Owners Dina Poulas (center, with scissors) and son, Anthony, celebrate the formal opening of their Bride to Be Couture salon in Carmichael. The event combined a fashion show and fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Fashion recently combined with compassion as Bride to Be Couture salon paraded nuptial inventory in Carmichael. Guests watched statuesque models show off 70 state-of-the-mode gowns.

Eager to say yes to the dress, future brides and mothers of the brides filled the audience. The event was staged to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation.

“My family’s passionate about donating for breast cancer research,” said Anthony Poulos, who co-owns the store with his mother, Dina. “My grandmother is a three-time cancer survivor so helping this cause is important to us.”

Although the family business is 15 years old, the Carmichael location also hosted a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

From left, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Directors Bill Bowan, Brad Sanborn, Miranda Viani, Rosie Buck and Mikhala Freas join models Ashley, Jasmine, Stephanie and Tina at Bride to Be Couture’s fundraiser.

“Our grand opening was taken away from us by COVID in 2020,” explained Anthony Poulos “We planned this event to reintroduce ourselves to the community.”  

Salon inventory comes from design houses in Australia, Israel, Europe and the United States.  For the Poulos fundraiser, five couturiers donated gowns, with a combined value of $20,000, for a fundraiser drawing.  

“Our winning brides were ecstatic,” Anthony Poulus said.  “Having a beautiful gown is a wonderful start to a marriage.”

Bride to Be Couture is located at 6240 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael. The phone number is 916-972-8223 and the website is www.bridetobecouture.com.