Blanc de Blanc: A Pittsburgh Bridal Shop Making Dress Shopping a celebration
Finding the dress is one of the most exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, parts of planning a wedding. As photographers, we know how much your gown affects how you feel in front of the camera. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for Pittsburgh bridal shops that create not only a stunning collection of gowns but also a meaningful, stress-free experience for their brides.
One of our absolute favorites? Blanc de Blanc Bridal.
This bright and modern boutique in Lawrenceville has been a go-to for Pittsburgh brides since 2017, and it’s easy to see why. From the curated selection of designers you won’t find anywhere else in the city to the warm and welcoming environment, Blanc de Blanc makes wedding dress shopping feel like a celebration in itself.
We recently chatted with Angelea Kuruc, the owner of Blanc de Blanc, who splits her time between the Pittsburgh shop and her second location in Chagrin Falls, Cleveland. She shared her story, her vision for the shop, and her advice for brides who are just starting the dress search.
Meet Angelea
“My name is Angelea Kuruc, and I’m originally from Pittsburgh. I opened Blanc de Blanc in Lawrenceville in the spring of 2017, and then we expanded to Chagrin Falls in 2023. Honestly, one of the best parts of owning a bridal boutique is getting to meet so many amazing brides, hear their love stories, and walk alongside them during such a special season of life.”
Angelea’s passion for bridal fashion started early. After studying Fashion Design at Kent State University, she moved to New York City to work for independent designer Rebecca Schoneveld. “It was such a full-circle moment because we actually carry her gowns in our boutique now,” she shared.
When she moved back to Pittsburgh in 2016, she saw an opportunity to bring something different to the local bridal scene. “At the time, bridal fashion was shifting. It was becoming less traditional, and new designers were emerging with styles that were modern, unique, and just a little unexpected. Pittsburgh didn’t really have a boutique like that yet, and I wanted Blanc de Blanc to be that space.”
Why “Blanc de Blanc”?
Naming the shop was no small task, but inspiration came from a celebratory staple. “I named it after Blanc de Blanc champagne,” Angelea explained. “I wanted the space to feel white, bright, and airy—and like champagne, it represents celebrating big moments. We even pop bottles in the shop with our brides when they’re saying yes to the dress.”
The Experience
Angelea has been intentional about designing the boutique experience so that brides feel both cared for and celebrated.
“I just wanted to create a really beautiful, welcoming environment for brides and their guests. The planning process can be stressful, and I want brides to walk through our doors and feel like they can breathe. This doesn’t have to be so serious—you’re here to have fun, to enjoy the journey, and to find something that makes you feel incredible.”
From start to finish, the team at Blanc de Blanc makes the process personal. Brides fill out a pre-appointment questionnaire, share Pinterest boards or inspiration images, and then work with their stylist to explore both the racks and custom options.
Unlike many big-box bridal stores, brides are encouraged to browse and feel fabrics for themselves. “Things look so different online compared to in person,” Angelea says. “We want brides to touch the gowns, try on a range of styles, and really see what makes them feel beautiful.”
The Gowns
Blanc de Blanc is known for carrying designers that lean modern, fashion-forward, and customizable. “We love working with independent designers who can make a gown truly one-of-a-kind—whether that’s adding sleeves, changing a lining color, or creating a dramatic slit,” says Angelea.
Many of their designers are exclusive to the shop, attracting brides from as far as New York, West Virginia, and Ohio. Among the most sought-after? “Eva Lendel is always a favorite,” she says. “Their gowns are beautiful, on-trend, and so flattering.”
Bridal trends
When it comes to current bridal trends, Angelea is seeing a return of romance with a modern twist. “We’re seeing a lot of Basque drop waistlines with gathered details, Chantilly lace making a big comeback, and clean mikado fabrics in updated silhouettes. I’m also loving the styling trends like detachable sleeves, lace scarves, and even gloves. Accessories are such a fun way to make your look feel personal and fashion-forward.”
Advice for Brides
For brides nervous about the shopping process, Angelea encourages slowing down and keeping perspective.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. At the end of the day, you’re just trying on clothing—something you do every day. This is about enjoying the experience and finding a dress that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.”
One of her biggest tips? Avoid over-shopping. “It can get overwhelming if you book too many appointments. Focus on enjoying each experience instead of rushing through five stores in one day. And when it comes to guests, bring the people who know you best and will support you in choosing what feels right to you.”
Destination Brides
For brides planning destination weddings, Blanc de Blanc has designers that travel beautifully. “Made With Love has such versatile gowns—you could wear one in the Carnegie Museum or on a beach in Mexico. They’re elegant and transitional, perfect for brides who want something that works anywhere.”
Why We Love Blanc de Blanc
We photograph a lot of Pittsburgh weddings, and we can always tell when a bride has found her gown at Blanc de Blanc. There’s something about the way their dresses move, fit, and feel, they seem to be timeless yet modern, personal yet effortless.
You can view more of this Blanc De Blanc Dress in action from Brandon & Alesha's Bridal Portraits Here.
If you’re a bride in Pittsburgh (or even coming in from out of state), we can’t recommend booking an appointment here enough. Angelea and her team make the process fun, intentional, and stress-free.
And when you find your dream gown? We’ll be there to capture every detail—the movement of the fabric, the delicate lace, and most importantly, the way you feel in it.
Ready to Find Your Dress + Capture the Memories?
Start your journey by booking your appointment at Blanc de Blanc Bridal to discover a gown that feels uniquely you. And when you’re ready to celebrate in front of the camera, we’d love to be there to capture it all. At Mallet Photography, we specialize in Pittsburgh and destination weddings, telling your story through timeless, artful imagery in both photo and video.
Book your dress with Blanc de Blanc, and let’s make sure your love story is beautifully documented from the very first fitting to the final dance.
*All photogrphs in this blog are works by Mallet Photography
