This Vintage Wedding Gown Haven Is Located in a Dreamy Outdoor Oasis in Silver Lake

As if wedding planning wasn't hard enough, finding the perfect vintage designer bridal gown can feel like you're digging for a diamond in the rough. For throwback fashion-loving brides looking for a shopping experience that's as magical as their big day, new L.A. bridal atelier Maison Sully is here to answer that call at its dreamy outdoor oasis in Silver Lake.

Founded by luxury event planning pro and vintage collector Melissa Sullivan, the alfresco anti-showroom is located in a private garden inspired by the bohemian vibes of Marrakesh. The appointment-only space showcases pre-loved and upcycled pieces from the 1930s through the '70s (with a special focus on Mod and disco silhouettes) — think everything from "traditional" white lace gowns and bell-sleeved wonders to beaded mini dresses and ivory jumpsuits.

Expect luxury names like Valentino, Thierry Mugler, Gene Shelly, and Mary McFadden, as well as many other non-designer finds from decades past. Prices range from $600 to $2200 for bridal gowns and $300 to $400 for accessories, basics, and attire for wedding-goers.

Maison Sully offers alterations so that brides can wear a truly bespoke gown down the aisle. For those not yet comfortable with in-person appointments, the atelier also virtual styling sessions. And later this spring, Sullivan says she'll launch her own line of wedding accessories.

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"I had been an avid vintage collector for years," Sullivan tells UncoverLA. "By the time I started collecting bridal pieces, I had been working in weddings for a little over six years so I just couldn't help myself when I came across formal pieces when visiting shops, fairs, and estate sales."

Sullivan herself knows a thing or two about pulling off fashionable nuptials. Before Maison Sully, she earned her five-star party stripes as a luxury event producer, and worked with celebrity wedding planners including Yifat Oren, Mindy Weiss, and Colin Cowie.

"My experience in event planning taught me how to really talk to people and understand their desires and needs," explains Sullivan. "I have worked intimately with many brides over the years and have listened to their struggles in finding pieces that feel 'right' for them; [that] feel unique, totally standout, and personal to their story, without being an unattainable expense. Editing vintage pieces addresses a lot of those concerns."

L.A. brides can book an appointment via Maison Sully's website or by emailing madame@maisonsully.com.

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We recently sat down with Sullivan to learn more about her journey from high-end event producer to stylish bride outfitter, how Maison Sully is inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, and more. Read on below, and scroll through the gallery above to get a peek at the open-air bridal haven and some of the ceremony-ready pieces.

How'd you get your start in the luxury event planning world, and what drew you to it?

My debut into event planning was a little over 10 years ago when I landed an internship with Colin Cowie Lifestyle in New York City while studying at FIT, primarily handling sourcing, purchasing, and shipping for both domestic and international events. Though a business major, I was really interested in design and took creative classes on the side. Events, especially at that high level, were intriguing to me. The mix of design and logistics was a unique combination that really suited both sides of my brain.

Bridal Fashion Week and the travel were huge pulls as well. That internship turned into a full-time producer job, and I worked there for five years before moving to Los Angeles. I feel very lucky to have gotten my start there. 

How long has the idea been in the works, and what inspired you to pursue it as a business — and during a pandemic, no less?

I decided to officially pursue it as a business when I started collecting vintage wedding attire about four years ago, though subconsciously I've probably been thinking about it for much longer.

My interest in upcycling clothes goes as far back as my middle school years. My mom was an avid sewer, and taught me to sew when I was really young. I remember experimenting with editing clothes back then; at the time it was doing things like turning shirts into skirts or handbags. I also got my love for vintage collecting from my mother. She would take me with her to estate sales and it became our special thing we did together.

I have wanted to create this concept for a long time, both out of passion but also recognizing the need to create something that so many brides seek out. Putting time, effort, and money into a new business during the pandemic was definitely a risk, but I knew I had to take this time and just go for it. 

What inspired the concept of your outdoor atelier?

I suppose the pandemic, Morocco, and my partner! Starting this during the pandemic meant needing a safe space to showcase, and staying outdoors made sense. I did a solo trip to Marrakech two years ago, and often think of the indoor-outdoor shops and markets — sunshine, fresh air, and eclecticism. It feels a little bit like that in the outdoor space at my home.

My partner has also been very supportive about running this business out of our home and helped design the dressing room and layout concept. It's like a pop-up event in a secret garden. It's also just a calm and peaceful setting, a welcome environment in an often stressful planning process.

You've worked for some of the most influential event planners — what were some of the most important lessons learned that guided Maison Sully?

I feel very grateful to have worked for some of the world's best planners. The most important lesson: Whatever the client wants, you do everything to figure it out and there's always a way. With Maison Sully, I apply that to sourcing pieces with certain clients in mind and definitely with the customization service we offer.

For instance, a lot of brides right now are really wanting statement sleeves, so I've enhanced vintage pieces to suit their needs. Everywhere I have worked also strived for perfection and to be the best of the best. One very important mentor though taught me about the principle of wabi-sabi: Accepting imperfection by finding beauty in what makes something unique. Something can be perfect for someone not despite of, but because of those imperfections. I think this very much applies with vintage.

What era in fashion is your personal favorite and why?

The 1960s is a sweet spot for me. It was time for breaking tradition and pushing boundaries. Mod style has always been appealing to me — simple geometric forms with thoughtful and unusual details. These style concepts feel very present in today's fashion. 

What are some of your favorite vintage pieces that you've come across recently?

An incredible vintage piece that I've recently found is a colorful Alfred Bosand gown from the '60s with detached sleeves. Luckily the owner still had them, and now I have another fun project on my hands. I am working to design a way for them to be reincorporated into the piece in such a way that they can easily be detached by the wearer therefore allowing the piece to be transformed throughout an event – fun and unexpected. 

Also, an iridescent, semi-see-through jumpsuit from the '70s that I cannot stop thinking about, it is just too cool. I think we all want to see more jumpsuits (and pants) in weddings!