LaTonya Turnage Launches Membership Network to support aspiring and tenured beauty professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Angel West

Mahogany Blue Public Relations

312.375.2752

awest@mahoganybluepr.com

LaTonya Turnage Launches Membership Network to support

aspiring and tenured beauty professionals

Baltimore, MD— (March 13, 2019) – This week marks the soft launch of LaTonya Turnage’s Beauty Business Unplugged, a membership network will provide members with training and resources for beauty professionals in the makeup, hair, and nail industries. Beauty Business Unplugged will offer members access to a variety of training designed to enhance business acumen, professional skills, and meet licensing requirements. Business development and financial management programs will be offered to assist owners with best practices on business operations, marketing, and accounting principles.

The online community for beauty entrepreneurs who want to create and connect over beauty, business, passion, and profits could not come at a better time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one million people working in the primary service segments of the beauty market, and there are strong growth expectations. Researchers predict between 10 and 22 percent growth in service providers by 2024. Beauty Business Unplugged will help strengthen beauty entrepreneurs’ businesses so they can build sustainable and thriving companies and offer quality service.

“The Beauty Business Unplugged is thrilled to be able to position beauty entrepreneurs for success,” said LaTonya Turnage, CEO, Elite Secrets and Founder of Beauty Business Unplugged. “Given the number of novice service providers entering the industry, the need to support these businesses is especially critical. I created this group to connect with others and cultivate a community for beauty entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into profits, who value community over competition and crave to learn more about the businesses they desire to grow.”

Membership will open officially on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. To learn more about Beauty Business Unplugged, visit https://www.beautybusinessunplugged.com/.

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Are you a beauty pro looking to generate coin for your creativity NOW? Join us for the Beauty Business Accelerator Webinar. It’s going down on Wednesday, March 27th at 6 PM EST.

Allure Trunk Show at Elite Secrets Bridal, March 1-3

The options of breathtaking wedding gowns are endless. There’s no doubt as to why dress shopping is every bride’s favorite part of the wedding planning process. Whether your style is modern and sleek, or romantic with all the frills, you can find the most gorgeous gowns at Baltimore’s finest wedding dress boutique, Elite Secrets Bridal.

And you’re in luck, Maryland brides, ESB is hosting an Allure Trunk Show in just a few weeks (March 1-3). You don’t want to miss this opportunity to say, “Yes” to jaw-droppingly gorgeous gowns from Allure’s spring and fall 2019 collections!

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 Allure Trunk Show is THE place to find your perfect wedding dress.

Beyond extraordinary gowns, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales of the bridal trunk shows 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.

“For 3 Sisters’ commitment to men and women affected by breast cancer is unparalleled,” said LaTonya Turnage, bridal expert, and owner of Elite Secrets. “The organization's core program, Road to Resources, provides resources for everyday needs so those affected can focus on fighting, surviving, and healing. Working with For 3 Sisters and knowing that our dresses are making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer is everything to me.”

What would an Elite Secrets Bridal Trunk Show be without surprises for you? Since we’re celebrating our fourth anniversary, the first four brides who say “yes to the dress” will receive a $100 gift toward her wedding bouquet from our friends at Roni’s Roses Floral Design.

And, there’s more…

EVERY bride will receive 10% off her dress purchased during the trunk show weekend. Now, how’s that for ELITE service?

Here’s how to attend this event and say yes to your Allure wedding dress:

1. Book your appointment TODAY online at EliteSecretsBridal.com/contact or call 410.727.7000 (appointment slots fill up quickly).

2. Grab your bride tribe. We’ll supply the champagne!

3. Let’s make magic! Our professional staff is ready to serve you and your tribe—with bubbly in hand.

Top 5 Things Every Bride Must Do to Look Amazing on The Big Day

How to look great on my wedding day is a thought that runs through the mind of many brides. The truth is, it is not rocket science - and it all boils down to a couple of important wedding day makeup, hair and dress tips you need to follow.

Speaking of which, we are outlining the best ones for making your look flawless - below.

1. STRIKE A POSE IN FRONT OF YOUR MIRROR

Knowing where your hands are at all times during your wedding, and what your pose is, can be helpful. The best way to practice it is in front of the mirror, by trying a few of your favorite celebrity runway poses.

