BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Special Moments Bridal & Tuxedo, a beloved bridal and formalwear shop in Bucyrus, Ohio, is celebrating 40 years of helping customers make life’s biggest moments truly unforgettable.
The journey began back in 1986 when Verna Angel started selling fabric out of her home in Nevada, Ohio. As demand grew, the business evolved into what we now know as Special Moments. With encouragement from friends, including the Pickings family, who owned the building and the Copper Kettle at the time, Verna brought the shop to Bucyrus, where it quickly became a cherished part of the community.
In 2000, Peggy Simmons purchased Special Moments from June Hurst who was the daughter in-law of Verna Angel) and continued building on the strong foundation Verna had created. She owned the store for the next 20 years, choosing to remain rooted in Bucyrus even after closing a second location in Marion. Reflecting on her time with the business, Peggy once said, “My favorite part was being able to bless everyone who walked through the door. Everyone deserves a beautiful dress within their budget.” Her dedication to serving customers helped solidify Special Moments as a trusted and welcoming place for formalwear in the region.
When Peggy retired in 2019, longtime friend Jeremy Roberts stepped in to keep the tradition alive. Since then, Jeremy has made it his mission to expand the store’s offerings and make high-quality gowns affordable for every bride. What started with just about 15 gowns has grown into an impressive collection of over 200 dresses, featuring designers like House of Wu, Moonlight, Val Stefani, and Stella Couture.
“It’s not just a wedding dress shop,” Jeremy says. “We do it all.” From tuxedos and bridesmaids’ dresses to formalwear for every special occasion, Special Moments has become a one-stop shop for the entire wedding party.
Jeremy describes Special Moments as offering “big-city selection with small-town charm.” That means a wide range of modern styles alongside a warm, personalized experience. After remodeling the store, including adding a second private showroom, shopping here feels comfortable and special.
Hannah, one of the staff members who works closely with brides, says she can always tell when someone has found “the one.” “You see it in their face—they light up with excitement and confidence,” she says. Jeremy adds that most brides, about 87% end up choosing something completely different than what they originally pictured. “Your body isn’t the same as the one in the inspiration photos,” he explains. “It’s all about finding the dress that fits you perfectly.” That philosophy helps guide brides toward choices that feel authentic and flattering rather than simply trendy.
Special Moments is deeply connected to the Bucyrus community. The store regularly takes part in bridal shows across Ohio—from Cleveland to Columbus to Toledo—bringing visitors to town. Jeremy encourages those visitors to shop and dine locally, helping support Bucyrus businesses. “When they come here, they bring a whole party,” he says. “They shop local, eat local, and really experience Bucyrus.” Their visits not only support the store but also contribute to the vitality of other local businesses.
To make things easier, Special Moments offers in-house financing with no credit checks or hidden fees. Jeremy, who came from a career in automotive manufacturing, never expected to find such passion in bridal retail. “Making people happy makes me happy,” he says. “There’s nothing like seeing someone find the dress they’ve dreamed about.” This allows customers to focus on celebrating rather than worrying about finances.
With strong local ties—Jeremy’s wife was born and raised in Bucyrus—he’s committed to keeping Special Moments rooted right here. “This will always be our home,” he says. “Even as we grow, we love Bucyrus and want to stay.” His long-term vision reflects both pride in the store’s history and confidence in its future.
After four decades in business, Special Moments continues to live up to its name — transforming dreams into reality and ensuring every customer feels celebrated during one of life’s most meaningful milestones. The shop’s blend of legacy, modern style, and heartfelt service positions it to serve Bucyrus-area families for many years to come.