Marie Gabriel Couture Bridal

tactics and price gouging to trap brides in a vulnerable position. During my first appointment, Young repeatedly ripped back the curtain while I was half-naked to offer blunt critiques of my body. It was incredibly violating. They also enforce a "rule" where you can’t pull more than five dresses to avoid "confusion"—a tactic clearly designed to force a quick sale. When I found a dress I merely liked, Young pressured me to say "yes" immediately, even making me call my mother on the spot. I later learned a friend had the exact same experience; she was pressured into a dress she didn't want and later charged $1,100 for a simple hem under the claim that no one else could do it. I returned during a period of "dress fatigue," and Young guilted me by mentioning she "didn't charge" for the second appointment fee. When I expressed doubts about a gown, they piled on pearls, sleeves, and veils to "blind" me to the fact that the dress wasn't right. They never disclosed the prices of these accessories until I was at the register. Exhausted and anxious because Young claimed I was running out of time—despite my wedding being 10 months away—I swiped my card. Once they have your money, they do not care. When I realized I’d made a mistake, I offered to pay a restocking fee or exchange the brand-new gown for a floor sample. They refused, instead suggesting I buy another dress from them. They hide behind "custom order" labels, but you are simply ordering from a size catalog. I found my actual dress at Sophia’s, where the experience was night and day. They were patient, professional, and let me think about my decision without a fee. I also had much better experiences at The Wedding Studio, The Finery, Nancy’s, Hailey Nicole, Vows, and Alexandra’s. If you read other one-star reviews, you’ll see Young’s standard response is to gaslight brides. She uses internal "notes" to paint herself as the victim and the bride as a liar. This is a defensive tactic to avoid accountability for the toxic environment she has created for brides and staff alike. I left this shop in tears with a dress that isn't me. Save your money and your sanity—go anywhere else.