Andria Bird Bride Comes to Spring Street

Here comes the bride, and she's headed towards Spring Street!

Andrea Sperl, a recent Salve Regina University graduate, has returned to her alma mater's city to open bridal boutique Andria Bird Bride after completing fashion school in New York.

Sperl, who launched a successful bridal accessories line in May 2011, has branched out into the world of bridal gowns in the boutique, selling several handpicked selections. She is also selling her accessories exclusively out of the boutique.

We caught up with Sperl to see how the first month has been.

How did you end up with a bridal shop?

I graduated from Salve in 2009, where I was an elementary education/special education major. I moved to Boston and taught there for a year before going to FIT in New York. I studied fashion and finished in May 2011. After I graduated, I launched an accessories line which I showed at the Ocean Cliff trunk show. I opened about a month ago.

Does Andria Bird Bride have a special meaning?

Yes, my name is Andrea Sperl, but Bird is my mother's maiden name.

Why did you choose to open a store in Newport?

I love Newport. I've lived in Boston and Manhattan and I love it here, especially since it's such a supportive community. Even my neighbors are awesome, they've been so welcoming.

What can people expect from your store?

I only carry pieces from independent designers, like myself, that are handmade in the U.S. I also exclusively carry my designs. Most things here you won't find anywhere else. I want brides to have a really personal experience and get to look through the dresses. Each dress is custom made to order. I want them to feel comfortable. For now, I want to keep it small.

Do you draw inspiration from other designers when creating your accessories?

Accessories are a funny little world. It's a smaller community and I come up with everything on my own. It's not like fashion with big name designers.

What designers do you carry?

Ariel Jennifer Taub, Chaviano Couture, Lindee Daniel and Whitney Deal. Dresses range from $1,200 to $6,000, so there's something for almost every price point.

Andrea Bird Bride is located at 225 Spring St. Summer hours will begin June 20, which are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 401.924.3789 to make an appointment.