Better Bridal Group
Building a Community of Trust and Growth
Welcome to Better Bridal Group (BBG), a beacon of innovation and support in the bridal boutique world. Founded in 2006 by the visionary Jon Saltzman, BBG has transformed the landscape of bridal fashion and wedding dresses, offering a nurturing community for bridal gown retailers. In 2016, Michelle McFarland assumed the role of President, further solidifying BBG’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Angie Oven, President
Angie Oven owns The Bridal Gallery in Salem Oregon. She bought her store in 2007 and joined the Better Bridal Group shortly after that. Her career as a business banker and her military experience in the US Air Force makes her a diverse business owner with a breadth of experience. She is also the lead business adviser for her local Small Business Development Center and is passionate about coaching entrepreneurs in all industries but her true love is the bridal business.
Angie is a self proclaimed data nerd and loves the numbers and operations side of any business that she is working with. She loves gardening, cooking, and spending time with her bridal besties in sunny parts of the country!
Sandra Gonzalez, Vice President
Sandra Gonzalez is the owner of SPARKLE Bridal Couture in Sacramento, California. Drawing from her family’s bridal business experience, Sandra opened SPARKLE in 2011, establishing it as the first plus-size bridal salon on the West Coast. She attended her first BBG conference in 2006 and has been an active member since, serving as the BBG Annual Seminar MC for nearly 10 years and participating as a speaker and panelist. Additionally, Sandra has been involved with Engaged since it started, acting as a Mastermind and Retreat moderator.
Before her bridal career, Sandra was the Member Relations Manager for the Wine Institute, a trade organization for the California wine industry focused on public policy, sustainability, and international trade. She also produced fundraising events at premier Napa Valley wineries and culinary institutions to support farmworker health and housing initiatives.Sandra loves to travel with family and friends, and the beach is her happy place.
Stephanie Long, Secretary
Stephanie Long is the owner of Mirror Mirror Inc Bridal since 2013 and opened Mirror Mirror Tux in 2024. Both stores are located in Baldwinsville, NY. A member of the Better Bridal Group since 2016, Stephanie has been teaching at the BBG Annual Seminar since 2018. She was appointed to the seminar planning committee in 2020 and took over as the head of education in 2023. In addition to her commitment to BBG, Stephanie has been a member of Engaged since its inception and has enjoyed the role of mastermind leader. Stephanie credits BBG with helping her find confidence and cherishes the lifelong friendships formed within the group. Grateful for the opportunity to give back, Stephanie currently serves as Secretary of BBG, and is happy she has the opportunity to contribute to the community that has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.
Nelson Santos, Treasurer
Nelson Santos is the proud owner of Lisa’s Bridal, the longest running bridal boutique in the lower mainland and Fraser Valley located in New Westminster, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. Together with his sister Celia Knol, Nelson has established a reputation for excellence and personalized service in the bridal industry.
In his role as Treasurer of The Better Bridal Group (BBG), Nelson is committed to enhancing transparency, advancing educational opportunities, and strengthening the sense of community within the organization. His focus is on supporting store owners through the sharing of best practices, fostering growth, and optimizing operational efficiencies.
Nelson’s extensive leadership experience includes an impactful tenure as President of the Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association from 2014-2023, where he developed a strong foundation in management and strategic planning. His contributions also extend to the North American Gay Volleyball Association as a member at large from 2022-present, and he has successfully organized large-scale tournaments with over 300 participants from across North America.
At BBG, Nelson aims to bring his expertise in organizational management and community building to drive the group’s mission forward, ensuring that members achieve their goals of growth, profitability, and streamlined processes.
Nelson is enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply his skills and experiences to the Better Bridal Group, contributing to the collective success and advancement of the bridal retail community.
Lori Losee, Executive Director
Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director of BBG, Lori served as the Executive Concierge beginning in October 2020. Lori has been sprinkling her magic across Seattle as the owner of Elegant Affairs, crafting dream weddings since 2005.
In 2020, Lori expanded her talents into the virtual world by launching The Social Attendant, a Social Media Management and Virtual Assistant business. With almost two decades of experience in the wedding industry, Lori is like a fairy godmother for wedding professionals, offering support and expertise that sparkles with passion.
Beyond the hustle and bustle of day-to-day operations at BBG, Engaged, and NBRA, Lori thrives on witnessing the growth of the businesses she touches. She’s the secret sauce that makes dreams come true and businesses flourish!
When Lori isn’t busy waving her magic wand for BBG, she’s enjoying family life, attending her 2 sons sporting events, and cheering on the Seattle Mariners. ⚾💫
A Unique Space for Bridal Boutique Owners
BBG stands as the longest-running group of independent bridal retail professionals focused exclusively on education and mutual support. Free from the influence of industry manufacturers and online stores, BBG provides a 501(c)(3) non-profit platform where you can confidently discuss and develop strategies for your bridal boutique. Whether it’s navigating the intricacies of bridal fashion or mastering the art of selling wedding dresses, BBG is your go-to resource.
Feeling isolated or overwhelmed in your bridal boutique business?
Contact us for a free consultation and join a community that understands and supports your journey.