A&Be Bridal
A.K.A. my favorite bridal store!
I am thrilled to share this wedding vendor interview with you all!
A&be is a bridal salon that started in Denver, Co. and has migrated into Minneapolis and Dallas. As most of you know, my career as a wedding photographer blossomed in Minneapolis, MN. That is where I was introduced to this FABULOUS dress shop. I have been addicted ever since!
Designer: Anna Campbell
As I have stated before, I love a&be! They carry all kinds of fabulous designers and I have had the honor and privilege of photographing a few of them. Because I love this company so much, I wanted to give all you Dallas brides the opportunity to get to know a little but more about the company and the girls who run the Dallas store.
Which; btw, the girls who run this shop are truly the sweetest women you will ever meet! I recently went into the shop to select a gown for a shoot and was blown away by how helped, hospitable, relatable and encouraging these girls are. They truly value and care for their brides! You will not be disappointed by the service or their gown selection!
Meet the a&be babes
DISCLAIMER: “The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of a&bé.”
Meet Mandi
Mandi is the manager of the a&be store in Dallas. She is a total doll and so good at what she does! We had so much fun getting to know each other the day I interviewed her and the other girls. It's clear that Mandi truly values the store and her workers. During our chat I learned that Mandi is going to be getting married soon, won't she make such a beautiful bride?! One thing is for sure, she has amazing taste! She showed me a few of her favorite dresses in the store and they were amazingly gorgeous!
Mandi's Instagram: @mandi.e.smith
Ellen Ashton: How did a&be start?
Mandi: Our owners Anna and Bre had been in the wedding industry for a while running their first store, anna be. When they started to see a new wave of brides gravitating towards more indie and creative designs they had the idea for a second location that could serve this new need in the bridal industry. With that a&be was born in 2013 in Denver, and has since then grown to Minneapolis and now DALLAS!
Ellen Ashton: What services do you offer?
Mandi: We offer bridal gowns, accessories (sashes, headpieces, jewelry) and veils.
Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?
Mandi: So many things. I love working with my stylists, they constantly keep me laughing and watching them interact with the brides with so much love and care makes me so happy! I also love the numbers and forecasting that goes on behind the scenes. Staying on top of what is selling, what brides are wanting and what is trending and then turning that into a plan for market in New York is so much fun to me! And of course being able to share in such a big occasion for the brides; it's such a special experience to witness a bride find "the" gown!
Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?
Mandi: Houghton - the designer, Katharine Polk, has made a major splash in the bridal industry. Polk's designs are unlike anything I've seen done before in bridal. Houghton speaks to the wild at heart, and the rock and roll spirit while staying true to timeless designs. Spoiler alert - I am wearing a Houghton gown for my own wedding this October :)
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?
Mandi: When it comes to wedding gown trends - Texture. Whether that be in the form of embroidered details, floral appliques, fringe, etc. these elements bring just the right amount of interest to the typical wedding dress.
Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?
Mandi: Kevin Hart -- any unfortunate situation is instantly made better with a little laughter.
Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?
Mandi: Kendall - I more easily relate to her style, and more down to earth personality. Plus she could introduce me to Gigi Hadid and we could all just be BFF's!!!!
Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?
Mandi: ice cream always!
MEET BETHANY!
Bethany is one of the stylist at a&be and let me just tell you, this girl is truly one of the sweetest and most genuine girls you will meet! Well, all the girls are really! I worked with Bethany on finding a dress for an upcoming shoot and she was such a doll! She was helpful, kind and her taste was on fleek! She has this gift for being warm and truly wants to make all her brides feel special and beautiful. You will love working with her to find your perfect wedding dress!
bethany's instagram: @ bethanyharkins
Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?
Bethany: Our brides and their inspiring visions we get to help bring to life! I think the bride should set the tone for her big day. And I love being a part of discovering what makes a bride feel most like herself.
Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?
Bethany: Tara LaTour - she's a dream! The quality is phenomenal, the dresses are hand made with so much passion, and the designs are each touched with the most unique twists.
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?
Bethany: Neckline drama! I love both the deep deep v's and the high high necklines.
