Bridal celebrities will be in our midst as The White Room in Helena continues their spring calendar of trunk shows on May 1–2.

World–renowned bridal designer, Anne Barge, will be stopping in Helena making a Birmingham appearance for the third time ever.

A southern-born designer with roots in Atlanta, Anne Barge’s designs are the top choice for the over 1,000 brides who have selected their dress at the White Room.

“I like Anne Barge partly because she just has that southern flair. She is so warm and friendly and will make any changes to ensure a happy bride,” said The White Room owner Carolyn Kelley.

This is an unusual accommodation compared to other designers who will not change their “perfect” designs. Barge is willing to match one dress’s bodice with another’s skirt to please a bride–to–be.

Kelley opened The White Room just over four and half years ago to bring top name designers like Barge to Birmingham. Since then, she has been very selective in what dresses she selects from the bridal markets, but carries Anne Barge with much acclaim.

“She is a student of history,” Kelley says of Barge. “In her dresses you see the romance of the Edwardian and Victorian times. Her gowns often resemble court dresses of the 16th century.”

Barge’s gowns certainly are breathtaking. With prices ranging from $2,400 to $10,500, the average Barge enthusiast spends $3,000 to $4,500 on one of her signature gowns.

During the upcoming trunk show, Barge herself will be at The White Room, as well as her entire collection.

“The trunk show gives brides an opportunity to view some of the designer’s dresses that we wouldn’t normally have in stock,” said Kelley. “What an extraordinary situation to have the actual designer put the dress on your and tailor it to your needs.”

During the trunk show, brides can enjoy not only an extensive bridal selection, but also waived or deeply discounted rush orders.

Anne Barge will also be a featured guest at “Style in the Sky” at The Birmingham Summit Club on May 3.

The event, which is sponsored by The White Room, includes a bridal fashion show at 4:30 p.m. of both Anne Barge and Badgley Mischka’s bridal couture.

The celebrity appearances do not stop here though. The White Room will also be welcoming Judd Waddell in his first ever Birmingham-area appearance on May 15–16.

Known as a magician when it comes to the adornment of lace, Waddell will be showing off his spring bridal collection at the White Room’s trunk show.

The White Room conducts consultations Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment only and can be seen at TheWhiteRoomBirmingham.com.

Jessica Vance can be reached by e–mail at jvance86@hotmail.com.