10/17/09

"The One" Bridal Salon in or near Boston

by JBMinnesota

I flew from Minnesota to Boston to help my daughter select a bridal gown for her wedding in March of 2009, six months before her wedding in Newport, RI. I had made appointments for eight bridal salon visits over the course of four days based primarily on what I could find on the internet (including Citysearch reviews). I was hoping she'd find "the one" on the first day, so we could just have fun the remainder of the weekend. My daughter is quite petite (size 0), so going into salons and trying on sample gowns that were size 12 to 16 was kind of ridiculous. At the majority of the salons, they ordered the gown from a particular "designer" and then refitted it to you (at a substantial cost over and above the cost of the gown). When we trudged into the eighth salon (Ana's) I was afraid we would just have to "settle" for one of the gowns she had tried on over the course of the four days. Then my daughter tried on one of Ana's gowns, and I said joyously "That's the ONE!" My daughter and her bridesmaids enthusiastically agreed. Ana never took any measurements but over the course of six fittings over six months, created the gown around my daughter from the inner layer to the final dress. There were no uncomfortable undergarments as she had had to put on in other bridal salons. The price for the quality was very reasonable compared with the other seven bridal salons we went to. Ana created the gown utilizing the basics of the sample gown but customizing it to my daughter's desires. The material was sumptuous! Nobody (especially the groom) could take their eyes off her the night of the wedding. Thanks ever so much Ana!

• Pros: Simply Exquisite!
• Cons: None

08/04/09

Fabulous Dress and Amazing Service!

by EMDonohue

Ana designs all of her own dresses so they are each one of a kind. When I went in to try on dresses she was able to look at my body and hand select a dress from her collection for me and WOW...I had been to several other places on Newbury Street and nothing fit me like this dress. She has dresses she's made for a formal wedding or a beach wedding and everything in between. The materials she uses on her dresses are top notch and she will alter the dress herself to fit you perfectly. Not only are the dresses beautiful, but the service was amazing! She and her team are so pleasant to work with and it was so refreshing to be the only bride in her studio, as she only sees one person at a time.

I received so many compliments on my wedding day on the dress! In fact the word most used to describe the dress was STUNNING! I would send, and have sent several brides already, to Ana for their dress!

• Pros: Gorgeous dresses, one of kind service
• Cons: None

07/27/09

Best Place for Wedding Dress

by KDBoston

My wedding dress was spectacular. Everyone at the wedding asked about it, and were impressed with the fine detail, and well-crafted design of the entire dress. My sister especially appreciate the simple, yet elegant bustle that Ana created in the back. She said she has seen many bustles, but this one was the best. I have an incredible amount of gorgeous pictures from our day, and I felt like an elegant woman thanks to Ana's work.

• Pros: Friendly, personal, and gorgeous
• Cons: None come to mind

07/20/09

SOME HELP PLEASE

by ramonab

My daughter is thinking of having a dress made by Ana. I realize she has a super reputation. Does anyone know what she charges? Have you found her to be more reasonable that going to a regular salon?

06/24/09

Phenomenal Custom Gown for my Fairytale Wedding

by berrybride

Ana is a super talented wedding gown designer. She has an eye for fashion and works only with exquisite materials that make her dresses even more luxurious. I worked with Ana for over 6 months while preparing for my wedding. Besides being sweet and lovable, she was very thorough with her designs and alterations and my dress was "the belle of the ball." I felt like a Princess. Everyone at the wedding (including all of my engaged friends) were dying to know where I got such a fabulous gown and one that fit me to a T. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful gown or a more wonderful experience. Thanks Ana.

• Pros: Expertise, affordability, great designer
• Cons: none

03/16/09

Highlight of my wedding planning

by sfurniss

The highlight of my wedding planning was working with Ana. Ana was gregarious, meticulous, and attentive to my personal requests. Over my 6+ fittings, I got to know Ana while she methodically adjusted my dress to the perfect size and vision I had for my wedding gown. Ana’s expertise in bridal designs helped to guide me in choosing details that made my dress flattering and unique. Ana has a great sense of humor and inter-personal skills, and she took a true interest in my wedding. Ana was a pleasure to work with and I looked forward to every appointment.

