Zoya's Atelier

es at our own pace, without feeling rushed. She also provided great feedback on what silhouettes would look good on me and why this was the case. We ended up purchasing the gown of my dreams!! They ran behind on my alterations but October is always a busy month for weddings. On the wedding day, my bustle loop broke while dancing and the fabric on the hem frayed during our first look, so I’d recommend asking for reinforcements on your bustle and hem. Nonetheless, Zoya and Amy made me feel like a part of the family and I felt so confident and glamorous on my wedding day! I can guarantee you will not find a better atelier than Zoya’s.

ss fit like a glove! They were very organized and timed everything perfectly to ensure every detail was attended to and I had the dress in time.

d me try on all different styles so I knew exactly what I liked and didn't. I never felt rushed or pressured into something. Once I found my dream dress, Zoya worked her magic (it really is magic) and made it perfect for me. They had it altered and ready months before my wedding, which was such a relief. I wish every bride could have an Amy and Zoya.

re process. You know you're in the hands of folks who genuinely care and love what they do.

opinion to make you look stunning on your wedding day. They don't let a bride go home with a dress they're not in love with. It is clear they have a passion for what they do. They are so kind and knowledgeable. Go to Zoya's for your wedding dress, you won't regret it!

line dress, but Amy suggested I try fit-to-flare and she was 100% right!!). After I selected my dress, Zoya worked on alterations to make sure my dress fit me perfectly on my wedding day. She has such an eye for detail and transformed my dress even further so that it was absolutely perfect. I can’t recommend them enough – they are true experts at what they do and are such lovely people. Thank you again for everything, Zoya, Amy & team!!

d new ideas. The very first gown she selected for me was completely different than anything I'd tried previously, and I immediately felt amazing in it. She then graciously scheduled a second appointment for me to bring my mom and sisters to see the dress before I officially said yes. At the second appointment, she popped champagne for us and we had the best time! She then took extra time to help me try out veils, headpieces, and jewelry. In my two visits, I never felt rushed or crowded, and was the only customer in the store for much of it. At Zoya's Atelier, you are free to browse the full selection and pick dresses to try. Shoes and bras in your size are provided, and they pin the dresses instead of clamping them. Amy is experienced and knowledgeable, and I am so happy that I get to entrust her and Zoya with this process. I absolutely recommend them to anyone, and will certainly encourage my own friends to go to Zoya's!

While I did go to several other stores after Zoya’s, no other store could compare. Zoya’s Atelier has it all – style, expertise, professionalism and honesty. Once my dress came in and was time for alterations, the next level of Zoya’s Atelier greatness came shining though! Zoya’s attention to detail is unparalleled – she was not satisfied until both my dress and my mom’s dress fit perfectly!! I cannot recommend Zoya's Atelier highly enough and no review I could write for them could do justice to how helpful and supportive they are.

y due to Zoya and Amy's fantastic customer service. They are both caring and patient. I needed many fittings and Zoya made sure my dress was perfect, especially considering my body type. She is a gifted seamstress, an artist! When we left the shop for our last visit Amy and Zoya told us that we are family. My only regret is that we did not invite them to the wedding, but will make sure they get pictures!

e I met her, she was so warm, welcoming and so ready to help me make find the right dress for me. The salon is beautiful and lined with gorgeous dresses without being overly crowded. They never make you feel pressured to say yes to any dress unlike most of the other places I had already been. They mold each dress to flatter your body so you can get a good sense of what you’ll look like the day of. When I finally found my dress, I cried. I had been searching all along for what what missing and I found it at their shop. They happily celebrated with me and then the real fun began. I had some extra ideas because I love bling but I didn’t want anything too gaudy. They made perfect recommendations for accessories and elements to add the sparkle. For the alterations they made sure to bring my vision to life while still keeping the integrity of the dress. Zoya brought my wedding vision straight out of my dreams into reality.... and then they made it even better than I could have ever imagined. I am SO HAPPY that I found Zoya’s and definitely recommend them!

my head that I had literally searched for from coast to coast. When I walked in, I saw my vision, hanging in all its glamorous, classic beauty. Even more than the dress, Zoya’s made the dress just the first step in a full-service experience. They helped refine the vision that started with the dress and ended up with my bridal look--From which jewelry, tailored alterations, and to how to set the veil in my hair. I even got my rehearsal dinner dress there which was so unique-I got tons of compliments! I knew I could trust Amy and Zoya’s opinion and that they listened to what suited me, and what was important to me. And boy did the final result take my husband's breath away!