Oh, and did you know that some poses can make you 10 pounds lighter in front of the camera? Grab a friend and have them help you out!

2. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPLY YOUR MAKEUP

Just because you have a bridesmaid who knows how to apply makeup, that doesn't mean that she will do a great job on your wedding day makeup. Most likely she will have a lot going on and things to do that day to get herself ready. You won't be her center of attention, and your makeup may suffer because of it. A professional makeup artist makes it their job to make sure that the bride is the most important face of the day!

3. LEARN HOW TO WORK YOUR FACE FOR THE CAMERA

Double chins are the enemy of every bride. In case you don't know what it is, it's the pose when you are looking down, and your chin is doubling and colliding with your neck. They can make even the slimmest of women look bad in pictures.

The best way to prevent a double chin from happening on your wedding photos and videos is always to move your head forward. Just make sure you are not looking at the ceiling or making awkward poses, right?

4. EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF LAUGHTER

Sometimes, the best wedding photos are the ones where you and your friends laugh. Fake smiles are not flattering for sure - however, the same cannot be said for fake laughs. So, next time when you want to relax - let out a forced 'Ha! Ha!' - and do it again, again and again. The results? Natural photos that everyone loves!

5. BUY THE DRESS, THE SHOES, AND THE ACCESSORIES

Be sure to purchase your attire in the right order. First buy the dress, next select the shoes, and lastly the accessories. That way is the easiest to follow and the most hassle-free choice. And remember - always choose your wardrobe wisely. Try not to get caught up in the trend of the moment, but instead focus on your style and what flatters you most.

Want to look flawless on your wedding day? We’ve got you covered. Make your appointment today! Bridal hair and makeup trials are half off.

Elite Secrets earns 2019 Awards from WeddingWire and TheKnot

 Break out the bubbly—again—we have another reason to celebrate! We are thrilled to announce that we are the recipients of WeddingWire’s 2019 Couples’ Choice Award and The Knot’s 2019 Best of Weddings Award! We cannot imagine starting off the year any better than this. Not one, but two prestigious awards from the couples we serve. Read on to learn more.

WEDDINGWIRE

This is the third consecutive win for Elite Secrets and each win is celebrated like the first.  Announced last week, WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards celebrate the top five percent of wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues and photographers to florists and caterers.

Winners are selected solely based on reviews by couples and are determined by a combination of four factors: overall rating, total number of reviews, review performance from 2018, and consistency of reviews from year to year.

Here’s some of the great things our couples had to say on WeddingWire:

“My experience was nothing short of perfect. Mrs. Turnage was very attentive to my needs. She does not rush or pressure you. She makes you feel like you are the only one in the room and gives you her undivided attention. She has many gowns to choose from. The setting in her place is very relaxing. I recommend this establishment to anyone looking to purchase a gown for whatever occasion.”

 —Sharon

“My experience with Elite Secerts was amazing. I was looking for a wedding gown and found exactly what I was looking for. Tonya Turnage was so pleasant and helpful. Her professionalism is wonderful. Elite Secrets is the place to go for Bridal gowns and accessories. Also, for any makeup and hair for your special day. My experience there was and always will be unforgettable. Thank you Elite Secrets!”

—Deborah

The Knot Best of Weddings 2019 from Pure Platinum Party on Vimeo.

THE KNOT

Of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals on The Knot, 14,025 received the prestigious “Best of Weddings” accolade this year. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories. The prestigious award honors those wedding professionals who have both the highest ratings and most reviews from real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot. We are thrilled to accept this honor!

Here’s some of the great things our couples had to say on TheKnot:

“Elite Secrets Bridal was absolutely wonderful in every capacity. My bridesmaids and I had such a fun filled day trying on dresses. Tonya was so comfortable, helpful, and accommodating with everything we needed!! After I purchased my dress, they completed fittings and alterations and bustling for my dress as well as my partners. They had a full team to do the hair and makeup for my partner and I's bridal party of 15 women, 2 MOB's, and both of us! Tonya's talents for makeup were incredible and we were so happy the day of. We highly recommend them!!”

