Inside Love Couture Bridal it’s almost like there is no pandemic. In fact, it’s almost like there is no outside world at all. In such a beautiful space focused on pampering each bride, the whole experience feels miles away from anything unrelated to weddings.
With walls of butter yellow and warm earth tones, the spacious salon is anchored with a dark hardwood floor and styled with a designer’s touch from the creamy white and coral leather-upholstered seating, to the dramatic floral-themed wall art, delicate pink chandelier and beaded wall sconces. There’s even a charming gold cart with offerings of fresh lemonade and sweets. And of course, there are huge, framed mirrors and lots and lots of wedding gowns.
Each bride-to-be at the salon (located in Park Potomac Place), enjoys complete privacy in her own dressing room and adjacent area where she may luxuriate in making the crucial decision, feeling totally relaxed, surrounded by her nearest and dearest (currently limited to no more than three people) and aided by one of the boutique’s expert stylists. Upcoming renovations will add an additional private suite.
“It’s all about her and her big day,” says owner Sandy Ferreira Leone. “Everything we do comes down to how we can make her feel special.”
Each 90-minute appointment begins with a conversation. “We try to gather as much information as we can about her wedding, the location, the theme or colors she is planning on having,” says Sandy. “We feel the gown should match the setting. It should make her feel comfortable and should be reflective of her and her style.”
Some brides arrive with an image of their perfect gown. Others aren’t so sure. “Sometimes you walk in thinking you want one look and you end up loving something you never would have imagined,” Sandy says. “Our stylists are amazing. They have a deep knowledge of all the designers we carry and the custom options, and they work hard to style each bride from head to toe.”
Some of the gowns in the salon are from well-known designers while others are exclusive to Love Couture Bridal. Prices range from $2,000 to $8,000. First, the stylists uncover what a bride is looking for and then, Sandy says, “We experiment a little, and we curate an entire look for her.” She explains that this may include a veil, plus jewelry and maybe a wrap or shoes.
“We ask them what their favorite feature is on their figure. We try to find a beautiful-fitting gown, and understanding her shape and body is really important to achieve that. We want to make sure whatever we put her in makes her feel beautiful and confident.”
Sandy explains that today’s popular styles are quite varied. Since the DMV is a melting pot of every culture, ethnicity and religion, her salon caters to many tastes, from traditional to trendy and boho, or romantic, elegant, sexy or edgy. “We have to cover all of those looks,” she says.
Sandy’s team also includes full-service in-house expert alterations. “We are able to make the gown feel like a custom fit at the end,” she explains. There’s even plentiful parking.
When a bride makes her selection, the salon celebrates with champagne. “It’s such an exciting time,” says Sandy. “There is always an explosion of cheering and clapping and you hear the pop of champagne. We are excited for her. Her search is over. It’s wonderful. We love the excitement that it brings. I think everything around a wedding should be celebrated with champagne.”
Involved in every aspect of the salon’s operations, Sandy continues to serve as a stylist as needed. “Every day we are evolving and we’re always on the hunt for the perfect selection (of gowns),” she explains. When it’s all over Sandy says she wants each bride to “feel like she has shopped in ten stores but it was all within our four walls.”
For more information, please visit LoveCoutureBridal.com.
"It's all about her and her big day," says owner Sandy Ferreira Leone. "Everything we do comes down to how we can make her feel special."
