The Gown and Beyond

If you are a Gen Z bride, this is a must-listen! Ramona and Ashley welcome Abby, owner of Sugar Plum Weddings and she shares her wisdom and opinions of this new generation of brides! They discuss how Gen Z brides are different and how they approach their wedding planning!   Abby is the founder and owner of Sugar Plum Weddings, and can be found at www.sugarplumweddings.com, as well as @sugarplumandco on Instagram!

In this episode, Ramona and Ashley answer some tough questions/topics sent in to us from our listeners. With decades of bridal experience between them, they advise on some super difficult situations that some of our brides are dealing with!   This episode sponsored by Elegance Preserved, check them out for all of your wedding-gown dry cleaning needs: www.ElegancePreserved.com

As 2024 comes to a close, Ashley and Ramona look back at what this year has meant for Love and Lace and the bridal industry. They discuss the various trends that came about this year and also look forward to what they hope/think 2025 will have in store for the bridal world!   The episode is sponsored by Elegance Preserved, please check them out at www.ElegancePreserved.com

In this episode, Ramona and Ashley breakdown and explain how to know when you have found your gown. Mixing in advice, humor and real-life stories, this episode is a must listen for all brides in whatever stage of their bridal-shopping journey they are on! This episode sponsored by Elegance Preserved. Check them out at www.ElegancePreserved.com

Before you start your wedding-dress shopping, listen to this episode to get ALL the details on what an appointment looks like and how it unfolds! Ramona and Ashley break it down for you, so you can go into this process fully informed and knowing what to expect!

You know what they say about opinions: everyone has them! But when it comes to helping you choose your wedding dress, whose opinions should you listen to? In this episode, Ramona and Ashley dissect this topic and give you valuable insight on how to navigate this situation!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Listen to hear all about what happens at New York Bridal Fashion Week, get the inside-scoop of how the industry functions and what this huge event is all about!

In one of the most important episodes we have recorded, Ramona and Ashley discuss the top 4 reasons most brides become overwhelmed during wedding planning. They offer their takes on how to avoid these pitfalls and also how to keep your focus on the most important parts of this entire process! Share this episode with any of your engaged friends, as it is filled with so much goodness!

Have you ever wanted to hear more real-life stories about some of the craziness that we experience in some of our appointments? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes and share some of our most outlandish stories involving the groups our brides bring! Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Trying to make everyone happy can be exhausting, especially when it's about your wedding. In this episode, Ramona and her new co-host Ashley, share some experiences dealing with brides that are people-pleasers and how that developed during their bridal appointments. They also offer some advice to brides that are going through those situations!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Contrary to popular belief, more is NOT better when it comes to the amount of gowns you try on! Ramona dispels this myth and goes into detail about why trying on too many gowns or at too many salons is not a good idea.   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

In this episode, Ramona discussed and defines many of the popular terminology related to bridal shopping, so that you can enter this part of your wedding planning informed and knowledgeable! Listen and learn what so many of these terms mean, and go into your appointments with the comfort of having mastered the basics!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

As the new year kicks off, Ramona speaks openly about how weddings have evolved and changed in the last couple of years and what her hopes are for all the newly engaged brides as they start their planning journey! Listen to find out and learn about what not to do, how to keep your focus and how to go through your planning as stress-free as possible!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com  

In honor of Love and Lace turning 10 this December, Ramona sits down with Ashley to chat! They discuss the history of the salon, what has changed over the years, what has evolved and where Ramona sees the future of Love and Lace going! Take a trip down memory-lane and hear how the last 10 years have shaped and effected the industry, the salon and Ramona specifically!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

You got engaged, but where do you even start? When do you start shopping for your wedding gown? How do you even begin to figure out this entire process? In this episode, Ramona breaks it down to a few easy-to-follow steps, which will take the guesswork of how and where to begin searching for your wedding dress!   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Ramona dives into one of the most asked questions regarding the wedding-dress shopping process: “How do I figure out who to bring with me to my appointment?” Listen as she gives step-by-step advice on how to tackle and navigate this issue! 

