This is a love story. In 1964, a husband and wife founded Vera’s. A professional seamstress and a passionate photographer, they vowed to help brides find the perfect gown that fits well, too.
James and Vera Stillmank opened Vera’s House of Bridals in 1964.
Vera, a professional seamstress, and James, a professional photographer, opened their first bridal shop in a small farmhouse south of Janesville, where Vera balanced her time between helping brides select their gowns, fitting and sewing the gowns, and raising the couple’s seven children. In 1968, a new larger “house” was built for Vera’s brides in Janesville.
In 1981, Vera’s House of Bridals opened a second location in Madison. After 5 years, this location proved to be too small for the growing business, so Vera designed and built another “house” on Big Sky Drive.
This 12,000 square foot Victorian mansion features 16 large showrooms to welcome brides and their friends and family. Featuring over 800 bridal gowns, 350 bridesmaids’ dresses, and a large selection of prom, social occasion, and mothers’ dresses, Vera’s is the best place to shop in the midwest.
In 2003, the Janesville location transitioned to Vera’s Clearance Center, where cost-conscious brides will find wonderful designer sample gowns at reduced prices.
Vera’s daughter, Renee, our corporate manager, learned about the fashion industry from her family and as a graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. With the help of her two children who joined her in the business after graduating from UW Madison, Renee strives to offer the unequaled customer service that only comes from family tradition and dedication.
Vera’s love of the bridal and her passion for helping her customers find the perfect dress continues today. Call us or email us for appointments or questions.
We look forward to helping you!
vera’s house of brides
7857 Big Sky Drive
Madison, WI 53719
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VerasBridals/
Website: www.verasbridals.com/
Tel: 608-833-6006
info@verasbridals.com
