DAVID GAGNON AND SHANNON TAUBE know something about signs. Like the time they discovered they were both suddenly single within six hours of each other... with more than 2,000 miles between them. Or the time they stumbled into a tiny jewelry store in New York City -- only to discover a ring (Shannon's exact size) that David affectionately termed "the finger warmer," which perfectly matched a unique diamond pendant purchased in Ocala... Or maybe it was the day they stood in frustration outside of yet another bridal salon while shopping for Shannon's gown and realized that no store in Central Florida offered the type of service fit for a bride... A sign? They think so, and all signs point to success for this high-energy pair of business owners with a grand plan to turn the bridal industry upside down.

From a page out of a Donald Trump best seller, David Gagnon has spent most of his life pursuing -- and achieving -- financial success. With a Ph.D. in Economics, however, he would certainly qualify for both the "Street Smarts" and the "Book Smarts" teams. As the owner of several companies, David's financial acumen, attention to detail, and business management skill make him a force to be reckoned with. A New Englander by birth and now with 20 years in Ocala, David considers this his home. "Family night" with Shannon, his children, and young grandchild mean more than anything. Make no mistake; David Gagnon knows exactly what he wants in life -- and exactly what he wants to bring to his next enterprise.

Shannon too has an impressive background in wholesale liquidation and sales and is a licensed insurance agent. It was insurance that led her to join David's organization in Ocala. An enormous risk for a young Wisconsin girl with no friends or family in Florida, Shannon decided to relocate quickly and confidently. Did she see the signs even then? "Perhaps they were there," says Shannon, "but if they were, I didn't notice!" Shannon and David can't tell you exactly when they fell in love; both say it developed out of a mutual admiration and friendship, born of their business symbiosis.

A FABERGÉ EGG, a sword, and a hasty plane ride, the proposal was the stuff fairy tales are made of. David decided to approach asking Shannon to be his wife exactly as he does everything else in life -- with careful planning and a little panache. He contacted management at Medieval Times in Orlando and set the stage for the production of a lifetime. It was decided that the entire cast of the wildly popular dinner show would participate in the proposal. David arranged for all of their friends and local family to attend -- and under the guise of "family night," to include Shannon. After he he orchestrated a last minute flight from Wisconsin for her mother, the last item on the agenda was the presentation of the ring. A friendship with local jeweler Brents Bullock of 14K Gold and Diamond had been a natural progression for this pair -- who share a love of handsome jewelry -- so David knew exactly who to turn to. Bullock helped him select an exquisite, gold Fabergé egg with a tulip-like opening in which to nestle the engagement ring. The scene was set... Now all he had to do was get Shannon to the show without showing his hand. After a long week at work, she tried to postpone the evening. David persisted and despite getting lost on the way -- the couple arrived just before curtain. The manager met the group in the parking lot and whisked David and Shannon to center ring as the "King" announced their arrival to hundreds of guests. Medieval Times had arranged for David to be knighted -- but as he knelt on one knee to receive knighthood -- an electrifying excitement took hold of the arena. He swept the egg from his side and presented it to Shannon as the cast and crowd gasped -- would she accept? She did, and as the King pronounced "Lady Shannon" had agreed to marry "Sir David," the arena erupted in thunderous applause. Shannon reports that she doesn't remember walking to her seat -- perhaps she floated?

As they settled in Shannon realized that dozens of friends (including Bullock) were also on hand -- David hinted that he had one final surprise. At that exact moment, Shannon's mother rushed in from her delayed flight, and Shannon finally gave in to the tears that had been threatening since the beginning of the evening. Perfection. The proposal is indicative of both David's attention to detail and innate ability to know "what women want." Apparently, Mel Gibson has nothing on David Gagnon...

Thus began their engagement, the premonitory shopping trip, and the couple's decision to open Your Day Bridal and Spa here
in Ocala.

IF YOU CAN IMAGINE it, Your Day Bridal and Spa already offers it. If you can dream it, Your Day Bridal and Spa has already ordered it. And if you cannot fathom it in your wildest fantasy -- David and Shannon have already made some calls.

