This Might Be The Most Stylish Bridal Boutique In Northern Ontario

Calling all northern Ontario brides who thought they’d have to trek to Toronto for decent dress shopping: save your gas money for the gown. Since September, North Bay’s selection of bridal wear has been dramatically improved by the opening of Elliot and Olivia, an intimate boutique run by 31-year-old Bailey Puddister. Puddister studied psychology and is a family mediator, but felt the urge to open a bridal boutique after she went dress shopping in Toronto with some pals. “We went into tons of cute shops and I realized there was this gap,” she says. “Bridal shops in the north need a bit of a refresher.”

A few years later, she decided to go for it, and found a cozy space in a heritage building in downtown North Bay, with exposed brick and large, bright windows. She recruited her family and friends to help her turn it into a serene, neutral-hued oasis—and named the shop after her brother and sister.

The racks are hung with a carefully edited selection of looks that range from slinky sheer numbers from Aussie brand Made With Love to more traditional pieces from labels like Maggie Sottero. “I really wanted to offer more boho, unconventional styles, but I also wanted to try and cater to every kind of bride in the north,” she says. Right now, she’s particularly into Vancouver-based brand Truvelle, and carries their new line of sweet, romantic dresses that would look fab against the wild northern Ontario landscape. Prices range from $1,200 to $3,500 and bookings are appointment-only.

269 Main St., Suite 302, 705-493-2245, elliotandolivia.com