Real Weddings Partner Profile: AdvantageBridal.com

Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week we highlight entrepreneur Sandy Keller, owner of Advantage Bridal. Sandy is an inspiration to all of us here at Real Weddings Magazine! Not only does she run a very successful online retail business, she has also founded 2B Restored, a charity that helps uninsured women who cannot afford breast reconstruction after a cancer diagnosis. What an amazing lady! Take it away, Sandy…

AdvantageBridal.com

Tell us a little about your company? Founded in 1992, we operated two bridal shops before moving to strictly online in 2004. We love being creative and designing unique items for our brides, including one-of-a-kind apparel items and personalized gifts only found on AdvantageBridal.com.
What sets you apart from your competition? Our huge selection of more than 22,000 items on our site, plus thousands of personalized wedding invitations and gifts available on our partner sites. We offer many exclusive items that are only sold on our site and are not available elsewhere.
Where do you find inspiration? Styles from the fashion industry both in the U.S. and abroad, and we receive many requests from our brides. We love making their dreams come true by creating new items upon request.
When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? Highly personalized service and the very best prices.
Do you have any hidden talents? Yes, I can remember all of my former car license plates, phone numbers and other useless information!
What trend do you see coming for weddings this year? More custom touches, with monograms and custom accessories.

Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site? Yes, site.advantagebridal.com/blog/
Do you Facebook? Yes, facebook.com/AdvantageBridal
Can you share a funny/embarrassing/touching story about one of your clients (you don’t have to include their name)? I once had an appointment with a bride, her sister and her mother so they could shop for some accessories. The bride had a headpiece and veil on, and was admiring herself in the mirror. Her sister asked about the significance of the veil over the bride’s face, and her mother replied, “It’s the symbol of virginity.” The bride quickly threw the veil back over her head and said, “Then I cannot wear it!” Her mother yelled, “What?” and the bride realized that she’d just revealed something of a very sensitive nature and turned beet red.
What’s your favorite local charity? 2B Restored, the charity I founded to help uninsured women who cannot afford breast reconstruction after a cancer diagnosis. Advantage Bridal carries a great line of pink ribbon apparel and accessories which help raise funds for my charity.
What is your favorite fun thing to do locally? My children, husband and I love participating in Mustang cruises and shows.
Do you have secret vice or indulgence? Yes What is it? Long, hot showers.
What are you most grateful for in life? My husband, children and the rest of my family.
If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you? Photos and a video — I would splurge on those!
What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Don’t sweat the small stuff. There’s no such thing as a stress-free perfect wedding. At the end of the day, you will be married and that is the prize…focus on that!
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? We are eager to hear from brides because we love helping them make their wedding dreams come true. Every bride is unique and her wedding is too. We appreciate the privilege of being a part of such an important occasion!
Find out more about Sandy Keller and her team at AdvantageBridal.com by visiting her Web site, Blog, and Facebook Page!
Photos courtesy of AdvantageBridal.com.