Nyanza Bridal : A story of Love, Simplicity and Family
At Nyanza Bridal, you’ve probably noticed something a little different about us. It’s in the air, in the way we approach our work, and in the way we connect with every bride who walks through our doors. That feeling all starts with the name, "Nyanza," which holds a very special meaning to me.
Nyanza was inspired by my parents and their wedding. They tied the knot 41 years ago, at my grandparent’s home on Nyanza Road SW in Lakewood, WA. It wasn’t a grand affair by any means. The wedding was held in the afternoon, in the backyard with flowers and balloons, and the celebration was small- think champagne, fruit, cheese and crackers, and cake. My mom’s dress was nothing extravagant. She had bought it for $199 at People’s Department Store just 6-weeks prior to the big day. It had no train and did not feature puffy sleeves or an oversized bow; it was quite simply, the dress that made her feel beautiful.
Working in the luxury bridal sector, I’ve seen how weddings today have become more about the event- the spectacle. But my parents’ wedding has always been a reminder of what truly matters. Over the years, I’ve heard countless people who attended their wedding say it was the best wedding they’d ever been to. And it wasn’t because of the venue, the flowers or the décor- it was the relationship and the deep love my parent’s share that made it so special. That’s what weddings are really about: the bond between you and your partner, and the love that brought you together.
When I was building Nyanza Bridal, I wanted the name of the store to mean something- a reflection of what matters most at a wedding. And the more I thought about my parent’s wedding and the impact it had on everyone there, it reminded me of a simple fact: weddings are about love. So when the idea of “Nyanza” came up, it felt like a natural fit. And in a serendipitous turn of fate, I later discovered that “Nyanza” is a Kenyan word that means “of or near a body of water”- specifically a lake. And here we are in Kirkland, the shop quite literally backed up on Lake Washington, and located on Lake Street. I like to think that was a little nudge from the universe, that this was the perfect name for the store.
So, when you walk into Nyanza Bridal, I want you to feel that same sense of warmth, love and authenticity- just like my parents’ wedding. It’s not about grandeur, it’s about celebrating your unique love story in a space that feels like home. We’re here to help you find the perfect dress, no matter what your wedding looks like. It’s the love that counts, and that’s what we honor here at Nyanza.
Xoxo,
Ashley