alism, skills and warmth!

easily transport the dress and also get impeccable alterations. I came in to Zoya's as my first and only bridal shop and was very impressed. The girls knew exactly what would look good on my body, and actually were the ones who pulled the dress I ended up wearing! The styles were all so unique and luxurious. My dress included a removable cape, which I absolutely loved, and it made it even more special. Stop by Zoya's first for all your dress needs!

s elsewhere. I assumed that I would go with them, so I placed the $125 deposit knowing that it would ultimately go towards the cost of the alterations, so it was no big deal. I went there and they were helpful— a little cold, but nothing to write home about. Then I got quoted $1,780 for alterations for a dress that I bought for $2,300. I had already been quoted $800 for identical alterations from the place I had bought the dress, so I was shocked to be quoted more than double here. I then called my wedding planner and she recommended another nearby place that quoted me $380 (again, for identical alterations). I can't imagine that, given the fact that my wedding planner and other friends have had great experiences with the $380 place, the service that Zoya's provides is more than 4 times better. I called Zoya to politely ask for my deposit back, and she (as is her right) refused. Honestly I'd have nothing negative to say as it's totally fair to charge folks more for a service if you think it's better, but I'm concerned that they're taking advantage of brides because we feel pressured to purchase their (very expensive) service because of the deposit, and I felt like I should make sure that others are going eyes wide open into this. Again, I'm sure they do great work— just know that it is much much more expensive than the alternatives.

am were so attentive & not only helped me pick the best dress for me but the alterations were impeccable! All the details were perfect! Zoya was my personal stylist & helped me design my whole look: veil, jewelry & headpiece, all stunning pieces under one roof at Zoya’s!! My experience at Zoya’s was definitely my favorite part of my wedding planning!!

rior to arriving at Zoya’s and after just a handful of alteration appointments she fixed my dress! Not only did she perform a miracle with my dress, her confidence, genuineness, passion, honesty and kindness was a breath of fresh air and just what I needed. Zoya was clear from the beginning that if she says she can fix it, she will, and she did! :) I will forever be grateful for all she did for me!

we immediately felt welcomed and right at home. Amy did an excellent job of encouraging me to try on dresses that were outside of my comfort zone (I swore I wouldn't like them... but I'd try it for my mom). One of those dresses was the one that I wound up LOVING and getting. Amy was always so responsive and eager to help and sent me recommendations for shoes and bridal jewelry and greeted me with a smile every time I came in for an appointment. Zoya's was the first place I had that "wow moment" where I knew I'd found the perfect dress. Zoya was so helpful and thorough through all of the alteration processes and made sure that I was feeling beautiful, comfortable, and confident in my wedding dress. Zoya paid close attention to everything that I said and made sure that I felt amazing. I am extremely grateful to Zoya, Amy, and everyone at Zoya's Atelier for helping me to have the wedding dress of my dreams!

olors would washed me out and which would energize me, and Amy listened to the style points I gave. A just a few dresses, Zoya pulled my gown off the rack and I knew I was in love.

