Olicia "Lisa" Arnold Smith

I really don’t know where to start... How I can every say THANK YOU enough for your magic hands? You created the perfect dress for me which I could never find in any bridal salon. Like many brides, I started the search for my dress looking through magazines and internet searches. I went to a few bridal salons without success. Also, with the crazy work schedule that I have, running all over town was not for me. I became overwhelmed, confused and depressed. I would see details of different dresses that I liked, but never everything all in one dress. I had started to panic, that I would never find a dress. I felt like I’d have to just settle for something. Then, by fate Loyce’s sister Bridgette reminded me that her sister Loyce designed and created bridal gowns! I’ve known Loyce, Bridgette and her family since  I was a child. How could I not remember?

I called Loyce and talked to her on the phone twenty to thirty minutes. Simply talking to her on the phone IMMEDIATELY put me at ease. She has the bubbliest personality-so energetic yet calming. When I arrived at her studio, she greeted me with, “Hey Girlie” and a big hug. Then and there, I knew everything was going to be OK. I showed her several pictures and explained what I like about each dress. She came up with an idea of how to create my vision into my perfect dress. She was so patient and really listened. She knows bridal gowns inside and out!. She guided me through the process of choosing the color, fabrics, style, etc. I changed my mind about a few details here and there, but she never complained. I was so stressed out and constantly losing weight, that every time I’d to for a fitting she would had to take the dress in. I really don’t know how she deal with us crazy brides. She stayed up many nights sewing my gown and train as they were 95% sewn by hand. She also created my beautiful veil, 100% sewn by hand...

I like to refer to Loyce as the little lady with the big personality and the magic hands. Aside from being a fantastic bridal gown designer, she is an awesome person. She’s like your mother, sister and best friend all in one person. She always had great advice on weddings, marriage and about life in general. She always had these great stories to share. Being in her studio was probably one of the least stressful aspects of my wedding planning. I really appreciated how she really worked with me and my crazy work schedule. She even altered my Mother’s dress. I had an early morning wedding (9:30 AM) on Memorial Day weekend with 400 guests. Loyce and her sister Bridgette are a great team. They were at the church on time, delivered my dress, calmed my nerves and helped me get dressed for my grand entrance. Loyce was such a help with my pictures, following me around, positioning the train and my veil. My photographer loved her! I invited Loyce and Bridgette to my reception just to eat, relax and see some old friends, but of course, there she was attending to me with my dress again. She also went above and beyond to help me with some additional pictures after my wedding. I also referred her to my friend for her gown alterations.

My experience at Grace Bridal was Fantastic! I received A+ service at a great price. I think my gown was her best creation yet (but I’m sure all her brides feel the same way. ) Everyone said my dress was beautiful and that I looked as if I’d stepped out of the page of a magazine. I knew my dress was perfect when I say my husband’s tears as I walked down the aisle. I would recommend a custom gown to every bride. I will forever be grateful to Loyce and Grace Bridal Couture for making our special day even more special.