 31 just north of the Greenwood Park Mall this past October 2 and reopened their doors the following day, October 3, at their new location on Southport Road, they kept those traditions and made them even better.010sophiasinsouthport

The bridal, tux and prom shop, serving the metro area for nearly 10 years, relocated to their new home at 2025 E. Southport Rd., right in the heart of historic Southport. The move was a necessary one for Sophia’s and one that also worked beautifully for the local redevelopment commission who is on a mission to revitalize the area by repurposing the historic buildings with a fresh, modern look to attract more customers. The four-year revitalization plan calls for the area to be transformed to a village-type area featuring new shops, restaurants and events. Already, the spot across the street from Sophia’s new shop, formerly a gravel pit, has been cleared out and readied for new construction. Sophia’s Owner Jessica Limeberry says, “We’re happy to be a part of it.”

The journey down the aisle to Sophia’s new location was not full of diamonds and fairytales. Limeberry and her husband bought the bridal shop in January 2014 from the previous owner with whom she’d been friends. As the owner of Lemongrass Photography, another business in the wedding industry, Limeberry seized the opportunity. “I love working with brides and their families,” Limeberry says. “I love being part of all the excitement.”

Limeberry capitalized on that excitement and built upon Sophia’s reputation. “Sophia’s service is the best of the best,” she says. Not only is their service one of their specialties, but their selection of gowns from exclusive designers, far beyond those in the local chain stores, had customers packing their former 3,200 sq. ft. store.

034sophiasinsouthportThe previous owner began to consider relocating to a bigger store but couldn’t find a building that was the right fit. When Limeberry took over the shop, she too struggled with finding a new location for the store. As a bridge, Limeberry decided to spiff up and brighten the shop by adding some new dressing rooms. Ultimately, she knew she had to find a stand-alone building. “We needed to start with a blank palette,” Limeberry says.

Then a perfect proposal happened. The old post office on Southport Road was for sale once again. A local church had purchased the building, which sat vacant for about 30 years. Limeberry says, “After the church bought it, they cleaned it up, then decided to give it up a year or two later.” Sophia’s said their I do’s, bought the building in January 2016, and they’ve been full steam ahead with plans ever since.

The building offers the perfect solution for Sophia’s and the dream fit for the revitalized Southport main street district. After the renovation, Sophia’s has a fresh, modern, 10,000 sq. ft. store inside, nearly tripling the size of their previous shop while still maintaining the historic charm on the outside.

As the Limeberrys and the rest of Sophia’s staff settle in and put their stamp on their new shop, they invite you to stop in and see all they have to offer. Sophia’s is open Monday through Saturday as well as by appointment only on Sundays. To browse their collections, visit sophiasbridalandtux.com.

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