Maggie Sottero Bridal Gown Perla / A3624

I’ve often heard people say that their wedding day was the best day of their life. I didn’t believe it until our big day finally came. March 12, 2010: The proposal came unexpectedly. Completely. My family flew out to Palm Springs, California for a week-long family vacation of golfing, tanning and relaxing. My then-boyfriend Josh met us out there and (to make a long story short) popped the big question overlooking the beautiful Shadow Ridge Golf Course within hours of our arrival. The next day, since Josh and I (crazily) decided to plan our wedding for August 2010, the planning began. Our vacation turned into one big wedding planning festival. My poor dad hung in there with my mom and I as we immediately started compiling the guest list, possible venue choices, photographers, caterers, florists… and on and on. Overwhelming to say the least. My life became a constant blur of color schemes, budget sheets, wedding gowns and cupcakes. I remember somewhere in the midst of all the craziness telling one of my bridesmaids that “anyone who says that this wedding planning stuff is fun, is seriously delusional.” Then, I found it. “THE DRESS.” The moment where your breath catches and you know that you found the dress you’ll be wearing when you promise to spend the rest of your life with the man you love more than anything in the world. It’s indescribable. When the woman helping me at The Wedding Shoppe saw the look on my face, she knew. I turned to her and said, “Do I pay now or later?” And that was it. August 6, 2010: Our wedding day. The whole day came and went like a flash of lightning. It was short but spectacular. Walking down the aisle, I felt the presence of everyone I love, standing up for Josh and I, supporting us as we made the ultimate commitment to each other. And in that one moment, when we looked at each other, the world stopped for us. Just for a minute, one incredible minute.

--Rachel W., Maple Grove, MN | 8/6/2010

Dear Savanna and Wedding Shoppe team, I'd like to share my exciting tale of The Wedding Shoppe's top notch service and value. Second to none, The Wedding Shoppe became my best friend for wedding preparation. I got engaged July of 2009, I went dress shopping in August of 2009, and my wedding was in late May of 2010. On a busy Friday afternoon, my mom, mother-in-law-to-be and maid-of-honor joined me as we visited two shops, the second being The Wedding Shoppe. Prior to arriving to The Wedding Shoppe I had a fairly bleak perception of wedding gowns and options from the overpriced boutique we mistakenly stopped at first. Then we landed at The Wedding Shoppe a couple hours later. Coming in for my appointment I was instantly impressed by the organization and streamline process that was underway. I thought I knew what I wanted, based on magazines. The Wedding Shoppe team encouraged me to try all styles. I did and I found it... "THE" dress... not just "A" formal white dress. I put on my dream dress and endless tears of joy overflowed from myself and my female comrades in the wedding gown trek with me. I talked with The Wedding Shoppe fitting team. They were personal. They cared about ME. I wasn't "just another bride" or "just another sale" as I felt at the first shop I encountered that day. Really? I'm making friends here? (I thought to myself). Okay, that is cool! After ordering the dress, the fittings and alterations came. I was surprised how easy it was. The Wedding Shoppe made me feel at ease the whole time, and never rushed. During a second fitting, I remember specifically when Savanna winked and said to me with a smile, "Go ahead and just stand in it for a bit and enjoy it." Ah, encouragement to feel yet again like a princess, like royalty. I reveled in the secret few minutes I had to stare in the mirror, wondering what my fiance and family would think on the big day. Savanna and Hannah talked to me as friends, everyone on the alterations team was fabulous. I found myself looking for excuses to stop by The Wedding Shoppe the few months prior to my wedding just because I was in St. Paul that day. I quickly found another wonderful reason to stop by. I had The Wedding Shoppe design and assemble a custom hair comb for me to wear on the big day. It was made from ear bobs and old mismatched jewelry from my late grandmother. It was a way to incorporate her presence there. It was special and beautiful and the hair piece matched the dress perfectly. My experience at The Wedding Shoppe has been unparalleled by any retailer (wedding related or not). I've already referred several of my friends there and hope for a reason to visit again. Maybe an opera formal dress? A cocktail dress? I'm not too worried. I know I'll be there in the next couple months. Thank you Wedding Shoppe! Much love, Laura Greenwell

--Laura G., Woodbury, MN | 5/29/2010

After securing the date at the church and reception site, finding my wedding dress was next on my list. I knew exactly where I was going to get my dress, The Wedding Shoppe. Ever since I can remember I have envisioned purchasing my wedding gown from them. I made my appointment and when the day came, my bridesmaid’s came with to help me choose. I had pictured in my mind what I thought I wanted the dress to look like, but was still willing to try one ones that others suggested as well. When I got to the third dress, one that my sister had chosen and not anything I had said I wanted, I hesitantly tried it on and actually ended up absolutely loving it! Right then I knew it was “the one,” just like when I met my fiancé I knew he was “the one,” as well. It sounds so cheesy, but it is so very true. It was such a great feeling to know that I had my wedding dress picked out right away. Then I could start choosing the wedding color, bridesmaids dresses, and wedding tuxes. It was so great getting everything in one place; it made it really simple to make sure that the colors were all coming together and to be able to work with one group of people in one location rather than going to all different shops. The staff at the Wedding Shoppe was so helpful and made the experience one that I will remember for a life time.

--Angela T., St. Paul, MN | 9/18/2010

I am proud to say that I purchased everything I needed for my wedding from The Wedding Shoppe! I had an amazing experience buying my gown which made me excited to try all the other departments as well. My bridesmaids loved the selection of dresses for them and the consultants worked with my entire party to find a dress that complimented all their different body types. The tuxedo department spent time with my fiancé and I comparing colors and coat styles and helping us coordinate the wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, and all other accents together. From the day I first stepped into the Shoppe to the day I picked up my perfectly fitted gown at the Alterations house The Wedding Shoppe went above and beyond any quality and customer service expectation I had. We received nothing but compliments on our wedding attire and accessories and I will continue to recommend your Shoppe to everyone I know. Thank you!

--Kristine E., White Bear Lake, MN | 9/21/2007