About Us
Heidi Elnora
Founder | CEO
heidi elnora Atelier & Build-A-Bride™ Enterprises, Inc.
Heidi Elnora is an Alabama-based wedding dress designer, female entrepreneur, motivational speaker, television personality, industry leader, and most importantly, wife and mother of three children, Jack, Bo, and Eleanor. A graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design, Heidi burst onto the scene as a contestant on the second season of Project Runway and later starred in her own reality show Bride By Design on TLC. In 2006, Heidi founded the heidi elnora Atelier, a bridal brand that reflects timeless femininity rooted in raw, southern heritage. Whether on camera, in the press, or behind the scenes, one thing endures: Heidi's infectious energy and passion to be a light to all.
Each bridal collection within the heidi elnora brand channels the many facets of Heidi’s personality. From the free-spirited bohemian bride to those wanting a look straight off the runway, Heidi’s flagship store, the heidi elnora Atelier, takes a hands-on approach when working with each individual client. For brides outside of Birmingham, Heidi created her sister store Build-A-Bride™. Heidi began building Build-A-Bride™ in 2008, and by 2018 she had empowered an all-female team to open Build-A-Bride™ boutiques throughout the Southeast. Build-A-Bride™ features dozens of customizable silhouettes and add-ons that give brides a one-of-a-kind look for any style or budget. No matter the collection, heidi elnora gowns transcend traditional wedding dress options, giving each bride ownership in designing the most cherished garment she will ever wear: her wedding dress.
In March 2021, Heidi launched her first Masterclass in The Business of Bridal Fashion, which teaches students about working in the bridal and fashion industry. Any student who completes the course earns the opportunity to become a Bridal Curator™, a coveted title within Build-A-Bride™ Enterprises, Inc., which could ultimately lead to owning and operating their very own Build-A-Bride™ storefront.
Heidi’s community impact stretches far beyond her atelier, and her work is driven by a heart of service. After headlining fashion shows across the country, Heidi felt empowered to bring the iconic Fashion Week experience to her hometown; she founded and served as the creative director of Birmingham Fashion Week for six years. Heidi continues her mission of inspiring the next generation of designers through Camp Fashionista, a weeklong summer program for girls aged 5-14 with a passion for fashion.
Since establishing her brand 15 years ago, Heidi has sold her wedding gowns wholesale to 30+ stores nationally and internationally, including all Nordstrom wedding suites. Heidi’s work has been featured in numerous national and international publications including The New York Times, The Today Show, Martha Stewart Weddings, Glamour, US Weekly, Inside Weddings, Brides, Town and Country Weddings, The Huffington Post, Lucky, Country Living, Southern Weddings, Inc., and Southern Living, along with well-known blogs across the world. Most recently, Heidi was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America at its national 2021 Bridal Fashion Week. When not working on her next design, you can find Heidi and her family enjoying their forever home nestled deep in the woods in small-town Alabama.
Elizabeth Singleton
Lead Designer | Production Manager
Born in Florida, raised in Alabama, Elizabeth has been passionate about the fashion industry and serving people for as long as she can remember. So, naturally she studied Apparel Design at the University of Alabama. She met Heidi after graduation through her other fabulous company, Birmingham Fashion Week. She entered her Emerging Designer Competition where she had to design, sew, and style a capsule collection from scratch. It was tough, but she WON! Heidi and her team believed in her talent so much that they offered her an internship. There she started learning the production side of fashion, and more couture sewing techniques. She continued to study fashion in New York with a design internship at Rebecca Minkoff focusing on women’s Ready to Wear and Computer Aided Design. While in New York Elizabeth got a call from Heidi letting her know that Heidi was casted for her very own show on TLC, Bride by Design! So, Elizabeth flew back to Alabama to be apart of the show and began working for Heidi. Fast forward five years and Elizabeth is now the Production Manager, Associate Designer and Customer Service Manager! She truly loves being apart of such a special time in a woman’s life, and have a career that brings her so much.
Brittany Massey
Associate Creative Director | Executive Beauty Editor
Brittany Benton Massey from Birmingham, Al grew up loving all things fashion. She is a mother of three and wife to a Pastor. She started school in Fashion Design at University of Alabama, but shifted to Cosmetology to pursue a freelance career in hair, makeup and styling. She meet Heidi ten years ago during Birmingham Fashion week and has worked with her ever since. Brittany styles and directs promotional and editorial photoshoots for Build-A-Bride™. Most recently Brittany has also taken on the role of Build-A-Bride’s Executive Beauty Editor where she will create and direct all beauty content for the brand. She is looking forward to showcasing trends, tips, tricks and products for Brides.
Felicia Lane
Social Media Manager | Bridal Curator™ Huntsville
Felicia was born and raised in Cullman, Alabama, and is a graduate of The University of Alabama. She is the ultimate party planner and has planned numerous events throughout the state, including a Build-A-Bride™ runway show with over 300 attendees. Felicia manages and creates content for multiple social media accounts within the Build-A-Bride™ network, and she works with brides in our North Alabama market. Felicia is also an avid lifestyle photographer, capturing anything from engagements to adventure sessions! In her free time, Felicia can be found at a live concert, watching tear-jerker romance movies, or rooting for college football (specifically in Tuscaloosa!). She loves to be surrounded by people and laughter, and she always makes every bride she works with feel like a close friend.