What do you do when your friend and local blogger gets engaged and want to say yes to her dress at your shop? Pull out all the stops of course.

You may remember Alysha as the co-host for our annual spring bridal fashion shows. Or, you may know the influencer from her wildly popular blog, Discover Charm City. Recently, our uber-talented friend said yes—twice—in the most surprising and unconventional ways: once to her dream guy, Aaron, and once to her dream dress at Elite Secrets Bridal. She sat down with us and spilled the tea on both sweet and romantic experiences in an exclusive interview. Prepare to be inspired by this double love story.  

Tell us a little about yourself, your fiancé, and your engagement story.

There was nothing unusual about that weekend. My parents were in town, and we went to dinner the night before. But they come to Baltimore often, so it didn’t stand out. Sunday, we started the day like any other typical weekend day! I was super comfortable at home in my “mu-mu,” and was organizing my sock drawer (haha).

Aaron was working and said we’d meet up later. Eventually, he texts me and says to meet him at the monument. Again, this is pretty typical for us on warm Spring and Summer days. We like to grab a bottle of wine and relax in the park. So, this was all a part of our regular routine.

We spent some time sitting at the park, taking in the typical Baltimore sites. Kids were playing, cartwheeling. Some of the familiar neighborhood regulars were all enjoying their Sunday. We were talking and somehow got on the discussion of engagements and weddings. And I had shared how much I loved my friend’s story of their sweet and simple proposal in a taxi ride in NYC. And how the guy just couldn’t wait to propose to her a minute longer. That’s when Aaron said, “I don’t want you to wait any longer.” He gets down on one knee, and I still could not register what was happening. I look over and see the amazing photographer, Devin Allen, behind a tree, capturing the entire moment. I was hysterically crying, and one of the homeless guys in the park comes over and says, “I knew he was going to do it! I knew it!” We shared our champagne with him, which is SO Baltimore. Everything about it was just US and perfect! We Face-timed our parents in the rain. Then later, with all of our close friends, Aaron had organized a dinner for us at Duck Duck Goose.

A piece of advice I’d give to people awaiting an engagement is just to relax and try not to control the process. You will LOVE the shock and surprise of that special moment your partner plans for you!

You have several choices, in the area, for wedding gown shopping. What drew you to Elite Secrets Bridal? What are some of the reasons for your decision?

I knew from when I met LaTonya that one day, I’d want to get my gown from her shop. Not only because I’m passionate about supporting small business and black-owned businesses in Baltimore, but because LaTonya is a truly wonderful person. She makes you feel so special when she talks to you, and she and the Elite Secrets team make every bride who walks through their doors a priority! I also know how much she cares about being inclusive and welcoming of all body types. I knew I’d want that experience when it came to choosing my gown.

Tell us about the day your squad surprised you and took you to Elite Secrets Bridal. And tell us a little about your first impressions and shopping experience.

Again, like my surprise engagement, it was a normal day with my girls! My best friend, and one of my maid-of-honors, Jasmine, organized a trip to the local Wedding Expo. Honestly, it was just for fun and to get some good wedding inspo. Looking back, I recommend doing that with your girls. It just gets you in that wedding spirit, and it’s such a special memory! After the expo, we were riding in the car together when Jasmine (who is also a style consultant at Elite Secrets) said she had to stop by Elite Secrets to pick up a check. I didn’t think this was unusual at all! But, when we walked in the doors, there was LaTonya and Sabrina (an Elite Secrets Bridal Consultant) saying “Surprise” with a photographer and champagne! They had this special table set up with little snacks and gifts. Also, I really appreciated LaTonya keeping the pressure off. She just said, “We’re just trying on gowns today.” I loved that I didn’t have the pressure of choosing a gown on the spot.

Did you have any expectations going into your first wedding gown shopping experience?

Did you have a style of gown/or process of choosing a gown in mind before your shopping experience? I had no idea what style gown I wanted! I just went with LaTonya and her team’s expert advice. I didn’t have much expectation going into it. I loved that right off the bat, Sabrina just knew what was going to look perfect on my body. The rep for Allure Bridal was there as well, and they made me feel so comfortable!

How did it feel to try on your first wedding gown?

It was surreal. It felt like “wow” this is it! It just was such an amazing experience to be surrounded by my loved ones, cheering me on and boosting me! LaTonya and her team have these cute signs that your squad can hold up when voting for gowns. All of those little touches made such a difference in my experience.

When you finally said “Yes” to your dress, what made you choose YOUR dream dress? Were you surprised at what you did/did not like when you actually tried on gowns?

I was so surprised at the ones I tried on (per the team’s advice). The dresses weren’t exactly what I would have chosen for myself, but they knew what would look good on me! I really appreciated it! In the end, LaTonya encouraged me to choose a gown that made me feel like a princess. She was really good at reminding me that I needed a gown that really “wowed”! I don’t think I would have chosen one that was so dramatic without the team, reminding me that I needed something that would stand out and make a big impression! They found me a gown that is GRAND, and that stands out. They even helped me find a veil that went perfectly with the whole GRAND look! I appreciated that they got me out of my head and comfort zone!

What advice would you give to other brides as they search for their dream dress and prepare for their big day?

To relax. I can’t say enough about this. Something I recommend is to speak kindly to yourself (always but especially when trying on gowns). Recite positive affirmations to yourself daily. It’s all about the mindset! Spend time with yourself. Choose the right people for your bridal party. People who know you and will support you no matter what. Know your style and body type. And bring people with you who have your bests interest at heart.

Treat Yourself and Your Tribe to a Private, Concierge-Style Service with Elite Secrets’ New Elite Experience

Elite Secrets Bridal is pleased to announce the introduction of a new service, The Elite Experience. Debuting this month, brides can opt to have this exclusive, concierge-style service making their dress shopping experience even more magical. 

The Elite Experience includes but is not limited to a two-hour appointment for a bride tribe of up to 10 people. Shut down the shop for a private appointment for you and your circle only. During the session, your group can indulge in a full champagne bar (with two bottles of champagne) and enjoy fresh sweet treats from our bakery partners. Your guests can sit back and look on as our bridal stylist meets with you for a full bridal styling consultation. No one from your tribe will be left out of the pics because they’re behind the camera, our team will capture the entire appointment and everyone from your tribe. You’ll get a customized hashtag to compliment your memories. We’ll even curate a personalized playlist of your favorite songs because no experience is complete without a soundtrack. The Elite Experience starts at $125.

Ready for us to roll out the red carpet for you and your tribe? We can’t wait to serve you! Book your appointment. Dates are available but filling up quickly.