The facility is unlike anything Ocala -- or the Central Florida area -- has ever seen. The engaging, engaged pair has meticulously planned every single detail of the store right down to the beautiful ash-hued floor. But taking over the former Gigi's Salon and Spa space in Gaitway Plaza on College Road near TJ Maxx was a formidable task. Gagnon and Taube knew the location was perfect and the space accommodating, but they also knew it would require almost complete demolition and restoration. In true form, the pair planned each and every detail and David drew up the renovation blueprint. With only a couple of walls still remaining from its former tenants, the space had developed into a bride's oasis.

The logo on the door is a nod to the proposal venue -- a medieval crest with the couple's initials that graces the front window. The color scheme, selected by the couple, is a beautiful palette of royal purples. Gagnon and Taube are committed to being hands-on owners, so much so that they insist on personally greeting every bride who enters the salon. Each bride is assigned a personal sales consultant who guides her through the entire process -- from the first visit through the exchange
of vows.

"A wedding is an expensive undertaking for the most people," says David. "It only makes sense that brides be allowed to make informed decisions with the help of professionals." Not only have the couple hand-selected professional sales staff, they also employ nine stylists, four manicurists and four designated pedicurists.

"Each service provider is a member of our team," Shannon adds, "and shares our philosophies and commitment to white-glove service." The personal consultants assist customers in planning every detail of the day -- right down to their smile! Teeth whitening, permanent make-up, facials, massage, micro-dermabrasion, wraps, and steam sauna treatments are just some of the services offered in this serene, relaxed environment. You can even try out new haircuts without risking a precious strand, with the computer hair-imaging program. And even if you're not getting married, but are longing for that princess feeling, your kingdom awaits at Your Day Bridal and Spa...

WHILE YOU SHOP AND DREAM, you can visit the espresso bar or indulge in a relaxing glass of wine from the salon's fully stocked wine bar. Settle into a private conference room while you interview other wedding providers -- virtually, that is. David and Shannon have installed a 50-inch plasma television to broadcast "infomercials" from wedding service providers in the area. Photographers, caterers, florists, bakers, musicians, printers, rental companies and venue renters will be invited to submit virtual ads.

The space itself is generously laden with sumptuous gowns including "Lady Shannon Originals," the brainchild of Shannon and her personal designer. Along with these originals, Shannon has more than 2,000 digital images of gowns to choose from, and most can be made-to-order. Can't decide between a Demetrios, Casablanca, Private Label by G, Justin Alexander, Sincerity, or a Lady Shannon Original? No worries -- the pair has a partnership with a gown maker who can make your dream a wearable reality! Naturally, Your Day Bridal and Spa features every bridal accessory a girl could dream of and alterations are available on-site.

The pièce de résistance may very well be the result of combining a self-proclaimed "money man" with a bride-to-be -- on-site financing. Five facials before the big day, teeth whitening, and a wedding day massage are definitely worth opening a line of in-store credit. Put it on your tab right below the dress, shoes and veil! What seems like such an incredibly forward-thinking concept is only a reflection of the attention to detail shown by David Gagnon and Shannon Taube -- they have simply thought
of everything.

YOUR DAY BRIDAL AND SPA is slated to open on July 7, 2005. The opening is an exciting new addition to Ocala -- a completely comprehensive full-service bridal salon and day spa. On tap, says David, are plans to acquire two limousines for the exclusive use of the shop and its clients. The salon will utilize the cards for the unbelievable "Queen for a Day" spa service giveaway. The premise, says the couple, is to reward employees of business associates and clientele by picking up a deserving recipient (in the limo) each day to spend her lunch hour at the salon where she will be treated to a complimentary service. The reward for the shop is twofold -- primarily they hope to strengthen relationships with business partners and clients while also generating interest among their employees.

Plus, expect new and innovative additions to the inventory and services at Your Day Bridal and Spa -- David and Shannon are always looking for the next big thing!

Whether it's bringing staff in at 5 a.m. or catering to 10 bridesmaids and a mother-in-law for a day of beauty, one thing is abundantly clear -- the service at Your Day Bridal and Spa is like none other. Their philosophy is simple -- always exceed expectations. For one of the most important days in a woman's life -- or for any special day -- Your Day leaves nothing to chance.

Speaking of leaving nothing to chance -- don't worry if you can't find anyone to perform the ceremony... David is an ordained minister.

- Article by Sherri Kirkland, Ocala Magazine (June 2005)