True Bride Ilona climbed 300 feet above Sedona—in her wedding dress—to say “I do.” The adventurous elopement was an appropriate reflection of Ilona and Andrew’s seven-year love story, rooted in rock climbing and built on genuine connection.
She found her dream dress, the All Who Wander maddox gown, at True Society in Mesa while on a solo lunch break stop. Keep reading for more details about Ilona and Andrew’s unique and unforgettable day.
ILONA, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?
His name is Andrew! We met at work when I moved out to Phoenix from North Carolina without knowing anyone. We’ve been rock climbing together since we met seven years ago.
WHAT WAS THE PROPOSAL LIKE?
Andrew proposed on the top of a climb that we did together five years ago, and it was perfect!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT TRUE SOCIETY.
My experience at True Society in Mesa was amazing! I actually stopped in on my lunch break from work by myself because I saw this dress and True Society in Mesa was the only store locally that carried it. My bridal stylist was so nice and made me feel so special that I ended up buying the dress right away!
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.
My style is bohemian and unique, so when I saw this dress with the beautiful patterns and lace, I knew I had to have it.
HOW DID YOU FEEL IN YOUR GOWN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
The All Who Wander maddox gown fit perfectly with our Sedona elopement plans. I felt like the beautiful boho princess of my dreams.
HOW DID ANDREW REACT WHEN HE SAW YOU IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS?
When Andrew saw me in my dress, he was stunned and speechless. I will never forget his face.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING. HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR WEDDING PERSONAL TO YOUR LOVE STORY?
Rock climbing is such a big part of our love story. It’s a hobby that we are both so passionate about, so it had to be a part of our big day! We chose Sedona so that we could climb a tower as part of our ceremony, and I did it in my dress! Since there was a crazy heat wave the weekend of our ceremony, we had to take our nice portrait pictures the night before, and they turned out so beautifully.
We woke up at 6 a.m. on the day of our wedding to climb a 300-foot tower called Dr. Rubo’s Wild Ride at Coffeepot Rock in our wedding clothes! Our family met us at the base of the tower, and they cheered us on as we topped out. Andrew dipped me at the top, and it was captured in drone footage photos and videos. Truly amazing.
Then, we rappelled off the tower, met our family at the base, performed the ceremony and read our vows to each other in front of our family. We ended the day with a mini “reception” in our built-out van with a champagne toast and ice cream sandwiches. It was the best day of my life, and so special to share it with just a few family members.
Vendor Acknowledgments
Photography: Shannon Durazo’s Stratus Adventure Photography
Florist: Jenn Blazer at Juniper Flowers
True Society brides, did you find your dress with us and want to be featured as a #TrueBride? Share your story with us.
Ready to find a dress that makes you sparkle on your wedding day? Find a True Society store near you and book your appointment today!
