History in the Making

VOWS was founded to fulfill a singular mission: provide designer gowns at discount prices so that every bride, regardless of budget, can wear the dress of her dreams.Twenty five years ago, VOWS changed the wedding industry. Identifying the untapped market of wedding gown samples and overstocks, owners Rick and Leslie opened VOWS as the first-ever bridal outlet. While other outlets have since opened, VOWS continues to be the largest, offering gowns from more than 75 designers, including Vera Wang, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Hayley Paige, and more.

Our staff works diligently to curate the most sought-after dresses on the market. Through the years, we have formed close relationships with premiere wedding gown designers, high-end retailers, and famed manufacturers.

Rick and Leslie launched their own bridal line in 2005—Liv Harris Designs. Named after their two children, Olivia Rose and Adam Harris, Liv Harris gowns are made from luxurious silks and exquisite laces. The gowns come in a variety of sizes and are offered at extremely reasonable prices.

In 2012, the TLC network created a show about the store called I Found the Gown, which ran until 2014. Each week, viewers watched brides come to VOWS and find a designer dress of their dreams at an unbelievable price. The show also showed just how far Rick and Leslie would go to locate these dresses for their brides.

The Story of VOWS

The idea for VOWS Bridal Outlet came to Rick and Leslie shortly after their our own wedding. Leslie wanted to walk down the aisle in a designer dress, but just didn’t have a designer budget. No stores were selling high-end dresses at reasonable prices, and so they simply could not afford it. While there was no designer gown on their wedding day, Rick and Leslie got an idea. Six months later, VOWS Bridal Outlet was opened, offering designer wedding gowns to brides on a budget.

Milestones

1992: VOWS opens its doors in a small upstairs location In Newton, MA

1995: VOWS begins working with top designers and largest manufacturers of wedding gowns in the country

1996: VOWS moves to a new expanded location in Newton, MA

2005: VOWS launches its own bridal line named Liv Harris

2007: VOWS adds orderable dresses from top designers such as Wtoo, Allure Bridals, Mikaella

2008: VOWS wins the coveted Best of Boston award and continues to receive this award for 8 years.

2009: : VOWS starts offering plus size gowns off the rack

2009: VOWS moves to a 10,000 sq ft location in Watertown, MA

2012: The TLC network creates a show about VOWS called I Found the Gown.

2017: VOWS is selected as Boston retailer for high-end designer Badgley Mischka