SARATOGA SPRINGS – Lily Saratoga, a full-service bridal boutique in Saratoga Springs, is under new ownership. Laura Palkovich, a “Lily Bride” herself, has taken over operations of the boutique.
Palkovich first set foot into Lily Saratoga in 2009 to shop for her wedding gown.
“I really fell in love with the shop and the whole experience,” said Palkovich. “The prior owner [Maureen Donaley] who I worked with at the time had been so attentive and the experience was so personalized that I canceled all of my other bridal appointments and just ended up purchasing my dress here.”
Not only did Palkovich find her perfect wedding gown; she also became the first bride to appear on the Lily Saratoga bride card. Palkovich and Donaley kept in touch over the subsequent five years and when Donaley and her business partner, Karen Canty, were preparing to sell the beloved boutique, both women thought Palkovich would be the best person to take the reins.
With some experience in working with brides and grooms – Palkovich worked at Frank Adams Jewelers and helped engaged couples find the perfect rings and bands – she says she loves every aspect of wedding planning…especially helping brides find the perfect dress!
“Last year, Maureen and Karen – the prior owners – were looking to sell the shop privately after owning it for 10 years,” said Palkovich. “They really wanted to pass it on to someone they knew shared that love for weddings and servicing brides. They knew, especially because I was a Lily bride and I had been through the experience, that I understood both ends of it…what it feels like to receive the service and also, through my experience at Frank Adams, what it’s like to work with brides and grooms.”
It seems like a business match made in heaven.
Palkovich is keeping Lily Saratoga’s fresh approach to bridal fashion and continues to bring brides wedding gown designs they won’t see at every other bridal salon. From moderately priced to couture, Palkovich says the boutique carries something for everyone; she has even added a bridal gown collection and a bridesmaid line to boutique’s offerings. Lily Saratoga now carries six bridal gown collections and five bridesmaid collections, as well as a handful of dresses for flower girls.
Now, brides cannot only shop for their wedding gown at Lily Saratoga – they can complete their wedding day look at the boutique, too. Palkovich has added display cases featuring a variety of accessories, jewelry and shoes to enhance a look.
“We have some great competitors in the area and I think what sets us apart is that old Saratoga charm,” said Palkovich. “The boutique is so warm and inviting and I think we have a more relaxed atmosphere. There’s a lot of history here…it’s been a bridal boutique for 40 years, even before Lily Saratoga. I want [the boutique] to keep growing and evolving, but I never want it to lose its heart and its reputation.”
While walk-ins are accepted most weekdays, an appointment is recommended. To schedule a bridal appointment, call Lily Saratoga at (518)587-5017. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Lily Saratoga is located at 6 Franklin Square in Saratoga Springs.