Ramona gets vulnerable and shares her life story, from growing up in Romania, to her move to the States, to her crazy career path that led her from law school to eventually founding her bridal salon, Love & Lace. She shares her vision for the salon's future as well as some interesting facts about herself that might surprise you. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Ramona & Ashley share some of their wildest stories serving their brides, both from personal experience and through fan submissions. From the jealousy of bridesmaids to overbearing parents to possessive in-laws, there is no shortage of drama in the wedding planning process. These stories are sure to entertain and make your jaw drop at least once! Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

There have been many of changes to how you shop at Love & Lace, but it's not all negative! Ramona and Ashley talk about what wedding dress shopping looks like now due to restrictions for COVID-19.  They reminisce about pre-COVID days, and how some of the new protocols are actually lending themselves to a more intimate experience. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Ramona and Ashley reflect on the events of this crazy year from wildfires in Australia, the death of Kobe Bryant, COVID-19 and how it has affected business, to being evacuated from their own homes during fires in California.  They also reveal the 3 words their brides used to describe 2020. Some of them might surprise you! Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Shopping for your wedding gown can be exciting and fun.  However, there is a growing trend of brides who are window shopping for their gowns without the intent of making a purchase.  Ramona explains how and why this is having a negative impact on small bridal salons who offer a very personalized experience.  She also suggests options if you are not yet ready to purchase your gown but would like to get an idea of what you want.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com  

With everything going on, it can be really hard to stay excited about your wedding day.  However, as a veteran of the wedding industry, Ramona offers some strategies to prepare your mindset so that you can still have an exciting and memorable wedding during these really difficult times.  She also reminds brides that being flexible and willing to compromise will help you avoid disappointment.  Picking the right tribe of people around you to stay focused and centered will help.  And why having open communication with your vendors will ensure seamless execution of what you want. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

On this episode, Ramona sits down to discuss how the pandemic has impacted operations at Love and Lace Bridal, from the shutdown to closing one of her locations, and all of the regulations in place as they reopened to service the bridal community. She also offers advice to those who are planning their wedding right now and need to start shopping for a dress.  How far in advance they should look, what the shopping experience is like, and a reminder that the most important opinion on what will look best on you is your own Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

You just ordered your bridal gown, congratulations!  This is such an exciting and emotional time for a bride and hopefully, you found “the one”.  But more and more often we are seeing brides change their minds soon after they've placed their order.  In today's episode, Ramona and Marissa are giving you a step by step guide to help prevent the feeling of buyer's remorse and second-guessing your purchase. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Dress shopping for weeks or months can be exhausting, but setting aside a full day to find a dress will keep you cool and collected. Ramona and Marissa suggest ways to enjoy yourself and be decisive while choosing a dress, from planning your day ahead of time to showing up with the right objective. Here's how to take the stress out of your decision and avoid sleeping on it when you already knew it was the dress for you. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Your wedding dress makes a big statement about you. From the style you choose, the color of the fabric, to where your dress is made and who makes it. Ramona and Marissa dive into fast fashion's effects on the wedding dress industry. Discover where wedding dresses come from, what's the real cost of a cheap dress and how a bride can be an ethical shopper. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Modern, Classic, Clean It's not too early in the new year for the ladies of Love and Lace to start calling this year's bridal treads. Marissa returns to the show to Co-host with Ramona where they discuss what they are seeing and what they hope to see in wedding dress trends this year. From the fabric of the dress to the style of gown new trends embrace old and new for the modern bride. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Feeling like everyone is ahead of you and doing better than you are? Maybe you aren't as far off as you feel. This week, Emily and Ramona talk about their own struggles with comparing themselves to others in business and in personal growth. From growing at your own pace to healthy social media habits to stop over comparison at the source. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Ramona and co-host Emily try to help brides get back control of the wedding planning experience in the age of social media. There are so many places where you can search for and get inspiration for your wedding, but they often send brides into a tailspin in the endless stream of ideas without clarity.  Ramona and Emily will provide tactics to keep your sanity. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Brenda Maldonado owner Bella Lily Bridal was ready for something new when she left her corporate career for the bridal industry. She joins Ramona to discuss how she got her start, how they meet and her take on running a bridal shop. There's no competition between these friends, just double the helpful information. Website: https://bellalilybridal.com/ Instagram: @bellalilybridal (Recommend to Follow) Instagram: @almosttherefostercare Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

