So let me start by saying, I knew the owner Jenifer before being a customer in her boutique. That being said, I can still be objective because I know for a fact she treated us the same as any other customer that walks through her doors.
I was lucky enough to schedule an appointment for my close friend Sara, now living in Chicago, while she was in town for a long weekend. There hadn't been a plan for appointments that day (it was a holiday) but Jen scheduled anyway. I am my friend's Maid of Honor so I was lucky enough to sit back and enjoy watching my friend, who has overall been iffy about the in store shopping experience, let down her guard and really enjoy herself. She had been to many shops, including BHLDN, in Chicago, and had been left feeling put off by the whole experience of shopping for her dress.
After listening intently to what Sara (the bride) was looking for, not looking for, her concerns about what her family would perceive as "too much" or not modest enough, etc, Jen chose 3-4 dresses and totally nailed it. Her background in fashion and design really shows. But more importantly, she listens! The first dress was a winner. We looked at all of the others too, but Jen recommended putting the first one on again and it was still the one. She offered a vail and asked Sara to close her eyes. Put a bouquet in her hands and asked her to envision herself on her day. What did SHE want to feel like? What was HER vision? She then told Sara to open her eyes and if what she saw matched her vision then we were in the right place. "This will make him cry." and "This is something I could see handing down to my future daughter" (something I would have never expected to hear from my friend!) were the brides replies.
Though Sara did not purchase a gown that day, I would say our experience was above and beyond. And the fact that she wasn't ready to make a purchase that day, was in no way an issue for Jen the owner. She offered every resource she could in case Sara had any questions regarding the gown.
I have been to another well known Chattanooga boutique on the NS in the past with another friend who was getting married and although there were more employees, they were not nearly as invested in the women they were helping. They were distracted and when they didn't see a sale, they let off and lost interest in the client. They also had an overlapping appointment. NOT the case here!
The way the boutique is designed and the way the appointment is structured, lends to an overall laid back and enjoyable time not only for the bride herself, but any guests she may have. Jen truly cares about what gown will not only fit the vision of her client, but also what she will feel comfortable in. Never once did she push a sale. It is evident in watching her with her client that she deeply cares about the over all feeling the bride wants and needs. She genuinely cares and this is something I cannot stress enough. Jen clearly takes pride in what she is doing and masterfully curates an experience that truly is all about the bride.
I highly recommend visiting this shop. I can guarantee you will be met with the most genuine host and the best bridal gown shopping experience in Chattanooga. read more
