Is It The Dress?

I get a lot of questions about what my wedding dress looks like.

It's of course without a doubt I cannot show you guys until after the big day.

However I can show you the dress styles I tried on to get to dress #7!

Yes dress # 7 was THE ONE and I cannot wait to wear it on my big day.

THE HUNT

Let's start off with the original dress I was for "sure" going to buy.

I saw it in the window of a wedding shop and it was me to a T!

In my head I knew I didn't need any other dress but after trying it on I realized I didn't love the back.

This dress is completely my style...but sadly only in the front.

The back in my opinion was ruined by a corset thick ribbon lace up.

It made the simple tulle dress too busy with the ribbons. 

A hidden zipper would have made the dress irresistible. 

Not actual dresses back. Picture used as reference.

I didn't know if I wanted tight, loose, flowy, short, long or mid length.

Such a gorgeous dress.

Neva Jane Langley, Miss America 1952, won her first pagent in this gown. Her mother made this white, strapless gown with its simple sweetheart neckline. It was one of her favorites and wore it often; you can see wear in the torn tulle.

I actually had pinned the dress below and without realizing tried it on at my fitting.

As pretty as it was it was extremely heavy and poofy.

It is part of the Disney wedding series.

Probably one of my favorite designers is Monique Lhuillier. 

She has such an elegant yet modern style that I gravitate toward.

Below are two dresses I tried on. Sadly, I did not love the way they looked on me. 

THE DRESS

I took my Maid Of Honor and my Mom on a chilly February day (hence my puffy vest - haha) and found my dress in the first store we stopped in.

I was certain I would have to try dresses on in a variety of stores.

I went in not knowing what to ask for nor did I have any print out pictures.

I think I had stage fright.

I told her I wanted something elegant, lacy, and strapless.

How vague of me but she did awesome bringing a variety.

What I can tell you is it is strapless, has a little bit of everything I want, and lots of lace!

What I can show you is...

It took almost 2 1/2 months for my dress to be made and shipped from Spain.

The designer is Pronovias from the 2012 collection.

They just launched the 2013 collection and everything looks gorgeous.

THE FITTING

I had gone to the first fitting by myself. 

I didn't think I had to bring anyone. But the tailor advised me to bring someone the next time not only for the shared experience but to learn how to tie and button the bustle of my dress.

So I invited my Mom, Deb (Lon's step mom), Christine (Maid Of Honor) and another best friend, Dana. 

I already knew I wanted to invite Lonny's step mom because she has been extremely hands on and helpful throughout this entire process. 

She brought her jewels with her as they will be my Something Borrowed. 

Such a generous gesture and I'm extremely lucky to have her in my life. 

I brought my wedding shoes to test out.

 I remember standing in them for 45 min for the first fitting.

They didn't hurt or bother but will still be bringing a pair of flip flops for the reception and dancing.

The fitting went perfectly.

I was smiling ear to ear when I stepped into my dress and the zipper went up.

It's gorgeous and fit like a glove...with room to breath.

One thing I added to my dress was my Something Blue. 

Again, the idea came from Pinterest but I had our wedding date and initials stitched into the hem of my dress.

I tried on Deb's jewelry and made my earring and bracelet selection.

I opted out of a necklace as my dress already has sparklies that I didn't want to keep it moderate.

I pick up my dress on the 31st. The tailor has to finish stitching my wedding date into the hem.

She'll also steam my dress for me prior to pick up.

From there it will have to be left out of the garment bag upon arrive at home.

Which means my dress is staying at Deb's house until my big day.

It was the best option as she is only a 5 min drive away.

I hope this gives you ideas and I can't wait for you all to see my dress! 

xoxo Charlotte