New Inventory at Elite Secrets Bridal

You asked, and we listened! We’re super excited to announce new arrivals at Elite Secrets Bridal. And, our new inventory includes Mermaid styles from an array of collections ranging in size from 2 to 32.

Perfect for the bride who wants to make a grand statement with her gown, the mermaid silhouette is fitted throughout the bodice and flares dramatically at the knee. The style is appealing because it looks stunning on most body types. It gives you that sexy feeling and at the same time gives you the feeling of a traditional bride with its full skirt effect.

Although the mermaid silhouette has been a bride favorite for some time, Pinterest reports an increase of 136% in pin activity this year, making it the favorite for brides on the social media site.

Our bridal fashion expert, LaTonya Turnage, shares her favorite looks here. These dresses are bound to go fast, so book your appointment today to say yes to your dress. 

Don't forget to book an appointment to try on your favorite looks today!

Three Big Announcements You Want to Know About

So excited to share all the incredible things happening at Elite Secrets Bridal. Who would ever guess that we would end an already epic year with an even more epic ending?

In case you missed it yesterday, I announced our biggest news yet on Facebook Live revealing our new bridal showroom in its new location. We’re still on Charles Street—just a few blocks from our previous space which is home to our custom and ready-to-wear boutique. Directly across the street from Bella Bridesmaids, our transition makes Baltimore’s Mount Vernon area a true fashion boutique district and Charles Street the epicenter for all things weddings.

Mark your calendars! We are having our very first indoor sidewalk sale this month. If you are getting hitched anytime soon, you cannot miss this bridal event. Check out our new bridal showroom and enjoy incredible savings. There will be super specials on bridal accessories and dresses discounted as low as $99. Who says your dream dress has to be a fortune? Join us Friday, November 17th through Sunday, November 19th. Just in time for Thanksgiving, you can say yes to your designer wedding dress. No appointment needed.

Finally (drumroll, please), Elite Secrets Bridal will be the official fashion show partner for Baltimore Bride Magazine’s Aisle Style. Check out the dynamic show and our wedding beat on live models, Monday, January 22nd. Take in an evening of spectacular harbor views at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, while sipping bubbly, tasting wedding cakes, and sampling treats from local caterers.

At 7:45 pm, move into the grand ballroom and prepare to be inspired by Baltimore Bride’s third annual fashion show produced by the Stephanie Bradshaw design team highlights the newest styles in bride and groom fashion and beauty trends by Elite Secrets Bridal. Before the end of the night, enter your name to win fabulous giveaways courtesy of our Aisle Style participating vendors. Can’t wait to see you there! Get your tickets here.

Want to stay on top of all Elite Secrets Bridal news? Join our Elite List. Get news, tips, and specials delivered right to your inbox. 

Elite Secrets Bridal Hosts Trunk Show Featuring Mink Maids, December 1-10

Are you ready to find your dream dress and create a lasting memory with your bride tribe?

If this sounds like your jam, we have something in store for you. Mink Maids is hosting one show in all of the DMV, and it’s going down at Elite Secrets Bridal. For 10 days, we will be celebrating Mink Maids’ newest collection of custom gowns so mark your calendars for some serious dress shopping, December 1st through December 10th –it’s a can’t miss event for brides. Think clean, modern silhouettes, architectural elements with a side of sexy, AND a 10% discount.

For the out-of-the-box bride who wants a fashion-forward dress that can’t be found at every other bridal shop, the new Mink Maids Collection is everything you’ve ever wanted and so much more.

Imagine wedding dresses that will have your guests talking from the moment they lay eyes on you. Whether you plan to tie the knot in a garden ceremony or say I do in a city ballroom, Elite Secrets Bridal’s Mink Maids Trunk Show is THE place to find your perfect wedding dress.

Here’s how to say yes to your Mink Maids wedding dress:

1. Click the button below to book your appointment between Friday, December 1st, and Sunday, December 10th, or call 410.727.7000.
2. Grab your besties. We’ll bring the champagne!
3. Let’s make magic! Our professional staff is ready to serve you and your tribe—with bubbly in hand.

