Ethereal Bridal, founded by the passionate and outgoing Elena Kawa, is a distinguished bridal boutique located in Coquitlam, BC. From its humble beginnings in a cozy basement studio, Ethereal Bridal has flourished into a trusted name in the wedding fashion industry.
Elena, with a background in hospitality and marketing, has expertly combined her business acumen with a deep love for bridal fashion, offering brides a truly personalized experience.
The boutique showcases a carefully curated collection of wedding gowns, children’s attire, and evening gowns, with a strong focus on timeless designs and modern elegance.
Collections by renowned European designers Angeo, Kira Nova, Aria, Maria Anette, Tatiana Kaplun, all offer high-quality, luxurious pieces for the brides of Vancouver. Every gown in the collections are chosen for its ability to combine intricate craftsmanship with contemporary style, ensuring every bride finds a dress that is as unique as her love story.
Ethereal Bridal’s children’s collections are equally enchanting, offering little ones a chance to feel like royalty on special occasions. The boutique carries a selection of charming flower girl dresses, pageant gowns, and other formal attire, designed with the same attention to detail and quality as the bridal gowns. The boutique also offers an exquisite range of princess veils and accessories, adding the perfect finishing touch to any bridal look.
From delicate headpieces and sparkling tiaras to intricate jewelry and elegant sashes, the accessories at Ethereal Bridal are designed to complement each bride’s personal style and complete her vision of perfection.
IN HER WORDS
“Growing up, I was fortunate to witness my parents launch two successful businesses, and their journey truly inspired me. As a fiercely independent child, I often found myself navigating life on my own, not just because my parents were busy, but because they encouraged me to embrace the same passion they had for their work.
“Their first beauty salon opened when I was just three years old, and despite the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, my family always prioritized quality time together. Whether it was a vacation or a simple weekend getaway, those moments were precious and taught me the importance of balance.
“Seeing my parents juggle their commitments with such grace made a lasting impression on me. I realized early on that I wanted to carve out my own path—one where I could wake up every morning excited about what I do and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Their example instilled in me the belief that pursuing your passion can lead to a fulfilling life, and I am determined to follow in their footsteps. From a young age, I was the go-to organizer in elementary school, diving headfirst into planning everything from fundraising school dances to joining committees for various festivals and events.
“My summers were spent volunteering at the local school, where I eagerly assisted with kindergarten activities, fueling my passion for bringing people together. Even as a child, I had that spark—the drive to craft memorable experiences for my community alongside my peers.
“While I did not start a business as a teenager, I poured my heart into every project I participated in, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with others. My bubbly personality helped me forge connections effortlessly, making collaboration a joy rather than a challenge. Deep down, I always knew that one day I would take the leap to become my own boss and run my own business. The excitement of that future is what continues to move me forward. When I was just 16, I embarked on an incredible adventure, moving to Canada on my own with the unwavering support of my parents, who were thousands of miles away.
“Growing up in Eastern Europe, my family dreamed of a brighter future for me, and they believed that Canada held the key. After completing grade 12, I set off for Montreal, where I spent four transformative years immersed in the French language and the vibrant world of Tourism and Hospitality.
“In my early 20s, right after graduating from college, I landed a fantastic nine-to-five job with a non-profit organization where I was part of a dynamic team responsible for organizing events for VIPs in the vibrant Vancouver area. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to meet so many inspiring individuals! While the role ultimately did not turn out to be my perfect fit, it reignited my passion for working with people. This time in the event planning industry served as a stepping stone, reminding me of my true calling. I realized that something even better was on the horizon—an exciting opportunity just waiting to unfold!
“While working in hospitality at the JW Marriott PARQ Vancouver, I discovered a newfound passion for marketing that ignited my ambition. Driven by this enthusiasm, I enrolled at Langara College to pursue a Marketing Management Diploma, eager to turn my dreams into reality and make my mark in this exciting field.
“In 2021, my husband and I got engaged, and the excitement of planning our wedding was exhilarating! However, that thrill took a hit when I went wedding dress shopping and felt like I had to settle for a dress that did not quite capture my vision. The experience was rushed and filled with high-pressure sales tactics, leaving me longing for something more personalized and special.
“After sharing my frustrations with my mom, we both had an epiphany at the same moment: What if we could revolutionize the bridal shopping experience? We envisioned a boutique that truly prioritized the bride’s vision, offering exceptional service, high-quality gowns, and a unique atmosphere. But how could we possibly bring this idea to life?
“As we pondered over this dream, time was ticking away with our wedding approaching rapidly. Then, during her flight to our destination wedding, my mom struck up a conversation with a wonderful woman sitting next to her—who just happened to own a bridal boutique in Eastern Europe. It felt like fate! This kind lady was thrilled to share her insights and expertise, guiding us through the ins and outs of the wedding industry. She connected us with designers and provided invaluable knowledge.
