Something old, something new...

Townsend has more than 20 years experience as a freelance wedding planner. After learning about a job opening at Tiffany’s while shopping for her daughter’s wedding, she began working as a consultant more than two years ago and was promoted to manager a few months before deciding to make it her own.

“I knew Tiffany’s had great potential, but it needed a fresh perspective on the bridal business to realize that potential,” she said. “I see the store becoming the ultimate resource for Richmond brides – we’ll start with the dress, then offer help with the planning by recommending vendors and advising them on anything from venues to flowers.”

Townsend said her consultants will meet the needs of each unique bride, whether that means asking a designer to make changes to a gown or adding custom embellishments to a veil. Old-fashioned personal service encouraged her to purchase her entire wedding ensemble from Tiffany’s more than three decades ago, so she wants to offer that same level of service to brides today. She said her consultant helped her have a special veil made with lace to match her gown, supported her through numerous alterations as she lost weight, and wished her well at her final fitting.

“I want all brides to recall their experience here with the same fondness that I do,” she said.