Mona, Mona, Mona! I feel like I have the start this review by calling out one of the friendliest, even-keeled, laid-back sales people I've ever had the pleasure of doing business with... I walked into NY Bride & Groom begrudgingly. (Ok, ok. Maybe I was dragged in.) I didn't have anything against NY Bride, per say, just the entire experience of dress shopping. I was convinced I was going to buy my dress online, end of story. Unless, of course, I found a way to convince my husband-to-be to let me wear jeans and a t-shirt on our big day.
I'd barely stepped foot into NY Bride when Mona greeted us. She asked a little bit about our group (I came in with my 5 bridesmaids) and led us back to the dresses. She took our bags and such to a dressing room and let us wander around, grabbing dresses right after left. We were there almost 2-hours, leaving just about 15-minutes before the store closed, and never once did she rush us or make us feel like we were a burden. In fact, she had me convinced that there was no where else in the world she'd rather be than right there, helping me find a dress I felt comfortable and looked beautiful in. She was a magician -- adding little lace cap sleeves when I said I didn't feel comfortable in strapless, producing all the off-white colored gowns when I said I hated the way pure white dresses washed me out, belting things just in the right place when I declared I liked waist definition, adding veils and head pieces to complete the look.
I'm still debating between 2 dresses and have been back a couple times since the initial visit to try them on for friends' and family's opinions. I'm sure I'll be back a few more times before making a final decision. So, while I don't know which dress I'll end up with just yet, I do know, without a doubt, that I'll be buying it from Mona at NY Bride!
Editing to add... I did in fact purchase my dress from NY Bride & Groom and couldn't be happier. I wish I could grant a million more stars. After an amazing experience with Mona (detailed above) I worked with Viktoria on alterations. Viktoria is pure magic. She took an already beautiful dress and fit it to my body like a glove. She tucked and added and tacked everywhere I asked to cover up those "problem areas." She even asked me if I'd lost weight at my final fitting. I'm sure she asks every bride to be that, but I don't even care. She still melted my heart!