By Darlene Brace
Marquise Bridal Boutique is a one-of-a-kind business in Lakewood, NY. It is owned by Ashley Whippo, and it’s at located 117 Chautauqua Avenue. This bridal boutique features a private bridal experience offering a variety of dresses and accessories to ensure that the bride-to-be has everything she wants and needs for her special day.
Ashley has a special flair for bridal shops that began when she was young, as she was influenced by her great aunt, who owned a charming bridal boutique in Bolivar, NY. Growing up around that delightful atmosphere, Ashley loved seeing the happiness on brides’ faces when they found their perfect dress. These early experiences gave her the foundation she needed to open her own bridal boutique.
Before starting her bridal boutique, she earned an associate’s degree in 2012. She then worked for 13 years in hospitality and healthcare, serving as an office coordinator and medical education liaison for eight years. After working in the medical field, Ashley decided it was time for a new career path.
free to attend. There will be wedding vendors of all categories. She is pictured
here in her shop at located 117 Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood, NY with a
selection of her dresses and with a happy client.
She chose to pursue her long-held dream of opening her own bridal boutique. In early 2024, she rented a building in Lakewood, and along with her husband, they completed renovations, including new flooring, lighting, painting, and more. Ashley opened Marquise Bridal Boutique in May 2024. The boutique has already become very successful, and she has sold approximately fifty wedding dresses.
When planning your big day and looking for your perfect dress, make a reservation at Marquise Bridal Boutique for a private bridal experience. Then, you will fill out a questionnaire online that provides Ashley insight into what style of dress you may prefer. During the private bridal experience, you can invite up to eight family members and friends to join you. Ashley selects four dresses to start with that she thinks would be of interest to you, according to your questionnaire answers. After you try the gowns on and give her some feedback, she will continue to assist you until you say, “Yes to the dress!”
The gowns in her boutique are hand-selected and are samples of what she can order for you. There are gowns of various styles and silhouettes including gowns designed by Justin Alexander and Morilee. The gowns are available in sizes 4 to 30 and range in price from $1200 – $3000.
Ashley’s boutique also offers tuxedos from Generation Tux, which delivers directly to the gentlemen’s home two weeks before the wedding. This allows for convenient at-home fittings. After the event, pack the tuxedo in the box and return it via UPS. This simplified process is a game changer compared to other rental venues, which often require multiple trips to the shop right before the big day.
Ashley occasionally hosts small events at her boutique. On January 17th, she organized an event called “Sip and See,” in collaboration with local event planner Nina Headen. The Sip and See event was an informal gathering that invited prospective customers to preview her gowns, helping them decide if they wanted to schedule a private bridal experience. Guests were offered complimentary beverages and could enjoy samples from a charcuterie board provided by Mable Roads in Lakewood.
On February 2nd, Ashley will partner with Northwest Arena in Jamestown for the “Love is in the Air” Bridal Show, which will run from 12pm to 4pm. It is free to attend, but registration is required to be eligible for a prize giveaway. There will be wedding vendors of all categories. Music and lighting will be provided by Synergy Entertainment. Mimosas will be available, along with a cash bar. The highlight of the afternoon will be Ashley’s Marquise Bridal Fashion Show at 2pm, featuring a stunning collection of twenty gowns and six tuxedos. Additionally, Ashley will be giving away a veil and a free tuxedo rental.
Johnna Conti, a local soon-to-be bride bought her wedding gown at Marquise Bridal Boutique. When talking about her experience there, Johnna said “If you’re looking for a stunning bridal dress at a beautiful local boutique, then you must go to Marquise Bridal in Lakewood, NY. Ashley will make your experience enjoyable. I am so happy that I bought my dress at Marquise Bridal.”
So, when planning for your big day, why drive to Erie or Buffalo when there’s a lovely bridal boutique in Chautauqua County? Marquise Bridal offers an amazing selection of gowns, tuxedos, and accessories to make your bridal dreams come true, with personalized service to assist you along the way. Visit Marquise Bridal Boutique in Lakewood, and let Ashley make your special day unforgettable.