ing was actually enjoyable and stress free :) From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in someplace different. First, the store feels like a house and all of the gowns have been thoughtfully curated. One of the aspects of wedding dress shopping that I was dreading was the sheer volume of options. By having Zoya and Amy already handpick designs, each unique and special in its own way, and then filtered again by my price range, it really facilitated the appointment so that I got the most out of my time. Did i mention that when you book an appointment it's only you and your guests? I can't emphasize enough how awesome that is and really exceptional to get such undivided attention with experts. I went with my friend a few months ago to a nearby bridal shop on a Saturday and it was madness. We actually got asked to leave so they could make room for the next appointment! I get it - space is limited - but it doesn't inspire confidence in us with the seller, especially when we're talking about spending lots of $$. Speaking of which, Zoya and Amy were incredibly respectful of my budget, and didn't show me anything outside of it unless I asked. That also didn't happen when I went dress shopping with my friend, who fell in love with a dress twice her budget (b/c the seller showed her one) and had to walk away disheartened :( After my first appointment, I thought I had found my dress, but when I went online to further explore the designers that Zoya and Amy carry in store, I found a dress that I absolutely loved. I asked Amy if the store could get a sample for me to try on, and she said yes! I came in a few weeks later, and tried the sample on...it was a perfect match! Amy had to pay for the sample to be sent to the store, but didn't make me pay for that cost since I ended up purchasing the dress. Zoya and Amy then went to work figuring out what size would suit my body (I have curvy hips but narrow a waist/chest), and decided it best to order a size that fits my hips first and foremost. They found a complimentary veil and off I sent my order. Fast forward about six months, and I came in for my first fitting. The dress fit like a glove and I felt so beautiful. I had the sleeves shortened and the bottom hemmed a few inches, nothing too out of the ordinary in terms of alternations. Then, at Amy's suggestion, I had cups sewn in. This was a great idea b/c it really filled out the silhouette of the dress and did away with any concerns about finding a backless/strapless bra. Fast forward again to our wedding day, and my husband was SO blown away during our first look. He lovedddddd the dress so much and thought it was such a classic and sophisticated look. I couldn't have done that without Amy and Zoya's help in navigating all of the little things you need to consider when finding that right dress for you. Make an appointment now - you won't regret it!

happened upon them when I found a Sottero and Midgley dress online that seemed like it was everything I could possibly want (sweetheart neckline, heavy beading, figure hugging, with some of the beautiful bodice detail spilling out onto a tulle skirt). When I scrolled down and saw that the dress was named The Jefferson (my maiden name), I knew I had to try it on! So I Google searched where in VA Sottero and Midgley dresses could be found and I happened upon Zoya's and a couple other places. None of these salons had the Jefferson in stock, but all offered to have it sent to their store (for a fee of either $50 or $60) so that I could try it on; if I ended up purchasing any dress from them, the $60 would go towards the purchase of the dress. I chose Zoya's over the other two boutiques because they had the best reviews, they were prompt to return my inquiries, and they had been featured in the "best of" category of a DMV bridal magazine. After having gone to 3 stores first, I went to Zoya's. They had the Jefferson ready and waiting for me! My 3 girlfriends and I were the only ones there and we were greeted by Amy, the bridal consultant (Zoya and Amy are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, respectively). My friends asked beforehand if they could bring champagne and they said it was fine, so that made it a bit more fun. Now what made this the best bridal experience is that WE WERE THE ONLY ONES THERE, so we got Amy's full attention. There was soft music playing in the background (think Adele), a lovely seating area for the other ladies, and a relaxing atmosphere. I never once felt rushed, by the way. I would go into the fitting room with Amy, come out in the dress and stand on a pedestal in a private spot so I could say what I thought first, then come out and show it to the other ladies. I did try on 3 or 4 dresses, before I finally tried on the Jefferson. And this leads me to note that the selection of dresses they have is not very large. They rotate the dresses out, but there's never more than about 75 in stock (I could be off; I'm terrible at estimating). I knew what silhouette I liked and what look I was going for because I had already gone to other salons. Amy helped me into my dresses and as soon as I got into the Jefferson and my now husband's favorite song started playing over the speakers, I knew it was the one! Note: I did have to pay for the entire cost of the dress up front, was not expecting that, but I was ready and able to. I ordered my dress at the last possible second (placed the order with Zoya's in early October for a wedding in April), so we went ahead and scheduled my first fitting for February (when the dress was expected to arrive). Through my 2 fittings (conducted by Zoya, who's in charge of alterations), the purchase of my veil from Etsy, the purchase of my shoes, and a couple other random questions, Amy and Zoya were great. I found Amy personable, genuine and easy to talk to and I found Zoya to be like a mother figure, happy for me and proud of me. If you're looking for a personal, lovely bridal experience, this is the place to go!

for, I was impressed with the fantastic service. Zoya’s attention to detail is unparalleled. She took a dress that looked pretty and made it stunning! Every inch was perfectly tailored to my frame. Each appointment was fun and easy. I felt special, completely at ease, and never overwhelmed. Amy is wonderful to work with as well. She is so on top of things and really goes out of her way to make everything seamless. Zoya and Amy, I can’t thank you enough for making the wedding dress experience absolutely perfect!

with Zoya in my first visit to her shop. Her shop gave me this feeling of fashion yet peaceful, it helped me to build the confidence in picking the right dress for myself. With her outstanding fashion sense, she found me the gorgeous dress that fit both my body shape and my personality. Even thought I had a low budget, she fully respected that and still provided full service in later dress fitting and alternation process. I recommended her shop to many of my friends to help them also find their dream dresses.

