I cannot begin to express just how amazing and wonderful the entire experience is at Ava Laurenne Bride! It was the last place I had scheduled an appointment during the two days I was back in Virginia before a friend's wedding Labor Day weekend..., and we almost didn't go because I had found a dress at the first store I had gone to. But, I am so incredibly glad that I went! My mom, older sister and I were the only people in the store when we went, which enhanced the magic of the space. And it is truly a stunning boutique, with the brickwork, and spiral staircase in the middle, and the absolutely gorgeous wedding gowns displayed throughout the space. We were immediately greeted by the energetic Jeri who made us feel comfortable instantaneously! She asked what I was looking for, and if there was a dress I had in mind. While they did not carry that first dress that I had tried on at another store, she immediately began pulling styles that were similar, as well as dresses that I would have never considered. Another part of the reason that Ava Laurenne was so incredible was that Jeri was able to put me at ease while we were trying on the gowns, making small talk, and not just about the wedding. She made me feel like I was talking to a friend, one who is exceptionally skilled at putting bride's into dresses and adjusting the clamps so that the dresses fit them well and they can see their shape and really start to envision how they are going to look. With each dress, once I would walk out to show my mom and sister, she would as what I liked about the dress and how it was making me feel. I don't know how many dresses I tried on, but Wendy and Jeri never made me feel like I was being too picky or too narrow-minded. They really encourage you to envision yourself in the dress on your wedding day and offer suggestions and guidance throughout the entire process. Their knowledge about their gowns, as well as their infectious friendliness really makes you feel like you're where you need to be to find the dress of your dreams. And I did! It was one Jeri had pulled and I thought was gorgeous, but I was being completely analytical and in ``the zone'' of trying on dresses. Eventually, I asked to be put back in that dress at the end of my appointment, and I was speechless. I was just staring at myself in the dress and stood in it for about 30 minutes. My mom, sister, Jeri and Wendy kept smiling at me and making me laugh, and because I felt so comfortable and was able to joke around, I knew that I had found my dress! They were so incredibly kind, and patient and helpful throughout the process and made us feel like family. After I had (reluctantly) taken off my dress, they hung it from the staircase and there were hugs all around. I couldn't have asked for a better or more magical experience! The way that Ava Laurenne treats their brides, like the are family and the most important thing, is what makes them so unique and wonderful! Not to mention the stunning and affordable dresses that they have. I cannot recommend Ava Laurenne enough! The experience and expertise that they offer is exactly what everyone should be fortunate enough to experience when shopping for their wedding dress! So, thank you, Ava Laurenne for the most perfect, wonderful and magical experience!