The process of getting married is filled with a lot of emotional ups and downs. One of those emotional drop-offs happens after the wedding is over when there is no more planning left to do and no guests around. Faith, Ashley, and Marissa discuss what to do when you are no longer a bride or the center of attention. Say goodbye to being a bride and control your wedding withdraw with new creative outlets, adventures and more helpful advice from the ladies of Love and Lace Bridal. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

It's not everyday that you get your photos taken by a professional photographer. From communicating what you want your photos to look like to feeling relaxed when the flash goes off, This week's episode has great tips on how to navigate finding and feeling comfortable with a wedding photographer. Photographer Emily Saenz Co-host's with Ramona to discuss finding the right photographer for your wedding, her bridal story, and tips that she has for Photographers and their clients. Whether you hire an experienced wedding photographer or someone new to the career. With these tips, you will find someone that will fit your style and your budget. http://www.emilysaenzphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heyemilysaenz/ https://www.pinterest.com/emilyilluminate/ Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Subtle comments from your group while dress shopping can affect what dress you walk out the door with. Ramona and Faith discus being decisive and confident while finding your dress. Knowing what you want and what you don't want can get you most of the way there, but staying true to yourself is a little more tricky when what you want is not what others want for you. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

There's no way you can book your dream venue a week before your wedding. Love and Lace Bridal consultants Faith and Ashley join Romona to break down the top things to decide on and get done months before your wedding day. Make sure to plan ahead for everything with these helpful tips. You can't go on your honeymoon to Bali with an expired passport!  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Not everyone has the time or the stamina to draw out an engagement. Thankfully, Co-Founder of the brand 31 Bits, Jessie (Simonson) Alexander joins Ramona to break down how she pulled off her wedding in 3 months. Jessie and Ramona discuss prioritizing what's important, agreeing on a budget when family is involved and entrusting others with small day of the wedding tasks. Whether you are sprinting to the altar or running a marathon, you will appreciate their advice on how to plan a personalized yet budget friendly wedding.      For more information on how Jessie planned her wedding check out this link! http://blog.31bits.com/blog/how-jessie-planned-her-wedding-in-three-months/   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Whether you are pulling out all the stops for your wedding or you just need a little help getting things organized then you are probably in need of some professional help. What's the difference between wedding planners and wedding coordinators? Is there really such thing as a day of planner? This week Romona is joined by Lindsay Val Longacre and Heather Hoesch, two wedding planners from LVL Weddings to explain who you need to call based on your wedding needs.  Follow LVL Weddings on Instagram at @lvlweddings.   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Some of the slowest bridal appointments are caused by a bridal party taking more photos of the dresses than actually trying them on. Love and Lace consultant Faith Taliaferro returns to the podcast to speak with Romona about how they handle customer dress photography. Would it just be better to not allow cameras?  Trust Ramona and Faith to have the answers!  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

There is a lot more to their jobs than lipstick and hairspray. Makeup and hair stylists Erica Beukelman and Heidi Marie Garrett, join Romona to discuss their part in the wedding industry and other projects like Your Beauty Invite. From booking etiquette to day of touch ups, these ladies share what it takes to get the bride down the aisle and away from the mirror.       Follow Erica Beukelman on Instagram @1011makeup   Follow Heidi Marie Garrett on Instagram @heidimariegarrett Check out @yourbeautyinvite on Instagram.

