At Genevieve’s Bridal Couture in Deer Park, Illinois, owner Maya Byrne and her team of expert stylists practice what they call a “bride-centric approach:” One devoted to making sure each client feels “seen, celebrated, and truly special.” Inside the sprawling space, warm sunlight from a wall of nearly floor-to-ceiling windows glows on herringbone floors, nailhead-trimmed loveseats, and rounded chairs, while modern chandeliers hang overhead, suspended from an open ceiling that shows off exposed piping and visible framing. Freestanding walls create individual seating areas for each bride and her guests, with curtained dressing rooms and full-sized mirrors for every group; the overall effect is traditional luxury meets modern simplicity, a boutique built to keep the bride's experience at the heart of each appointment.
Racks of gowns lining the front of the showroom display selections from the store’s extensive collection, with private label designs from Genevieve’s alongside styles from Justin Alexander, Lillian West, Watters, and Blanche Bridal. A section dedicated to accessories includes glittering Swarovski crystal jewelry, glittering tiaras, and airy veils. Does the salon look familiar to you? Fans of Love Is Blind will recognize Genevieve's Bridal Couture from the wedding-dress shopping episode during the show's second season, but the team has been helping women find their perfect gowns long before that.
Don't worry about what other people think. The dress is made to be loved by you, everyone else will follow once they see you happy in it!
When Byrne opened the shop in 2016, she drew on experience from her varied background in business, hospitality, customer service, and fashion journalism. While expanding three times in less than 10 years, Byrne also brought in a staff of expert stylists, whom she credits with much of the store’s success. The stylists offer advice on everything from what—and who— clients should bring to an appointment (“An open mind; inspiration pics to set their stylist in the right direction; their best support system (less is more!); a ‘something borrowed’ accessory that is a must have in their look,” says bridal stylist Andrea Van Cleave) to how brides can respond if their favorite gown gets a less-than-enthusiastic response from their family. “Don't worry about what other people think,” says bridal stylist Melanie Poborca. “The dress is made to be loved by you, everyone else will follow once they see you happy in it!”
As for the trend Byrne is most excited about right now? Basque waists, she says, which are "making a bold comeback." She adds, "Once a staple of decades past, the timeless silhouette has reemerged, sparking fresh excitement across the bridal fashion world. Even better? The basque waist is university flattering, enhancing a variety of body shapes and silhouettes with it's sculpted elongating effect."
Details
Years in Business: 8 years
Number of Designers: 8
Size Range Available: 12-24
Appointment Type: By appointment, with other shoppers in the store at the same time
Number of Guests: 4-5
Appointment Length: 90 minutes
Average Dress Cost: $2,500 to $5,000
Additional Offerings: Veils and additional accessories
Designers Available at Genevieve's Bridal Couture
- Blanche Bridal
- Justine Alexander
- Lillian West
- Watters
- Marquise Bridal
- Sincerity
- La Femme
- Private Genevieve's Collection
Upcoming Events
Genevieve's Bridal Couture is hosting the following events over the next few months. Please check back for more and/or confirm these dates with the salon.
- July 17-27: Summer Sale
