In The Spotlight:

Jobyna’s Bridal by Ines di Santo opened Thursday evening with the talents of designer Ines di Santo as the cornerstone of the new shop.

Owners Isabel Mardirossian and Angie Kalayjian have nothing but high praise for di Santo’s work, calling her gowns pieces of art that she designs “from her heart.”

Along with Jobyna’s Bridal and Tuxedo, at 3325 N. Verdugo Road in Montrose, and Jobyna’s Off the Rack (also at the Montrose location), the Americana store represents the third location of a business that spans 40 years. Kalayjian and Mardirossian bought the Montrose location in 1998 out of a desire to do something that would allow the longtime friends to express themselves.

“We wanted something more feminine to do,” Mardirossian said.

Over the years, Jobyna’s went from selling the gowns of one designer to selling the gowns of multiple designers, Mardirossian said, including gowns by di Santo. Kalayjian and Mardirossian met di Santo at a bridal show in New York, and the duo immediately fell in love with her work and decided to begin a partnership.

“This type of a salon has never been done before,” Mardirossian said. “It is a joint venture of an exquisite designer.”

When the time came to expand Jobyna’s, Mardirossian and Kalayjian decided to create a store that would feature only gowns created by di Santo. The duo chose the Americana due to its sophistication and commitment to customer service, Mardirossian said.

“I believe in romance; I believe in weddings,” di Santo said. “It’s very important to me to make a dream come true. When I design, I try to understand the bride, [and] what they like, what is their dream.”

Born in Italy but raised in Brazil, di Santo said the most important aspect in any of her dresses lies in the quality of the cut, the fabric that is used or the stones that decorate the dress.

“For me, I treat the dresses as if they were my baby,” di Santo said. “They become who I am.”

Prices for gowns start at Jobyna’s Bridal by Ines di Santo start at $4,000, Mardirossian said.

“Why would you spend that kind of money?” Mardirossian asked. “You know, bridal is very unique . . . I understand that there is the situation with the economy, but this is an emotional purchase. Yet at the same time, it’s so unique, and it’s so beautiful. Believe it or not, it’s so worth every penny that you pay for these gowns.”

As an alternative to buying at Jobyna’s Bridal by Ines di Santo, brides-to-be can also purchase gowns at the Montrose location, where prices start at $1,500. And for the bride-to-be on a tight budget, Jobyna’s Off the Rack collection might be more suitable, where gowns are sold up to 75% off retail price, Mardirossian said.

“In between the three stores, it’s impossible for a bride not to find their dream dress,” Kalayjian said.