Ariela Binafard of ForLove Bridal in Sherman Oaks, California, opened the boutique with her husband, Gerardo, after a “challenging journey” toward finding her own wedding gown. It’s no surprise, then, that she finds an emotional connection with every bride who finds her dream dress in the Binafards’ boutique. “If I had to choose, my favorite moment of the wedding dress shopping experience would be that quiet, magical instant when a bride sees herself in the gown and everything clicks,” says Binafard. “Her expression softens, her posture shifts, sometimes there are tears, sometimes laughter, but always a spark of recognition. It’s when the vision becomes real, and she truly feels like a bride.”
At the sunny, glass-fronted Los Angeles showroom, Binafard displays a collection of “high-fashion bridal couture sourced from around the globe,” including gowns from Mariana Hardwick, Dovita Milano, Oksana Mukha, Valdrin Sahiti, Vera Wang, and Sophia Tolli. The store’s styling team handpicks styles that combine traditional elements—pearl detailing, basque waists—with modern draping, texture, and dimension.
My favorite moment of the wedding dress shopping experience would be that quiet, magical instant when a bride sees herself in the gown and everything clicks. Her expression softens, her posture shifts, sometimes there are tears, sometimes laughter, but always a spark of recognition.
The stylists encourage brides to come to an appointment armed with one essential tool: a sense of confidence. “Feeling confident in how you look can truly elevate your dress shopping experience,” says the ForLove Bridal team. “It can be difficult to see the full picture if you're coming straight from the gym or running errands; consider doing light hair and makeup—nothing too formal, just enough to help you better envision how you’ll look on your wedding day.” (Other must-haves include light-colored undergarments that don’t distract from the look of the gown and a helpful group of people you want to share the day with—not the ones whose opinions might overpower your own.)
During an appointment, expect your ForLove Bridal stylist to get a sense of your aesthetic—and to pull gowns you might not thrill to on the hanger. “Her goal isn’t just to find a beautiful dress—it’s to help you uncover the gown that reflects your essence, your vision, and your moment. This partnership is where the magic of bridal styling truly comes to life,” says the team. And when it all falls into place, you can anticipate that she’ll feel just as joyful as you do. “That moment of transformation is so personal and powerful—it captures the heart of what bridal styling is all about,” says Binafard.
Details
Years in Business: 6
Number of Designers: 13
Size Range Available: 2-28
Appointment Type: By appointment, with other shoppers in the store at the same time
Number of Guests: 1-3
Appointment Length: 90 minutes
Average Dress Cost: $5,000 to $7,500
Additional Offerings: Veils, additional accessories, bags, and pre- or post-wedding outfits
Designers Available at ForLove Bridal
- Berta Jolie
- Mariana Hardwick
- Idan Cohen
- Calla Blanche
- Dovita Milano
- La Premiere
- Oksana Mukha
- Valdrin Sahiti
- Pronovias
- Vera Wang
- Dominiss
- Riki Dalal
- Sophia Tolli
Upcoming Events
ForLove Bridal is hosting the following events over the next few months. Please check back for more and/or confirm these dates with the salon.
- May 11: La Premiere Trunk Show
- May 18: Dovita Milano Trunk Show
