A visit to Echo Park's Bride boutique

This wee bridal boutique opened up in my neighborhood a few months ago, and I finally figured I should go check it out.

I asked Michelle Pullman of Rad + In Love to come take photos, and she brought this lovely bride-to-be along to try on dresses. (Pro Tip: It is so much more fun to watch a REAL BRIDE try on dresses than some jaded model or whatever.)

To start, Mel put on her mom's wedding dress and did a quickie consult with Maria Diaz, the owner/sole employee of Bride, about doing some alterations.

The dress is basically Zeffirelli's Juliet meets Laura Ingalls Wilder and it's pretty fucking awesome in a weirdly modest, 110% polyester way.

Maria specializes in altering such dresses.

Next up was this shreddy gown by Madabby ($350)

This simple gown by Holly Stalder ($450) (I loved this one.)

This Holly Stalder tiered gown ($650) (Mel loved this one.)

This strapless high/low by Caroline Flach (north of $4000, this was by far the most expensive gown we saw in the shop) 

The teensy sample Mel obligingly put on is the actual dress that teensy Caroline made for her own wedding.

This meringue-y Caroline Flach ($1500) (Which we ALL loved.)

Here's Mel curled up into a ball, she loves it so much.

And then we made her try on this black tulle one, designed by Maria Diaz herself ($500), which is basically Michelle's dream wedding gown.

There are lots more dresses in the shop, including vintage gowns in the $100-200 range. If you happen to live in the neighborhood (or might like to plan a trip to the neighborhood), do check it out.

Bonus: Bride is right across the street from Guisados, my most favorite taco joint in Los Angeles.

(Photos by Michelle of Rad + In Love)