Real Bride

#ELYSEERealBride: Nicole & Dillon

From a chance meeting at work to a wedding in paradise!

The Love Story: 

"Dillon and I met in 2019 while working for the same retail company, just at different store locations. At the time, his store was scheduled to close down. But in a surprising turn of events, the decision was made to keep it open, which meant it needed extra help from staff at other stores to get things back up and running. That’s when my location was asked to send support.
 
One of my coworkers noticed Dillon and thought he might be 'my type.' Without much hesitation, my coworker told him, 'You’re my friend’s type. You should follow her on Instagram.' Dillon was a little unsure at first, but decided to go for it. He followed me and DMed me a couple weeks later, saying: 'Hey! You’re beautiful.'
 
We quickly connected and started dating soon after. It felt meant to be. What were the chances that Dillon’s store would stay open and that I met him when I was planning to move back to Costa Rica that very month."

Gown Featured: CONNOR | 2024 ÉTOILE Collection

The Dress: 

"The dress I chose was Connor from ÉLYSÉÉ, and it was everything I dreamed of. From the moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. I wanted to feel like a bride in every sense—minimalist, elegant, yet with just the right touch of drama. 

Gown Featured: CONNOR | 2024 ÉTOILE Collection

Most Memorable: 

"The day was honestly so perfect that it’s hard to pick just one favorite moment—but our 'first touch' stands out the most. We decided to read our vows privately before the ceremony, incorporating them into the first touch so we could calm our nerves and have an intimate moment together without actually seeing each other. Dillon didn’t see my dress until I walked down the aisle, but we still got to hold hands, hear each other’s voices, and share our hearts in that special moment. It was incredibly emotional and meaningful, and gave us space to be completely vulnerable with each other without the pressure of being in front of everyone. It felt personal and real—just the two of us, sharing something important without an audience. It helped ground us and reminded us what the day was truly about."

Gown Featured: CONNOR | 2024 ÉTOILE Collection

Advice to other brides?

"My advice to brides would be to truly enjoy the process and remember what the day is really about: celebrating your love. There will be so many opinions and expectations along the way, but don't let that pressure overshadow what you and your partner are building together. It's easy to get caught up in the details and worry about pleasing everyone, but in the end, your wedding day is a reflection of you both. Stay focused on what makes you happy and what feels true to you as a couple, and everything else will fall into place. Trust me, the moments that matter most will be the ones that come from your hearts, not from anyone else’s checklist."

Gown Featured: CONNOR | 2024 ÉTOILE Collection