 —Stephanie  

“They’re so personal friendly and, informative. My Bridal consultant Sabrina is beautiful and, so patient she allowed me to try on as many dresses as I needed. You want a great experience as a Bride... Elite Secrets is the place to be; Tonya, the owner, is often on site and also very helpful. Can you imagine the owner helping you decide head pieces and, telling you how beautiful you look or calling you a princess? I can Thank you so much Elite Secrets for making this Brides experience so wonderful. I said yes to the dress!”

—Miesha

You (the couples), chose us and now we want to celebrate you. To thank you we’re giving brides HALF OFF hair and makeup trials. Yes, that’s 50% off your bridal trial with Elite Secrets. Book your appointments here. We can’t wait to meet you!

Elite Secrets Bridal's Year 2018 Review

Two thousand eighteen was a stellar year for Elite Secrets Bridal. This past year has been one of growth and blessings—we have seen the fruits of our hard work. And, in case you missed some of our most memorable moments, here are our favorite highlights of 2018.

1.    Baltimore Weddings’ Aisle Style (formerly known as Baltimore Bride’s Aisle Style).

The year started with a bang. We kicked off 2018 under the roof of the Four Seasons Baltimore for Aisle Style. The team of makeup experts had the distinct honor of providing makeup for models who walked the runway at the well-attended annual fashion show. The models were stunning, and so was the ESB team.

2.    Awards all around.

If we had to name the year, we would call it the year of reward. This year, Elite Secrets took home the Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award (the third consecutive award), The Knot’s Best of, and Baltimore’s Downtown Partnership Award.

3.    Spring into The Grand.

In May, ESB hosted their first ever fashion show in partnership with The Grand Baltimore: Spring into The Grand. Fashions from some of your favorite designers including debuting label house, Khemistry, showcased collections to a packed house of Baltimore’s fashion elites.

4.    In-store events.

The Elite Secrets Bridal Showroom is known for its stunning high ceilings, gorgeous windows, beautiful floors and now some of Baltimore’s best events. This year the gorgeous venue was the backdrops to trunk shows, Valentine’s Day pop-up with Fluffy Pop, Vows 101 Event, fashion previews and more.

5.    ESB takes over DEB.

Yes, Elite Secrets Bridal took over Diner en Blanc Baltimore. The takeover started with filmed lessons on what to wear with the beauty and fashion guru, LaTonya Turnage and ended with a fun night at the famous dinner overlooking Baltimore.

6.    A Beauty Week to remember.

The last week of February is Random Acts of Kindness Week and beauty week, but at Elite Secrets Bridal kindness is far from random. For the cause that celebrates spreading kindness for global impact, the team spent a day giving back to the women of the House of Ruth Maryland in true Elite Secrets Bridal fashion—serving makeup applications, hair styling, gift bags and an overall day of beauty.  It was a moment to remember!

7.     They said yes!!

Helping brides is what team Elite does best. We could not let the year end without mentioning all the brides that said yes to the dress, hair or makeup in 2018. Thank you all!

8.    Styled Shoot Collaborations.

Elite Secrets teamed up with local wedding pros for many fun collaborations this year, and the themes were just as exciting. From Black Panther to Rainbow Chic, and Industrial Glam to DC Wedding Week we partnered with some fantastic creatives for some of the hottest styled shoots you can imagine.

9.    Featured press and more featured press.

From TV segments on BMore Lifestyle and Fox Morning News to national features in MunaLuchi Bride, Wedding Chicks, Every Last Detail, Elite Secrets was seen everywhere. See the full spread on our Press Page here.

10.    And, to cap off the year, Elite Secrets debuted the Pearl Collection!

The wedding gown collection features six unique styles for the modern bride—sleek and sexy silhouettes, fantasy ballgowns, lace and jewel embellishments. The collection will be available exclusively at Elite Secrets Bridal.

As hard as it is to say goodbye to 2018, we look forward to even more great things to come in 2019. Make your appointment with Elite Secrets Bridal in the new year. We can’t wait to start the year with you. Happy New Year!

Elite Secrets Bridal Launches Signature Wedding Dress Collection

Elite Secrets Bridal is proud to announce its debut collection of wedding dresses under the label Pearl. The collection features six unique styles for the modern bride. Pearl offers sleek and sexy silhouettes, fantasy ballgowns, lace and jewel embellishments.

