The Gown and Beyond Wedding Podcast

A Real Wedding Podcast for Real Brides

Welcome to The Gown & Beyond Wedding Podcast, where wedding dress shopping gets real. Hosted by Ramona Southard, owner of Love and Lace Bridal Salon, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to find your perfect wedding dress—emotionally, practically, and fashionably.

Wedding dress shopping is such an essential part of a bride’s story! We want to explore, explain, and celebrate the bridal process and also give you a glimpse of everything that happens behind the scenes. We will talk candidly about today’s bride and how she searches for a dress, and all things related to that journey!

You will also be privy to the way the process unfolds from the salon’s point of view – dealing with the brides and their families, the bridezillas we put up with, as well as the sweet ones that make us cry!

Wedding dress shopping is such an essential part of a bride’s story! We want to explore, explain, and celebrate the bridal process and also give you a glimpse of everything that happens behind the scenes! We will talk candidly about today’s bride and how she searches for a dress, and all things related to that journey!

You will also be privy to the way the process happens on the other end – from the salon’s point of view: dealing with the brides and their families, the bridezillas we put up with as well as the sweet ones that make us cry!

Why Brides Love This Wedding Podcast

We talk openly about the journey every bride goes through—navigating opinions, emotions, budgets, and expectations—to find the gown that genuinely feels like them. From heartfelt moments to high drama, our episodes explore what it means to say “yes” to the dress on your terms.

If you’re a bride-to-be, stylist, planner, or love bridal stories, this wedding podcast is a must-listen.

About the Host: Ramona Southard

The Gown and Beyond Wedding Podcast logo – The Love and Lace Bridal's podcast hosted by Ramona and the team, exploring wedding dress shopping, bridal stories, and behind-the-scenes salon insights.

Ramona is the founder and fearless leader of Love and Lace Bridal Salon, a boutique bridal experience in Orange County, California, built to empower women to embrace their individuality.

“I started Love and Lace Bridal because I wanted brides to have a space where they could feel safe, celebrated, and supported in choosing a dress that reflects who they are. I fell in love with the creativity of this industry and the incredible women it brings together.”

Her warmth, honesty, and 10+ years of experience are the heart of The Gown & Beyond. You’ll laugh, cry, and learn something new every episode.

What You’ll Hear on the Podcast

  • How real brides find the perfect wedding dress
  • What happens behind the scenes in a bridal salon
  • Honest takes on bridezillas, breakdowns, and breakthroughs
  • Expert tips on bridal fashion, trends & timelines
  • Empowering stories about identity, style, and self-expression

What Makes This Wedding Podcast Stand Out?

Unlike other wedding podcasts, The Gown & Beyond offers unfiltered insight from inside a real bridal salon. Hosted by an expert with years of bridal industry experience, this podcast blends humor, heartfelt stories, and practical advice in every episode. Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in wedding planning, each conversation is packed with relatable moments and real advice you won’t find anywhere else.

From gown fittings to guest list drama, we share it all—so you’ll walk into your appointment informed, empowered, and excited to find your dress.

Subscribe & Listen Now:

Listen to The Gown & Beyond Wedding Podcast wherever you stream your favorite podcasts:

Ready to Say “Yes” to the Dress?

Book your bridal appointment now and discover why Love and Lace Bridal is more than just a bridal salon— it’s a celebration of YOU.

Book Your Bridal Appointment Here

Keep up with us on Instagram

  • @yoavrish and Lex are a match made in heaven with their mutual appreciation for an accessory. This week’s Dress of the Week features the Rocco gown by @rish_bridal ✨ Click the link in our bio if you think the Rocco gown could be the one! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #laceweddingdress #bridetobe #uniqueweddingdress
  • “From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
  • Rapid Fire This or That 💍 Were you surprised by any of their answers? #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #orangecounty #bridetobe #engaged
  • You don’t need to see 30, 40, or 50 gowns to confirm you found the one. It can be the first dress you ever tried on. It can be at the first shop. You just never know! When it feels right, have the confidence in yourself to say “Yes, I know this feels like me and it feels right!” Trust that feeling! 🤍 #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #bridetobe #engaged #weddingdressshopping
  • How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
View on Instagram
@loveandlacebridalsalon
@loveandlacebridalsalon
•
Follow
@yoavrish and Lex are a match made in heaven with their mutual appreciation for an accessory. This week’s Dress of the Week features the Rocco gown by @rish_bridal ✨ Click the link in our bio if you think the Rocco gown could be the one! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #laceweddingdress #bridetobe #uniqueweddingdress
32 minutes ago
7
View on Instagram |
1/5
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” - Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” - Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” - Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” - Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
@loveandlacebridalsalon
@loveandlacebridalsalon
•
Follow
“From the moment I walked into your shop, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone on your team was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuine. I never once felt pressured or rushed into making such an important decision. Instead, you gave me the time and space I needed while also being honest about timelines and what was realistic, which I truly appreciated.” – Daisy “Being your very first bride at your new location made the experience feel even more special, and I was so touched by the generous discount you gave me. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always remember.” – Daisy “Because of your team, I was able to wear the dress I had envisioned on one of the most important days of my life. Every time I look back at these photos, I’m reminded of how beautiful and confident I felt, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” – Daisy “Thank you for everything you did to help make our dream wedding a reality. Your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made this part of the planning process so enjoyable, and I’ll always recommend your boutique to future brides.” – Daisy Thank you, @daisyxcastro , for being our first “Yes!” at our Orange location. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! 🫶🏼 The Dahlia Gown by @alenaleenabridal #loveandlacebridal #2026bride #realbride #alenaleena #laceweddingdress
2 days ago
434
View on Instagram |
2/5
@loveandlacebridalsalon
@loveandlacebridalsalon
•
Follow
Rapid Fire This or That 💍 Were you surprised by any of their answers? #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #orangecounty #bridetobe #engaged
3 days ago
19
View on Instagram |
3/5
@loveandlacebridalsalon
@loveandlacebridalsalon
•
Follow
You don’t need to see 30, 40, or 50 gowns to confirm you found the one. It can be the first dress you ever tried on. It can be at the first shop. You just never know! When it feels right, have the confidence in yourself to say “Yes, I know this feels like me and it feels right!” Trust that feeling! 🤍 #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #bridetobe #engaged #weddingdressshopping
4 days ago
16
View on Instagram |
4/5
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
@loveandlacebridalsalon
@loveandlacebridalsalon
•
Follow
How you FEEL in a wedding gown is the thing to prioritize!!! You’re going to look beautiful in so many gowns, but “the one” will make you FEEL like the bridal version of you. That’s what you’re looking for! Follow for more bridal tips! #loveandlacebridal #2027bride #weddingdresses #weddingdressshopping #bridetobe
6 days ago
16
View on Instagram |
5/5