Say ‘yes’ to the dresser
Joseph Spencer will help Canadian brides say ‘yes’ in reality TV show

guelphmercury.com
Nov. 13, 2014
By Linda Barnard

Joseph Spencer has dressed Bette Midler, draped Patti LaBelle in mink and even had a designer gown named for him by Canada's Wayne Clark.

Starting Jan. 7, with the premiere of bridal reality show "Say Yes to the Dress Canada" on W Network, viewers will meet the outgoing and elegant 63-year-old as the show's resident fixer, spat mediator and calmer of nerves: the bridal stylist.

"I'm so excited," says Spencer, who retired this year from Holt Renfrew, capping a lifelong career in retail with 12 years as the luxury store's designer evening gown specialist.

Spencer was relaxing at a friend's cottage when he got the call last summer about a possible role on the Canadian TV show and he found his new job a perfect fit.

"I usually do the veiling. If there are any difficulties the (sales) consultants are having, I am there to help and to find the bride the most beautiful gown," Spencer says of his role, adding he'll help her select jewelry, a belt or accessories to finish her wedding day look.

"We do it all, from top to bottom," he says proudly.

The Canadian version of the long-running TLC reality show, has just wrapped shooting Season 1 at Amanda-Lina's Sposa Boutique in Woodbridge.

Women from across Canada took part, with cameras following their shopping experience from trying on wedding gowns to saying that signature "yes" if they found the right dress.

Among the brides is Olympic bobsledder Emily Baadsvik, who searches for her gown with the help of her fiance, retired CFL star Dimitri Tsoumpas.

Viewers will also meet Sharon, whose 88-year-old matron of honour and grandmother helped her choose the perfect dress, as well as a picky bride who tried on 50 gowns before trying her luck on "Say Yes."

As with the U.S. show, the brides-to-be have input from an entourage of friends and family waiting in the sales room.

"All of them are different. Every bride is different from top to bottom. You just have to find their best features," Spencer says, adding his role is to listen to the bride's wish list "and tie it all in together."

Spencer acknowledges he has "a good eye," but more importantly, he listens to what the bride wants. He also doesn't dither when it's truth time. "I am very straightforward," he adds. "I will tell you if I think you can do better."

Spencer, who has been in sales "all my life," including a stint with Chanel, has some fashionable shoes to fill.

The TLC show has seen Randy Fenoli, former fashion director for Kleinfeld Bridal in Manhattan where the U.S. show is shot, become a star in his own right. Not only is he an instantly recognizable part of "Say Yes," he has written a bridal stylebook and stars in three spinoff series: "Big Bliss," "Randy Knows Best" and "Randy to the Rescue."

Would Spencer be happy to be called Canada's Randy?

"Oh, absolutely, and this is very big because I've been in retail for many, many years and I think when this goes on air I'll be getting lots of calls from clients I've served over the years," Spencer says.

Gerry McKean, vice-president of factual entertainment for Temple Street Productions, says, "Joseph's experience in designer fashion retail and styling was what caught our eye, but his natural charisma and warmth drew us in.

"He is a calming force for the brides and a perfect fit for Amanda-Lina's family run bridal boutique."

Although the American version of the show is famous for bridal tantrums and family dramas, Spencer is discreet.

He won't spill details on how things went with his various brides, saying that has to wait for the show to air.

He did admit that pressures and nerves led to some meltdowns. And there are often tears when he adds the veil, but those waterworks are triggered by happiness.

"That's always a teary time for everybody," he says, calling it "a magical time."

As for his signature look on the show, Spencer wears a tailored French blue suit with a piece of hand-carved jewelry worn like a boutonniere on his lapel.

While he's never done a TV show before, Spencer is ready for his new role in the spotlight.

"I've sold all my life," he says. "I've been on the (sales) floor all my life. That's what I call my stage."