Leading Executives in Bridal Shops

Kelly Cook

Chief Executive Officer, David’s Bridal

Appointed CEO on April 1, 2025, Kelly Cook is steering the chain’s post‑bankruptcy reinvention into an AI‑enabled retail, media and marketplace platform (Pearl Media Network; “aisle to algorithm”).

Cristina Alba Ochoa

Chief Executive Officer, Pronovias Group

Named global CEO on July 21, 2025, Cristina Alba Ochoa succeeded Marc Calabia to lead the Spanish bridal giant through its next phase of restructuring and growth.

Ronnie Rothstein

Chief Executive Officer & Co‑Owner, Kleinfeld Bridal

Longtime co‑owner who became CEO after acquiring the iconic New York salon in 1999, Rothstein helped expand the brand and made it a household name via TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.”

Tricia Smith

Chief Executive Officer, Anthropologie Group, BHLDN (Anthropologie Group)

As CEO of Anthropologie Group since 2021, Tricia Smith oversees BHLDN’s bridal retail strategy across stores and digital for the URBN portfolio.

Vera Wang

Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Vera Wang

Bridal icon who sold brand IP to WHP Global in a 2024/2025 deal while remaining Founder & Chief Creative Officer; continues to shape licensed bridal through global partners.

Tom Bugbee

Chief Executive Officer & Co‑Founder, Monique Lhuillier

Co‑founder and CEO since 1996, Bugbee scaled the luxury bridal and ready‑to‑wear house alongside designer Monique Lhuillier into a global lifestyle brand.

Neil Brown

Chief Executive Officer & Co‑Founder, AMSALE

CEO and co‑founder Neil Brown leads the Black‑owned couture house founded by the late Amsale Aberra, guiding its SoHo flagship and atelier‑made modern classics.

Kelly Midgley

Chief Executive Officer & Creative Director, Maggie Sottero Designs

Second‑generation leader Kelly Midgley serves as CEO and Creative Director, expanding the Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley, and Rebecca Ingram labels with a women‑led ethos.

Nathan Serphos

Chief Executive Officer, Morilee by Madeline Gardner

Appointed CEO in late 2024 after serving as COO, Serphos is driving Morilee’s global expansion and creative evolution following leadership transitions in design.

Justin Warshaw

Chief Executive Officer & Creative Director, Justin Alexander Group

CEO and Creative Director Justin Warshaw leads a multi‑brand powerhouse (Justin Alexander, Signature, Lillian West, Sincerity, Adore, Viktor&Rolf Mariage, Savannah Miller) with 2,000+ retail partners worldwide.

Martine Harris

Co‑Owner & Chief Creative Officer, Essense of Australia (Essense Designs)

Co‑owner and Chief Creative Officer Martine Harris shapes the global portfolio (Essense of Australia, Stella York, Martina Liana, Sorella Vita) renowned for fit and retailer partnerships.

Kelly Crum

Chief Executive Officer, Allure Bridals

Family‑owned brand CEO Kelly Crum scaled Allure’s bridal, couture, modest and bridesmaids lines and launched an industry‑first stock‑financing program to support independent retailers.

Vatana Watters

Founder & Design Leader (CCO), Watters (Watters, Wtoo, Willowby, By Watters)

Founder and design leader Vatana Watters built the Dallas‑based house into a multi‑brand bridal mainstay with e‑commerce and collaborations while keeping the company family‑run.

Berta Balilti

Founder & Creative Director, BERTA

Founder and sole designer Berta Balilti turned her namesake label into a global couture phenomenon known for bold, high‑glamour bridal and a powerful social following.

Idan Lahav

Chief Executive Officer, Galia Lahav

CEO Idan Lahav leads the Israeli couture house’s international expansion while head designer Sharon Sever and founder Galia Lahav keep the brand at the forefront of luxury bridal.

Mary Nguyen

Chief Executive Officer, ENZOANI

CEO Mary Nguyen oversees the Southern California brand behind Enzoani, ÉLYSÉE and Blue by Enzoani, pairing couture‑grade construction with modern silhouettes.

Todd Cassidy

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, WED2B

Founder‑CEO Todd Cassidy scaled the UK‑based off‑the‑peg bridal chain to dozens of European stores with an accessible, no‑appointment model.

Charles (Qi) Zhong

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Azazie

Founder‑CEO Charles (Qi) Zhong leads the online‑first bridal and bridesmaids powerhouse known for custom sizing, home try‑ons and a DTC supply chain.

Lanie List

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Lovely Bride

Founder‑CEO Lanie List built a cult‑favorite, franchise‑driven boutique network across major U.S. cities (and London), championing indie designers and inclusive sizing.

Wade Ziems

Chief Executive Officer, Grace Loves Lace

CEO Wade Ziems (with founder/creative director Megan Ziems) scaled the Australian brand’s global showroom footprint and comfort‑first couture aesthetic popular with U.S. brides.