Jen Romey (inset, upper right) photographed some of the wedding gowns available in her shop on the grounds of Otterbein.

Another gown available at Jen's shop, modeled on the steps of Otterbein's Roush Hall.

Jen Romey '05

Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

Take it down the aisle: We know you have dreams and Otterbein wants to help you realize those dreams by providing quality education in and out of the classroom. Only four years after graduation, Jen's dream came true: she established her own bridal boutique in Uptown Westerville. Bella Laccio, which is Italian for beautiful lace, opened for business on January 2, 2010.

"My childhood dream was to one day open my own shop. I have always been interested in bridal fashion and wanted to bring more options to Central Ohio brides by offering middle-end couture designer bridal gowns," she said.

While at Otterbein, Jen said she took as many business courses as she could with the intent of owning her own shop. "I took all of my classes - from introduction to public relations to business financial/managerial accounting to advertisement marketing - knowing that I would really be using the information from those classes and applying them in my future business," she said.

Jen said her reason for opening her shop in Westerville is the same reason she came to Otterbein. "I love the small town feel of Westerville. I grew up in Northwest Ohio and really appreciate the mom and pop stores and the character they bring to a town," she said. "My business is in a family –oriented, relaxed atmosphere which is true boutique style. You can't find that in a strip center."

Bella Laccio sells exclusive designer couture bridal gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl gowns, veils and other hair accessories. "I hand-make the majority of the hair pieces myself, along with my mom. So if a bride wants to include an original piece in her hair, I can work with her one-on-one to create something just for her," Jen said.

Another unique feature of Bella Laccio is the fitting party for the bride and her attendants. "Once the bride has found her gown, she and her bridesmaids can be fitted at the same time and we provide hors d'oeuvres and mimosas," Jen said.

"My goal for Bella Laccio is to be the number one place that Central Ohio brides want to go to experience the day they found their wedding gown. Every little girl's dream is to go shopping for their wedding gown and I want to preserve that feeling and create an experience she'll remember for the rest of her life," Jen said. "Ultimately, I'd like to stay the little boutique around the corner, but continue to offer the most recent bridal trends out there at an affordable couture cost."

To women wanting to own their own business, Jen said, "Follow your dreams and take the risk. If you can visualize it, you can put it into action."

Visit Bella Laccio Bridal at www.bellalacciobridal.com.