Calla Bridal offers sophisticated gowns for today's modern bride

Walking through the doors of Calla Bridal makes me want to do my wedding over again. OK, not really, but this store brings out the blushing bride in me. There's nothing like being preened over while wearing a gorgeous gown.

Open since October 2008, this Ravenna shop is chic, yet subdued -- the cool brown color on the tall walls is perfect for calming the jangled nerves of any bride. A nice couch provides a comfy spot for mothers of the bride and maids of honor to sit while the bride tries on dresses in the huge, well-appointed fitting room.

Owner Yachi Liang has carefully chosen exquisite gowns from Matthew Christopher, Vineyard, Janet Nelson Kumar and Piccione Bridal that have a "more modern feel with a touch of traditionalism for today's professional women." Her goal is to stock dresses that look expensive, with stunning detail and luxurious fabrics, but that retail for under $4,000. With a background in retail, Liang knows how to treat her customers right, providing tea, cookies and a friendly, unpretentious shop environment.

While Liang has chosen to veer away from overdone, poufy princess gowns, she does carry a wide selection of silhouettes and necklines. I spied a strapless tea-length number from Vineyard Bridal ($1,810), just waiting for an early-spring garden wedding; a silk-satin organza stunner from Matthew Christopher with ribbons of duchess satin dramatically interlaced on the bias down the front and back ($2,840); and a satin A-line from Vineyard that features a deeply pleated bodice with confection-like layers of tulle and satin peeking out from the neckline ($2,910).

Eschewing run-of-the-mill bridal accessories, Liang has chosen instead to carry stylish pieces created by independent designers. You'll find demure cage veils with feathery accents from Alice Hart Couture Millinery (starting at $40); gorgeous jewelry you'll want to wear again from Wendy Stauffer (from $172); and intricate, hand-wired, antique-looking hair pieces from Andrea Petrille (from $180).

Brides can outfit their party with flattering and simple bridesmaid dresses from Lynn Lugo. With prices ranging from $270 to $315, this vibrant, jewel-toned line comes in silk charmeuse, dupioni and shantung and is a lovely exception to the ugly bridesmaid dress rule.

Calla Bridal is located at 561 N.E. Ravenna Blvd., Seattle, WA 98115, 206-465-7729, http://www.callabridal.com/. Hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m Sunday. Appointments are encouraged for personal service, but are not mandatory. For questions and appointments please call or write to callabridal@gmail.com.

Upcoming event: According to the Calla Web site, the store will be hosting a Vineyard Bridal Trunk Show Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2009. Call or e-mail for an appointment.

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