ONTARIO – When 17-year-old Leah Gombosch was looking for a prom dress, she came to Bridal & Formal Wear By B.

Though Gombosch, who was selected Miss Ontario in June, first looked in Columbus, she found her gold mermaid-style dress close to home. Her recent pageant dress also came from Bridal & Formal Wear By B. So when she heard that the small, locally-owned bridal boutique was holding a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, July 12, she wanted to attend.

“I felt it was a really good fit for me to come for this,” she said.

Gombosch and a group of about 15 others attended the ceremony, where owner Bonnie Schwiger chopped a bright blue ribbon in half to symbolize the opening.

Schwiger’s shop moved most of her dresses in late May to the Richland Mall beside the Avita Hospital. Some of the dresses stayed at the former 564 N. Lexington-Springmill Rd. location until the end of June, delaying the ribbon-cutting.

She said she wanted to focus on customers after the move and allow time for a few vendors to move in. She had an idea in mind. Her goal was to make Bridal by B into a “one-stop shop” for brides.

It took some time to bring it to life, but her shop represents three additional wedding vendors.

Photos from wedding and portrait photographer, Mary Weirich, are featured around the store.

Tara’s Floral Expressions is represented with floral displays inside a cooler. Tara Beaire, owner thinks it will be convenient for people with friends and family staying in neighboring Avita Hospital, but also hopes brides will stop by her shop, 48 W 4th St., after seeing the flowers displayed at the mall.

Paula Wheeler, of Harvest Moon Wedding and Events, is also represented. She decorates the store fronts and helps brides find a dress. She can’t be at the store every day, but brides interested in her services can pick up business cards.

“It gives everyone some exposure,” Schwiger said. “It’s great for small businesses … And I want to make this a full bridal experience for my customers.”

Richland Mall general manager, Jodi Scott is excited about the new location.

“It’s been great working with them, and we hope it’ll be a great, long relationship,” she said.

While Macy’s and JC Penney carry some bridal and formal wear options, Bridal by B will be the mall’s only store dedicated this attire.

Schwiger is optimistic about the location, too.

“I think it’s super,” she said. “We’ve had so many nice comments.”

To learn more about Bridal by B, visit bridalbyb.com or call 419-529-2009. Appointments are encouraged.  

Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed on Tuesday and Sunday.