I didn't think I could get so hyped up about a dress before but when a staff member here looks you…read morestraight in the eye and asks "Are you saying YES to to the dress?" and you scream a line of expletives with the word "Yes", then you know you are having a best dress shopping experience of your life. I wanted an affordable dress, but I still had some criteria for the dress to be unique and you know drop dead gorgeous. In my search for said dress, I've had some adventures. I ordered a $100 dress off Amazon, which had great reviews (even though people didn't use punctuation and basic grammar I still trusted them) and pics. As a result I ended up being stuck inside a giant tube of peach tulle (they said it was "champagne")and lace while trying it on like a raccoon stuck inside a trash can wondering which way was up (lesson of the day: step into the dress). Of course I had to show the dress off cause it was so heinous, and got the response that I looked like Donna Martin at prom on 90210. Not the look I was going for. I had heard about Church Street Bridal from three friends that had purchased their dresses there, so I figured it was worth it to trek the four hours from DC to Lynchburg, as a bonus I bookmarked all the breweries and cideries on the way so the day was not a total loss. We pulled up to the YWCA where the bridal shop is located in the basement, made sure to wash our hands since we were pounding hot Cheetos in the car and didn't want to leave orange fingerprints, and when we walked in we were greeted with a hug from the loveliest manager ever, asked some details about the plans for the big day, and then they lead you to a rack of your size. Just a note bridal sizing is four sizer larger than your regular size. The shop itself is newly remodeled and looks like the bridal boutique on TV shows. Large mirrors with pedestals, couches for people to sit on and wait, and dressing rooms. The dresses were all new, donation samples from wedding dress shops from all over, but there claim to fame is having Kleinfeld dresses and I saw and tried on a few at deeply discounted prices (we are talking about $2000 dresses in the $200-$300 range). I initially tried on five dresses. Some were cute, some were interesting nightgowns on me, but all needed some kind of work or modifications, so it was hard to picture how they would look after alterations. Understand that wedding dresses are designed for women that stand 5'10", and and I standing were with arm straps that reach my ears trying to picture the bodice not at my chin. So I walk out, ready to go, and find one dress hanging by itself on a rack of a larger size. Initially I wasn't too crazy about it, it was heavy in my arms but the fabric design was incredible. I tried it on, and as I was being corseted in by staff, my friend said my face lit up. That was the dress. While I was hesitant to leave the dressing room before, I pranced the he$& out of there and stood before on a pedestal before the mirrors and just twirled like I was Gone with the Wind fabulous. Then I tried on a few veils and I said Yes to the dress, someone rang a cowbell out of nowhere, hugged the staff, and let them say bye to the dress (a few had gotten attached to it, when it arrived last week). Checking out was easy, they leave the dress in the clear garment bag and let your friend carry it for you (brides should be spoiled apparently). For those of you going dress shopping I highly recommend this shop, well worth the road trip. Check out their Facebook before you go to see recent deliveries, and since Church street is under construction their Facebook gives parking directions. It was the best experience ever, and I loved knowing that my purchase was going to charity (YWCA). If you excuse me now, I have an Amazon return to make!

A four hour drive from DC to look at new, designer dresses for up to $500 AND I get to support a…read moregreat program (the YWCA)...you don't have to ask me twice! Church Street Bridal is located on the second floor of the YWCA. Upon entering the room, I was quickly greeted by a sales associate who explained the layout of the room and told me what sizes to look for. After that, I was left alone to browse through the numerous amounts of wedding dresses that were donated by designers and boutiques! Dresses ranged from $200-$500. On the mezzanine level of the second floor you'll find a smaller selection (maybe about 4 racks) of dresses that were discounted. The manager explained that dresses they aren't able to sell get transferred to this area. I was amazed no one wanted a lot of these dresses! Dresses in this area were less than $200. On the lower level of the YWCA was Church Street Bridal Too, which housed formal and bridesmaid dresses. The selection down here wasn't nearly as large as the wedding dresses, but there will still an impressive selection to choose from. Dresses in this area cost up to $150. After swiping through tons of wedding dresses, I eyed a dress that was put on the hold area. It was exactly what i was looking for, so I asked if it was spoken for. Luckily for me, the bride to be who had it on hold found another dress just moments ago. Score! I went to the back area to try it out, came outside to check it out in the mirror, and knew that this was THE dress! After trying on several dresses, I found THE one I see myself walking down the aisle in. Hooray! =) Even better, it only cost me $315 (with tax). I also scored a formal dress to wear to a wedding for $42 (with tax). Double hooray! Support a great cause and check out Church Street Bridal...I'm definitely a fan! Great selection of dresses to choose from and helpful sales associates who help you get into your gown/offer up some helpful advice. BTW-I went on a Saturday afternoon and there were a good amount of brides to be here. You might have to wait for a dressing room, or share one if you don't mind doing that. Worth the wait though! BTW2-Cash or Visa/Mastercard only.

