Written by Abbie Walker

Samantha Woo has designed wedding dresses since she was a little girl.

“My mother sewed all her life,” said Woo. “The scraps of fabric that fell on the floor while she was working became my playground.”

Woo grew up in Vietnam and moved to America when she was about 13 years old.

While in college, she was on track to become a lawyer, but visiting her mother in Vietnam reignited her passion for design. Woo studied fashion design at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Mississippi College.

She opened Bridal House by Woo in 2015 to feature her custom line of wedding dresses.

The Woo Couture collection is perfect for the bride that wants to stand out. With intricate beading, long trains and a “princess feel,” Woo Couture is glamour and drama.

“It gives me a chance to be creative and play around with different textures, colors and details,” says Woo.

Her other collection, Samantha, focuses on soft, southern elegance. “I love clean lines and a structured, timeless look,” says Woo.

No matter the style of wedding dress someone is looking for, Woo strives to provide a personal experience.

“We are here to serve our brides,” said Woo, who has been married for 11 years and has two children. “I spend time really getting to know the bride and what she is envisioning for her wedding day. And I love hearing the stories of how the bride and groom met.”

Bridal House by Woo also carries wedding dresses by a variety of other designers, as well as dresses for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride.

“We have a little bit of everything,” said Woo. “Bohemian, elegant, dramatic.” Her design expertise allows Woo and her team to offer knowledgeable recommendations about style and fit for each bride.

Woo Couture is manufactured in Mississippi, and all the intricate beading work is done by hand. They also offer alterations in-house, and Woo is in the process of expanding her studio space across from Highland Village on Old Canton Road in LeFleur East so she can continue designing her one-of-a-kind wedding dresses.

Woo suggests brides start shopping for a dress 6-8 months before their wedding. “Make a Pinterest board, set a budget and get a clear vision of what you’re wanting,” she explains. “But it’s also important to stay open-minded.”

Visit woocouture.com or call 601.405.4840 to book an appointment.