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. If it has anything to do with bridal beauty, Elite Secrets Bridal is your source. We serve brides with beauty for their Big Day from bridal hair, and makeup to accessories and wedding dresses Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides! For two years in a row, brides voted us best in class with the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. Elite Secrets Bridal is located at 330 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.To book an appointment or for additional information, please visit www.elitesecretsbridal.com.

Beauty Expert and Entrepreneur turns Author: LaTonya Tells All About Her New Book

As you may already know, I’ll be speaking at MINT Conference this week. The MINT Conference is a two-day intensive powered by Brown Girls with a Camera, a group of professional photographers. The conference on all things related to the business of photography aims to celebrate, inform, collaborate and bring together photographers and videographers of color. The MINT Conference offers multiple sessions packed with experts of all kinds to share their knowledge, experience, and recommendations on the business side of photography.

So, I can imagine that you must be thinking what does a beauty expert need to say to a room full of photographers?

Great question.

I’ll be sharing advice on how photographers can level up in their business by partnering with beauty professionals. When it comes to getting quality images—the ones that get you published and get you the clients willing to pay top dollar to work with you—you need to get a beauty team on board. We share all the tips for meeting, vetting, and establishing a professional working relationship with beauty professionals from the moment you sign an agreement. Yes, you need an agreement…And, we cover the appropriate contracts and forms needed, too.

Sounds interesting, but you can’t make the MINT Conference? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!

I’ve compiled all the must-know tips, forms, and template into my new book, HOW TO BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM: A GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS.

As a beauty expert, I work with tons of well-renowned photographers. And, as a mentor to budding beauty pros, I instill in my mentees the importance of having professional relationships with photographers. I've established a process in my own business for working with photographers in a way that is consistent and professional and gives the clients an elevated, high-end experience each time.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

•  Instant access to the digital download
• Tips and templates to personalize and enhance your relationship with beauty pros in less than a minute, giving you a consistent 1-on-1 relationship, including:
  • How to know what you need in a beauty partner
  • Tips for vetting the beauty professional properly
  • My Checklist for all the items you need to ensure they are the right beauty pro for you
  • The Standard Agreement Template--no matter the type of pro, this template works for them all
  • A Model Release Form
  • My customizable SOP, so you have something to send when a project's a fit

{EVENT RECAP} Elite Secrets Hosts Trunk Show Featuring Marina Semone

This past weekend, August 18th through August 20th, we hosted a trunk show featuring sought after designer, Marina Semone. Brides gathered at our Mount Vernon bridal boutique to say yes to the couture dress.

The definition of couture elegance, Marina Semone’s collection of gowns are incredible. From the romantic combination of stunning fabrics to the organic details and delicately applied beading, our brides fell in love. Imagine soft traditional fabrics, vintage details, and modern style all coming together to create some of the most elegant and show stopping gowns you will ever see.

Beyond extraordinary gowns and accessories, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales will go to For 3 Sisters, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization with a mission to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for men and women affected by breast cancer.

What’s next for Elite Secret? Our very own LaTonya Turnage will be speaking at the MINT Conference September 15th through 17th. Hosted by BGWAC, MINT is a two-day conference aiming to celebrate, inform, collaborate and bring together women and men photographers and videographers of color. The MINT Conference offers multiple sessions packed with experts of all kinds to share their knowledge, experience, and recommendations around the business side of photography. Tonya’s session on Building your [Beauty] Dream Team is sure to be a conference hit.

Interested in attending? Score your tickets here.

 About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty, and fashion expert, has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

Elite Secrets Bridal Hosts Trunk Show Featuring Marina Semone, August 18-20

We can’t think of a better way to find that dream gown than attending a trunk show at Elite Secrets Bridal. Lucky for you, Friday, August 18th through Sunday, August 20th the Baltimore salon will host a Marina Semone Trunk Show featuring seriously stunning gowns that are all about luxe fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and unique details. Mark your calendars and prepare to fall so in love.

