“The best part of my business, is seeing my brides light up with joy when their fantasy becomes reality.” - Christie Lauren

Christie’s mother, Denise Leli, started designing bridal veils and headpieces in 1990 naming the brand after her daughter, Christie Lauren Leli. Throughout childhood, Denise always dressed Christie up in elaborate attire with fun details and bright colors. Christie was always decked out in big bows, and fabulous hats. She had a great sense of style at a very young age. And thus, “ Fairytales by Christie” was born. Denise expanded the business into bridal accessories shortly thereafter, and changed the brand to “Denise Leli New York” to appeal to a more sophisticated client in the bridal market.

As Christie grew older, she admired her mom as a confidant, a businesswoman and as her very own fashion icon. Spending time amongst brides with her mom in  bridal salons, and creating bridal headpieces at the kitchen table with Denise, further inspired Christie’s passion for the bridal . She decided to develop her career in fashion and studied at Parsons School of Design in NYC. Christie started designing wedding headpieces and Veils of her own. After a few years working side by side with her mom, little by little, Denise passed more responsibilities of the business onto Christie and Christie took the lead.

Sadly, in 2018 Denise passed away. Christie was heartbroken and determined to carry on her mother’s legacy, by dreaming of opening multiple locations and selling her work to salons around the world, which indeed has come to fruition. In honor of Denise Leli, Christie Lauren opened her second location in Queens, NY in 2021. 

Today Christie Lauren is world renowned and can be found at the world famous Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, North Carolina, Texas, Greece and Paris to name a few- in addition to the flagship store in Manhasset, NY established in 2011.

 Christie Lauren has been a staple in the bridal industry for over 30 years and over the last ten years, Christie has broadened her clientele to include some of the most opulent brides among the luxury wedding scene. Christie prides her business on building relationships and giving her brides a fun and honest experience.