Behind the Veil A Bridal Stylist’s Perspective At Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon
By Shannon Anastasio
At Bacio Bacio Bridal in Wellington, a bridal stylist is a key member of the team. “As a bridal stylist, I have the unique privilege of witnessing one of the most emotional and transformative moments in a woman’s life — finding her wedding dress,” Amy Panzer explained. “From the outside, it may seem like a simple shopping appointment. But for us, it is so much more. It is about connection, emotion, and storytelling through fabric, fit and detail.”
Every bride has a story, and no two brides are the same. Some walk in with Pinterest boards packed with inspiration, others have no idea where to begin. Some are confident and decisive; others are overwhelmed and anxious. And all of it is completely normal.
“Our job is not just to zip up gowns — it is to listen,” Panzer said. “Before I even pull one dress from the rack, I want to understand her vision, her personality and her priorities. Is she dreaming of a classic gown for a cathedral ceremony? A boho look for a beachfront vow exchange? Maybe she wants something non-traditional that feels like her. We honor it all.”
At Bacio Bacio, owner Lenyce Boyd and her team know that the right gown does not just look beautiful, it feels right. It’s about that moment when a bride looks in the mirror, sees herself glowing and gets emotional. It is magic. Sometimes she cries. Sometimes her mother or her friends do. Sometimes the whole room claps. They have learned to keep tissues close by.
But what most people do not see is how often the dress transforms more than just the look. It changes the posture, the confidence, even the energy. A bride walks in uncertain — and walks out empowered.
“For almost 20 years, we have had many client moments we will never forget,” Panzer said. “We’ve had brides who came in grieving a recent loss, and the dress became part of their healing. We have had last-minute appointments where everything felt chaotic, and then the perfect dress brought clarity. These are not just fittings — they are deeply human experiences.”
Bacio Bacio also celebrates the “non-traditional” brides — the ones who want color, sparkle or simplicity. There is no one way to be a bride, and they are there for every version.
What makes Bacio Bacio special is not just its curated selection of designer gowns, though, yes, they are stunning. It is the intimacy of the experience. They take their time and learn your name. They cheer with you, hug you and walk beside you through every fitting, alteration and final try-on.
When a bride says “yes,” it is never just a sale. It is a milestone.
“And it is an honor to be part of it,” Panzer said. “We always tell brides, you do not need to know exactly what you want — you just need to be open. Open to feeling something. Open to being surprised. Open to trusting that when it is the right gown, you will know.”
Helping brides find the perfect dress is not just a job, it is a passion. And at Bacio Bacio, they do not just dress brides — they celebrate them.
Turn the page to learn more about the dress styling process.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when a bride walks into Bacio Bacio Bridal for her appointment?
A: LENYCE BOYD: Before a bride visits our salon, we call to check in and see how she’s feeling. We understand she might be a bit nervous, so we do our best to help her feel at ease. Our goal is to make her feel cared for during this special time. We think of finding a dress as a journey and always encourage brides to trust their instincts. It’s not about stressing over every detail. When a bride follows her heart, the right dress stands out. From the moment the bride and her guests step through our doors, we greet them with warmth and excitement. We aim to create a space where everyone feels instantly at home. With endless gowns sparkling around them, it is easy to feel swept up in the choices. We reassure our bride that we are by her side every step of the way, encouraging her to savor each moment of this unforgettable experience.
Q: How do you help a bride who feels overwhelmed or unsure about what she wants?
A: AMY PANZER: If I sense a bride is feeling anxious, I gently ask her to tell me about her wedding venue. She chose that beautiful place for a reason. She can picture herself there, surrounded by love, ready to exchange her vows. By helping her focus on the atmosphere she dreams of, I hope she can relax and truly enjoy the magic of finding her dress. It’s normal for a bride to be unsure about what she wants. Most of us don’t shop for bridal gowns until we need one, so it can take time to figure out what feels right. I let brides know it’s OK not to have all the answers and help them by sharing simple terms for dress styles and details, so they feel more confident sharing what they like. As a stylist, I like to interject humor whenever possible to break any tension a bride may feel. Gowns look like nothing on a hanger; they need a body to come alive. I like to remind my brides that gowns do not have feelings. If they’re in a gown they don’t care for, they don’t need to be polite about it. We’re on the hunt for their perfect gown, and the one they’re currently in is someone else’s beautiful, not theirs. It’s all about them.
Q: Can you describe what it’s like when a bride finds “the one?”
A: LENYCE: Every bride who walks through our doors is wonderfully unique, but when she finally says yes to the dress, the moment sparkles with magic. Emotions pour out, unfiltered and honest. Some brides are swept up in joyful tears, while others smile with quiet certainty. Yet all our brides share something in common: when they find the perfect gown, they’re in no rush to take it off.
Q: What do you think makes the Bacio Bacio experience unique compared to other bridal salons?
A: AMY: At Bacio Bacio, our goal is to provide each bride with a unique experience. We understand how special this time in her life is and feel it is a privilege to be a part of her journey to find the perfect gown and accessories. We emphasize the importance of helping her find a dress that makes her feel her most beautiful, confident and comfortable on her special day. Providing our brides with the perfect bridal experience, from the moment they walk through our door to the moment they walk down the aisle, is our top priority.
Q: What advice would you give to brides starting their dress-shopping journey?
A: LENYCE: Some of our brides walk into our boutique with Pinterest boards and collections of photos they’ve curated from Instagram; others have a blank palette and are unsure about what they want. Bridal gowns are all about patterns and lines and how they complement a bride’s body. Taking the journey with an open mind and allowing oneself to fully experience it — to walk through it at one’s own pace — is the best advice we can offer our brides. Choosing a salon with a boutique feel, one that allows a bride the space to make informed decisions, is an essential first step.