“Inspired and empowered by this experience, we launched Ethereal Bridal soon after our wedding. Our vision became a reality, and we are dedicated to transforming the bridal shopping journey for every bride who walks through our doors.
“I dove headfirst into the enchanting world of wedding dresses. From the moment I open my eyes in the morning until I drift off to sleep at night, it is all I am thinking about. My husband found himself swept up in this passion too—within weeks, he could identify different silhouettes and styles, which always brings a smile to my face—it is hilarious to think that a guy knows so much about wedding dresses.
“To deepen my knowledge, I enrolled in a bridal owner certificate course at IAP Career College, where I gained invaluable insights into the industry. Designing our logo was an incredible experience, and we wanted it to be unique and memorable. Since both words in “Ethereal Bridal” shared a letter, we creatively transformed that ‘R’ into a bride adorned with a veil and a wedding dress.
“Building our website from scratch was a labour of love aimed at perfectly conveying our message and brand identity. And I could not have set up our home boutique without my husband’s support. Together, we crafted the perfect space: a huge mirror to create an inviting atmosphere, racks for displaying gorgeous dresses, and a fitting stage—all designed in our signature colours of purple and white. It all came together beautifully, reflecting our vision and passion for bridal elegance.
“We launched Ethereal Bridal right from the heart of our home, transforming a cozy basement into a charming studio filled with dreams and possibilities. I still vividly remember that magical day when we made our very first sales—two clients walked in, and both said yes to our dresses. The joy in their eyes as they saw themselves in the gowns, they adored was unforgettable. Tears of happiness flowed, and at that moment, I realized I had found my true calling.
“As we expanded our range for our clients, we also took the exciting step of adding stunning dresses to our collection. Our inventory flourished with an array of beautiful wedding dresses, charming children’s attire, and elegant evening gowns.
“We eagerly participated in industry events like the Vancouver Wedding Expo, Swank Wedding Show, Ace Model Management Shows, International Kids Runway, and the West Coast Wedding Show.
“These incredible experiences not only allowed us to showcase our exquisite collection but also opened the door to meeting amazing new people, vendors, and clients.
“Our growth has been further fueled by successful collaborations with talented florists, skilled photographers, creative wedding planners, fabulous models, makeup artists, and a whole network of wedding industry experts.
“Each partnership has enriched our business and helped us create unforgettable moments for every occasion!
“I am endlessly grateful for my amazing parents, whose courage and belief in me allowed me to begin a new life in a foreign country at just 16 years old. Their support laid the foundation for everything that followed.
“My incredible husband, my number one fan, not only stands behind every dream I pursue but also recognized the spark of passion in my eyes when Ethereal Bridal was born.
“He did not just support my vision—he embraced it completely, becoming my business partner and the backbone of our operations. I am also deeply thankful for our families, whose unwavering support has been invaluable.
“As we look to the future, we recognize that securing a commercial space is the next strategic milestone in our journey and we found an experienced commercial real estate agent who specializes in the Tri-Cities area of the Lower Mainland.
“We are also open to collaborating with other professionals who are interested in helping us build out this new phase for Ethereal Bridal. Our main focus right now is building strong recognition through targeted marketing, social media, and local events. We are laying the digital groundwork that will make our future boutique the go-to spot for brides-to-be and are eager to collaborate with local vendors, wedding planners, and photographers to create a solid network and provide a complete bridal experience.
“We want to expand our inventory and services to keep things fresh and exciting for our clients. By listening to feedback and staying on top of trends, we plan to offer more options to meet a wider range of needs. It is all about making sure Ethereal Bridal is the one-stop place for everything a bride could want.
“Word-of-mouth has been a huge part of our growth so far, and we will continue to encourage happy customers to share their experiences and photos.
“We would also love to have Ethereal Bridal be featured in local wedding magazines and blogs to help get the word out even more. As for an online presence, we are looking into expanding e-commerce options and online consultations so brides from outside the area can have the same experience as those visiting us in person.
“We are excited about taking part in upcoming bridal shows and events, too, to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the wedding industry.
“Most importantly, Ethereal Bridal is all about building lasting relationships with our clients. Whether it is helping them with anniversary dress fittings or hosting special events for past clients, we want our shop to stay a meaningful part of their journey long after the wedding day.“We believe these steps will help us grow and create a lasting, successful business. We are looking forward to the possibility of working together and continuing this journey.”
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
Latest entries
FoF ☆ VIP EventsApril 21, 2025Rolls-Royce x Landa Global: Spirit & Skyline: A Private Unveiling of Artful Living
FoF ☆ VIP EventsApril 21, 2025Range Rover Hosts the Most Exclusive Winter Experience in Canada
FoF ☆ Charity & PhilanthropyApril 18, 2025A Night of Elegance & Purpose: The 2025 VSO Power of Music Gala
FoF ☆ Beauty & Self-CareApril 15, 2025Fuel Your Glow: Five Plant-Based Meal Deliveries That Make Healthy Eating Effortless