Inspired by LaTonya’s passion for bridal glam, and lifelong love for fashion, the brand is named after her mother, Pearl. “We’re delighted to launch Pearl at a time when brides are looking for fashion-forward gowns from a trusted source. Elite Secrets Bridal has been styling brides for years and we continue to evolve to better serve their needs,” says LaTonya Turnage, owner of Elite Secrets Bridal and Pearl. “Designing our signature collection was natural evolution in our bridal beauty legacy. We wanted to offer our brides more variety in the elegant and stylish category.”

The collection will be available exclusively at Elite Secrets Bridal. The launch of the Pearl Collection was revealed during an invite-only preview held at Elite Secrets Bridal on November 29. Brides-to-be can book appointments for a consultation to view the collection now.

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 three 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.

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Winter Trunk Shows at Elite Secrets Bridal

‘Tis the season for saying yes to the wedding dress of your dreams. We have trunk shows all winter season—just for you!

Clear your calendar Baltimore Bride, rally your tribe, and prepare to be wowed by a well-curated selection of gowns from your favorite designers. Get a first glance at the 2019 collections from four exclusive trunk shows at Elite Secrets Bridal. Enjoy 10% off all gowns and 50% off bridal hair and makeup trials.

Beyond extraordinary gowns, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales of the bridal trunk shows 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.

“For 3 Sisters’ commitment to men and women affected by breast cancer is unparalleled,” said LaTonya Turnage, bridal expert, and owner of Elite Secrets. “The organization's core program, Road to Resources, provides resources for everyday needs so those affected can focus on fighting, surviving, and healing. Working with For 3 Sisters and knowing that our dresses are making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer is everything to me.”

We can’t wait to celebrate this holiday season and see you at the trunk shows. Book your appointment now!

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Pronovias

We start the season of trunk shows with gowns from Pronovias. For ten days, we will be celebrating Pronovias’ White Collection so mark your calendars for some serious dress shopping, November 30th through December 9th –it’s a can’t miss event for brides. Think classic A-line gowns, sassy, elegant sheaths, and fit and flare styles with a side of sexy, AND a 10% discount.

Madison James

The Madison James Collection is the dream of any modern, sophisticated bride. Featuring fresh silhouettes, avant-garde fabrics, and innovative lace textures and patterns, Madison James is equal parts romantic and chic. Beading and gorgeous embellishments accentuate the unique, clean designs. The collection aims to highlight the breathtaking beauty of a woman in love. Make your appointment to preview this stunning collection December 13th through December 16th and save 10% off your dream Madison James dress.

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Edith Élan

Edith Élan gowns are a reflection of a creative soul: the right amount of modern sophistication and vintage charm blended in perfect harmony.  A new collection for us, we are so excited to welcome this line to the Elite Secrets Bridal and can’t wait for you to see these gorgeous gowns. Ring in the new year with this amazing trunk show, December 28th through January 14th. Book your appointment now.

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Jean Ralph Thurin

If you’re searching for timeless elegance with the perfect fit, your search is over. Jean Ralph Thurin’s attention to the fit of the dress is truly unmatched. The luxury designer will partner with Elite Secrets Bridal for an exclusive trunk show February 21st through February 24th. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this collection and experience the allure of the wedding gowns that almost always go viral.

Bridal Fashion Trend Report 2019

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. Yes, the leaves are gorgeous, and the apple cider and PSLs are cool, but we LIVE for the Knot’s Couture Show every October. And, just like every other year, the great bridal showcase did not disappoint. If you’re obsessed with bridal fashion (like we are), but couldn’t catch a flight to the Big Apple, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our 2019 fall and winter trend report from the shows.

Metallic Gowns

This hot trend could easily replace the traditional wedding dress or could be worn for your second look or even for your pre-wedding events—think super chic bridal shower attire. From silver to gold, to copper, have fun with this daring look.

Simple and Classic

If you’re a no-frills type of bride, you will be in heaven. Megan Markle made a bold statement with her simple dress, and the designers took note. Most brands had at least one simple look. No lace or sparkle, the modern look of these gowns allows your beauty to command all the attention.

