One of Bucks County’s premier bridal destinations has gotten even more exciting. La Belle Mariée Bridal in Langhorne has expanded, having doubled in size with the acquisition of a neighboring property.
“The expansion gave us more fitting-room space so we can take more appointments," says Gabrielle Frederico, who owns La Belle Mariée with her mother, Michele. "It really gave the girls adequate space to spread out, have their own area to view dresses and try them on with friends and family.”
“I think [the expansion] has given us a bigger, better ambience, and a bigger, better experience,” adds Michele Frederico. “We can spread out our dresses, and there is just so much more space—so much more room—that it gives everybody a better experience.”
The space itself has grown from 1,600 square feet to 3,200 square feet, and the number of fitting rooms more than doubled, increasing from two to five. Of course, with expanded space will come a broadened selection of gowns, and Gabrielle says she and the La Belle Mariée staff won’t disappoint. Gabrielle and Michele travel around the globe multiple times each year to ensure they’re bringing the most au courant designs to their brides-to-be.
For example, “Israeli designers are the hottest thing in bridal right now,” Gabrielle says, noting Israeli designer Alon Livne, whose garments will be appearing in the expanded shop, is one such trendsetter. “He’s been doing bridal for three years,” she notes of the designer, whose gowns are characterized by beautifully made laces and expertly crafted silhouettes. “He’s a young guy designing so his designs are fresh and fun and absolutely stunning.”
The store’s expansion also enabled the store to offer the most elegant selections from American designers, including gowns from LEGENDS by Romona Keveza. The garments, which Gabrielle describes as “structurally amazing,” are all made in America, as the designer is a passionate supporter of providing jobs for Americans.
Speaking of legendary, the store’s expansion has brought about an influx of gowns by the iconic fashion house of Marchesa. “Their bridal line is gorgeous,” Gabrielle says. “The materials and textures of her gowns are so striking; they pop out at you. They are such beautiful gowns.”
The store will continue to offer gowns by favorite Spanish designers such as Pronovias and Aire Barcelona, who Gabrielle and Michele travel to Barcelona yearly to visit. Of Pronovias, Gabrielle says, “We’re a premier carrier, and we have a huge selection of their gowns. They put as much detail and effort inside the dress as outside the dress, so it’s a great fit, great structure and looks beautiful on everybody.”
“Pronovias is probably our top seller here,” Michele adds. “In our first year, we sold probably about 75 of their dresses. For a new store, that’s a lot. And their product is beautiful.”
Though this sampling of designers is toward the higher end of the spectrum, these are just a few examples of the stunning garments that will be available to La Belle Mariée brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride or groom. Gabrielle assures the store will still have “something for everybody,” with price points for bridal gowns ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Another unique aspect of La Belle Mariée gowns is that the shop works extensively with designers who can offer custom changes. From adding straps to removing sleeves to lowering the back of a gown, “We can build and design a dream dress,” says Gabrielle.
“I feel like right now we [can serve] every girl possible, from a chic dress to a ballgown dress to a fit-and-flair trumpet—every style you can imagine,” Michele says. “I feel good that we have a wide array of sizes. I pride myself on that.”
One thing that has not changed with the store’s expansion is La Belle Mariée’s commitment to providing clients with a paramount bridal salon experience.
Of Gabrielle, Michele says, “She brings the youth side of it. She relates to girls, because she got married on Oct. 1.”
In addition to having something in common with all the brides coming through the shop, Gabrielle offers a fresh perspective.
“She has young ideas—ideas that I don’t have,” Michele adds. “Then I have ideas that she doesn’t have because I’m older and wiser. … It really does work really well.”
Of Michele, Gabrielle says, “Brides love her. Growing up, all my friends loved her. … I really see it transition to the business. She’s very sweet, and it comes across when she’s working with a bride how much she cares about everybody and their happiness.
“Our No. 1 priority is for a bride to leave feeling elated,” she continues. “It’s been overwhelming. The business has grown and taken off better than we ever could have anticipated. The response has been really amazing.”
“This really is a dream come true for my daughter and myself,” Michele adds. “This is something we talked about for several years, opening a business, and when we chose bridal, we never knew how wonderful it would turn out. Our success is all because of the amazing brides we have met this year. We are so grateful to these women for trusting and believing in us this first year. It is working with wonderful brides like these that make this the greatest job in the world.”
La Belle Mariée Bridal
14 Summit Square Center
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-860-6400
www.labellemarieebridal.com
Photograph by Allure West Studios