The definition of couture elegance, Marina Semone’s collection of show-stopping gowns is one not to be missed. From the romantic combination of stunning fabrics to the organic details and delicately applied beading, there is something for everyone. Imagine soft traditional fabrics, vintage details, and modern style all coming together to create some of the most elegant and show stopping gowns you will ever see.

With amazing customer service and serious know-how from the talented staff at Elite Secrets Bridal, The Marina Semone Trunk Show is a win-win when it comes to finding that dream dress. Grab your besties and book your appointment NOW to attend between Friday, August 18th and Sunday, August 20th. You’ll get to bask in the beauty that is Marina Semone, plus receive an exclusive 10% discount on their stunning designs. By Appointment only. Schedule your appointment at https://elitesecretsbridal.com/events/ or call 443-219-7049.

New And Noteworthy At Elite Secrets Bridal

July was an epic month for Elite Secrets Bridal with two major events, Baltimore’s RAW Showcase and Brides Across America’s Operation Wedding Gown Giveaway.

Elite Secrets goes to RAW

On July 19, the Elite Secrets hair and makeup team showcased their talents in the RAW Showcase: Fixate. RAW, an international community of independent artists, host more than 30 eclectic showcases each month in communities across the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.

Every other month, RAW Directors in cities across the world hand-pick and spotlight local artistic talent in visual art, fashion design, film, music, performance art, hair & makeup artistry, and photography through local eclectic RAW events. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing one-night circus of creativity. We were honored to be chosen among this Elite group of spectacular talent.

Related Post: {EVENT RECAP} STELLAR WEEKEND FOR ELITE SECRETS BRIDAL

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Elite Secrets Bridal and Brides Across America

July 21 and 22nd Elite Secrets Bridal proudly collaborated with Brides Across America for their Operation Wedding Gown Giveaway Event. The nonprofit’s annual event honors our heroes by giving wedding gowns to military couples and making their wedding dreams come true. The program is designed to reduce financial stress in wedding planning, financial relief, and transform lives. Since its inception in 2008, Brides Across America, in collaboration with bridal salons, designers, and individual donations has donated more than 20,000 wedding gowns nationwide.

“I’ve visited Elite Secrets as part of a Brides Across America event that they were hosting. I will be honest and say that I did not expect to have a stellar experience. I will be honest and say that I did not expect to have a stellar experience. I expected that since I was coming in to try on a dress to take home for free that I'd be marginalized, or shown only worn-out sample dresses, I went in with a very specific idea of what I wanted and was completely convinced that I wouldn't possibly find it," said one bride. "By the end of my appointment, I walked out with a gorgeous gown that I would never have chosen. I'm absolutely in love with it, and can't stop looking at it in my closet! I'm so grateful to Sabrina and Tonya (the owner) for treating me with such kindness, and making the dress ‘shopping’ experience wonderful for my mom and me.”

Over the two-day event, nearly a dozen brides said, “yes to the dress” and more than a dozen walked away with accessories for their Big Day looks.

Looking for the perfect dress? We’ve got you covered. Join us at Elite Secrets Bridal on August 18th -20th for the Marina Semone Trunk Show. Book your appointment today!

Elite Secrets Bridal Offers Relief to Brides Affected by Alfred Angelo’s Store Closure

Baltimore, MD, July 14, 2017 – Moved by news of brides possibly losing their wedding dresses, Elite Secrets discounts replacement gowns to $300 for couples affected by Alfred Angelo’s abrupt retail closures.

On Thursday, July 13, bridal retailer Alfred Angelo, abruptly closed its US stores (they have more than 60 and over 1,000 wholesale locations) and filed for bankruptcy, according to the IB Times, via The Wall Street Journal.

“We can only imagine the devastation these brides are facing right now,” says LaTonya Turnage, owner of Elite Secrets Bridal. “There is so much time and money invested when planning a wedding, and we want to ensure that the couples affected by this news can still have the day of their dreams. Significantly discounting select dresses is the least we can do to help the brides in our community.”

