In this joyful and heartfelt episode of Love Stories Radio, host Rachel Jo Silver sits down with Kelly Keneally, beloved Store Manager at David’s Bridal in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, to uncover what really goes on during a wedding dress appointment—and why the in-store bridal experience is pure magic.

With over a decade of experience helping brides say “yes,” Kelly shares the behind-the-scenes moments you don’t see on TikTok: navigating family dynamics, celebrating with the emotional bell-ringing ceremony, and helping women of all sizes feel beautiful and confident.

Rachel and Kelly dive into the emotional rollercoaster of finding the one—the dress, that is—and why nothing compares to trying it on IRL. They also chat about how social media inspires but doesn’t dictate bridal decisions, what brides are loving in 2025 (spoiler: dusty sage, dreamy barn venues, and coordinated bridesmaid palettes), and how David’s Bridal is expanding to serve every kind of wedding vision, from glam couture to prom and graduation.

Whether you’re a bride, a bridesmaid, or just love weddings, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and feel-good moments from inside one of the most iconic names in bridal.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• The real job of a bridal stylist (think: dream-maker meets therapist)
• Why in-store dress shopping beats online—especially for fit and feel
• How Pinterest and TikTok shape expectations (but not always outcomes)
• Why size inclusivity at David’s Bridal is a game-changer
• Bridesmaid dress trends: dusty tones, mix-and-match styling, and coordinating with Generation Tux
• Venue inspo from barns to gondolas (yes, really)
• Emotional stories from the iconic David’s Bridal bell ceremony
• How Kelly climbed from stylist to store manager and why she can’t imagine doing anything else
• Tune in for tears, laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes goodness from the front lines of bridal retail.

On this episode of Love Stories Radio, host Rachel Jo Silver, GM of Media at David's Bridal and founder of Love Stories TV sits down with Elina Vilk, President of David’s Bridal, for the official launch of Pearl Planner—a revolutionary, AI-powered planning platform that’s about to change the way couples plan their weddings.

Born from David's 70 years of firsthand experience with brides and a passion for solving the real, anxiety-inducing pain points of wedding planning, Pearl Planner replaces your binder, your spreadsheet, and your stress with a personalized, intuitive tool to guide you from “Yes” to “I do.”

Elina breaks down how Pearl Planner streamlines every step, from building your wedding vision board and timeline to surfacing vendors based on your style, location, and budget—plus, it's 100% free.

Whether you’re Type A or totally overwhelmed, planning with a pro or flying solo, Pearl meets you where you are and helps you create the wedding you’ve always imagined—minus the burnout.

Episode Highlights:

• The Wedding Planning Problem: Why even one task (like engagement photos) is actually 10 hidden tasks—and how Pearl helps.

• AI, But Make It Romantic: How generative AI powers a fully customizable planning experience that updates in real time.

•Social Media Meets Sanity: Why pretending wedding pressure doesn’t exist is unhelpful—and how Pearl helps you stay grounded and inspired.

•Vendors Win, Too: High-intent lead generation for local wedding pros—so no one wastes a single red cent on advertising again.

•This is David’s Bridal’s love letter to every bride in America—and a game-changer for the entire industry.

Pearl Planner is now launched in beta. Learn more and request early access at pearl.davidsbridal.com

On this episode of Love Stories Radio, host Rachel Jo Silver, Founder of Love Stories TV and GM of Media for David’s Bridal, sits down with Kelly Cook, CEO of David’s Bridal, to unpack a topic that’s top of mind for everyone in the bridal industry: tariffs. Kelly pulls back the curtain on how David’s Bridal remains resilient in a changing global economy and continues to deliver stunning gowns and exceptional value to every bride, no matter what challenges arise behind the scenes. From a deep dive into their vertically integrated supply chain to the artistry behind every hand-sewn bead, this conversation reveals how David’s stays flexible, innovative, and unwaveringly committed to brides and boutique owners alike.

Episode Highlights: • Tariff Resilience: How vertical integration protects brides from unexpected costs • Around the World: 36 production centers and expert artisans ensure quality and flexibility • Handcrafted Magic: Why David’s gowns are meticulously hand-beaded and custom-designed • Beyond Bridal: How category diversification fuels the brand’s growth and partnerships • Supporting Small Businesses: How David’s scale helps boutique owners thrive