Bridal shop owner defrauded local customers

Customers of Birmingham Bridal, 534 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham, reported to police they had not received their wedding dresses, which they had paid thousands of dollars for, and a police investigation revealed the owner had a gambling problem, and on Tuesday, September 8, she was arrested on nine counts of defrauding customers.

The Birmingham Police Department reported it received numerous reports of customers who had paid thousands of dollars to Birmingham Bridal for designer wedding dresses, only to never receive their dresses, nor a refund. Customers informed police they received various excuses from owner Nadica Ristivojevic, and were forced to place rush orders at other stores in order to receive dresses in time for their weddings.

Birmingham Bridal abruptly closed in June of 2023.

Detectives conducted an extensive investigation, and uncovered that the business was struggling, with Ristivojevic using funds from new orders to pay for older orders. Further police investigation revealed Ristivojevic had a gambling habit, and she admitted she was trying to win back enough money to pay for the dress orders.

In total, police said, victims were defrauded of approximately $40,000-$50,000.

Criminal charges were sought for Ristivojevic, 58, of West Bloomfield. On Tuesday, September 5, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office issued a warrant for nine counts of false pretenses, $1,000 or more, but less than $20,000 – one count for each victim.

On Friday, September 8, Ristivojevic was arrested on the warrant and arraigned at 48th District Court in front of Magistrate Julie Nelson-Klein, who issued a $750,000 cash/surety bond. Following arraignment, Ristivojevic was being held in the Oakland County Jail.

Any other victims who may have been defrauded by Birmingham Bridal should contact Birmingham Police Detective Rebekah Springer at 248.530.1895.