Featured Bride - Sequoia Hill Ridley

We don't throw around the word perfect, because weddings - much like gown shopping - have elements of the unexpected and can be fraught with problems, indecision and lots of changing your mind. That said, this lovely person and bride we're featuring - Sequoia - told us her wedding was a close to perfect as she imagined. 

The Couple

Sequioa and Wendal met in college at UNC-Greensboro in 2012 and became fast friends while living in the Honors Dorm. It was not long before they were going out together in groups and then just the two of them. During their junior year, they had the opportunity to study abroad and took advantage of it, with Sequoia in Northern Ireland and Wendel in Scotland. During that year, they were able to visit each other in the UK and also travel to France, Spain and all over England as well. 

After graduation, they started three years of a long distance relationship when Wendel moved to Connecticut to work for Traveler's Insurance. Now, they are located in Charlotte, with Wendel at Traveler's and Sequoia training to be a Registered Dietician. 

Sequoia chose burgundy and gold as her colors and coordinated the gowns, men's accessories and decorations accordingly. Everything was sleek, streamlined and elegant for the 90 or so attending friends and family. The couple were married in June of this year at The Colonnade at Revolution Mill. It was lovely, intimate and rustic. 

"I walked down the aisle to Always & Forever (by Kevin Simm) and Wendel and I chose to have a sand ceremony. Honestly, I got nervous right before walking down the aisle, but once I did that, I could breathe. When I started walking down, my now-husband began tearing up and he almost made me cry! I can’t wait to get my video back so I can rewatch that moment."

TheWedding Gown 

that looks like it was made for her. We lost count of how many people commented to us that her dress looked as though she were the only bride for it. Slim, capped lace sleeves, elegant with the right amount of sheen. Sequoia is a goddess in that dress!

This bride came to us knowing that she wanted satin, no sleeves, but not strapless and a dress that she could dance in that was both fitted and flattering but not heavy. She wasn't interested in lace for the same reason some girls don't want it. They think that it's too old-fashioned. Ladies, those days are over. The right lace on the right dress can be an absolute game-changer and we have story upon story of brides who've changed their mind about an idea after trying on a gown.  

"My gown was the second one I tried on, and when I did, all my close girlfriends (who I brought with me) had “the gasp”. “The gasp” means that dress was the ONE. I felt beautiful in it and their reaction told me that it was perfect! I also love the diamond brooch in the middle of the dress near the belly button, but I also love the satin. Satin is one of my favorite types of fabric, it’s just so smooth and flattering!"

Congratulations to Sequoia and Wendel and all the best in your new adventure in life together!