Engaged in November 2001, Marlis started her search for the perfect couture wedding gown. Through research in magazines and on the internet, it seemed that there was more available elsewhere than in Orange County. John encouraged her to write a business plan and three months later they signed a lease for a space in Corona Del Mar.

John and Marlis were married eight months after The White Dress opened and Marlis wore not one, not two, but three wedding gowns. They were married on October 4, 2003 at Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara.

John and Marlis now run and operate The White Dress, LLC and enjoy traveling around the country and Europe to find the perfect dresses for their store.