Banking on Relationships - Ella K's Bridal Shop, State Bank Lender, Scott Goeddel, and North Pointe Branch Manager, Kayce Schaefer
When Ella K’s Bridal opened its doors on June 15, 2025, it wasn’t just a new business in Waterloo - it was the continuation of a local legacy and the realization of a dream years in the making.
“I always wanted to open a place where women could find their dream dress in our small community,” said owner Savannah Brewer.
Brewer grew up around small business. Her mom owned a popular gift shop in town, so retail had long been a part of their lives. Later, she spent time working part-time at Bridal Manor, a bridal boutique that had served Waterloo for more than two decades. When the longtime owner began preparing for retirement, Brewer couldn’t picture the town without a bridal shop.
“Bridal Manor had been in Waterloo for over 20 years,” Brewer said. “So when Bridget was getting ready to retire, I couldn't see Waterloo without a place in town. I wanted to make sure and keep it going and offer the same great service and selection that she had there.”
With the encouragement of family and friends, Brewer began searching for a location. In late 2024, she approached the owners of a historic property at 725 North Market Street, a former restaurant that had been sitting vacant.
The building, with its barn and surrounding property, had potential for more than just retail.
“I approached the owner of the building to see if it would be a possibility to freshen up this wonderful historic property and make it into something great for the community,” Brewer said.
The owners agreed to sell, and State Bank stepped in to provide the financing and support needed to bring the vision to life.
“State Bank was there to help us along the way and provide the funding needed to create this dream,” Brewer said. “They have been great with whatever questions I've had as a new business owner, which have been a lot. They're always there to check on me.”
Construction and renovation began, and just months later Ella K’s Bridal opened to a warm community welcome.
“The community response to the new business has been great,” Brewer said. “A lot of the local businesses and groups have been reaching out and helping with anything we might need.”
Today, Ella K’s Bridal offers bridal gowns from Morilee, Maggie Sottero, and Christina Wu; bridesmaid dresses from Jasmine, Morilee and Christina Wu; mother-of-the-bride collections from Alex Evenings, Jeanne Alexander, Morilee and Christina Wu; as well as tuxedos and suits from Jim's Formalwear, plus veils, accessories, and jewelry.
“Bridal gowns are still our biggest draw, but we’ve had plenty of customers shopping for tuxedos, bridesmaids dresses and mother-of-the-bride dresses too,” Brewer said.
For Brewer, family is woven into every part of the business — even its name. The store is named in honor of her great-grandmothers, Luella and Eleanora, and her grandmother, Donna Kay.
“I made a tribute to them by naming the business after them,” Brewer said. “My logo includes a poppy flower and a lily, which were the flowers at my wedding and my mom's wedding, so it's kind of an ode to the family atmosphere that we like to have here.”
That family support continues behind the scenes.
“My family has been a big part of us helping us open the shop,” Brewer said. “My parents help out working, and my husband has done great keeping up with the building, as well as my dad and father-in-law. My mother-in-law and my mom work on Saturdays when we're busy doing whatever is needed behind the scenes.”
Brewer, who lives in Waterloo with her husband Jacob and their three-year-old son Caden, laughs that “he's a celebrity here when he stops by.”
As a first-time business owner, Brewer leaned heavily on State Bank for banking services, guidance and day-to-day support.
“Through State Bank we have a business loan, we have our loan for our building, and also a line of credit to help us with the day to day expenses and things that we come across,” Brewer said. “I've worked with Scott Goeddel the most but I've also had a great relationship with Kayce Schaefer. She's always been happy to check on me to make sure things were going okay and offer anything that I needed help with.”
Looking ahead, Brewer hopes to continue growing and evolving the business. “I think we will change and evolve over the years. I'd love to do something with the back property to make a small venue, but not sure when. It's a goal.”
For now, Ella K’s Bridal remains focused on helping brides, families and wedding parties find the styles they love — right in their hometown.
“State Bank has been really great for us,” Brewer said. “They have allowed us to do what we needed to do in a timely manner and get us the funding and financing for the property as well as the business.”
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