Ellen Ashton: What do you think is the best season to buy a wedding dress?
Bethany: Depends your wedding date! We suggest 9-12 months out so that your bridal look truly sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day details and so you have peace of mind and no need for rush orders.
Ellen Ashton: How far in advance should you buy your wedding dress?
Bethany: 9-12 months if possible! We can always happily accommodate shorter engagements the selection might just be more limited.
Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?
Bethany: Ryan Gosling - 'cause he strikes me as the type that could actually survive on a deserted island if need be but he's also gorgeous and has a sense of humor. Doesn't seem like a bad situation at all.
Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?
Bethany: Khloe -- 'cause she's funny as can be and makes fun of herself as much as the rest of the world does. I love people who don't take themselves too seriously.
Ellen Ashton: Cupcakes or ice-cream?
Bethany: Tacos! I'm not much for the sweet stuff but I'll take tacos for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & dessert. (:
MEET ASHTYN!
I so enjoyed getting to know Ashtyn! First of all, we share one of the same names so I knew immediately that she as going to be awesome. It's a proven fact that if you have the name Ashtyn/Ashton you are grafted in as a cool kid for life. I love her free and adventurous spirit! I think that's what makes her such a great stylist! I saw her in action helping a customer and she pulled some amazing dresses that were so flattering to the bride who tried them on. This girl for sure has it going on!
ashtyn's instagram: @ashtynstringer
Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?
Ashtyn: Being apart of making someone's dream come true is pretty rad. I also love working with our close knit team and meeting new people all the time.
Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?
Ashtyn: Rue De Seine. First of all, its a husband and wife duo who kinda tackle different parts of the biz, which is just precious. I relate to their spontaneous life and her off-beat style, making her number one in my book!
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?
Ashtyn: I am a flowerchild. I LOVE seeing what florists make happen! From floral installations, to crazy bouquets, to flower crowns-- I am constantly in awe!
Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?
Ashtyn: Ellen Degeneres. Because she's hilarious. and I can build the fire.
Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?
Ashtyn: I don't really Keep Up With the Kardashians...
Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?
Ashtyn: uh. both?
MEET VICTORIA!
Last, but certainly not least, is Victoria! Victoria greeted me as I walked in to the store to interview the babes and she was so welcoming and heartfelt. I absolutely love that about her! She has a super cute style (I secretly or not so secretly want her hair!) and personality to go with it. She made me laugh quite a few times which made for a fun interview! Just like all the other stylist, Victoria is so good at what she does! As we walked through the store and talked I could tell that she is a great help to the brides she works with because of her sweet, funny and helpful nature. You'll love working with her!
Victoria's instagram: @ victoriaexplores
Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?
Victoria: Helping brides find their gown for their big day! This is my absolute favorite thing! I love seeing people happy and helping take off the huge pressure of finding "the one". <3
Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?
Victoria: Well, we are all big fans of Rue De Siene here. We were already big fans and then we met the designers and fell in love even MORE with their sweet love story and how they started their company. I am a big fan of their gowns as well! The first wedding gown I ever tried on was Rue De Siene. So I feel like I have an allegiance of sorts to them.
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?
Victoria: I love the minimalist bridal look! White, greenery, and a touch of gold. It's lovely! Intentional little details, those get me.
Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?
Victoria: Christian Bale! First off, he is batman..so he could get us off the deserted island (i'm sure). Then he is just very intriguing, so we would always have something to talk about. Also, strangely enough I just feel like we could be best friends.
Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?
Victoria: I don't really care or know much about the Kardashians!!
Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?
Victoria: I SCREAMM FOR ICECREAAAMM! Ice cream. every.day. Anything Ben&Jerrys - more specifically.
One things is for sure, these girls are full of life and are rock stars at what they do.
Brides, you will LOVE shopping with them to find the perfect dress you have been dreaming of your whole life.
DON'T FORGET!
Social media is a great way to see all that a&be has to offer! Make sure to follow them!
BE SURE TO FOLLOW A&BE!
FACEBOOK: a&be bridal shop dallas
INSTAGRAM: @aandbe_bridalshop
PINTEREST: @aandbebridal
As always,
Much love and many blessings,
-E