She was worth EVERY penny. If you are looking for amazing you have found a diamond, go visit Zoya. Tell her your dream and she will make it come true. Thank you sooooooo much!!!!

first initial appointment with them, it was hard not to compare every other bridal store to their excellence (and no store came close to Zoya's). They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, polite, and friendly. They made the wedding gown process enjoyable and easy. Practically every appointment I had with them was always one on one, where you were the only customer in the store. This really allows them to spend the quality time with you so many others bridal stores lack. They take the time to listen to you and help you find something that will look amazing. They offer guidance and style advice with wedding gowns, but are never pushy. I bought the beautiful Murphy wedding gown by Sottero and Midgley, as well as my veil from Zoya's. All of my alterations were done here and were done beautifully. Zoya and her alterations assistant do such detailed and amazing work. The way they bustled my dress was another astonishment. They transformed my long train into a work of art! It was done with such detail that they made it appear as if the dress was originally made like that. I highly recommend Zoya's Atelier! :)

clothes at Target... shopping for a fancy gown seemed like fraud). They didn't try to pressure me into buying an expensive dress, but encouraged me to just find one that gave me that weird lovey feeling I thought was invented by the wedding industry. I found the dress of my dreams there (at an affordable price!) and I can't wait to go back for my fittings to chat with them -- they are that delightful! But more importantly, they really know what they're doing and they approach the whole shopping process with a sort of methodology that I can only guess comes from years of experience and a true passion for what they do. I recommend making Zoya's one of your first stops on the dress hunt!

ryone gave me the best compliments that I’ve ever had on my wedding dress. I will definitely return to shop for other formal wear and will recommend Amy to every bride to be! She is the best!

gion! I tried on just 4 dresses and gave my feedback to Amy-she found my dream dress UNDER budget within seconds! She also set up an appointment after hours so my mother could drive up from Richmond to see me wearing it in person.

ie

I liked, but ended up finding my perfect dress. Amy and Zoya give you just enough help and advice, without being too pushy. They are wonderfully knowledgeable and friendly and their shop is a bride’s dream!

always professional, courteous, and just the right amount of friendly. I want to give them an endless amount of thank yous - they helped make our day so special. In short - USE ZOYA! You will NOT be disappointed. They are worth every single penny.

eks before I was set to leave for my destination wedding, with the dress measurements so far off from my own that I couldn't even get it on (as in, more than 3" off from the measurements as ordered) . There were other issues as well, including a vastly uneven hem and a missing belt, but the dressmakers refused to do anything to help me, and I could not afford a new dress (not to mention the design of my dress was quite unusual, a fact which makes what Zoya pulled off even more impressive!). Despite the INCREDIBLY short timeframe, Zoya was willing to contact a few of her other brides, who were gracious enough to move their fittings around to give her time to work her magic on my dress! Despite my tears, fears, and exhaustion with the whole affair, Zoya and Amy were gracious and kind, exuding confidence and reassurance at every turn. It took us a couple of fittings (and heaven knows how much work on their part), but she managed to make the dress fit beautifully, corrected as much of the poor construction as she could, advised me as to proper support/undergarments, and even took the time to let me put the whole look together, with shoes, accessories, etc., so that she could offer expert guidance, and so that I could be sure all was as I had hoped. It is no exaggeration to say that I don't know what I would have done without Zoya and Amy - no other designer or seamstress would have touched that mess of a dress in such a short time, but they saved my wedding! If my words here aren't testament enough to my faith in Zoya and Amy, since my own experience, I have happily referred three newly engaged friends to Zoya so that, unlike with own my buying experience, they can relax knowing they will receive caring, expert advice in a beautiful shop filled with unique and truly stunning dresses and accessories. I hope this review saves other brides from my online dress buying nightmare - go see Zoya and Amy from the beginning, and have the wonderful experience you deserve!

