A Dress – MaryLinns Bridal

I love many things about Santa Barbara. The architecture, the parks, the weather, the proximity to both mountain and sea and of course the wine. But I also love the community feel, people in Santa Barbara know each other, there is a sense of genuine community.

So it should be no surprise that when it came to buying a wedding dress, we went local. Directly across the street from Cafe Buenos Aires where we will have our reception, and below the office of one of Damaris’ clients is Mary Linn’s Bridal. It is a beautiful shop situated directly next to the stunning Arlington Theater.

We found a dress there in record time (45 minuets I think) with the help of the lovely Marrie Reaves and General Manger Kimberly Allen. We got a great deal too. Of course it helped that they both were fans of local wine (Kimberley is particularly fond of Pinot Noir and Clos Pepe to be exact. Mari is a fan of many things, including Black Sheep Finds and their delicious Hocus Pocus Syrah).

I caught up with Kimberley to ask her what she loves about her job and why Santa Barbara is such a special place.

ALP: How long has Mary Linn’s been in Santa Barbara?

KA: “Our doors opened to all Brides near and far in January 2006.”

ALP: How did you get involved with this line of work?

KA: “I have always been mesmerized with weddings. As for my starting involvement, MaryLinn’s was in need of hiring a Store Manager. I responded to the ad, interviewed and received a proposal from our owner three days later. I had no experience in this fun and crazy wedding industry other than passion, dedication and excitement.”

ALP: What’s the most rewarding aspect of the job?

KA: “Our Brides finding their dream gown and establishing a relationship during the course of finding their gown, altering their gown and sending them off with hugs and congratulations days before the most important day of their life.”

ALP: Why is Santa Barbara so sought after for weddings?

KA: “Great Question. Santa Barbara has always been a destination for Californians to just get away, especially for Hollywood. Ever since the movie “Sideways” was filmed right in our backyard, Santa Barbara is now known to everyone in the world. Plus, wine tasting is bigger than ever. We have wonderful wineries on the central coast too. This makes for a great mini vacation especially with the economy the way it is. People want to do something that doesn’t cost much plus the beauty of Santa Barbara and the Valley is simply priceless and very therapeutic.”

A wedding is just a day. A dress is just a dress. But we all know that isn’t true. Damaris and I have looked forward to this day for a long time, it really matters to us. I am thrilled we found her a dress she loves and it gives me much joy to see her have something she really loves. It is very fulfilling to know that we can associate the positive and wonderful experience that is our wedding with a wonderful group of people, from the dress up.

I must say that our experience has been nothing but wonderful at Mary Linn’s. From the location on State Street, to the old building it occupies, to the wonderful people, it was the perfect place to get Damaris’ dress and I am thankful for that.

MarryLinn’s Bridal

1315 State Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2609

805.892.4000