about tesori
Tesori Bridal opened its doors in 2010 as a woman owned and operated business, founded by Erin Bridges & Lindsey McGaugh. What started as an upscale women’s clothing boutique evolved over the course of three years, transitioning into formal wear and special event dresses which eventually led to its best iteration–bridal.
Erin saw a need for a boutique bridal salon in Northwest Arkansas and by 2015, Tesori transitioned to become one of the region's most well-known bridal gown destinations. At Tesori Bridal, we believe that every woman deserves to feel treasured in preparation for her special day.
What truly sets Tesori Bridal apart is our exceptional staff. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of hiring talented, genuine, and knowledgeable women who form a tight-knit family within our smaller staff. When you walk through our doors, you'll be greeted by a team that believes in celebrating your love story in a way that honors you.
As you enter Tesori Bridal, take a moment to breathe. Trust that you are in the right place. Our staff are professional dreammakers, ready to immerse themselves in your vision and help bring it to life. We invite you to come with an open mind, allowing us to show you the dream version of yourself for your wedding day.
Our carefully handpicked collections cater to every bride and her unique vision. Whether you're looking for a traditional gown or something more contemporary, we are here to assist you in curating your one of a kind look. We pay attention to every detail, ensuring that you feel confident and excited about your special day.
Let’s celebrate your love story!
erin bridges
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Introducing Erin, the commander and chief (aka Fairy Godmother) of Tesori. Born and raised in northwest Arkansas, Erin deeply deserves her role as a pillar in this community. She is a proud alumni of The University of Arkansas, where she cheered for the 1994 National Championship basketball team as a member of the Razorback pom squad. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Erin jumped headfirst into the retail world at age 19.
Erin's love for all things makeup and skincare led her to Estee Lauder during her college years, where she honed her skills, discovered her business acumen and obtained her estheticians license. In 2000, Erin, alongside her sister Linden, took this passion and opened her first business - Glo Limited. Glo was a pioneering high-end makeup and skincare boutique in an era without Sephora.
After Glo became established and successful, Erin decided to sell the business and embrace her role as a full-time mom to her amazing kids, Elissa and Evan. In 2010, after a few years of hiatus from the work world, Erin and Lindsey came together and created Tesori, although neither of them knew quite what all Tesori would mean to so many women in NWA.
Why is Tesori so successful? Because of Erin’s genuine heart that beats for her customers, brides and their families. She's all about making sure the Tesori experience is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step through those doors, you're not just another sale - you're part of the Tesori family. Erin goes above and beyond to ensure you feel cherished, pampered and ready to say "I do" in style. But it's not just about the dresses and the details. Erin believes in running Tesori with integrity and a whole lot of heart.
When she's not sprinkling fairy dust at Tesori, Erin finds solace in her peaceful country paradise. Picture this: a quiet animal farm, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and a bunch of furry friends keeping her company.
MEET the TEAM
Ashton
STORE MANAGER
Store Manager. Bridal Consultant. Photographer Liaison. Florist. Bride Advocate. Creative Director. Unofficial Barbecue food critic, Professional Bow tie-er… what are we missing?
A central Missouri Native, Ashton moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2020, wanting a change of scenery after graduating from Missouri State University in the middle of the pandemic. With a new Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Ashton put her creativity and business mindedness together and created Ash Floral Co. She loves celebrating every kind of love story, and having her floral business really fostered her passion for design, well executed plans and working with a client to achieve something beautiful.
In November of 2021, Ashton came to Tesori to drop off Ash Floral Co. business cards and left as a Bridal Consultant. She set off a creative wildfire in Tesori and the store’s relationship with local vendors has grown considerably since her arrival. Having worked in every aspect of the hospitality industry since she was 15, Ashton has some gifts that can only come from experience. No one can understand a mood board, tell you what you need to hear, fix a problem with some super glue and bobby pins or whip up an Excel spreadsheet like Ashton can. In August 2022, she transitioned into the role of Store Manager, which she stepped into gracefully. Ashton is the ringleader of our organized chaos and she brings out the best in each of us!
We are proud to say that Ashton is actually a #tesoriwifey herself! She went to Dallas, Texas with Jack (her ridiculously tall and buff fiance) in November for a weekend getaway and came home with THE ring! She finally “said yes to the dress” in February of this year, and we are all on the edge of our seats to show y’all the gown reveal in April 2024. When Ashton isn’t snuggling with Abe, their golden retriever (the goodest boy), or going on a foodie adventure with her fiance, Ashton loves to travel. She juggles so many different roles at Tesori, but as long as you get her a largeicedblondiehalfsweet from 7 brew when her eyes get a little crazy, she is truly our best asset. We don’t know what we would do without her passion for the store and for her brides.
Most likely to: tell a bride that her opinion is the only one that matters and she can be as picky as she wants because it’s her day! (oops!)
Emma
BRIDAL CONSULTANT & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Originally from Fort Collins, CO, Emma has lived in NWA for 5 years and is a proudly converted Southern Mama. Emma began as a Bridal Consultant with Tesori during her engagement season in 2022 and her love of wedding dresses and celebrating love stories has not stopped since. She has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 18 years old and thrives when she can help a bride nail the vibe of her dream wedding day.