Capelets

We were stunned to see so many capelets and intricately designed bolero jackets paired with a variety of gowns but loving it all at the same time. Capelets offer the perfect solution for chilly fall nights or a cover-up during religious ceremonies.

Halter Necklines

Another new wedding dress trend featured halter necklines. This sleek look is both timeless and chic. It’s perfect for the bride that wants a regal look. We could not help but try on this beautiful jumpsuit. This ensemble, in particular, has a detachable train offering two looks in one.

Move Over White; Blue is the New Hue

Almost all the designers had some representation of the new blue trend. From soft shades of the sky tone to dramatic pigmentation reminiscent of the sea, we witnessed some departure from the traditional white. Would you dare to go blue for your big day?

Grab your besties and book your appointment NOW to see these trends up close and in person. And, check out our Event Page for our calendar of trunk shows. Say yes to your dream dress at Elite Secrets Bridal. We can’t wait to serve you!

Elite Secrets Awarded for Excellence in Business by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Last night was nothing short of amazing! Our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, was awarded by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for her dedication to business in the community. This recognition comes on the heels of another stellar business quarter and successful trunk show.

Bridal Beauty Expert and Founder of Elite Secrets Bridal

Other prestigious honorees include Mayor Catherine Pugh, National Aquarium, and Mercy Medical Center.

The honoree, CEO of Elite Secrets Bridal, LaTonya Turnage

Here’s what our founder had to say “I was honored to accept The Business Award from Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for the uniqueness to my business and our contribution to the downtown businesses on Charles Street! I’m still on a high and overwhelmed with this year of favor. Let me just say NOTHING happens without God!!! 2018 has been our #bestyearyet! The faith walk hasn’t been easy but I’ve put my faith in God and he has delivered on every promise. It’s like the flood gates have opened. I still can’t believe it! We’re thrilled over here at ESB and looking forward to what 2019 will bring. Thank you to each and every one of you for the love, support, and encouragement. A special thank you to my forever love partner, my family, our ESB team…without you where would we be, and THE BEST publicist in the world, Mahogany Blue PR!! As I type this post, I’m praying that this will reach just even one person who needs that extra dose of encouragement this morning. This little brown girl from Baltimore is in it to win it! Stay encouraged friends!

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Turnage at the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore award ceremony

Well said and well deserved! We can’t wait to share all the incredible things we have in store for 2019!

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Want to partner with a winner? Make your appointment with the award-winning shop for Baltimore brides today. Book your wedding dress consultation, bridal hair and makeup trials here. We can’t wait to serve you!

8 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping at a Bridal Trunk Show

Wedding dress shopping can be a bit overwhelming.

Not only are there so many choices (so many gorgeous dresses!) but the pressure is on to find a dress you love, look and feel fabulous in, and comes in (ideally!) under budget.

Add a sample sale or trunk show into the mix, and we’re officially bewildered. But fear not, we’re here to help!

What is a Bridal Trunk Show?

A trunk show is a special event in a bridal boutique where they invite a designer to showcase their collection. Sometimes it’s a one-day event, but for particularly popular collections, it could last for multiple days. Often the designers themselves, or stylists from the fashion house will be on hand to help you find the right dress.

Trunk shows are a particularly good opportunity to check out a visiting designer whose full collections aren’t stocked in your city.

8 Expert Tips for Shopping at Sample Sales and Trunk Shows

So, now you know what bridal trunk shows are, how do you get the most out of shopping at one? Here’s where bridal beauty expert LaTonya of Elite Secrets Bridal steps in.

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 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!

1. What Lies Beneath

Feel your best underneath your wedding dress. The appropriate undergarments will not only help you feel your best; they will help your dress look the best. Opt for nude-colored underwear and a great strapless bra.

2. Bring a Companion

Take a trusted friend—someone you trust that will give you sound advice. Honest encouragement and constructive feedback can be extremely helpful and great company can up the factor for your bridal dress appointment.

Leave the whole entourage though. Too many conflicting opinions can leave you confused and stressed.

3. Mind Your Budget

Know your budget! Bridal trunk shows often offer a discretionary discount (usually 10%) off gowns ordered over that weekend.

