COUNTRYSIDE CENTER

It takes but a moment to realize that this is no ordinary mini-mall. For one thing, there’s that bridal gown store there, and that wedding cake in the window. And there are some tuxedoes, a photography studio, a florist. . . . A definite theme is developing.

The theme is no accident. Countryside Center is as close to one-stop wedding services shopping as a mall can get.

Its centerpiece is one of the largest bridal retailers in the country, Mon Amie. Bridal gowns, bridesmaid and mother of the bride outfits, jewelry, shoes, purses and any other wedding accessories a bride-to-be would need are available here.

The center is also host to Friar Tux Shop, which provides men’s formal wear for the wedding party; Cinderella Cakes, which offers several different flavors and designs of wedding cakes, and Diamonds Etc., a wholesale jeweler.

Marsyla’s Photography studio shares space with Essence Entertainment, which will send musicians and deejays for a ceremony or reception.

The Floral Design Centre of Costa Mesa, wedged between the photography studio and the cake shop, can make floral arrangements, bouquets and centerpieces for the big day. It will soon share space with party planners Great Eventures, who will handle all the details of planning a wedding as well as furnish tables, chairs, tent and other party rentals.

Referrals for other wedding-related services, including invitations, limousines, makeup artists and travel agents, are available in any of the shops.

The mini-mall is owned by Ayres Development, which also owns the neighboring Countryside Inn and Countryside Suites hotels. The inn plays host to two or three wedding ceremonies and receptions each weekend in its courtyard.

Bruce Ayres, president of Ayres Development, said that once Mon Amie moved into the mini-mall in January, 1988, the development company deliberately set out to get other wedding-oriented businesses, to help customers with all their wedding needs.

“I think it helps people to have all of these services in one place,” Ayres said. “All of the shops act as referrals to each other, other services, and the hotel.”

And during the busy pre-wedding days, it’s nice to have one place to stop and shop.

Hours: Store hours vary; call individual stores for information.

Address: 355 Bristol St., Costa Mesa