It has been

20 years since Belles and Beaus Bridal & Formalwear opened its first

store in Fayetteville. Located on the east side of North 85 Hwy., it contained

1,000 square feet

The company

began with owner, Joan Branton, and Betty Huddleston Mayfield.

Huddleston

would often put on a bridal gown and visit nearby businesses, letting

everyone know that bridal dresses were now available locally. The showroom

is now at its largest location, further north on Hwy. 314. It contains

6,200 square feet, and employs seven consultants, two seamstresses, a

shipping clerk, a tux manager, and a part-time employee.

Owners Joan

and Lamar Branton have lived in Fayette County for 27 years and are the

parents of Lyle, who works with them, Raymond, who lives with his family

in Griffin, and is looking forward to ordination, and Joy, who is married

to the Rev. Steve Chapman. The Chapmans and their five children are missionaries

in Africa.

"We began

in 1982," said Joan, "and that is the year that everyone wanted

a bridal gown like 'Princess Di.' While the Princess Di 'pouf sleeves'

and high neck have been replaced by the new strapless looks, we make sure

that all brides are still dressed as a princess. We treat each prospective

bride as royalty."

"Things

may have changed a lot in the past 20 years, but even after all this time,

there are some things that remain the same. Belles & Beaus is still

around and thriving thanks to years of hard work and lots of dedication

The local carrier

of the line "Eve of Mi Lady" bridal gowns, the line has been

a staple for the company for the past 20 years.

The bridal

shop is located at 282 Hwy. 314 and can be reached at 770-461-4818.

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