4. Part of the property dates all the way back to 1816: While the bank building opened in 1927, the rear building at 215 William Street dates back to 1816, making parts of the property more than two centuries old.
5. The site had banking roots even before the current building: Before the 1927 bank was constructed, the property was home to another structure known as the Willis Building, which also operated briefly as a bank.
6. The building later became Farmers and Merchants Bank: In the late 1930s, Planters Bank was acquired by Farmers and Merchants Bank, continuing the building’s long financial history.
7. It eventually became First Virginia Bank: In the 1970s, First Virginia Bank purchased Farmers and Merchants Bank and operated from the building for years.
8. First Virginia later merged with BB&T: During the banking mergers of the 1990s, First Virginia became part of BB&T, continuing the building’s banking legacy.
9. The historic museum era began in 2003: In 2003, the building entered a new chapter when it was purchased and transformed into the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
10. A $15 million renovation once restored the space: During the museum conversion, the building underwent a $15 million renovation, which restored much of its architecture and connected the two structures into one unified space.
11. The building is protected by a historic preservation easement: Because of historic preservation funding, the property is protected by a historic easement with the state of Virginia, meaning important architectural elements must remain preserved.
12. The main banking room cannot be altered: The grand bank room, where the vault and balcony are located, is protected under the historic easement and cannot be changed without special approval.
13. The stunning clock above the vault is original: One of the most iconic features inside Ava Laurénne Bride is the clock above the vault, which dates back to 1927.
14. The clock was once state-of-the-art technology: When it was installed, the clock was considered cutting edge. It was automatically synchronized every hour via Western Union to maintain perfect time.
15. The vault itself is still original: The breathtaking sandstone bank vault remains fully intact from the original bank construction. Today, it has been lovingly transformed into one of the most magical spaces in the boutique.
16. The sandstone came from the same quarry used for the White House: The stone used on the vault and exterior came from Stafford County quarries, the same source used for stone in the White House and other historic Washington buildings.
17. There is still a second vault downstairs: Few visitors realize there is another preserved vault downstairs that was originally used as a paper and document vault for the bank.
18. The front entrance once looked slightly different: Because accessibility requirements did not exist when the building was constructed, the original elevation of the entrance has been modified slightly to accommodate modern accessibility standards.
19. The building once housed a dress shop: Long before Ava Laurénne Bride arrived, the William Street building housed Carly’s Dress Shop, which operated there from 1941 until 1980.
20. Before that, it was a mercantile shop: Records from the late 1800s show the building housed EM Curtis Mercantile, where clothing and goods were sold.
21. The building was once a museum: For a period of time the building was home to the Fredericksburg Area Museum. After the museum relocated, the building went to auction and was later purchased by a construction company before eventually becoming the home of Ava Laurénne Bride!
22. Today, it holds over 12,500 bridal stories: Since moving into the building 14 years ago, Ava Laurénne Bride has welcomed more than 12,500 brides searching for their dream gown.
Honoring History While Creating New Memories
For Wendy and Gabe Rivera, preserving this building was never just about real estate. It was about honoring the stories that came before while creating space for thousands of new ones.
Today, the historic bank vault has become one of the most emotional spaces inside Ava Laurénne Bride. After finding their dream dress, brides often step into the vault for an unforgettable celebration moment with their loved ones.
It’s a beautiful blend of history and modern bridal magic.
Even more personally, Wendy and Gabe chose this meaningful space to celebrate one of their own life moments. The couple held their 20-year wedding anniversary vow renewal celebration right inside Ava Laurénne Bride, surrounded by the place that has meant so much to their family and to thousands of brides!
A Century Worth Celebrating
As the building approaches its 100th birthday, the excitement inside Ava Laurénne Bride continues to grow. And in September 2027, we plan to celebrate this incredible milestone the only way we know how. With a celebration worthy of a century!! Because at Ava Laurénne Bride, celebration isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are.
