Meet & Greet: Rae Anne, owner of Denver

Rae Anne pictured with her husband

Making the move with her husband from the Big Apple to beautiful Denver, Rae Ann Wheeler wasn’t exactly sure of the direction of her career. After coming upon a Bella Bridesmaid advertisement, Rae Anne was curious to know more about the franchise. Learning that Denver was in need of a bridesmaid boutique, she pursued and opened Bella Bridesmaid Denver in December of 2007. Busy raising her family and running her fab boutique, Rae Anne kindly gave us some of her time to answer a few questions…

BB: What was your career before becoming a Bella Bridesmaid owner, and what attracted you to the franchise?

RA: My background is in marketing. I worked for Fisher Price Toys for a few years, as well as Corporate Macy’s in New York City. When my husband and I moved to Denver 7 years ago I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to own my own business. I have always loved fashion and weddings, so when I stumbled on an ad for Bella Bridesmaid I was intrigued by the business concept. When I was engaged, I remember running all over town visiting several bridal salons looking for bridesmaid dresses. I loved the idea of one salon with a large selection of designer dresses. I quickly jumped on the opportunity with Bella and was up and running a few months later.

Megan with her maids wearing Amsale

BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in owning your boutique?

RA: I have had so many amazing moments it is hard to pick just one. One really fun moment was helping my store manager Megan choose her bridesmaid dresses for her wedding last summer. Amazingly enough she only changed her mind two or three times which is pretty incredible considering we are surrounded by bridesmaid dresses every day. Her wedding was absolutely beautiful, and what a special treat to actually attend a wedding to see the bridesmaids in their dresses.

Jenny Yoo "Blake"

BB: What is your idea of a perfect night out on the town? Which one of our dresses would you wear, and how would you style it?

RA: I love French bistro food, so a perfect night out would be a relaxing dinner with my husband at a quaint bistro. I love the new Jenny Yoo Blake dress. Denver is generally pretty casual so I would dress it down a bit with a bright cardigan and wedge heels.

Image by AP Photo via US Weekly

BB: What is your fave celebrity wedding dress?

RA: I love the gown Courtney Cox wore when she married David Arquette. Simple but elegant, just perfect!

BB: How would you describe your own personal style?

RA: I would say I have a very classic, feminine style, nothing too trendy. I love classic shapes: pencils skirts, wide leg pants, and lots of black and neutral tones.

Rae Anne with her store manager Megan

BB: Favorite guilty pleasure?

RA: Definitely Gummi bears!

Now... For This & That!

Real Housewives of OC or Beverly Hills? Beverly Hills

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Green tea or skinny latte? Skinny latte

Brangelina or Justifer? Brangelina

Lady Gaga or Adele? Adele, but I have tons of Gaga on my workout mixes.

Thank you, Rae Anne!