It’s a great way to spend a little less in the event you find your dream wedding dress.

4. Do Your Homework

Research the designer first – for a trunk show the boutique will primarily present the featured designer only.

Make sure you are interested in their styles and silhouettes to get the most from your experience.

5. Necklines, Shape, and Silhouettes Oh My

There are so many variations to a wedding dress. Have an idea of what neckline, shape and silhouette you like best. Research the different styles, so you’re familiar will the lingo, too.

You will soon find you have narrowed down your style and what is flattering for your figure.

6. How High?

Bear in mind the height of your heels you plan to wear on your wedding day when you begin your dress shopping.

Keep in mind that hems cannot be lengthened, only shortened, so it’s a good idea to take the maximum heel height with you.

7. Ask the Expert

At a trunk show, if you are lucky the designer or stylist may be there in person, take full advantage of expert availability and ask for styling advice.

With their experience and knowledge, you are likely to find that they know what suits you—sometimes better than you! Check out Elite Secrets Bridal’s upcoming trunk shows here.

8. Consider Your Timing

Know your time frame. Some designer dresses need up to eight months to be completed and altered.

Learn beforehand, how long the designer needs for your dress and let your stylist know if you’re in a time crunch.

Put your new trunk show knowledge to the test and join us for the Pronovias show Sept. 27th - 30th. Affordable designer gown for every type of bride. Book your appointment to say yes to the dress. We look forward to serving you!

Provonias Comes to Elite Secrets Bridal for One-of-a-Kind Trunk Show

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Angel West (312) 375-2752

awest@mahoganybluepr.com

Elite Secrets Bridal Hosts One-of-a-Kind Trunk Show Featuring Pronovias, September 27-30

WHAT: Pronovias is hosting only one show for its new White Collection in all of Baltimore, and it’s going down—exclusively—at Elite Secrets Bridal. So, grab your tribe and book your appointment. It’s time to say “Yassss” to the the dress! For four days, we will be celebrating Pronovias’ White Collection so mark your calendars for some serious dress shopping, September 27th through September 30th –it’s a can’t miss event for brides. Think classic A-line gowns, sassy, elegant sheaths, and fit and flare styles with a side of sexy, AND a 10% discount.

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 Pronovias Trunk Show is THE place to find your perfect wedding dress.

Because this trunk show is so special, Elite Secrets Bridal has enlisted the help of some talented wedding professionals.

·         Get ready to be wowed by wedding jewelry from Glitzy Girl Jewelz. Say yes to your dream dress and accessories.

·         Asaadi Graphics will take this trunk show to another level. Get your very own custom wedding monogram created on the spot by the New York-based, award-winning graphic design firm. Our complimentary gift to you!

·         Audrey Luxe Weddings & Events will style this incredible event, so you know this fete will be unlike any other.

·         Radisson Hotel Downtown Baltimore will host the show in a one-day pop-up shop on Sunday, September 30th. Our team, the dresses, and accessories will be at the Radisson for the grand finale of this spectacular show.

Here’s how to attend this event and say yes to your Pronovias wedding dress:

1.       Book your appointment between Thursday, September 27th and Sunday, September 30th online at EliteSecretsBridal.com/contact or call 410.727.7000.

2.       Grab your bride tribe. 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.

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, Sept. 27th through Saturday, Sept. 30th, Elite Secrets, 330 N. Charles St., Baltimore

Sunday, Sept. 30th, Radisson Hotel, 101 W. Fayette St., Baltimore

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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 three 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.

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Happy Birthday, LaTonya!

It’s been quite the year for our lady boss, LaTonya. Between opening a new bridal showroom to overseeing makeup for Baltimore Bride’s Aisle Style to producing the amazing Spring into the Grand Fashion show and loads of press, this past year has been one for the books! 

To add to the celebration, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore will honor our founder with the prestigious Downtown Partnership Award! This award is reserved for the region's most influential business, government, and community leaders.

Related: Our CEO, Featured on Baltimore Bride Magazine

That’s why we want to take today to celebrate the birthday lady and wish her some well-deserved relaxation …and cake and champagne wouldn’t hurt either!

We can’t wait to see what this next chapter has in store for you! Happy birthday, LaTonya!

