By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

ELLIS -- A vacant storefront in downtown Ellis is full, and Alison Dinkel finally has the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream with the opening of a new bridal store.

A Timeless Tradition, located at 1024 Washington, celebrated its grand opening Oct. 11 and offers everything a bride could need for her special day.

"It's something that I've always wanted to do," Dinkel said.

The store carries dresses designed by Jasmine and Eden bridals and also offers a variety of accessories to complete the bride and bridal party's attire.

Dinkel also is working with area caterers to provide a new wedding coordination service.

For Dinkel, however, her first love was sewing and clothes design.

"I love sewing," she said. "I've done it since I was 7."

After her grandmother taught her the necessary skills, Dinkel put her talent to good use by making all of the prom dresses she and her sister needed. She also designed and made all of the dresses for her own wedding party, including her own.

For now, the many dresses available for purchase are sent by other designers, but Dinkel said she hopes the business could expand to include custom design in the future.

However, the full-service boutique offers in-house alterations, which will enable Dinkel to continue her sewing.

An Ellis County native and resident of Ellis, Dinkel earned a degree in interior design from Fort Hays State University. After some consideration, she knew running a bridal store was what she wanted to do.

She's employed full-time with the Army Reserve Center in Hays, so her sister, Joan Delimont, helps her run the store during the week. Business hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

So far, business has been good, Dinkel said, noting she's hoping for an increase as prom and the summer wedding season draw near.

The store also will feature prom dresses, and an additional shipment of gowns will arrive in January, she said.

Located in the former home of Bo's Landing, it took more than a year of work to remodel and prepare the space for the grand opening. All of the labor was done by family and friends, Dinkel said, noting the building was a "perfect fit" for her ideal boutique.

Dinkel also has worked at other area bridal shops and recognized a need for local opportunities. Many brides travel to eastern Kansas to find what they're looking for, she said.

"I hope brides like the inventory that I have," she said. "If nothing else, if they just stop to see what I have before they continue on to Salina or Wichita or wherever."

In addition to a spacious retail area, the boutique features two large dressing rooms and a modeling area, complete with floor-length mirrors and an elevated platform.

An elegant sitting area for family members completes the look, and refreshments are offered.

"I think the unique thing about my shop is the fact that we have such a big area where the brides can try on dresses and share it with their family and friends," she said.