• Pros: Great service, custom made dress, affordable
• Cons: None

03/15/09

Perfect Dress for my Destination Wedding

by GrandCaymanBride

From the moment you meet Ana you know she HAS to make your wedding dress. I had a designer lined up to make my dress but 3 months after she was booked she called to say she was closing her shop. Of course i freaked but she recommended Ana. I got appointment with her the very next day and after meeting with her and seeing her other dresses i knew that everything does happen for a reason. I described the setting of the wedding ( Grand Cayman) and my ideas, wanted something light that flowed. All ideas Ana loved and she was able to create something WAY better than i could ever have imagined. My dress was absolutely gorgeous! I wish I could attach a picture!

For all you ladies out there thinking you want a off the dressrack, pre ordered dress, think again! Why have something other girls around the world will be wearing when you can have an original by Miss Ana!

• Pros: great location, professional, knew exactly what i wanted
• Cons: None!

02/09/09

Breathtaking dresses and outstanding service

by MissJohnston

I never thought a wedding dress could stop my heart and leave me feeling short of breath. I fell inlove with Ana's gown that was on display at Papyrus a few months ago. After getting engaged I quickly called and made an appointment. Ana was very polite on the phone and booked my appointment for the following day. I brought my mom to Ana's studio and was thrilled to have Ana personally assist us. The atmosphere was much more welcoming than I had expected to find on Newbury Street. I had been nervous about trying the dress on in the open before we entered the shop, but once inside I felt totally comfortable. The temperature was perfect and when Ana asked my style I quickly explained the dress I had seen in the window. Turns out she had also displayed the dress downstairs (there is a window across from the door to Starbucks). I took off my clothes, Ana helped me into the dress and whamo! I was inlove. My mom and I teared up and I couldn't believe I found the dress. Her other dresses were gorgeous also but I decided to go with the only wedding gown I've ever tried on. The fabric is amazing and she gave me advice on how to wear my hair and which flowers to use in the bouquet. My mom and I left and couldn't stop talking about how amazing Ana is. Who knew dress shopping could be so incredible and not the least bit stressfull? I love you Ana!

11/17/08

Dream Wedding Gown Experience...Amazing!

by oharael

I live in NYC but had my wedding in the Boston area where I'm from. I looked all over and am SO happy I ended up with Ana Hernandez. I had a very specific idea of what I wanted and Ana basically designed it for me using the silhouette of one of her gowns that I loved. I felt it was so unique, beautiful, and perfect for me. I committed to around 5-7 fittings and while it seemed like a hassle making the trip from NYC to Boston so often, it was worth every minute. I really enjoyed all of my fittings and got to share the experience with my mother and sister; even my grandmother came to one! Ana was very flexible and such a pleasure to work with. She gave great advice and never let me go astray in the process, and I'm glad I trusted her expert opinions. The dress is of a truly beautiful and exceptional quality with delicate alencon lace and amazing workmanship. It even went perfectly with my mother's 30 year old veil which I borrowed. I received so many complements both during and after my wedding. Many people told me they thought my dress was the most beautiful and unique they had ever seen. I will treasure my wedding photos forever.

• Pros: Unique experience, dress is made for you, no hidden costs or alterations, Ana is a pleasure!
• Cons: You'll need to go to more fittings than for an ordered dress, but I loved this process...the dress is custom made!

07/15/08

Exceptional Service, Beautiful Dresses

by SF778

When dress hunting I went to numerous stores - high end, low end and in between. Ana Hernandez was the best value hands down. Not only are her dresses beautiful and high quality, but the service was fantastic. How often do you get to meet your dress designer and have them personally help you find your dream wedding gown?? It's no wonder she's been voted the Best of Boston for years now.

Appointments are individual - there is nobody else in the boutique with you watching you parade around in your dresses, but best of all she has a knack for knowing what looks best on people and listening to what you want for your special day.

I still encourage everyone to try lots of different stores and dresses, however after you get sticker shock at Priscilla of Boston and poor quality service at Yolandas....go to Ana.

• Pros: Service, Value, Quality, Selection
• Cons: Not "cheap", but still a good value