Childhood friends Carin Rosenberg Levine and Julia Lichtman Kepniss opened trendy Georgetown bridal salon Hitched two and half years ago.
Do brides ever come in with their fiancés?
Yeah, we do get that from time to time, but not frequently — I’d say only about 10 or 20 percent of ourbrides do that. … I think actually the people who bring their fiancés end up realizing it’s easier to shop alone.
How do you choose which designers you carry?
When we first were opening, we did a careful study as to what designers were represented in different markets, who was fabulous to work with, who had unique fabrics or designs. We really set out to bring designers to D.C. who didn’t exist here. As we’ve evolved, we’ve really added to the collection and tried to make sure we have different things for different types of people.
Do brides ever suffer buyer’s remorse about their dresses?
We actually haven’t had that yet here — at least, not that we know about. We’ve received some brides who’ve bought elsewhere and ended up deciding they didn’t want the dress, and come in here for a new one.
What are the bridal fashion shows like?
They happen twice a year, in April and October in New York. They run the gamut on what they are — some do full-fledged fashion shows, with others you’re in their studios and there’s a model in there. Other designers, you pick and choose the designs you want to see ahead of time.
What’s the best part of your job?
Working together — we’ve known each other since the seventh grade. … And what’s exciting about owning a business is that every day is different. One moment you’re going to fashion shows and sitting next to one of your favorite designers, and the next day you’re cleaning the toilet and vacuuming.
