First Evanston ‘Wedding Walk’ Showcases Local Designer

Evanston wedding dress designer Rachel Alvia is busy whipping up 33 custom dresses for a fashion show as part of this weekend’s first ever Evanston Wedding Walk, organized by the Downtown Evanston business group.

The wedding walk takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, and culminates with a fashion show of Alvia’s designs at the new restaurant and music venue 27 Live, 1012 Church St.  

Alvia and her husband, Ted, opened their wedding dress shop Avail & Co. at 1106 Davis St. last October. The pair had been selling custom wedding dresses online since 2005, and decided they wanted a storefront location for their growing business. 

Over the years, Alvia has designed a range of gowns, including steampunk wedding dresses, medieval wedding dress, dresses covered with detailed embroidery and showstopper ball gowns with sweeping trains.

“It’s the most memorable garment that a woman will ever wear,” she told Patch in October. “And for the girls I work with, it’s really an expression of personality.” 

Other local businesses included in the wedding walk are Ayla’s Originals Bead Bazaar, Ixia Flowers, Koi Fine Asian Cuisine and Lounge, Bravo Cucina Italiana, the Hilton Orrington/Evanston Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston, Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, AAA Travel and Vinic Wine Company.

The wedding walk starts with registration at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Ave., or Hilton Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave. Participating brides will be directed to ten local businesses that offer wedding services downtown, with a trolley provided by Davis Transportation. 

As of Friday afternoon, 30 people had signed up, according to Downtown Evanston spokesperson Matt DiNello. He said the group’s goal was to promote the idea of downtown Evanston as a destination for wedding planning on the North Shore. 

“Pretty much everything you need to plan your wedding is right here downtown,” DiNello said.

Brides can register for the event online in advance or at one of the two hotels on Sunday. Advance registration (by 5 p.m. Saturday) is $25 for a bride and two guests plus $5 for each additional guest, while day-of registration is $30 for a bride and two guests plus $10 for each additional guest.