Extremely disappointing experience--would not recommend for bridal alterations…read more I brought multiple dresses here for my daughter's wedding, including her bridal gown, and it turned into a nightmare. The wedding dress came back completely unwearable--shoulders didn't fit, buttons were falling off, seams were uneven, and the stitching was coming undone. We had to buy a replacement dress just days before the wedding. Other dresses, including the reception gown and a bridesmaid dress, also had major issues. I gave the owner every opportunity to make things right--she acknowledged the problems and agreed to issue refunds. But after weeks of follow-ups, nothing was processed, and I've now been blocked from contacting her. I've been more than fair, even offering to absorb the cost of the original dress, just to resolve this peacefully. Instead, I was left with added stress, financial loss, and no accountability. Please think twice before trusting this business with anything as important as a wedding gown. I would never want another bride or family to go through what we did.

From the owner: Hello Brides and future Brides!…read more My name is Alexis, I am the owner and podcast host of Love & Lace. My bridal shop is located in SML. My business provides brides with stylish designer dresses and accessories along with customized alterations, which you will not have to purchase a dress by me to have alterations done. But if you do say yes to the dress at my shop you will get 25% off your alterations! I have been partnering with Sweet Indulgence Bakery to make each bride‘s Bridal appointment experience much more satisfying with a cake tasting box. I look forward to every appointment booked; I can’t wait to meet you all!

This was back in 2011. I first went in not knowing what to expect. A couple of family members…read moretagged along. Jessica was very helpful and listened to what I had to say. After trying on several dresses, a I mean several. She brought out Maggie Sottero's Adelaide. It is beautiful. Wrap around waist. A spray of beading on the side. Beading on the train. Adelaide was also strapless. Before I ever went bridal dress shopping I never would've expected to like and wear a strapless dress. I always had a fear that the dress would fall straight off of me! lol! But it didn't, and we had an amazing wedding ceremony!!

To be honest I wasn't expecting a lot out of the experience. I wasn't particularly excited, however…read moreCelebration Bridal completely changed my perspective on the experience. Rachel (pretty sure it was her -- with red hair) was absolutely amazing. She was so easy to work with and made myself, mom, aunt and MOH feel at ease with the experience. I wasn't expecting to have as much fun as I did. This was the only place I shopped and I had nothing to compare it to but I can't imagine a better experience.

My bride maid and I went in just to look at dresses for my big day I had several ideas I wanted…read moreafter just trying on two at another place. Walking in here was a relief at first.... the girl at the front was new she helped me get my perfect gown. The guy was very welcoming and overly nice! But we still went ahead and I fell in love with my dress! We put it on layaway. The very next day. A week later... we couldn't get anyone on the phone and the store in the mall was closed as well as down town ( given covid ) but we had 2 week mark to pay or we would have lost my dress. So we go on to call the voice mail box was full and no body was there finally on the last day my mom received someone! He's a total scam the dresses are amazing but go somewhere else to get your dress!!

This Mom in California is highly disappointed in the level of service...or LACK thereof!!…read more **Edited addition: I have been contacted by people who live in the area, solely based on my review and they agree... this place is NOT an ideal place FOR ANYONE to shop for a special occasion because the owner and his terrible regard for paying customers just seems to have a personal problem with providing the level of service one comes to expect when investing in an event that will become a lifelong memory. Dear Mr. Owner of Absolute Bridal & Formal - Get A Clue. That is all** My daughter and three of her friends went to this bridal shop in order to find bridesmaids and flower girl dresses for her wedding in December. Although I am in a different state, the process is very special and I want so badly to be there physically, however, I cannot. Two other locations gave her permission to video call me so I could be a part of this very special venture virtually and it has been quite pleasant so far...UNTIL THIS PLACE. Upon entering the store, my daughter immediately asked an approaching sales woman if it was OK to video call me - she explained the unique situation and she agreed it would be fine as long as it was just a call and not photos, etc. She daughter confirmed and proceeded with our call. We commented on some of the fashions, and finally agreed on a dress for one of the young ladies to try on (urged on by the very aggressive sales woman I might add). While waiting for a member of our party to model said dress, a middle aged man walked up to my daughter VERY RUDELY saying something about screen shots aren't allowed...she responded jokingly and proceeded to show him our video phone call - she even stated, I was in California and couldn't be there. - but before she could finish, he cut her off..instead of staying professional or even apologizing, he proceeded to increase his volume of speaking while citing regulations of the strict partnership he has with designers. My Daughter commented about his lack of professionalism and her desire to shop elsewhere... He then proceeded to FOLLOW THEM CLOSELY AND ATTEMPT TO USE INTIMIDATION TACTICS on three very well spoken, beautiful, casually dressed, graduate students all with me, a virtual mom, experiencing the entire chain of events. His actions were over the top & simply unnecessary. The young lady who was coerced into trying on the dress finally came out & stood on the platform to demonstrate the dress' features, while the future bride & friends eagerly sat on the couch waiting for the viewing and much needed exodus. The man, finally identified himself as THE OWNER, continued to stand IN FRONT of, ON THE SIDE OF & BEHIND the ladies, as if they are engaging in inappropriate behavior...when they remained poised and classy giving their attention to their friend who stood on a podium, unaware of the turn of events while she was in the fitting room. I was sickened by his blatant and rude approach to deter "in-store photos". He was clearly targeting and picking on these young ladies. The final straw was when he STOOD ON THE PODIUM NEXT TO THE YOUNG LADY MODELING THE DRESS!!! HE DID NOT MOVE AWAY - I wanted to say to him, "Why on earth, except for ignorance and obvious underlying issues toward young ladies wielding a bit more "melanin" than you wanted in this store, would a person do this? YOU SIR, are a JERK!" Meanwhile, WE and mine will Never return and this establishment certainly WILL NOT get my GREEN money for this wedding! (9BM +1FG dress Needed + One Idiot = Missed Opportunity) Side Note: **While on the phone, I witnessed other patrons in the store, walking and talking in large groups. All were free to stroll without intimidation or being followed**