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors in 2015, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty, and fashion expert, has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. To learn more about Elite Secrets Bridal, please visit EliteSecretsBridal.com.

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{EVENT RECAP} Elite Secrets Ends Anniversary Month with Sweating for the Wedding Event

On Friday, June 30 in Baltimore Elite Secrets Bridal hosted “Sweating for the Wedding,” a Zumba fitness class for area brides and bride tribes. 

With a goal to get brides and their best gal pals moving, we brought in Zumba Girl Boss, Crystal for workout unlike any other. Guests were treated to a 45-minute class, craft cocktails, refreshments, and a VIP gift bag.

With over 15 individuals attending, the room was bursting with energy. Attendees had an exhilarating workout to the tunes of hip hop, Latin, and R&B. The class ended with refreshing cocktails made with cold-pressed juice from local crafter, Gundalow Juice. A great time was had by all.  

Contest Winners

June was a major month for Elite Secrets Bridal and we wanted to treat our Elite Friends in a major way. Everyone that registered to our Elite List during the month of June qualified for one entry into our anniversary contest for (1) bridal hair and makeup trial, (1) makeup for a graduate, or (1) bridal veil.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the contest:

(1st) shakiaw1982@live.com  

(2nd) clshort96@gmail.com and  

(3rd) brendajford60@yahoo.com

Stay Tuned

The anniversary is over, but the summer deals are still here. Stay tuned and don’t forget to join the Elite List to get tips and specials directly in your inbox.

3 Things You Need To Know About Our Anniversary

As July approaches, we are reminded that our anniversary month is coming to a close…but, the party is not over yet! Here are three things you need to know about our anniversary. 

We are still booking bridal hair and makeup trials at 50 percent off regular prices until June 30. So whether you schedule your appointment for August or December even, but book before the end of this month can enjoy half off your trail. Book Now>>

We’ve been in anniversary mode all month, so of course, we had to end the 30-day celebration with a bang. Join us this Friday, June 30th for our FREE Sweating for the Wedding Event at Elite Secrets Bridal. It’s the perfect happy hour event for your bride tribe or a fun twist on girls’ night out in downtown Charm City. Be prepared for 45 minutes of cardio with Baltimore’s best Zumba instructor, followed by healthy craft cocktails mixed with Baltimore-based Gundalow Juice, and makeup consultations by our very own bridal beauty expert, LaTonya Turnage. There are only a few spots left. Reserve your free spots here. 

Last but not least! Don’t forget to sign up for our Elite List. Every email entered this month is an automatic entry into our raffle contest. Winners will have a choice of

(1)    Wedding veil
(1)    Bridal hair and makeup trial
(1)    Graduation glam session (makeup only)

We will announce the lucky winners Friday at the Sweating for the Wedding Event.  
 

Elite Secrets Bridal in the News

We are so thrilled to share that Elite Secrets Bridal was featured in the Baltimore Sun! In case you missed it, our girl boss, LaTonya Turnage was featured in John-John William's Fashion 5 column on Thursday, June 15. 

The column highlights LaTonya's timeline as a makeup artist and announces our recent expansion into the wedding dress and accessories space. 

Related Post: {EVENT RECAP} STELLAR WEEKEND FOR ELITE SECRETS BRIDAL

This press hit was timely, as this month we are celebrating our anniversary! Yes, it's our anniversary! And, because we want you to join in our celebration we are giving brides HALF OFF hair and makeup trials. This special ends June 30, so book your appointment now! 

We will end this stellar month with a zoom. Zumba that is! Join on Friday, June 30 for a FREE ZUMBA CLASS. You won't want to miss this "Sweating for the Wedding" event. In addition to 45 minutes of cardio, we will have craft cocktails and hair and makeup consultations! Email us at info@elitesecretsbridal.com or call us at 443-219-7049 to reserve spots for you and your bride tribe.