Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Morrison
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before deciding to enter the wedding industry, I was a deputy sheriff for almost 10 years. After dealing with some health issues, I decided it was time to get out of law enforcement and go into business for myself. I love planning events and loved planning my wedding. I had the vision of a one stop bridal shop were we did bridal and formalwear, floral, decorating and more. I approached a family friend of my (now ex) husband, who did our flowers and tuxedos for our wedding and asked if she wanted to go into business together. I explained my vision and she was completely on board. We opened in January of 2012. In July of 2013 I was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully with good doctors/surgeons they were able to get it all with surgery and I was on the mend. We spent 11 years in our original location before moving across the street to a bigger and more elevated space to serve our brides (grooms) In 2023 I had another dream. I wanted to create a bridal magazine for vendors in central MN that was affordable and gave great value to its reads. I knew I couldn’t tackle this alone either. I approached two amazing women (Hailey and Samantha) to partner up with! In May 2024 we launched our first issue of MNWed Magazine. Our launch party was one week before my first bodybuilding competition as well. The same week I turned 48 years old. Starting in 2025 I’m working on becoming a travel agent to help our couples book their honeymoon. I’m an avid traveler (along with my boyfriend) who loves adventure. Theres such an amazing world to see out there and I want to share that with those looking to travel as well. As you can tell, I’m one who loves to expand my horizons, always striving to do more. I come from an amazing family of entrepreneurs (and amazing women) who’ve shown me how to believe in myself and never give up. Something I’m passing on to my daughter, who also works with me at the bridal shop.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business or multiple ones from scratch is never easy. You have to build your name and reputation. After years of hard work we’ve built an amazing business through referrals and strategic advertising. Then came COVID. Our business was forced to close it’s doors “temporarily” however the lasting effects on the wedding industry were hard. Churches weren’t allowed to hold large gatherings for weddings or funerals. This cut into the floral side of the business as well and with all the weddings being postponed, our tuxedo rentals were gone too. We had to weather this storm for about 18 months before we truly saw things go back to “normal” But like my mom says, “this too shall change” and it has. We are seeing a new generation of brides with larger entourages, fear of missing out on something else, even though they’ve been to 6 other shops and love a gown (tears and all) and shorter wear dates. Meaning the time they come in to find their gown to when their wedding is can be less than 6 months, making getting a dress a challenge. But we have been blessed with such amazing brides (couples) that make coming to work every day worth it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a one stop bridal shop located in the small town of Richmond MN. Often referred to as a “hidden gem” we offer upscale bridal services to our brides. We have top of the line gowns for our brides to pick from in a range of styles, colors and pricing. We offer bridesmaids, moms and flower girl dresses, tuxedo rentals and suit purchases for the guys (including prom) and we do floral. We also offer a pop up tuxedo prom shop in Willmar for our prom kids so they don’t have as far to travel to get the best looks. Our floral isn’t just for weddings either. We do funerals, special occasions and every day floral too. I also do decorating for weddings. Ceiling drawings, back drops, center pieces and more. I’ve worked with brides from the time they come in to find their gown to the morning of their wedding when we deliver the flowers and or set up their decor for them. Brides love having everything in one place to lessen the number of contacts they have to make sure all the boxes are checked for the big day. I’m so proud of the fact that this business was built from the ground up and weathered all the storms, especially covid.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ll never close my doors again. We’ve worked way too hard to allow the government to decide when I can and can’t be open and who can or can’t come into my store. Also, to expect the unexpected and know that you can weather any storm if you’re willing to adapt, adjust and move on. Sometimes you have to pivot and go in a different direction then what you thought.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weddingtuxedoconnection.com
- Other: https://www.mnwedmagazine.com
Image Credits
liquid spectrum (bodybuilding photo)
