Downtown Midland says “I do” to its first bridal salon

Tamara Schmidt and her husband John married 22 years ago and moved to Midland 14 years ago. Since then, they’ve grown two businesses, and now they’re celebrating the grand opening of their third business, Bliss Bridal Boutique, on Thursday, Oct. 7. 
 
The couple has five daughters and knows what special things families can create when everyone works together. The family was interested in opening up a bridal business for some time, but Tamara says the timing just wasn’t right. 
 
“With so many girls helping pick out dresses, I feel we have a great selection for all tastes and body types.”“Now as our children have gotten older, it seems like such a good fit,” she says. “We have enjoyed working together and with our girls. They have always been involved in pretty much every business venture, but this one has been very fun for all of us. I think with so many trips all over the state for formal dresses or looking at wedding dresses (our oldest was married just a few weeks ago), owning our own store just kept sounding better and better.”
 
While a departure from the Schmidts’ other businesses, Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc. and Midland Sand Co., LLC, Bliss provides yet another opportunity for the family to build something together. 
 
“We love Midland and have been invested in it with our other businesses, so it made the most sense to open a store here,” Tamara says. “Downtown Midland is a beautiful place with a lot going on. It has been so fun to be a part of the downtown activities this summer. Midland does not have a bridal store either, so we felt it would be a good fit for the community.”
 
The Schmidt daughters helped complete the not-so-glamorous jobs like sanding and staining the floor, laying floor, and putting up the shiplap. Getting the shop ready has been a true family effort, with their five daughters and seven nieces working hourly shifts at the store: filling manager roles, ordering items, managing inventory and steaming dresses. Their daughters even helped complete the not-so-glamorous jobs like sanding and staining the floor, laying floor, and putting up the shiplap. 
 
With help from family members, the elegant space features a mural in the bathroom, blush pink and copper racking, dark stained wood flooring, with lush cream and blush furniture. 
 
“Our mission is to truly give brides a wonderful experience,” Tamara says. “We have put a lot of thought into each dress. One thing that has been so great, is that with so many girls helping pick out dresses, I feel we have a great selection for all tastes and body types. For me personally, I want to make it easier for the rest of the bridal party and parents too.”

“We have put a lot of thought into each dress.”Along with bridal dresses and shoes, Bliss Bridal Boutique will have menswear to buy or rent and attire for Mother of the Bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls. They’ll also have grooms gifts and “bridal squad” apparel, such as robes and other gifts.
 
After scoring the perfect occasion dress, Bliss also aims to help customers with the “what’s next” part of their wedding planning journey. 
 
The boutique also offers menswear and mother of the bride, bridesmaid, flower girls, and “bridal squad” apparel. They have small gifts for bridal parties, too.“It can be an overwhelming time, and we would like to try and help in this way,” Tamara says. She hopes to connect and get to know other vendors better, to make trusted referrals for customers. 
 
Bliss Bridal Boutique’s grand opening celebration is Thursday, Oct. 7 at 11:30 a.m. There will be a cake-cutting ceremony thanks to Belle’s Bakery, with sweet treats from local vendors and giveaways from local businesses. 
 
The store is located at 133 E. Main Street in downtown Midland. They’re open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.