Alt Brides

Alt. Brides is the realization of a lifelong goal for sisters Kristin and Marisa, who always dreamed of opening a family business. The idea for Alt. Brides was born in 2012 when Kristin, shopping for a dress for her own wedding, became disappointed with Bay Area bridal options. Even in areas as culturally and stylistically diverse as San Francisco and Oakland, Kristin had trouble finding a gown that fit her non-traditional style and budget. The sisters quickly began brainstorming ideas for opening a very different type of shop — one that would break the mold of traditional bridal and showcase independent designers in a more flexible and fun format. Food and fashion trucks proved an inspiration through their fun designs, mobility, and convenience. Mobile bridal began to make sense.

Alt. Brides’ boutique began life as a 20-foot police cargo truck. Radically transformed from gunmetal to gorgeous, its sleek truck exterior hid a beautiful boutique inside. Fully customized by local-area artisans, the striking space features transparent entrance doors, hand-crafted walnut cabinetry, a pressed white tin-like ceiling, hand-painted succulents, and a spacious dressing room.

Within a year the sister duo won SF Magazine’s Best bridal shop. Running into the problems of growth with owning a store on wheels, Alt Brides opened up a brick and mortar in 2017. I worked on their photography, videography, content planning and social media from inception to their decision to close in 2018 to raise a family.