Our Story

Lena worked for Bella Sala Event Center, where The Bridal Shop once was a one-stop-shop for all things bridal. Lena was given the opportunity to help plan and manage wedding events, with her eye for color, style and fashion, Lena was able to receive the freedom and space to create, grow, and thrive in the bridal and wedding world.

Then...as fate would have it, it clicked so perfectly; like this was what Lena was supposed to be doing her whole life. Lena is so grateful to have had the experience that was guided and given by many. Lena never saw it coming for her...but one day, Lena was asked if she would like to take over The Bridal Shop, revamp and move to a bigger city. Lena couldn't see life without The Bridal Shop. Lena couldn't believe owning a salon & spa, traveling to extend her cosmetology license and knowledge would of led her heart to owning The Bridal Shop. Lena's vision for the rebrand and look of The Bridal Shop just flowed so easily into place; Lena loves modern and elegant colors and obsessed with all things rose gold and teal. Lena wanted the first moment you walk into her boutique and experience to be so elevated and bouji, because that is truly what Lena thinks every bride deserves! As crazy and stressful as life is these days, Lena wants her brides to feel just so taken care of and fussed over when they come into The Bridal Shop. The Bridal Shop boutique is a beautiful space that was created with so much love, hopes and dreams.

Welcome to the #TBS Family. We are so happy you're here!

Two decades ago, we set out to create a bridal shop for YOU, by YOU - a highly curated and simplified experience, with wedding dresses and wedding attire that match our brides' vision and inspiration.We built The Bridal Shop on the values of authenticity, inclusivity, community, and commitment. The Bridal Shop boutique was created with love and passion for the intention to walk in and feel like you're on cloud nine. Our promise we make to you is that we do not push high pressure sales, we do not believe in the one-size-fits-all services and we do not have overcrowded racks. We are the expert stylists that always have your back (and your vision in mind)

Our values we hold is the baseline of authenticity. We are always honest and celebrate others in their unique individual love stories. We are actively seeking out and discovering new ways to grow. We live on the lookout for better and we bring this value to our collections, our processes, ourselves, and our community. Our expert stylists, our designers, our brides, and our local wedding vendor communities are all in it together. Here at The Bridal Shop we keep it light-hearted, remembering love, we are a safe place for our brides, where everyone experiences a true sense of belonging and encounters emphatic hearts and open minds that have your back. We believe this journey through your engagement to the wedding, is one thing in life that is undeniably meant to bring out the upmost fun in you. We are so lucky to be able to spend our days with all the wedding frills and brides to make the most of it by prioritizing a good time for everyone!

Meet the Lovely Owner

Lena Christner

Lena was born and raised in Iowa City, IA. She graduated with a Cosmetology License right after high school. Lena opened up her own Salon and Spa in 2008. Lena traveled around the United States building her clientele. Accompanying her love for cosmetology; Lena has always had a passion for the bridal industry. That passion married her creativity and spunk into the perfect Bridal Stylist to Bridal Owner. Lena's amazing talent and eye for color, style and fashion has made her invaluable to The Bridal Shop and the customers that come through her boutique doors. Lena lives for all things bridal. As she quotes "If you can wear it to a wedding we've got you covered! Here at The Bridal Shop we care deeply about your love story, your vision and personal style, and we cannot wait to help bring your wedding dreams to life!"

Meet our Social Marketer

Assistant Manager

After moving to Coralville from my hometown of Des Moines, I found an opportunity at The Bridal Shop. I instantly knew it was the perfect fit for my interests and my education.

My passion for the wedding industry began with my bachelor's degree in Textiles & Apparel and Women's Health from the University of Northern Iowa. Combined with my college internship experience in Men's formal wear, I've gained a deep understanding of fabric and fit. This background allows me to ensure every bride finds a gown that makes her feel truly confident, beautiful, and ready for her big day.

I am passionate about the ever-evolving world of bridal fashion. By staying current with the latest trends and styles, I can offer the most diverse and creative guidance, ensuring the perfect personalized look. Beyond the gown, I have a deep love for styling the complete ensemble, seeing accessories as the essential details that bring the overall bridal vision to life.

Learning from and working alongside our Owner, Lena, has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring. I deeply value her mission and values at The Bridal Shop, and I am grateful to contribute to a company that puts so much care into the bride experience every single day.

Quote by Owner Lena
"Watching Payton work with brides is incredibly rewarding. Her passion for bridal fashion and attention to detail ensure that every bride feels seen, supported, and beautiful from start to finish."

When you step into The Bridal Shop, you will see how much passion, care and love we have for what we do and what we LOVE!!!

Our Bridal Shop Stylists, put their heart and soul into each and every customer making sure they feel welcomed, listened to, and appreciated.