The 'Wow Factor' at Love Couture Bridal

The “wow factor.” It is the number one thing brides look for in a wedding dress, according to Sandy Ferreira Leone, the owner of Love Couture Bridal in Potomac.

Leone works to make that “wow factor” prevalent in Love Couture — the only couture bridal salon in the Washington, D.C., metro area, she said. Leone travels around the world handpicking designers and looking for dresses that are unique, of superior quality and with flattering silhouettes.

“The dress is usually one of the first things a bride plans and often sets the look of the wedding,” she said. “It is a highly emotional experience.”

Katie Kulbaka found her special dress at Love Couture Bridal.

“When I walked out of the dressing room in this particular dress everyone was smiling and cheering, telling me this was the dress,” Kulbaka said. “I loved the dress in the fitting room, but when I saw their reactions, I knew it was the dress! It was such an emotional time, I felt like a princess and it was a moment I will never forget!”

Love Couture Bridal is not the first bridal salon Leone has owned. She co-owned a salon in the area for 14 years and during that time realized there was a need in Montgomery County for a more upscale salon. But, she said she had to wait until she found just the right location.

“When the spot on Park Potomac Avenue opened up I knew it was right,” Leone said. “I knew I had to re-invent the shop in this new location, but I knew I wanted an elegant atmosphere that was calming and quiet where I could give brides my personal attention.”

Leone says her shop is a full service salon offering not only wedding attire, but also complete alterations and jewelry.

The personal touch was evident when Kulbaka purchased the dress of her dreams at Love Couture.

“Beyond purchasing the dress, you also have to work with the dress shop for the fitting and alterations process, and I absolutely knew I would continue to enjoy this process working with Sandy,” Kulbaka said. “She also helped me with my veil and jewelry selection, which can also be an overwhelming decision.”

Leone admitted she has to stay on top of current trends, which can be difficult.

“Texture and 3-dimensional skirts are very popular right now, as well as simple gowns adorned with accessories such as a beautiful belt.”

She pointed out that royal bride, Kate Middleton's choice of wedding dress will undoubtedly have a big impact on wedding attire.

“I loved Kate Middleton's gown. I can appreciate that she took a classic approach,” Leone said. “The gown suited her persona, which is what every bride should aim for. I do think that brides will look to Kate for inspiration. Currently, strapless neckline's are very popular. However, I think that might change after seeing Princess Kate's neckline.”

But, there is one aspect of the royal wedding she does not think will have an influence on American brides.

“Pippa [the Maid-of-Honor] looked absolutely stunning. I do believe that American's had a really hard time with Pippa's off-white color choice,” Leone said. “Traditionally only the bride wears white. I think this tradition will continue in America. Pippa received a lot of attention because of her color choice. Shouldn't the attention should be on the bride, not the maid of honor?”