Always wondered what it’s like to run a business with your family? Andrea and Vanessa, two sisters, have owned Sash + Bustle for coming up 9 years now!

So we decided to put these bridal babes in the hot seat for a bit of a Q+A sesh!

q: What made you want to own a bridal boutique?

Vanessa: Working with my sister, working with clothing and women

Andrea: Creating an unforgettable shopping experience with my sister by my side

q: What’s it like running a business with family?

Vanessa: Amazing and difficult. Andrea and I share the same values and have a very similar vision for our future as well as the future of S+B. I completely and whole heartedly trust her 

Andrea It’s all the things! Hehe in a good and challenging way. We’ve always shared the same vision and ambition! 

q: What is your favourite part of working in a bridal boutique?

Vanessa: Working with bride and families on a busy weekend. Seeing families together celebrating these moments and making memories. Just this week we had a bride announce her engagement to to family in the boutique and then find her dream gown all with in an hour. It was magical begin part of there live moment and feeling all the love between each family member 

Andrea: Seeing our brides and families light up throughout the shopping experience. It never gets old hearing in the magical “yes” moments 

q: What’s been your biggest challenge?

Vanessa: One of the most challenging but rewarding things has been growing our team. It’s always a challenge to find the perfect people who align with our values and want to give brides the best experience – BUT doing all that during moving into our forever home and a pandemic – OH BOY….

Andrea: Moving our store to our forever home 111 Berkeley during the pandemic tested us in ways we never could have imagined. in the end it was all worth it!

q: What is one piece of advice you’d give every bride before they start shopping?

Vanessa: Do some research so you know what is available but also be open minded to learn and grow throughout the shopping process. 

Andrea: To not over shop or over think it! Doing research beforehand is essential to make sure you are using your time wisely and going to a shop with collections that you love. 

q: What’s your all-time favourite wedding dress?

Vanessa: Dori by Hayley Paige

Andrea: I’m biased! The wedding dress I wore: Serena by Carol Hannah!

q: What are some of your trend predictions for 2024 brides?

Vanessa: Sleeves, big skirts, Second looks 

Andrea: Textures! 3D floral and gauzy romantic vibes