Emma attended Missouri Southern, where she earned a degree in OTA that she has never used due to a whirlwind romance right after graduating when she met her now husband, Chad, a northwest Arkansas native and U of A alumni. Together, they have a beautiful five year old daughter, Kennedy and a German Shorthaired Pointer, Pepper. When she isn’t chasing the babies around their backyard or taking Bridal Appointments at the shop, you can find her at Westwood Gardens adding to her ever growing houseplant collection (addiction), or rooting for the Hogs in full spirit gear (WPS!!).
Never more than 5 feet away from an oat milk latte, Emma is a strong type A personality whose calm demeanor and organized mentality help to ground the Tesori team for the better. Although she is the last bridal consultant to join our team, her drive and passion for her brides has made her an invaluable addition. She is the epitome of a work big sister! Emma strongly believes that every type of love story deserves to be celebrated and she goes above and beyond to make those dreams come true for her brides.
Most likely to: say “I have goosebumps!” (and mean it!) during a bridal appointment.
Chaney
LEAD BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Born and raised in North Little Rock, Chaney moved to Fayetteville for college and has never looked back. She is a full time student at the University of Arkansas studying Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. She was a Diamond Doll for the Razorback Baseball Team (see you at Baum!) for her first two years, and is a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. To say she’s a girl’s girl is an understatement and we could not love her more for that.
We are all envious of Chaney’s cowboy boot collection and the way she can make them look amazing with anything and everything she wears. She has a concerning obsession with Hot Cheetos, so much that Ashton keeps them in stock in the Tesori office for those just in case moments (iykyk). Chaney may be tiny and feisty, however if a bride gets emotional during her “say yes” moment, Chaney is likely right there crying with her.
Celebrating her three year anniversary with Tesori this February, Chaney has rightfully earned the title of Lead Bridal Consultant. Ever since branching into this corner of the fashion industry during her freshman year of college, she knew in her heart (and ours!) this was her niche. As a senior, she intends on staying in the bridal industry post graduation. The connection with brides and being a small part of curating their happily ever after is so rewarding and makes Chaney never want to leave Tesori! Chaney has the genuine ability to connect with every single bride and crew who enters our doors. You will leave your bridal appointment with Chaney with a new bff, therapist and cheerleader. Whatever you need to feel like the bride you deserve to be, Chaney will be that girl! Don’t be surprised if she follows you on Instagram after your appointment! #tesoriwifey
Most likely to: know every veil in the store by name and talk about them like they’re people, too. 😉
BRIDAL CONSULTANT, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & PHOTOSHOOT COORDINATOR
Carleigh
Originally from Houston, Texas, Carleigh currently calls Fayetteville home while she pursues a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development with a Minor in Event Management at the University of Arkansas. Carleigh’s official job title at Tesori is Bridal Consultant/Social Media Manager, but her unofficial title is “trendcaster,” keeping her millennial coworkers up to date on what’s trending in the bridal world. Carleigh loves Priscilla Presley and any wedding accessory that has that dramatic, vintage flair. She curates all of our social media, so if you have ever reached out to us on insta, it was Carleigh behind the handle! While she might have a small shopping addiction, she justifies it by the fact that we are all consistently borrowing things from her closet (thanks, Car!!).
Carleigh is fully invested in her experience living in Northwest Arkansas, spending much of her free time outside of the classroom exploring any new exhibit at The Momentary or Crystal Bridges, going to almost every home football game, drinking a pretty pink drink at any local hot spot, or studying hard (duh!) at Onyx Coffee Lab. She rushed Zeta and was voted by her zista’s as “the most likely to sell you your wedding dress,” so obviously she’s committed to the lifestyle. As she looks to the future, Carleigh plans to stay in Fayetteville after graduation and finally get the dog she's always talked about (literally…any dog will do).
Carleigh might be our most quiet Bridal Consultant, but that does not stop her from being one of our most impactful. Her observant spirit and creative eye lead to some of the best pulls for brides; there are so many times where she seems to be able to nail a client’s vision before the bride even knows what exactly she wants. Carleigh is a breath of fresh air in an industry that can come across as pushy or snobby. She has the best heart to heart talks with brides behind dressing room doors, while encouraging and pointing out the best details. She is truly a romantic, and I don’t think we would know what to do without the sweetness that Carleigh brings to the Tesori Team.
Most likely to: wear uncomfortable shoes for the sake of her outfit (beauty is pain).
Abby
BRIDAL CONSULTANT & CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST
Say hello to our Customer Service Specialist, Abby! The youngest on our team, Abby started part-time at Tesori while completing her senior year of high school at Shiloh Christian School. Abby joined her future sister-in-law during her bridal appointment and the rest is history! Abby plans to attend The University of Arkansas in the fall, majoring in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development, while continuing to learn and grow in her role at Tesori. In her free time, Abby participates in soccer, cheer and tennis at Shiloh (she’s actually awesome at everything she does).
Born and raised in Fayetteville, Abby brings so much of her love of NWA into our workplace, her perspective is so youthful, trendy, and fun (and occasionally gluten free 😉). Her easy going personality and patience with our crazy Saturday’s makes her perfect for her job. Abby always steps in to fill in the cracks and ensures that every bride is treated to the full Tesori experience from the moment they walk in the door ‘til the champagne toast. Hopefully we get to keep her forever!
Most likely to: wear something Blair Waldorf approved