Bridal Profile - Elissa Yoder

We defy you not to fall in love with this couple: Elissa Yoder and Shonn Conner. Theirs is a story that could easily go in the once-in-a-lifetime category (right place, right time) and they are incredibly sweet, both as individuals and as a couple. You know the phrase heart-warming? It was invented to describe them.

So, here's a little bit of their backstory. Elissa is originally from the midwest - Indiana to be precise - and moved to the great state of North Carolina for a music internship. This lady is right-brained, for sure: musician, poet, and artist. She took a part-time job at a diner and one night waited on a family. The parents just happened to be neighbors of hers and their son, Shonn, was in town from Texas. Imagine if they had missed the chance? But they kept in touch after she provided what we can only assume was exceptional service and they fell in love. Shonn manages an office, loves to be outdoors or in his shop fixing things and the pair love to hike together. The fact that this outdoorsy hunter and poet/musician came together is proof that timing and proximity make all the difference in the world. 

The Ceremony

They held their wedding at Christmastime just last year so that they could have all of their loved ones with them, and enjoy a season that already brings with it so much joy, happiness and grace. 
Elissa: "It was very special, and so wonderful to see how supportive and loving our family and friends were. So many people were willing to help out, and show love by giving gifts and words of wisdom." 

The Dress & Tux

Like many brides, Elissa wasn't sure where to start other than to try to get ideas. She came into Bridal Traditions not expecting to buy anything, but knowing that she preferred a dress more traditional and classic than one with an open back and "a lot of gauze." She also knew that she wanted the price to be reasonable. Elissa told us that while she knew that she was having her wedding a couple of days after Christmas, she didn't expect her gown to turn out to be more winter-y. But it is. It just worked out that way, and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it.

"I ended up choosing the gown because of the lace on the back of the dress.  I loved the bead work and the style of neckline as well.  It was the first dress I tried on at the shop and I fell in love with it immediately."

"When I went in to Bridal Traditions, I was a little intimidated. I didn’t know any of the terminology about dress styles. Kelly was very helpful and asked me a few basic questions. It was a very low-stress experience and I actually ended up enjoying the process. Julie was very helpful with alterations, as well. She took her time and we met several times before I took the dress home. She made sure I was happy."

At BT, we love hearing this. We are a boutique, not a wedding dress warehouse. While "boutique" may throw people off or persuade them that we're too pricey or don't have variety or a large enough selection, in fact, it's not the case. Our gowns are reasonably priced, our selection is both traditional and on-trend, with lots of styles to choose from and our small staff is dialed in and focused. We listen, ask questions, try to put everyone at ease and work closely with each client to ensure that they're happy. This is our business. It's not a mega-store and it's not a side hustle. We love what we do.  

Shonn rented his tux from BT as well and looked fabulous. Elissa shared that he too was impressed with Kelly and the BT team. We wish these newlyweds nothing but happiness, laughter and love for many decades to come. 

Photos courtesy of:
www.nathanbinglephotography.com