I have no clue what is up with the other review for Thornbury. I came here from out of town (I'm from WV) after one of my girlfriends (a local) bought a stunning gown from Nelle's shop. Nelle is the sweetest, most patient, most genuine person you will ever meet! She has curated breath-taking gowns from all over. She has laid out her store in the most elegant/minimalist way to allow the gowns and you as a bride to shine! Her one-on-one scheduling should be an industry standard! But this isn't an industry for her, it's clearly her passion. She made me feel so relaxed and put my nerves at ease. It's a huge part of wedding planning. Literally, the star of the show! I was 100% as soon as I put on the right dress and I didn't feel rushed to hurry up and find one. I was able to peruse the racks and pick things I liked as well as have Nelle make perfect suggestions. Cannot wait for my dress to arrive and to be a Thornbury Bride!!!!!! Ladies! Save yourself and your nerves! Go to Nelle Todd at Thornbury before you go anywhere else. She will take great care of you and help you find what you're looking for. Thanks a million, Nelle!!!!!!! read more

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The owner was incredibly helpful and kind. Even though she couldn't provide the exact service I was looking for, she went above and beyond by recommending another business that could help. That type of honesty and care says a lot about her character and how she runs her shop. I haven't done business here yet, but I can confidently say that anyone who does will be in great hands. read more

My experience at Thornbury Brides was truly exceptional. Mrs. Nell does an exemplary job of making you feel totally at home while also giving you the royal treatment. We discussed my preferred styles, likes/dislikes, price point, and wedding details before hitting the racks. Unlike other bridal salons, you can browse the racks and pull dresses you want to try on. Mrs. Nell was encouraging throughout the process, but never pushy. She also suggested dresses that perfectly fit my preferences vs. pulling dresses that were totally off base. When you have an appointment at Thornbury, you and your entourage are the only people there, thus providing individualized treatment. I'm happy to say I found my dream dress and veil here, well below the price point of most upscale boutiques and for a high quality gown. I CANNOT recommend this place enough! read more

I had the greatest experience at Thornbury Brides. Mrs. Nell made me feel totally at home while also giving me the princess treatment. She lets you browse the racks and see what kind of dresses you would be interested in while also giving some great options herself! I would totally recommend Thornbury to any brides looking for their wedding dress! I cannot wait to get my dress in! read more

I came in the store with my partner today. It was the absolute worst shopping experience I have ever had. It was clear that we were waved off because the woman at the store didn't think we could afford to make a purchase. We have shopped together at every luxury store you can think of together in both the US & France. This was the first time I have ever been treated so badly. I am from Laguna Beach, California. I will continue to shop in friendly places instead of this terrible store. read more

I had the privilege of going with my son's fiancee wedding dress shopping. She originally wanted to go to Wilmington but the shop would not allow more than 4 guests. Someone told us about Thornbury Brides. It was the right choice! The owner had a large selection for a boutique. We had the place to ourselves and she was very patient and accommodating with the bride! Our experience will be one that we'll never forget! And, yes! She said yes to a dress! I highly recommend!! read more

I am from out of town and was just walking on by when I saw nelle's amazing storefront. I recently got engaged and will be relocating to new bern after the wedding. My fiancé is moving now and I took the long drive from the pacific coast to the Atlanta coast to help him get adjusted. After driving 6 days from California to North Carolina, this storefront was like a mirage for a weary bride who hasn't had the time to think about the wedding much yet. I walked into her store off the street, noted the "by appointment only" sign and was greeted by the most amazing individual you could ever meet. Nelle is simply the sweetest and sharpest stylist and designer in the world. This is more than a wedding gown store, it's a design studio and Nelle pours her heart and soul into getting to know each bride personally to help match the perfect dress to the brides personality, story, and character! She created space and time to chat and scheduled an appointment for me this week while I'm in town! I can't wait to see her again tomorrow! I highly recommend stopping in to ask for an appointment or calling or setting up an appointment online. if you're looking for a fairy godmother with unique high end style and incredible down to earth, southern hospitality and charm, Nelle is your gal! read more

We went here first when looking for my daughter's wedding gown. Enjoyed the experience and Nell was incredible at helping us find the perfect gown. The designer was so flexible that we were able to create the exact dress she was looking for. read more

A gorgeous bridal shop right in the heart of downtown New Bern! Nell is extremely talented & I feel confident referring my bridal clients to her knowing they will have a truly unique experience. If you're looking for one-of-a-kind stunning gowns with great customer service, this is your place! read more

I wish it was possible to give a review less then 1 Star. I was from out of town and didn't know I needed an appointment. So as soon as I walked into the door, the owner gave us the dirtiest look and judges us for not knowing that we needed an appointment. She was the most condescending person I've met. We were nice and just walked out, and she gave the client she was working with a weird look and started to talk about us after we left. I would never recommend this place to anyone. I don't care if you have pretty dresses are not, she had no class and I would never go there again. read more

I'm originally from New Bern but live in Florida now. I decided to try on dresses while in town for the weekend. This was the 3rd place I had tried on dresses and was very upset at the way I had been treated at the other two places. So I wasn't that excited. But from the second I walked in I knew this was going to be a different experience. I first had to call because I was running a few minutes late and Nell was so sweet calling me by name and telling me not to worry. And when I arrived and she introduced herself I knew this was the right place. She went above and beyond for my appointment. She never pressured me to buy a dress. She gave me honest opinions. I can't say enough good things about my experience. I only wish I had of started there first. If your looking for an amazing dress and the sweetest person to help then look no further. I highly recommend starting here. read more

I will start this post by saying this is not something I normally do but I felt it was called for. I recently went to Thornbury Brides to purchase a gown for our wedding next year. I first set a budget of $1000 because I have no clue how much gowns really cost. The owner responded stating her custom gowns start at $1800 which I told her I'm perfectly fine with but I would still like to look at other dresses on sale as well. So we made my appointment and when the day came I arrived at the business on time. She asked me a few questions then she picked out gowns for me. My family arrived some a little late. The whole time the owner was kind but I felt rushed because at my appointment she informed me my appointment was only an hour. So from the gowns SHE chose I found one I loved. Later on a couple of others I know who purchased gowns from this place were given all the time they needed as well as special treatment. I reached out to her because it bothered me that I was not given the time and attention as others. As you can see from the messages she never apologized or addressed why I was given such a short time frame. She then said she would give me a refund because she felt I was not satisfied(which she also told me they didn't offer refunds). I never asked for a refund and I also made it aware I loved my dress. I felt this was handled in a very unprofessional manner and I will never do business with a person like this again. A lesson learned for me that everyone cannot handle critique when they are called out on issuing special treatment to those they deem fit. I will be looking for another wedding dress elsewhere. read more