See Inside Liberty and Lace, The Adorable New Bridal Salon That Just Opened in Manayunk

The shop opens with an exclusive on one of now-shuttered Ashe B. & Co.’s most coveted dress lines.


Though there’s no shortage of stellar wedding dress shops in Philly, we’re always thrilled to see another one pop up. (Especially when it pops up with a new-to-our-city designer.) Which is why we’re especially excited to share a first glimpse at Liberty and Lace bridal salon, which opened up on Manayunk’s Main Street last month.

Liberty and Lace co-owners Juliet Sabella and Kellie Strain first got to know each other through The Wall Fitness Studio, Sabella’s boutique fitness operation in the same neighborhood. After meeting through mutual friends, Strain became a client at Sabella’s studio; as the pair grew closer, Strain started working at The Wall part-time during Sabella’s maternity leave. Their compatibility in business apparent, and having both loved the planning that went into their own weddings as well as watching a number of Wall clients get engaged, Sabella and Strain thought opening a bridal salon seemed like a natural next step. (Strain is also an event planning associate with Manayunk-based wedding planning outfit Clover Event Co.)

“I remember seeing a group of brides in the studio taking a group picture, and I thought, ‘Why I am I not reaching these people?’” says Sabella of her aha moment. “I could sell a dress to them.”

By April 2017 the pair had decided on their storefront: the former Millay vintage space, located just a few blocks down from The Wall. Liberty and Lace opened for business this past October, officially bringing bridal back to Manayunk after the abrupt closure of Ashe B & Co. earlier this year.

Sabella and Strain say they’re dedicated to applying the same level of personalized service they tout at The Wall to the experience of wedding dress shopping.

“I think Kellie and I both agree that customer service is everything.” says Sabella. “We just want it to be special. There shouldn’t be restrictions. We tell brides to take as many pictures as they want because we believe that you shouldn’t have to make [your wedding dress] decision based on a memory.”

Liberty and Lace is starting off with just one designer: Kelly Faetanini, a New York based designer who turns out sweetly feminine, high-quality designs at an attainable price. Dresses range from about $2,000 to $4,000; for every dress sold, Faetanini also makes a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sabella and Strain are working on bringing in other designers to the storefront within the next year.

Liberty and Lace will be hosting their very first trunk show November 9 through November 18. Follow the salon on Instagram for more details on their very first Black Friday “White Weekend,” which will feature the entire Kelly Faetanini collection as well as special deals and giveaways.

Liberty and Lace Bridal is located at 4390 Main Street in Manayunk. Visit their website to schedule an appointment.

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