Why reinvent the wheel? Wedding planners have the experience, know the venders, and can help you get through any problem that arises while planing your wedding. The owner of Sugar Plum & CO, Abby Lee joins Romona to discuss her career, the intricacies of wedding planning and, what happens when wedding planners attend bridal appointments. From setting a budget that fits your wedding to finding with a venue these women give expert advice for brides and wedding planners.       Follow them on Instagram @sugarplumandco   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com      

Planning a wedding involves months of phone calls, emails, appointments, and "disasters" of all sizes. Love and Lace Bridal consultants Faith, Ashley and Sarah join Romona to dissicus avoiding worry and stress with self care, perspective, and loving where you are, in moment. The ladies discuss how they overcame "disasters" while planning their own weddings and share stories of brides who lost perspective.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Finding confidence in how you feel and how you look doesn't come naturally to most of us. Stay away from comparison and take some advice from this week's guest, Gym instructor Madison Russell from Work Irvine. She joins Romona to talk about nutrition, finding confidence, and body image; for Brides and anyone else in need of a boost of confidence. Follow them on instagram Madison Russel @madirussell5 Work Irvine @workirvine   Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Things are changing on the podcast as Marissa says farewell to The Gown and Beyond and working full time at Love and Lace Bridal. Ramona and Marissa discuss how being a consultant has changed since Marissa started and what she will and will not miss about working in bridal.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

A big thank you to everyone has been listening to and enjoying the Gown and Beyond podcast this past year. Ramona and Marissa recap the journey of this podcast, some of the highlights from the past year, and just how thankful they are to all of you for listening. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

The crazy and the bad sometimes drowns out all the wonderful experiences and memories that have happened at the boutique. With one week till The Gown and Beyonds one year anniversary, Ramona and Marissa reflect on the most memorable groups, the best family moments, and their favorite engagement stories. Everything from thoughtful fiances, family and friends with generous hearts and a wedding dress that a bride wore more than once for a very good reason.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Your bridal consultant knows best, especially when it comes to picking the right dress for the right bride. Plus size wedding gowns are no exception to this.  Just sit down and let Ramona and Marissa explain why it's a better idea to let the consultant select the dresses that will fit properly and show off what makes you, you.    Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

On her wedding day, nothing should fall of the shoulders of a bride. Bridesmaids can be given tasks to do from engagement to I do. Ramona and Marissa discuss what bridesmaids can help with and what they shouldn't. From being prepared on the day of the wedding to planning all the events and appointments to get you there.    Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

The wedding industry can be a tight knit family of venders and close friends. The Gown and Beyond welcomes guest host Lucia Dinh Pador, editor of the online wedding magazine, Utterly Engaged to the podcast. Ramona and Lucia discuss how the industry has changed since when they first started their businesses and things they would have changed about their own weddings.  Find Lucia at https://www.utterlyengaged.com/about-ue/our-mission/  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

There is one wedding decision that falls on the bride's shoulders and hers alone, It's the dress. Armed with a warm blanket and new stories Ramona and Marissa brave the elements to bring you their additional thoughts on last Thursday's topic revolving around the psychology of dress shopping. With an opinionated bridal party and a fiance usually nowhere in sight. The experts have the answers on how to find confidence in yourself and how you look in the wedding dresses you try on. Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com  

Pop culture and social media add a lot of pressure to saying yes to your dress. It can be easy to get caught up in what curating the perfect experience for those who come with you dress shopping other what other brides wear on Instagram. Ramona and Marissa explore the psychology behind wedding dress shopping and provide some helpful tips for avoiding negative influences while finding your dress at a boutique.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Your wedding party isn't just there to fill in your wedding photos. Ramona and Marissa break down the role of Maids of Honour and Bridesmaids in your wedding. Avoid drama by picking the right bridal party of friends and family that can weather the storm when it comes to the financial and emotional cost of being a bridesmaid or maid of honor.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com

Scheduling an appointment and meeting with a consultant may seems easy enough at first. However some brides find themselves more concerned with scoring a deal on their dress than enjoying the boutique experience. Can penny pinching give consultants and designers the cold shoulder?  Ramona and Marissa dive into the do's and don'ts of dress budgets.  Learn more at TheGownandBeyond.com. And if you're ready to get that perfect wedding gown, come see us at loveandlacebridalsalon.com