If I could give a negative I would. They ignored me at first and then when they finally did…read moreacknowledge me, the owner made the experience horrible. I even think I saw a few bugs crawling in some of the dresses. They seem like they were in a rush to "get rid" of me and the owner said she would give me a deal then told me the "deal" price and it was more than the ticketed price, she then told me that one of her helpers must have put the wrong price on the tag which was strange because only some dresses had prices the rest we had to keep asking and it seemed like she was just making up prices. WORST experience ever.

the service was amazing and so were the two ladies and the pricing was great for our price range…read moreand the prom dress quality was immaculate.

She can be a little expensive at times, but I think you pay for quality. She has not disappointed…read moreme yet and I am a repeat customer.

I am leaving the business and in tears as we speak. I have literally pulled over to write my…read morereview. The first time this woman ruined my clothes and overcharged DRAMATICALLY, and this time she has 100% scammed me. The first time I brought a dress and a really nice pair of pants, which she ruined both. The dress was uneven and the pants too short, and charged $68 dollars. I can never wear either. I was too timid to say anything. This time I gave her one more chance stupidly. She quoted $20 on the phone when I called, saw the pants and said nothing about the price being higher than a normal hem. I get in and she charges me $40. That other 20 was for my daughter, which I had no choice but to hand over. This time I made it clear what I felt and she just smiled, almost like a smirk, and clearly couldn't have cared less. She's permanently lost a customer and she couldn't give a sh&t. I haven't even tried the pants on yet and God only knows what I will see. This woman is a thief as far as I'm concerned. Take your chances and if you go after this review that's on you. Well it's 15 minutes later, and no surprise...one side is longer than the other, and in fact I'm wearing higher heels than I was wearing when I had her pin it and I'm still stepping on them. SOONJA YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. I bought this for a vacation we're leaving in tomorrow for 2 weeks. I'm filing a complaint with the better business bureau. I've NEVER written a review like this. I'm in tears.

Teresa and the team at Glencliff are incredible! She was extremely reliable, responsive,…read moreprofessional, and knowledgeable. She has an absurd amount of experience and knows exactly how to focus on the couple so that it is a stress free day! The grounds are beautiful- they put a ton of work into making sure flowers are blooming, everything is clean, and the set up is exactly how you like it. They maintain tons of lights that make the venue look like something out of a fairy tale. Teresa went out of her way to help me during the planning process so that everything was prepared and she took care to communicate all of the details with us so it was all taken care of. She solved countless crises (the cake baker backing out last minute, the rehearsal dinner being double booked, our outside caterer being non responsive, I could go on...) without ever adding stress to my plate and with always taking care of the problem in a quick and professional manner. Everything is also priced very reasonably- I honestly would have been willing to pay double what we did for the great service we got and the beauty of the venue. Also, we received massive discounts from other vendors because they love working at Glencliff so much. The bouquets were also incredible! Teresa included extra flowers and designed the bouquets to fit in perfectly with the rest of the day. She is clearly an expert in her trade. Everything was fabulous and I'm so thankful we chose Glencliff for our wedding!

Glencliff Manor is a beautiful location to host a wedding/reception!! Our daughter got married in…read moreJune in Lynchburg and both the bride and groom's family were from out-of-state. The grounds are breath-taking! (Many of our wedding guests were very complimentary on how beautiful Glencliff was!) Teresa was wonderful to work with - she handled so many details for us that would have been difficult to take care of long distance. Although we did not use all of her "team" for one-stop-shopping, it was nice to have that option. We had our wedding ceremony at a nearby church and Teresa was there for the rehearsal and service, making sure everything came off without a hitch! Teresa did a beautiful job with the bridal party flowers, the poolside spread of hors de oeurves, and a delicious dinner. Her DJ, Carla, was fabulous - handled the job of Master of Ceremonies professionally and kept thing running smoothly! I was most impressed with Teresa's willingness to do what she could to make it truly "our wedding". We appreciated her expertise and suggestions but bottom line, she listened to what the bride desired and did all she could to accommodate our requests - even if it meant making last minute changes. I have no reservations in recommending Teresa and Glencliff Manor for YOUR wedding/reception venue!