About Dreamers & Lovers
Dreamers & Lovers was started in 2012. Designer/Co-Founder Yanique Barnes dream-making mission started when her BFF was searching for a dress, which would fit her low-key Big-Sur wedding. She was faced with a shortage (or complete absence) of designs that would match her laid-back style and modest budget. The bridal industry seemed to cater only to brides content to spend a fortune, feel frumpy, extravagant, constricted and overdressed.
It struck Yanique that the whole approach to weddings was so weighed down by tradition that the necessities of individuality, expression and personal comfort were mostly being overlooked. This experience motivated Yanique to leave her dream job at Chanel and start the brand. That’s how our story began. Yanique’s own grandmother had spent her entire life making custom clothing so she felt the stars had aligned.
In every bride-to-be who e-mails us or walks through the atelier doors, Yanique sees her best friend, the same free-spirit, looking to pave her own way and tell her unique story on her wedding day.
How We Do It
We have our own atelier now. Our own production is in the same space as our showroom, where our brides-to-be can come to feel both welcomed and understood. Every sketch, cut, and seam is done in our California atelier. We operate out of a beautiful and cozy space, much larger than Yanique’s tiny garage where Dreamers & Lovers was started. We love sharing this story, to show that dreams do come true, and everything is possible if you are passionate, love helping people and are willing to work hard.
The Team
Dreamers & Lovers is made up of a sisterhood of women who shares the goal of dreaming big, and exceeding the expectations of our brides. Our seamstresses all have over 30 years of experience. The skill set they possess is equal parts art and science. We live for the happy tears, testimonials and thank you notes from our happy brides. We see our work as an art form and as an obligation, an obligation to every bride who takes us into their confidence. We are here to make your dreams come true on your wedding day.