g a little online research and Zoya’s stood apart from other dress shops in the area. I quickly booked a morning appointment at Zoya’s and another appointment at a different dress shop for the later that same day. Walking into the salon I had a very set vision of my wedding dress. We were greeted by Amy, Zoya’s daughter-in-law, and offered champagne. They introduced their two London based designers ,Ian Stuart and Susan Neville, and discussed their unique styles. I began to look through the dresses and picked a few while Zoya also picked several. I had picked an all lace long sleeved gown, my dream dress, and was eager to try it on. While the dress was a stunning work of art it was not what I had expected it look like on me. So, I tried on a few more dresses before Zoya brought me her picks. I’m not quite sure how she did it but she picked this exquisite, complex but soft Ian Stuart gown that made me feel gorgeous. After that, I never made it to the other appointment...... If you want to feel like the goddess you are, look no further then Zoya’s Atelier. (P.S. My photographer loved shooting the dress)

what we were looking for. Zoya's is carrying the Sottero & Midgley line now in addition to their two British designers, and had just gotten it in the night before! Dresses range from $1000-$10,000. Amy was fantastic at pulling dresses for me, and encouraged me to try on as many as I liked, even if they were outside of my budget. After I put each on, Zoya pinned and tucked and Amy added veils and jewelry until I barely recognized myself in the mirror. Every single dress in there looked great, and as I'm not a sample size, I went in there nervous I wouldn't like anything. I found a dress I absolutely loved, but wasn't ready to make a decision since it was my first appointment ever. Amy and Zoya never pushed or pressured us in any way. They were both very honest with their opinions and I felt like they genuinely cared about my experience, not just the sale. I left and went on to visit 3 other very popular shops in the Nova area. I did not receive even close to the level of care and service I did at Zoya's. Many shops in this area are dated or feel like a factory with no personal attention. I told myself if I ended up finding "the one" somewhere else, I'd still bring it to Zoya for alterations because of the way she made me feel, both in a dress and just as a customer in general! Luckily, it wasn't just Zoya and Amy I couldn't stop comparing everything to, it was also the dress. I emailed Amy and told her I couldn't get it out of my mind. Amy was so accommodating about scheduling me a second appointment (on a Saturday no less!) so I could bring my future SIL in for a second try on. My coordinator called around to get an average price for my dress and after calling 12 shops, Zoya's price was right on track with everyone else in the area. My second appointment was equally as wonderful as the first. Amy was just as warm and attentive as the first time around, even though they were very busy that day. I was undecided about a veil and Amy came up with a way to incorporate my favorite elements of a few different ones and said Zoya could make me a custom veil that's exactly what I wanted! Ultimately, I ended up purchasing my dress and could not be happier. I can't wait to see what magic Zoya will work! This place is an absolute dream!

. I entered this shop looking for a bridal dress, but left feeling beautiful and confident. Finding THE dress is perhaps one of the more stressful parts of wedding planning, but Amy and Zoya made it their mission to choose pieces that would focus on my best features. They made the whole experience warm and fun, and I can't think of many duos who are as knowledgeable, gracious, and attentive as these two women. Although I didn't find my wedding dress this time, I will definitely come back for future occasions.

t need to have much done (hemmed, bust taken in a bit, and a very simple bustle put in) and it still wasn't cheap (my total bill was $600+) but Zoya was very fast and did a nice job. My bustle was literally just a single hook and strap which felt insubstantial for the cost and didn't hold up well during our reception, but that might be a reflection of the dress style more than the tailor. I felt very confident leaving my dress with her and was quite pleased when I picked it up a month later.

