Meet the Team

ABBY BERTRAM | Assistant Manager

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Abby holds a B.A. in Art History from Lindenwood University and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Art History at American University, focusing on costume history and the parallels between Ancient Greco-Roman subcultures and the Flemish Baroque. Over the past 10 years, Abby has worked as both a bridal stylist and assistant manager in boutiques across the country while supporting her husband's military career. She believes bridal styling is about more than finding the perfect dress—it's about building trust, celebrating meaningful moments, and creating an experience that helps every bride feel confident, beautiful, and authentically herself on one of the most memorable days of her life.

 

SHIRA BENSON | Stylist 

Shira's journey into fashion began in Badin, North Carolina, where her country roots inspired big city dreams. Her passion for fashion was ignited at the age of seven when her grandmother taught her to sew. This spark grew into a full flame during an internship at a local bridal boutique in Salisbury, NC, where she discovered her love for bridal fashion. She graduated from North Carolina A&T State University, blending her love for fashion and art through designing and painting on clothing. As the “customization queen,” Shira aims to bring each bride’s vision to life, enhancing their confidence and ensuring they feel beautiful on their special day. 

 

JULISSA PAIZ | Alterations Coordinator 

Julissa’s journey in formal wear began in her hometown of Washington, D.C. With a lifelong passion for the arts—ranging from painting and playing instruments to sewing—she found her way into the bridal industry, where she worked for two years before joining the team at Carine’s. Julissa is currently pursuing a degree in Astronomy at the University of Maryland, a testament to her belief that creativity and curiosity go hand in hand. As our alterations coordinator, she is dedicated to helping brides feel seen, heard, and beautiful in their gowns. Julissa loves bringing each bride’s vision to life and considers it an honor to be part of such a special chapter in their journey.

 

AHJAI SHARP | Stylist 

Ahjai Sharp is a Washington, D.C. native with a background in fashion styling, e-commerce, and visual merchandising. A graduate of Howard University, her perspective is shaped by a deep appreciation for fashion as both art and narrative. She is drawn to designers whose work spans avant-garde couture, iconic bridal design, and refined modernism. At Carine’s, she is passionate about curating a bridal experience that feels elevated, personal, and visually compelling, guiding each bride toward a look that resonates beyond the moment. Outside of the boutique, Ahjai finds inspiration in travel, art, and fashion history.