As Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal approaches its remarkable 50th anniversary, we’re filled with gratitude, pride, and a profound sense of inspiration. This milestone marks five decades of unforgettable memories, exceptional bridal styling, and a commitment to creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our brides. To honor this incredible journey, we sat down with our fearless owner, Elizabeth, for a candid Q&A that peeks behind the curtain of our beloved bridal boutique!
Owner, Elizabeth |
Q: In one word, describe what this milestone means to you.
Elizabeth: Proud.
Elizabeth: May 1975 in the Vaughn Mall in Portsmouth, near Mary Mahoney’s, a high-end women’s apparel boutique. |
Q: Surely a common question, but what inspired the store name, “Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal”?
Elizabeth: It was a tribute to Janice, the founding owner's mother. The name was actually coined by Kathy Routhier, the “other” daughter, as she calls herself. Kathy and I are friends, and I often refer to her as “God” because she delivered both my children as a birthing nurse at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
Founding Owner Janice Wood at Madeleine's Daughter's first location, circa ~1975 - Vaughn Mall in Downtown Portsmouth, NH |
Vintage Madeleine's Daughter Bride |
Q: Describe the feeling you had the day you became a Stylist at Madeleine’s Daughter.
Elizabeth: New job nerves, but really excited. I knew I had the bridal bug!
Q: The bridal bug! What sparked your passion for weddings?
Elizabeth: As early as middle school, I loved clothes and fashion! And I cannot say that I am even fashionable, but flipping through fashion magazines was a favorite pastime. To support my fashion addiction, I was an entrepreneur at a young age, creating my own babysitting and housecleaning business. Keep in mind, I grew up in a small town that had more cows than people, so I didn’t have many accounts and with no license to drive, I had to walk. It wasn’t long before “dusting” and crying babies grew tiresome, I got my license and took a job at nearby “country club." I use those words loosely, the “words” were in the business title, but by no means does it conjure what stylish, stuffy country club means. Here I fell in love with weddings. I worked as many as I could. It allowed a front row seat for fashion and celebrations all while serving rubbery chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans with a delightful gelatinous sauce to mask it all!
Q: When it was your turn to plan a wedding, what was the most memorable part of your wedding dress shopping experience?
Elizabeth: The stylist! It was a small, but very busy shop in Denver, Colorado. She made me feel like I was her only customer in the store.
Madeleine's Daughter's second location circa ~1980s - Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth, NH |
|
|
|
A Vintage Madeleine's Daughter Advertisement
Q: Can you recall if there was a moment, or instance, when you knew you that you wanted to own your own bridal salon?
Elizabeth: I was a Stylist at Madeleine's Daughter when I took a LOA after my second child was born. Then, I reconnected with Janice ahead of my return; the conversation started with “I want to come back to work for you and buy your store!"
Q: Describe the day you became the owner of Madeleine’s Daughter.
Elizabeth: Scared shitless.
Madeleine's Daughter's current location circa 2008, Route 1 Portsmouth, NH |
Q: What has been your favorite era at Madeleine’s Daughter?
Elizabeth: The 2000s! Nostalgia is strong for me. We had just acquired Pronovias, and everything was going great. [Styles] “Laurel” and “Pantar” were the hottest gowns!
Q: How did bridal styling prepare you for your next role as Owner?
Elizabeth: As a stylist, I gained insight into the consumer, the product, and the inner workings of the store. It was a smaller operation back then, so I had hands-on experience with every department.
Q: You've seen so many wedding dresses over the years, which do you remember as the most iconic of their time?
Elizabeth: Designs from Romona Keveza and Amsale, and some of the original Monique Lhuillier gowns!
RK9405 Romona Keveza |
Blue Sash Gown by Amsale |
Candy by Monique Lhuillier |
Q: In your opinion, what makes New England weddings/brides so special?
Elizabeth: For me, I think we share the same aesthetic, classically understated and timeless. We have four seasons, and each one allows a favorite element to be themed throughout the wedding planning. Springtime brings green grass and an abundance of floral options. Fall you get rustic colors and gorgeous foliage. Summertime you get the ocean views, blue water and beach. And winter brings holiday vibes, classic long sleeve wedding gowns and the smell of pine.
We proudly celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2015 with a ruby-themed cocktail party for staff and friends |
Q: What do you love about calling Portsmouth, NH home to your business?
|
Q: What’s one thing people might not know about Madeleine’s Daughter?
Elizabeth: With Portsmouth continually growing and new people arriving, I am not sure they know that Madeleine’s Daughter has been in business 50 years! And, with that may overlook the convenience of having all our offerings under one roof so close to home.
Q: In your years at MD, is there a certain milestone that brings a smile to your face?
Elizabeth: The 40th birthday party was a feel-good milestone for me. I was proud to continue the legacy on behalf of Janice, a very inspiring mentor to me. And at this point, I was more comfortable in my position as an owner. It was also a point that marked a positive and profitable trajectory for the store’s future.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a small business owner?
Elizabeth: Having complete control over how our business operates and being able to make decisions that truly benefit our team and our brides.
Q: Make a prediction: What will change in bridal over the next 50 years?
Elizabeth: Fortunately, the nostalgia of gown shopping has not changed over the last 50 years. Grandmothers and mothers still love shopping with their daughters for a wedding gown. The moment can never be replicated by technology. For that reason, we are timeless. What is changing is processes and I predict that at some point, you will be digitally scanned to have your gown MTM. Seamstresses are a dying trade, somehow, we will have manufacture gowns to fit with no seamstresses. Imagine that!
Q: What is your wish for Madeleine’s Daughter in 2025?
Elizabeth: A strong team that continues to grow deep roots in the business; continued relevancy with our customer and within our industry. Brides that love the experience we are so proud and honored to be part of and provide.
Madeleine's Daughter's current location, Route 1 Portsmouth, NH |
Madeleine's Daughter's current location, Route 1 Portsmouth, NH |
Madeleine's Daughter's current location, Route 1 Portsmouth, NH |
We’ve shared so many incredible moments within our walls, and our 50th anniversary is an especially meaningful one. To celebrate, we’re planning a year full of exciting events and surprises. Follow us on social media to stay updated, and thank you for being part of our journey!