g the dress experience, so I bought the dress that got the most positive reaction from my friends. When the dress arrived, I was less than enthused and decided I would see if someone else saw what I saw. One day I passed Zoya's Altelier while driving home from work. I did my homework and after reading her glowing reviews, I emailed for an appointment. Amy who is Zoya's daughter-in-law emailed me back immediately and scheduled me for an appointment. The following week I walked into Zoya's Atelier with my dress and Amy greeted me by name with a big smile. Zoya helped me into my dress and immediately saw what I saw-- I was uncomfortable and insecure. Zoya said the dress needed some work, but it was gorgeous and she could get it there. I left my first appointment optimistic and feeling a sense of relief. By my next appointment Zoya had ordered the correct size bra and showed me some things I didn't realize we're wrong with my dress and began pinning. As she worked her magic and got the dress pinned, I began to see my dream dress and I had my moment! I drove home that evening crying happy tears. My third appointment was magical. Zoya had made all the alterations and I felt like Cinderella. I walked out of the dressing room confidently and with a huge smile. At that moment I knew Zoya was brought into my life for a reason. I told Amy that I believed Zoya was my fairy godmother. My whole perspective on the wedding had changed and I was now excited! Two weeks before the wedding, I had two veils from the bridal shop and they were both a disaster. The bridal shop really didn't know which veil would compliment my dress and my figure. There wasn't any time to order a new veil and I was stressed, but Zoya told me not to worry. She took both veils and made me a custom cathedral veil, which blew me away!!! I saw the final product the day I was flying out to my wedding and I was overwhelmed with tears of joy. Zoya had done it! I was a gorgeous bride! All of my guests commented on my gorgeous dress and especially the veil and I love to brag that is was a custom Zoya design. Zoya not only changed my life, she changed my husband's as well. He had bought his wedding suit at a chain suit store and even after the alterations he wasn't completely sold. He brought the suit to Zoya and she agreed there were a few necessary tweaks. The week of our wedding my husband went back to try on the suit and he texted me that he felt like a million bucks. When I saw him in the suit for the first time on our wedding day, I just melted looking at my handsome and confident husband. I could never thank Zoya and Amy enough for working their magic for my husband and I. I will be a customer of Zoya's Atelier for life and I feel so fortunate to have come across them. My only regret is that I didn't start with Zoya and Amy in my search for my dream dress. I would have saved myself a lot of grief. Zoya and Amy love what they do and are 100% honest. By working with Zoya and Amy, I have learned there is more to how you dress than just looking your best, it is about making you feel your best and being empowered. Zoya and Amy, thank you for being a part of our lives. I can't wait to work with you in the future!

she said, " No worries I make something special for you". And she did! She found the perfect fabric and designed and sewed the most beautiful jacket. A Purple and Lilac metallic embroidered jacket with fitted sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It elevated the dress to a whole new level. Zoya is AMAZING!

!). They both had my best interest at heart, and based on my body type knew exactly the style to put me in. They gave me their honest opinions when I glanced at other dresses, and when we came across *the* dress - we all knew it. I felt truly supported throughout the entire process - they think of EVERYTHING! I went in for my dress fitting without a bra, spanx, or shoes - and they were completely prepared for my type B / laid back personality, and now I have all of those items perfectly suited to the cut of my dress. I've never had a more relaxing dress buying experience! They stay within budget and do whatever they can to bring your specific image to life through tailoring. I will absolutely be shopping here for the next two weddings I have to attend this year, as they have everything from formal to cocktail! Highly recommend.

really discouraged. The moment I stepped in there I felt at ease, Zoya walked me through the alterations needed, she's extremely detail-oriented and thoughtful. I think what impressed me the most is that even though it wasn't her design she genuinely wanted to make me beautiful in it and I feel like she ended up leaving her mark on the gown in the end with her craftsmanship without changing the look. She totally went the extra mile . Love her. Wish I had known about them before I bought a dress but hopefully I'll have a reason soon to go back!

n! They helped me find the perfect dress and Zoya with her creative eye is adding something extra to my dress to make it truly original and perfect. And my budget is definately on the smaller side. Additionally, they can meet outside of posted hours, in fact they encourage people to make an appointment - Zoya lives in Falls Church and is happy to pop over. All in all these women are fantastic and love what they do! Thank you Zoya and Amy!!!

ifferent styles) that I like. Now I just need to decide which one! I definitely recommend checking out Zoya's if you want an enjoyable experience and you want to find your perfect wedding dress!

d welcoming.

er. She helped me find THE dress that made me feel like the most beautiful bride. She came with me to my last fitting and made sure everything was perfect. The front of my dress was not even on both sides and she picked up on it right away. Because of her experience, she was able to communicate what needed to be changed to the person doing the alterations and made sure it was perfect. On my wedding day, she was also there to help me get ready. Thank you so much for helping me choose the perfect dress for me. I have never felt so beautiful.