By: Kelsey Ruff, Contributing Writer
reachkelsey@yahoo.com
A Family Story Takes Shape in Downtown Inman
Between racks of lace and satin, a quiet family story has been unfolding in downtown Inman. A story now making room for tailored suits alongside wedding gowns. Taylor Patenaude and her mother, Veronica Belle-Carter, have owned and operated Love Me Some Lace Bridal since 2022. What started with, “foundation shaped by family and service” is now coming full circle with the inclusion of James Carter, Husband, Father, and owner of Empire LTD. James is one of the many inspirations behind the opening of the bridal boutique. Carter started out by making just bow ties but over a decade later has a business shaped by respect, understanding, and good old fashioned hard work.
Growth, Expansion, and the Right Timing
Over the years, Patenaude and Belle-Carter have been asked on numerous occasions if Love Me Some Lace was connected to Empire LTD, but Patenaude said, “the timing wasn’t right”. As Love Me Some Lace continued to grow and expand, (including their own line of wedding gowns designed by Patenaude and one big move to Inman), there was one thing that became clear, they were ready to bring on menswear. When asked “Why now?” Patenaude says, “…collaboration became the obvious next move that we were both ready for. That shared trust made bringing menswear into the boutique feel aligned and exciting rather than forced.”
A Complete Experience for Couples
Now, with the addition of menswear, Love Me Some Lace is equipped to “guide couples through the process, instead of leaving them to figure it out on their own.” Prior to the collaboration and expansion, brides traveled from all over the United States just to say yes to their dress. Carter also saw this in his work with clientele coming from Charlotte and Atlanta. What makes them extraordinary together? Experience. Love Me Some Lace Brides leave their appointments feeling seen and cared for and that experience travels swiftly via word of mouth. The environment cultivated during these appointments have not only created long lasting friendships, return customers, but now employees. Brides have been so enamored with the level of genuine care, respect, and comforting southern charm, that they sought out employment opportunities with Patenaude, Belle-Carter, and Carter.
Honoring Cultural Legacy and Representation
In a month that celebrates both Black history and love, this family-owned bridal shop reflects the intersection of the two. They are honoring a cultural legacy while helping couples prepare for life’s most meaningful moments. Patenaude alongside her husband, Brett (who is the boutique’s handy man as well as helps with suits and tuxedos), believe that, “Visibility creates possibility. When people see themselves represented, it changes what they believe is possible for their own lives.”
Building a Legacy for the Next Generation
When asked, “What legacy do you hope LMSL continues to build?”, Patenaude answers clearly. Her son. “Love Me Some Lace was built with sacrifice, intention, and stewardship. If one day he looks back and realizes that everything we built was done with him in mind, then that is the legacy that matters most to me.”
Author: Tracy Sanders
