Meet the Team

JESSICA STANIS | General Manager

Jessica's passion for weddings began at the early age of 12 when she would read wedding magazines and sketch gown ideas. She developed her expertise on weddings at the College of Charleston, SC while working with the esteemed Calder Clark luxury event planning team. After moving home to northern Virginia, a fateful fete (and a great pair of DVF shoes) brought Carine and Jessica together. Jessica believes bridal stylists work much like matchmakers, finding the right gown, for the right bride, at the right time.

WILLIAM MARTINEZ | Bridal Director

William Martinez II was born in Detroit, Michigan and found a passion for fashion in his youth. William had an early start in his couture career as a costume designer for film and commercial projects. His success in the industry soon brought him to Chicago where he took his talents from fashion to beauty as a global makeup artist with Burberry. William inevitably  found his way back to fashion - but found that bridal combined his talents best and has now been in the industry for almost 10 years. William started at Roma Sposa, then became the buyer/manager at Ultimate Bride in Chicago and has now found his home here in DC at Carine's Bridal. William brings an artful eye to our atelier with exquisite taste and a genuine, humble spirit.

MAGDALENA NICKLE | Stylist & Alterations Coordinator

Magdalena’s journey into the fashion world began with a profound interest in self-expression and artistic creativity. Growing up in Northern Virginia, she was captivated by styling from an early age, whether it was crafting unique outfits inspired by 90’s sitcoms or designing costumes for school theater. While pursuing an Associates in Social Sciences with aspirations in the nonprofit sector, Magdalena found her true calling in sustainable fashion during the pandemic, creating upcycled designs and sharing her work online.

Her passion for the bridal industry was ignited through a connection with a friend’s sister, leading her to explore the world of luxury bridal. Magdalena’s mission is to assist each bride in finding her perfect gown—a piece that resonates with her true self and makes her feel radiant on her special day. To her, fashion is an art form without limits, and she thrives on making each bride’s vision a reality, ensuring they feel both confident and beautiful as they celebrate their special moments.

KATE GARRETT | Stylist

Kate Garrett’s journey into the fashion industry took root in her hometown of Auburn, Alabama, where she developed a passion for style while attending Auburn University. During college, Kate worked at the high-end fashion boutique Behind The Glass, where she discovered her love for helping clients curate perfect outfits for special occasions. Inspired by the joy of collaborating with customers, Kate decided to channel her enthusiasm for fashion into her career. Kate aims to craft the perfect ensemble for each bride, ensuring every detail aligns with her unique vision and personal style. She is committed to creating ensembles that not only enhance the bride’s beauty but also reflect her personal flair, ensuring she feels truly extraordinary on her big day.

ELLA HANSON | Stylist 

Ella's journey into the world of fashion began as a summer intern at the atelier while attending the University of Maryland. She honed her skills in fashion business at the Fashion Institute of Technology, captivated by how fashion blends creativity with personal expression. Ella's dedication to the bridal industry stems from her belief that it demands both hard work and artistic flair, offering a unique path for both self-discovery and creative expression. She has been challenged to deeply understand and meet the diverse needs of brides, helping them realize their dreams, whether big or small. Ella believes her work with brides is a collaborative process, aimed at making each bride feel beautiful and confident as they prepare for their special day.

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. She combines her skills in sewing, wardrobe styling, and painting to add artistic flair to every project. In her free time, Shira enjoys painting, exploring new cuisines, traveling, and spending time with family.