XO,

Team Elite

P.S. Now you know we cannot celebrate without our Elite Brides. We’ve got a BIG surprise for you. An announcement is coming soon, but don’t let that stop you from booking your consultation with us today. Click here to make your bridal appointment and don't forget to wish LaTonya happy birthday!

P.P.S. Enjoy some of the highlights from her fantastic year.

Meet Sabrina: Our Bridal Events Manager

If you don’t already know her, we are so excited to introduce you to our bridal events manager, Sabrina Aloe!

Sabrina lives for the behind-the-scenes at any ESB event, ushering brides through their journey to saying yes to the dress, and adding life to any party that comes her way.

A true fashionista at heart, Sabrina, is gifted with expertly styling brides for their Big Day. And of course, she does it with style and a pop of red lipstick to boot.

Here’s what #EliteBride Miesha had to say. “My Bridal consultant Sabrina is beautiful and, so patient. Thank you so much for making this bride’s experience so wonderful. I said yes to the dress!”

As the saying goes, it takes one to know one. Sabrina was once an #EliteBride herself. The bridal expert is wife and mom of two.

Stop by and meet Sabrina in person (Saturday, July 7th is her birthday). And, schedule your appointment with her to say yes to your dream dress to become an #EliteBride, too. We can’t wait to serve you.

We have a new home!

IT’S OFFICIAL! It is with great pleasure and much anticipation that we announce that we have a new home—online that is.

We now have a storefront on TheKnot.com. Check out our new digs here.  See images of our gowns, learn all about Elite Secrets Bridal and our CEO. There’s even an opportunity to make an appointment. Come back regularly for store specials, events, reviews, and more.

"We're so excited to have a prominent presence on The Knot. It is such an iconic publication in the bridal world and we're happy to be there, says LaTonya Turnage, owner and founder of Elite Secrets Bridal. 

Summer is here and the wedding season is underway. It's time to say yes to the dress! Book your appointment with us today. We can't wait to serve you. 

Our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, featured on Baltimore Bride Magazine

We are thrilled to share that our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, was featured in Baltimore Bride Magazine's new online series, "Ask the Expert." In the inaugural post, our bridal beauty expert shared her story on starting Elite Secrets Bridal.

There were tons of tips for brides about everything from how many people you should bring to your dress appointment (the answer might surprise you), the key to finding the perfect dress and her favorite part of helping a bride: “Once they find their perfect dress and they’re caught in the moment and everyone is crying, we do something special here. While the bride is in her dress, we put on a nice song for her and she’ll do a walk. We ask the bride what song, whether it’s her first dance song or one she’s considering. Everyone in the room is crying and emotional. It never gets old; every time I feel like family.” 

Read all about our expert and see more images at http://www.baltimorebridemagazine.com/blog/2018/6/21/ask-the-expert-bridal-shop-proprietor.

Summer is here and the wedding season is underway. Book your appointment today and say yes to your dream dress. We can't wait to serve you. 

Baltimore Pride Weekend

This weekend Baltimore will celebrate it’s 43rd annual Pride Weekend. United We Shine is the theme for this rainbow-colored weekend that will highlight how the city will come together to celebrate its LGBTQ community. 

There will be an 11-block parade, a high-heel race up Charles Street, a festival in Druid Hill Park and more (get the full details at baltimorepride.org).

...and a contest at Elite Secrets Bridal. You didn't think we would miss out on all the fun, did you?

To win our special surprise prize:

1. Take a selfie in front of our shop (330 N. Charles St.).
2. Post your pride pic and use the hashtag #EliteLove.
3. Follow us at @elitesecrets AND @elitesecretsbridal.

Winner will be announced Monday, June 18 on an Instagram Live. Time will be announced soon. 

Good luck and happy Pride!

Elite Secrets Featured on Every Last Detail

This wedding is for a special type of bride who envisions a tad more than an elopement, but less than a larger wedding. She wants the intimacy of close friends surrounding her on her special day, celebrating in the space she feels the most comfortable: home. The patterns and colors of the mid-sixties tied together envelope this grown-up, eclectic woman. The team at Jade & Joy Events wanted to capture the vision of a modern couple who loves mid-century design and wants a colorful, updated take on that style for their day.

