This little shop is big on all the things that matter. I've been to the giant stores with thousands of gowns, places that look like all the white (and off-white, antique white, cream, eggshell, etc,) prom dresses from the last half century went there to die... This place is the one that will be your last stop, because everything you could want is there. Or they'll get it for you. And you'll feel okay asking. For anything. Because there's one thing you know above all other things from the moment you walk in... they care. And not just about selling you a dress, but about every detail of your experience that makes you deliriously happy about buying your dress.
I am very fortunate to be the mom of gorgeous twin daughters, both of whom are getting married within 17 months of one another. The first wedding was this past August, and the second will be next January. They have totally different personal styles and taste, and have never been the look-alike, dress-alike "twinnies" type, but have been the very best of friends since they arrived. They have always had entirely different plans for their dream weddings, whether summer/winter, indoor/outside, type of ceremony, bridal shower, honeymoon, and every other decision, and nowhere more apparent than in the style of wedding gown.
The first time, when we shopped for her sister, making the decision to choose La Bella Moda was a no brainer; she came out with THE dress on, saw her reflection and teared up, and we all knew. After a little "Yes To The Dress" celebration, the march toward August began, and so did the sensational "after-purchase care" she received at every turn... (did I mention the Seamstress Angel, whose patient and meticulous alterations transformed the dress into a custom-fitted couture-looking garment that could have been worn by royalty?) So when it was time to shop again, we scheduled three appointments, to get a good idea of selection and options. Guess where she said "Yes?" Of course. Once again, there was no comparison when measuring all the things that define this most important day in the bridal process, the decision upon which all other styling choices are based, the one that makes it all real for the first time...
Just like her sister, she came out of the dressing room after trying on about 5 others, turned to see her reflection in the mirror, and the telltale "sign" immediately followed... her hand went up over her mouth, her face scrunched up, she caught her breath in her throat, and her eyes filled up... She saw the bride she wanted to be looking back at her, and she had her moment, that joy-filled moment of overwhelming realization... and we all knew. And all of us are so happy that she found her dress there. The wonderful ladies who work there were as thrilled as we were, and all the hugs and happiness was truly genuine. The best part is now she can relax, knowing that every detail, accessory, and each stitch of the alterations will be handled with the utmost care. Thank you, La Bella...
Read moreLook no further because you have found the most perfect bridal boutique to get your dress from! La Bella Moda is owned and ran by the most genuine, kind-hearted woman named Gabriella. She helped me find my dream dress and supported me each step of the way. The shop has been recently updated and resembles that of a place where you just want to hang with your peeps, try on pretty dresses, and drink champagne all day! This was the one and only place I went to look for a dress. I knew what kind of style I wanted but was open to trying on lots of different dresses. I sent Gabriella a few photos of dresses I liked and she pulled some in advance for my appointment based on the photos I had sent! I tried on all sorts of gorgeous dresses until I narrowed it down to "the one." I loved having my bridal party/family there with me to help, but Gabriella made it clear she would be “team bride” and help keep the focus on what I wanted for my day. I have been absolutely in love with my dress from the moment I put it on and will never get over how beautiful I felt in it on my wedding day.
Once I found my dress, my bridesmaids all picked out their dresses at this shop as well! My mom even went back a couple months later and picked out her dress. La Bella Moda has a wide variety of styles, prices, and colors making it easy for everyone to find something they love. I had a few fittings between when I “said yes” and the wedding itself. During my fittings, I picked out a veil from La Bella Moda to wear and my mom gifted me with their beautiful bridal robe for my wedding day. The in-house seamstress worked with me to make sure my dress fit me PERFECTLY for my wedding. I really appreciated how helpful, accommodating, and understanding all the La Bella Moda staff were throughout the entire process. I was constantly reassured they would make sure my dress was perfect and they sure delivered! I cannot recommend this place enough and would encourage you to stop reading this now and go make your...
Read moreI brought my bridesmaids dress shopping here after being referred by a friend. The shop was one of just a few in the area carrying the specific bridesmaid dress collection I was looking for. Unfortunately I had a rather unpleasant experience. To start, the consultant brought us over to the selection of dresses from the designer I wanted and asked me my fabric preference. I told her I wasn't sure and she insisted that I decide on a fabric first because the girls could not wear varying fabrics. I had to insist that I let the girls try on multiple kinds of fabric so that I could decide what I liked and that deciding right then and there in front of the racks was unreasonable. I had just gone shopping with my sister for her own wedding and did not have this experience at all. The consultant also kept making style recommendations that were a bit out of style and not at all my taste. Rather than simply guide me through the process, she was a bit bossy and opinionated which made the interaction awkward. These are all things I could have been okay with though, but after the shopping trip I found out from my girls that the consultant did not help them at all. They continually had to zip themselves in while she stood down the hallway with her colleagues discussing her kitchen remodel. We ended up going to another shop later in the day with the same dresses and very similiar price point and were MUCH happier with the service. We shared our previous experience with the new shop and they were a bit surprised to hear about our interaction at La Bella Moda. Perhaps La Bella Moda caters more specially to brides shopping for their own gown instead of the bridal party? Either way, I would not go back here again nor would I recommend the shop to a friend.
Update: I posted this review on Wedding Wire and the store disputed it and won "because I wasn't one of their paying customers"....
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