The Couture Closet Story

About us and how the Couture Closet Bridal shop came to be.

Our Story

#workwives

We met at Sullivan University, while we were attending college for Travel, Tourism, + Event Management.  During our time there we had a few classes together + one particular class "required" an all-exclusive Mexican resort trip which, after a few poolside margaritas, put us on our paths to one day becoming business partners + opening Couture Closet! The "required" trip, allowed us, along with several peers, to chat + dig deeper into what we wanted to do one day.  We thought that "something" was event planning.  However, we learned very quickly after graduating + working events for almost 2 years, that we both enjoyed what we had done before.... which was retail.  So things rapidly progressed.  We were young + determined {+ more than a little naive}.  We found an incredible investor who believed in us to help make our dreams come true.  It took about 8 months of learning + planning before we opened our doors on January 2, 2007.  

Thankfully, we both had the same vision of how a business should run.  Incredible customer service was the top priority for both of us. After that, we wanted to be friends rather than salespeople, to be an ethical business, + most importantly, to create an environment where a bride feels completely comfortable + stress-free when shopping for her dress. We also promise to pay it forward and show some love to young entrepreneurs when they have something wonderful that we believe in.  We didn't realize over 17 years ago, that THIS was our first baby or that Couture Closet would become what it is today. That we would still get emotional over brides we've worked with, that the emails + cards we get hearing about their experience with us... remind us how happy we are to have taken this crazy leap. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, it means the world to us!!!!!  To both of our families, friends {whether long-term or recent}, brides + fellow vendors, we appreciate all the support over these past years.  We LOVE what we do, we are grateful for each of you + can't wait to see what the next season brings!

Cheers to many more years + many more happy #CCbrides!

Lauren Montgomery (she/her), co-owner

Hi! I am Lauren, one of the heartbeats behind Couture Closet. I run on Iced Mochas from Starbucks, True Crime Podcasts, and lots of snuggles from my kids and husband. I love bridal fashion, but more than that, I love helping to guide a bride-to-be toward her perfect gown. Helping them peel back the layers of how they want to feel and look on their wedding day is so much fun and makes me so happy.

I have 2 wonderful and silly kids (Finn + Piper) and a very supportive husband (Brendan) who has stuck by and encouraged me through this crazy adventure of being a business owner. When I am not up to my eyeballs in lace, tulle, and sparkle, I love to camp, hike, read, and learn new things. We are taking our kids around the US to visit all the National Parks and we are constantly researching, mapping out, and planning an upcoming trip. This amazing job I have at Couture Closet has made me a much better Mom and Wife. Things like patience, guidance, love, and support are exercised at the shop and at home with my family.

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to do all of this in my “One wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver). And I know God has given me this life to bless people with lots of love along the way.

Tera SARTINI (she/her), co-owner

Hello! I am Tera, the other heartbeat behind Couture Closet. Love is my jam. Connection and creating incredible stories are a huge part of me. Nearly every day I listen to an audible book on my car rides or listen to some songs that really inspire me. I love the feeling of driving with the windows down and natural light pouring into my home.

I have two kiddos, Simon + Everett, 9 and 10 years old. Never know what each day will bring, but I know they will be some of my greatest teachers. I love to create, take classes, be spontaneous, and the journey of learning and evolving. I have an untapped passion for woodworking, design, and an interest in mentoring youth on the power of a healthy mind. I look forward to exploring those. I genuinely LOVE what I do as my “job”. The moments of rawness, truth-telling, ah-ha, and friendship that can happen in a 90-minute appointment with brides, can make me tear up now. I feel really grateful for this experience.

While not mine nor anyone else’s life is perfect, this journey of ours is what we create it to be. Search for the beauty!