Brides of Philadelphia, have you met Lovely Bride Philadelphia? If yes, then you know just how lovely (ahem, we couldn’t resist!) the Market Street boutique is and have likely met one of our rockstar stylists.
If you haven’t stepped inside our dreamy bridal shop yet and are still on the hunt for the best bridal shop in Philadelphia, this post is for you! We sat down with owner and lady-boss, Ivy Solomon for a Q&A about what inspired her to bring the Lovely Bride franchise to Philly and her favorite places around town. Oh and we also got our hands on images of the shop so you can see every adorable angle.
In getting to know Ivy you’ll start to understand why our brides (aka #OurLovelies) rave about Lovely Bride Philadelphia and why they’ve been not only been awarded The Knot BEST OF WEDDINGS award in 2018 and 2019, but also The Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award from (2016-2019), and BRIDES Magazine’s Best Bridal Salons in America (2016, 2017).
Lovely Bride Philly also carries a well curated mix of cool-girl designers from: Alexandra Grecco, Carol Hannah, Dear Heart, Kate McDonald, Louvienne, Lovers Society, Made with Love, Rue de Seine, Sarah Seven, Scout, Studio Levana, Theia, Watters, and Willowby.
Want to see more dresses? Click here to browse the dresses (select Philadelphia as your city) and then click to book an appointment to find your dream dress and become one of #OurLovelies.
What inspired you to open Lovely Bride Philadelphia?
I’ve wanted my own store since I was 10 years old. I grew up in a retail family and always knew that was what I wanted to do. After working in retail management, I knew it was time to open my own store, but I wanted it to be the right fit. I loved that working in bridal meant I would be spending time with my clients one on one to help them find their most important piece of clothing. After doing a lot of research, I learned about Lovely Bride and the store’s mission to bring a breath of fresh air to the bridal industry. As the company was in the beginning stages of franchising, it seemed like the perfect fit! I was so excited to bring the breath of fresh air to Philly!
What do you love most about working in the Bridal Industry?
I love really getting to know my clients. It is such a special time in a woman’s life, and I love getting to celebrate that.
Your most inspiring moment as a Female Business Owner?
My first time attending Bridal Fashion Week was an incredibly inspiring experience. It was so empowering to be around so many female business owners. Our industry is so unique in that sense, and something I truly love about it.
Favorite Dress(es) or Designer(s)?
That’s like picking a favorite child…I love them all for different reasons!
What makes Lovely Bride Philadelphia unique?
Our location in Old City puts us in such a unique location! You can walk around the neighborhood after your appointment and shop in some of the cutest boutiques and eat at some of the best restaurants, but you can also walk down the street to see many historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross’s house.
One wedding trend you or your brides are loving right now?
Modern minimalism…it’s nice to really see a sleek and simple well-tailored gown so that the focus is on the natural beauty of the bride.
Favorite local wedding venue(s) + why?
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center is always a favorite as it allows you to bring the beauty of the outside indoors.
Front & Palmer is another great venue…the lights over the ceremony space have the perfect touch of romance to contrast the industrial room.
We also love seeing weddings at Bok Bar. The space is so unique to Philly which makes it feel extra special.
Tell us about any local events or activities you or your team host or participate?
Lovely Bride Philadelphia is proud to be an Annual Sponsor at the Emily’s Entourage Gala.
Favorite local restaurant?
Philly is jam packed with amazing food options, but if I have to choose a favorite, it’s got to be Zahav.
Favorite local bar?
Assembly—the views from this rooftop bar at the top the The Logan Hotel are incredible!
Favorite thing to do or see in your city?
I love taking people to Elfreth’s Alley. It’s right around the corner from the store and it’s a great taste of history. It is the nation’s oldest continually inhabited residential street.
Ok finally, tell us a fun fact about you:
I ballroom dance as a hobby, so when I’m not at the store or with my family, I’m putting on some crazy sparkly outfit and dancing.
Click here to make an appointment to experience Lovely Bride Philadelphia and let Ivy and her team help you find THE dress!
