Angel Rivera begins each one of his bridal gowns with a sketch.
"I usually sketch probably 50 sketches, and then I have to narrow it down to about 25 gowns," said Rivera.
The Boardman native and Youngstown State University graduate names each one after a woman he knows.
Rivera's latest collection includes the granddaughter of Jacqueline Stout, owner of Jacqueline's Bridal in Poland -- one of the first boutiques to carry Rivera's line.
"Her daughter just had her baby, which was her granddaughter, and they named her Elliana," said Rivera. "So when I was coming out with the collection, I thought it would be really great to name one of the gowns -- Elliana."
"When he said that he named a dress after my granddaughter, I just didn't know what to say," said Stout. "I had a lump in my throat, and I mean it was exciting to have my granddaughter born and to have a dress named after her ... by Angel. It was amazing."
Stout and Rivera are proud that Valley brides can wear one of his high fashion dresses down the aisle.
Rivera not only designs wedding gowns for real brides, but celebrities, too. He's featured in magazines like "Us Weekly," and this week's "Life and Style."
Rivera sketched what he thinks would be the ideal dress for Justin Timberlake's fiance, Jessica Biel.
"When I look at what's going on with the collection now and the popularity that it's gaining and the press that we're receiving, it's really crazy to see my name," said Rivera.
Rivera's career took off while helping brides "Say Yes to their Dress" at Kleinfeld's in New York City.
But, now brides can say "I Do" to one by Angel Rivera.
If you want to meet Angel, he'll be at Jacqueline's Bridal in Poland Saturday to show off his gowns.
