July 12, 2018

With a new home, a longtime bridal shop also has a new identity.

Owner Kalli Blackstone changed the name of The French Door Bridal Boutique to Ellie Stone Bride with its move earlier this month from 57th and Louise to Heather Ridge Village at 69th and Western.

“I never really felt like it was mine,” said Blackstone, who bought the business in September 2017. “The French Door name doesn’t mean anything to today’s brides like it did in 1985.” People also had been calling the shop and asking if it sold doors, she said.

“Ellie” is the name of Blackstone’s granddaughter, and “Stone” comes from her last name.

“So that’s in honor of our little peanut,” and the other part represents the foundation and strength of family, she said.

Ellie Stone Bride also is a better fit for the new private-label dresses the store is selling, Blackstone said.

A designer in Atlanta is making the gowns for the shop, which carries about 20 samples on the floor.

“The price point for all of them is under $2,000,” Blackstone said. Some are very modern styles, and others are more conservative, she said. “We’re trying to cater to everyone in the market.”

The shop continues to carry other wedding gown lines and also sells dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers. It rents tuxedos. Accessories such as veils, belts and jewelry also are available.

The look of the new shop, which is between McNally’s Irish Pub and Faini Designs Jewelry Studio, is a “thousand times different,” Blackstone said.

“It’s very modern and upscale. It’s actually about the same size, but the layout is totally open.”

The ceiling is painted black, duct work and pipes are exposed, and the floor is polished concrete.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Future brides don’t need an appointment to shop for a dress.