By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Chandra Quarles paired her desire to start her own business with her love of brides to create Gabriel’s Bridal and Formal Boutique in Alabaster.

“I love brides, and I especially love what marriage signifies,” Quarles said. “We did not have a space in this area for brides, and I thought maybe we could open a nice boutique and help service people in our area that are wanting a more personal touch.”

Gabriel’s Bridal and Formal Boutique officially opened for business Sept. 2 off of First Street South, a part of several buildings being renovated in old downtown Alabaster along the south end of the Medical Mile district off U.S. 31.

The boutique will offer traditional bridal gowns as well as modern bridal designs, formal dresses, mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaid dresses and special occasion attire.

“Right now we are hoping that as we grow we will discover what the needs of the community are,” Quarles said. “As time goes on we will be able to see what people are wanting to buy and want.”

Brides looking to purchase their wedding gowns from the boutique can schedule an appointment for fittings, or stop by during regular business hours to allow for enough time to order a dress.

Quarles said sample dresses are available to purchase off of the racks for those needing something quickly.

“There may be brides that are more spur of the moment in planning, and we will be able to help them as well,” Quarles said.

Quarles said the name “Gabriel” was selected for the shop name after her and husband, Ty Quarles’ son, Gabriel passed away in 2008 from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.

“It is a newer muscular disease, so the angel wings in the background of our shop logo is related to him,” Quarles said.

Prior to the grand opening, Quarles said the store held an “open house” with a fashion show for individuals to stop by.

“We had a wonderful response from the community at the fashion show,” Quarles said. “We were able to have the fashion show on Facebook Live, and we really feel like this store will be something that is well liked by the community.”

Since opening, Quarles said several individuals have already stopped by to purchase their homecoming attire for local homecoming dances.

Brides looking to schedule an appointment at the store can do so on Monday and Tuesdays when the store is open for appointments only.

Hours of operation the remainder of the week are Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The shop is located at 236 First Street South in Alabaster.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 624-3081, visit gabrielsbridalandformal.com or Gabriel’s Bridal and Formal on Facebook.