Before opening the first Black-owned bridal boutique in Minnesota in May, Lorraine Love spent eight years as a hair and makeup artist and two years as a wedding planner. She was inspired to open LaNoire Bridal after dress shopping for her siblings’ weddings, and she hopes to eventually sell more than just dresses. Some of Love’s goals for La Noire Bridal are to become a “one-stop shop” that sells menswear as well as gowns for women from different cultures to be custom-made by local designers or sourced from around the world.
You can expect to be treated with the utmost care when you shop at La Noire Bridal. After scheduling your appointment, you will complete a questionnaire to give the stylists a sense of your unique style. Upon entering the store, brides will receive a complimentary 90-minute appointment (which can be upgraded), a bridal stylist, and light refreshments including champagne. Be sure to bring your entourage!
Currently, this boutique offers designers including but not limited to Dovita, Chic Nostalgia, Pantora, and La Premiere in sizes 2 to 36. They also carry veils, hair accessories, belts, jackets, hats and bridal jewelry.
LaNoire Bridal is passionate about staying engaged with brides. They host monthly events and trunk shows, and the shop can also be turned into an event space. Brides can book the location for private dress fittings with up to 15 guests, or it can be booked as a micro wedding or bridal shower venue.
An appointment at La Noire Bridal will be unlike any other. While searching for your gown, you will be bathed in natural light while gazing into gorgeous French mirrors that inspired the boutique’s royal aesthetic. The St. Paul shop, located in the heart of Lowertown in the Pioneer Endicott building, was the original home of the Pioneer Press and is just upstairs from the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Saint Paul, facebook.com/lanoirebridal