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Photography: Mary Sarah Photography // Venue: Women’s Club of Bethesda // Event Planning: Jade & Joy Events// Floral: Flor De Casa Designs // Stationery: Vintage Fleur Designs // Wedding Cake: Sorby Sweets // Rentals: Boheme’s Jubilee // Tableware: Ann Margaret Ceramics // Hair, Makeup, Veil, Wedding Dress, and Bridal Salon: Elite Secrets Bridal // Backdrops: DNicole Settings // Groom’s Attire: Christopher Schafer Clothier // Bride’s Shoes: H&M // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids + Jenny Yoo + Watters Bridal // Jewelry: Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry// Headpiece: Ilieana George Couture

Love this bride's look? We've got you covered. Say yes to the dress, bridal hair and makeup at Elite Secrets Bridal. Book your appointment today. We can't wait to see you! 

{Event Recap} Spring into The Grand Fashion Show

On the evening of May 30th, engaged couples, top individuals from the wedding industry, along with a variety of influencers gathered at The Grand in Baltimore. The event that brought all of these individuals together was the Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show.

Hosted by Elite Secrets Bridal and The Grand, the runway show featured looks that included styles from the bridal boutique on Charles Street. There were bridesmaids’ styles from Bella Bridesmaids and groom’s fashion from Taylor Wood Clothier. The grand finale was the reveal of designer Khemistry’s debut bridal collection. The couture line included curve-hugging, show stoppers in satin, sequins, and beaded fabrics.

VIP Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and passed light eats in The Grand’s beautiful Oriental Room that doubled as the VIP gifting suite an hour before the show. VIP guests of industry professionals and influencers selected swag from brands Bai Drinks, Bella Bridesmaids, e-cloth, iCloth, Kenne Bug, Kind Snacks, Paula O Store, Pocket Palette, Skinny Pop Popcorn, and Wedding 411. 

At the 6 o'clock hour all guests indulged in the signature champagne bar before heading into the Mirror Room for the fashion show. Local influencers, Alysha (@discovercharmcity) and Chyno (@theboywiththebluebeard) welcomed attendees and kept the audience engaged throughout the show.

Six scenes were highlighting the latest trends in hair and makeup, bridal and bridesmaids fashion, and grooms wear. Guests previewed style ideas for all types of weddings, including Royal, Boho Chic, Great Gatsby, and Destination. Just before the grand finale, four of the cutest flower girls stole the show in a runaway strut sweeter than any wedding cake.

Elite Secrets Bridal and The Grand made a statement in Baltimore that evening!

To view social media event photos, please search the hashtag #SpringintoTheGrand on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Award-winning Bridal Beauty Expert, LaTonya Turnage, Featured on BMore Lifestyle TV

Founder and owner of Elite Secrets Bridal, LaTonya Turnage, sat down with the hosts of BMore Lifestyle TV this Monday for a segment on wedding dresses. The award-winning bridal beauty expert talked about the royal wedding looks in the West—similar to Duchess Meghan Markle’s style, and trends inspired by the East. In the segment, Elite Secrets Bridal featured designs from Allure’s Madison James Collection and a custom couture gown from Khemistry, LLC.—exclusively sold at Elite Secrets Bridal.

And, of course the hair and makeup was professionally by the award-winning beauty team at Elite Secrets.

Looking to say yes to your dream dress? Or, ready to catch a beat for your wedding day hair and makeup? We’ve got you covered! Book your consultation today. We can’t wait to service you and your bridal party!

Elite Secrets Featured on Wedding Chicks

We are thrilled to announce that we were featured on wildly popular wedding blog, Wedding Chicks!  Read all about the design details and inspiration for this Industrial Chic styled shoot.

Accessories: Ilieana George Couture

Cakes & Catering: Yia Yia's Bakery

Coordinators & Stylists: Bird of Paradise Events

Flowers: Bella Fiori Flowers

Groom: Tuxedo House

Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Elite Secrets

Lighting: 27 Studios

Paper Goods: Devine Designs by Diesha

Photographers: Clapp Studios

Rentals: Select Event Group

Venues: Studio 4

Wedding Dresses: Elite Secrets