Ava Laurenne was by far the best experience I had shopping for my dress. Michelle took such care in listening to what I envisioned and then provided me with options I hadn’t even thought of. I didn’t go in to my appointment expecting to find my dress, but she pulled her “wild card” and it took my breath away. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel special and know you’re in good hands! I wish I could relive that day over and over.

I planned on going to Ava Laurénne Bride years before getting engaged. Knowing ALB is the largest bridal boutique in Virginia, my plan was to take advantage of the National Bridal Sale during the month of July. I ended up getting engaged on July 29th, which happened to be the last day of the sale, so I just missed it. I talked to the stylist that runs their Instagram a few times to discuss various concerns and she eased ALL of my worries. The day of my appointment, my stylist was Abi, and she was the BEST!! I felt like we were lifelong friends just catching up! Abi listened to my vision and found dresses that were perfect, but also dresses that were a little different. I was thankful that she knew when to bring the dresses that were outside of my vision so that I could still see them just in case. When I was torn between two dresses, Abi never questioned my idea of adding a belt, and agreed with it. Sure enough, once she added the cathedral veil, I knew that dress was the one! The experience at ALB is better than anything I’ve seen on TLC and I would encourage anyone to go to the Fredericksburg, VA location or check out the new location in SC. I am so happy to be an Ava Laurénne Bride and love that I can go back to visit whenever! I’ve even thought about trying to work there part time to help other brides find their dream dress.

Where do I even begin? As a bridal consultant myself, I worried I wouldn’t have my own “bridal moment” as I’ve seen and tried on MANY dresses over the years. Prior to coming to ALB, I had been to 5 other stores and never really felt that feeling you’re supposed to feel. I wasn’t sure if it would happen for me. On top of that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. The most exciting time in our life had to be paused, and then pushed back as I’ve been going through treatment. On our way down to the Outer Banks for a family vacation (we’re from Buffalo, NY), we decided to stop in Fredericksburg for the night. I knew I wanted to stop at Ava Laurenné because of their large selection of dresses, and I’m so happy I did. I was lucky enough to work with Katie. She knew my story as I had emailed the store ahead of time, but to Katie, I was a bride and not a cancer patient. She made me feel excited again for our wedding and to marry my best friend. Along with pulling dresses that I had seen online, she pulled one dress that was everything I told her I DIDN’T want. You can guess which dress I fell in love with. Even with the weight gain from medications and hair loss, I truly felt beautiful. I finally had my bridal moment. Katie is truly meant to work in bridal. I can’t thank her enough for what she did for both me and my family that day. For us, it was more than just a dress. Thank you so so much Katie!