I actually started my wedding industry journey in the kitchen! Fresh out of high school, I became a pastry chef, and from there I’ve worn just about every wedding hat. Venue Coordinator, Food & Beverage Director, Wedding Planner and Bridal Stylist.

By 2018, I was planning weddings with The Hive Wedding Collective and helping brides find their gowns at Urban Set Bride. That’s when I discovered the need for a sample and consignment bridal shop in central Virginia! The only one in the area had closed, and there wasn’t another within two hours. So… we opened Blue Sage Bridal!

We are truly a family owned and operated business. My husband, Ken, is our Operations Manager, and my oldest daughter, Alex, is one of our stylists. My Mom, Hobby, helps out with some seamstress work as well. Our two little boys, Hank and Leo, are still too young to work in the shop… but give them a few years!

After more than two decades in weddings, my favorite part is still the connections we make with our clients and helping them discover “who they are” in dress form.

Noelle’s Coffee Order: I NEVER drink coffee, but I drink black tea with Stevia every morning and usually Iced Green tea in the afternoon

I am a Richmond native and love everything that our fun city has to offer. I have spent the majority of my career in public education as a middle school teacher and later as a school counselor at both the elementary and middle school levels. While I am newer to bridal, I am not a stranger to the wedding industry! I began my 'side hustle' as a wedding coordinator with Next Age Events in 2018, getting to work with amazing venues and vendors around the Richmond area and beyond. After leaving education, I was able to work full-time as a Lead Event Coordinator at a venue in Powhatan, helping over 80 couples on their big day. 

I joined the Blue Sage Bridal team in May 2025 as a weekend stylist and am thrilled to now be the Store Manager! Wedding planning has so many ups and downs, and I love getting to be there for our clients on one of the more joyous parts and supporting them throughout the entire dress buying process. 

Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my soon-to-be husband and stepson and our immediate families. I try to travel any chance I can and have an endless bucket list of where I want to go next. I also love needlepointing, all things Taylor Swift, reading, watching period tv shows & movies, and attending live theater and concerts. 

Beth’s coffee order: No coffee for me… but I do love a good (extra sweet) sweet tea!

I myself purchased my wedding dress from a bridal consignment shop years ago because I loved the idea of giving a dress a second chance! Now having worked in bridal for over 5 years, my favorite part of the job is seeing how happy, confident and excited our clients walk away from their appointment. Whether they purchase a dress or not, it's so special being able to share in their joy for a few hours. I get to share my beautiful life with my husband, two kiddos and my dog! We love being outside as much as possible, cooking (and eating!) and spending Sunday’s snuggled on the couch.

Hannah’s Coffee Order: Vanilla Latte (hot or iced) with Oat Milk

Over the years, I’ve led creative direction for the shop! One of my proudest projects was designing our current store, inspired by a mix of Art Nouveau the Richmond vibe. I continue to refine our brand to stay as unique as the nearly weds we serve.

With a background in art history and costume design, I bring an eye for detail and a love of storytelling to each appointment. My approach is simple: listen closely, think creatively, and guide clients towards a dress that feels like an authentic reflection of who they are. I often pre-pull gowns based on their style inspiration to show them possibilities they may not have considered.

Outside of the shop, life is full and fun: I have a one-year-old daughter who already has more personality than most adults, two small dogs, and one large rabbit. I married my high school sweetheart, Rupert, who’s in a band so lots of music around us.

At the end of the day, my favorite part of this work is helping someone feel fully themselves in the dress that finds them, the way the right one always does. Let's think outside the box and have some fun!

Quincy's coffee order: iced vanilla latte

I have had many kinds of jobs in my life meeting all kinds of people! And while I never expected to work in a bridal shop, I’m finding it all kinds of fun! I have found myself tearing up as a girl sees herself in her “perfect” dress and it makes it not feel like work but rather a day of shopping! What could be better? When I’m not spending my day saying “oh my god that looks GORGEOUS on you”, you can find me snuggling with my 4….yes 4….kitties, binging Gilmore Girls for the 5,000th+ time on Netflix or doing my one true passion in life….acting onstage!

Leanna’s Coffee Order : My coffee order doesn’t exist as I am not a coffee drinker….but I love a tall glass of Dr. Pepper!

I studied Costume Design and Technology and Political Science Legal Studies at Virginia Tech, Go Hokies! Blue Sage Bridal is my first job post-grad and I am so lucky to have found a job I love so much so quickly! One of my favorite parts of my job here at Blue Sage is working on maintaining our beautiful collection of dresses! I live in Richmond with my amazing boyfriend. While we don’t have any pets yet (500 square feet is too small even for just us!) my dream is to live in the mountains and run a dog rescue! I love kayaking, watching thunderstorms, discovering new foods, and relaxing by the pool.

Ellie’s Coffee Order : Caramel Macchiato

I have always been told that I need to find a job where I am excited to go into work everyday... and I have found that in this special corner of Richmond!  I modeled wedding dresses in a summer photoshoot with Blue Sage and from the moment I entered the inclusive environment with such empowering and kind women, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Fashion Merchandising & Design and Visual Arts, so finding Blue Sage has really allowed me to expand my knowledge in such a creative space! Finding connections with our clients while we are searching for their perfect dress has been such a positive experience in my life. Outside of work, I love sitting on the VMFA lawn with my friends, reading my Emily Henry books, and eating sushi!

Kate's Coffee Order: non-dairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

I'm Alex, Noelle's daughter! I grew up in bridal and love helping people find their perfect dress. I especially love any bride looking for something funky and different, so bring me a challenge! Outside of work, I crochet and teach crochet classes! I'm a Richmond local and love hanging out down by the river. I also love seeing live music, so definitely talk to me about your favorite bands:)

 Alex's Coffee Order: No coffee, either a hot chai or an iced green tea <3

I studied fashion design and merchandising at VCU and graduated in 2024. I got my start in bridal in 2023- I was asked to make a custom wedding dress and have been obsessed with bridal ever since :) I've been able to create custom wedding dresses, hand bags, ties, veils, and decorations for four weddings so far and I can't wait to create more. I came to Blue Sage in May of 2025 and I love it so much. I love helping brides find their dream dress and witnessing them on their journey to their special day. When I'm not at work I am either thrifting, going on walks, or trying new foods! One bucket list item I hope to check off is to see the redwoods in California!

Paige's Coffee Order: either an iced vanilla latte with oat milk or an iced matcha with oat milk and honey

I graduated with a BA in Theatre & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University. I lived in Atlanta and worked in the theatre industry for 2 years until I pivoted to the bridal world in 2024. It felt like a natural transition for me to jump from costume design to bridal, and I instantly loved witnessing the magic of people finding their dream dress! I am new to Richmond, so I love exploring my new home. When I'm not working, you can find me strolling the aisles of a bookstore, watching reality TV, thrifting a new outfit, or planning my next trip. 

Sophie's Coffee Order: iced chai latte with brown sugar syrup!