Introducing… Ma Cherie Bleue
Ma Cherie Bleue is an intimate boutique located in the heart of Rosemère, Quebec. Priding themselves on personalized customer service, they say they are experts at figuring out what our client needs, and giving it to them. We caught up with founder
Tell us a little about how Ma Cherie Bleue first started.
Six and a half years ago, I married my best friend, Maxime, who has not only loved me unconditionally, he has also encouraged me to fulfill my dreams.
Inspired by a shopping experience I had during our honeymoon in Paris the idea of Ma Chérie Bleue came into being. Paired with my 24+ years of combined expertise in retail business and creative fashion I was determined to create the superior shopping experience Montréal brides have been looking for in an intimate, charming setting.
What were your goals for the company?
My goals for the company were to make it a “one appointment only” shopping experience. I didn’t want to just sell a dress and then ship the bride off, this is something you only plan to do once so I want to make sure we get it right for them the first time
How do you select which designers to stock?
Each designer is hand-selected by myself to join the Ma Cherie Bleue family. I look for designers that have a unique signature to their designs, a dress that is feminine and original as our brides who wear them. what is most important to me is that they be affordable and meet most budgets. Our wedding dresses start at $1390 with a few exceptions over $3800.
What are your personal favourite designers?
All the designers I carry are my
Allison Webb is the embodiment of elevated elegance. Alyssa Kristin is sleek and chic, Lillian Wild has beautiful separates that can be customized to your style, Ti Adora is beautiful, authentic and wanderlust, Sally Eagle is romantic and classic, Lena Meodyeff are handmade from all natural silk or one hundred percent cotton, coloured by natural vegetable and mineral dyes, and stitched by talented seamstresses, Anais Anette another Canadian, her dresses exude feminity, Astrid and Mercedes have a look of something old and something new. .. There are so many exquisite gowns and accessories by such talented designers it is impossible to choose only one.
Describe a Ma Cherie Bleue bride
A Ma Cherie Bleue bride wants to celebrate her authentic self. She is stylish, playful, and daring. She encompasses the Bohemian, the classic, the romantic, with an element of sexy that is refined. A maverick who is not afraid to redefining her own wedding traditions.
How early do you suggest brides begin looking for a dress?
When it comes to finding “the one,” timing is essential. There are definitely wedding dress deadlines you don’t want to miss. Our designer’s lead time is 4 months, with the exception of a few that might take 5-6 months. I suggest brides shop for their dress 6 to 8 months prior to their wedding date, this will allow the bride to have time for fittings and accessorizing. However, there are always some exceptions and rush options for wedding gowns under 3 months.
How do you work with brides to make sure they find the perfect dress?
When we work with our brides our intention for the first appointment is to discuss the details; location, theme,
In all of our appointments we are driven by our 3 FIRST: Our clients, our personalized service, and our exceptional quality — Always!
What would you say are the common mistakes that brides make when choosing what to wear for their wedding?
They want to please everyone else, mother, father, groom, bridal party etc…obviously the bride wants everyone to love her dress but she is the one wearing it for ”her” big day. It is important that the gown is a perfect fit in terms of her personality and style.
What changes have you observed with wedding styles over the years?
Some of my favourite changes for 2019 we have been observing are;
Ultra feminine details like bows and pearls are the new modern contemporary interpretation of old classic make new again. They are found on dresses, shoes, accessories like capes and veils.
High low and mini is another trend that’s making its way in the bridal dress industry for the alternative bride who wants to stay away from more traditional shapes such as full skirts and long trains. They offer an informal and playful approach.
Separates are still holding strong. It’s a great way for brides to be creative if wearing a traditional dress is not your thing. This would be a combination of tops, skirts and yes ladies trousers.
Lace, in general, has always been a wedding staple, but 3-D applique lace or character laces make a stronger statement because it has an impact. Especially when it’s a part of a blush coloured dress that enhances the beauty of the details.
How do you know you’ve done a great job for your clients?
My brides are so important to me and we always check in with them and ask for pictures of their wedding! When we receive their pictures and their praise I know my job is done! When our brides come back with their friends or family members, when they send us referrals it lets me know I have achieved my goal and makes me love my job even more. Each bride becomes part of our MCB family.
Any funny stories from your time in the business?
On January 15th, 2018 I launched a campaign giving brides the opportunity to share their personal love story in hopes of earning themselves a free wedding dress from designers such as Hayley Paige, Anais Anette, Anya Dionne, Astrid & Mercedes,
Where can people find you online?
You can find us online at macheriebleue.com where you can book an appointment to shop all of our beautiful collections and soon you will be able to shop for your dress on our website as well…stay tuned
Big thanks to Amanda and Nathale at Ma Cherie Bleue for their time.
Photos:
Studio 55
Yanick Lesperance
Narsete Photography
Emile Olson Photography
Martine L
Judith Gautier Photography
Catherine Deslauriers
Bachmann Photography
Alexandre Couture
R Cassette Photo
