About Us

The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe was founded in 2010 by Melissa Harris Estess and was inspired by her own wedding planning journey. MaeMe provides the southern bride a beautifully curated collection of designer wedding dresses in an intimate, beautiful, and encouraging boutique setting.

Melissa knew that pretty dresses were available in the area, but what was lacking from her own experience at several local bridal shops was the passion and purpose of the journey. Melissa envisioned a boutique that would transform a bride’s experience of just looking for a pretty dress into supporting and encouraging every bride as she selects the wedding gown she will wear for her once-in-a-lifetime moment, when she joins the love of her life in marriage. Melissa’s desire to create a company founded on principles of love, encouragement, and faith led her to step away from her healthcare career as a registered nurse and pursue her vision for the boutique.

Melissa dreamed that brides at MaeMe would experience luxury, unmatched customer service, compassion, and coveted designer wedding dresses at affordable prices. Her vision became a reality, and she hasn’t looked back since! A few years after opening the boutique, MaeMe’s growth led to Melissa’s parents, Alan and Jeannine Harris, joining the family team. Together, the family business continues to provide the very best shopping experience for brides and their loved ones as they embark on their wedding journey!

Our Mission

We are committed to serving our brides whole heartedly, providing beautiful wedding dresses and exceptional customer service, and encouraging and supporting our brides as they prepare for one of the most important days of their lives. We believe in the commitment of marriage and in raising up powerful and impactful women. We invite you to join our tribe, become an ambassador of the brand, and share your joy with others!

Melissa lives in Covington with her husband Hunter and their three children: Harrison, Emory and Norah. Melissa and Hunter met at LSU and have been married for 11 years. They spend most days running back and forth from dance class, flag football games and the grocery! They are very involved in their church community and enjoy casual family days swimming in the backyard, entertaining friends (and all of the children) at the house, and cheering on the Tigers!

Alan and Jeannine have been married for nearly 40 years and have two daughters: Rachel and Melissa. They raised their family in Destrehan after Alan completed his service in the Navy, and now they reside in Mandeville, Louisiana. Alan is a Tulane graduate and has devoted his career to engineering, currently owning his own consulting company. Jeannine is a retired educator and is known as Nonna to her 7 grandchildren!