The Hunt: Shopping for the Perfect Wedding Dress - Part II

I know I said I wouldn't...but on Sunday, January 10th, I said "yes" to an awesome dress!

As expected, a full day of wedding dress shopping on Saturday proved to be rather overwhelming – and yet a ton of fun as well!

I tried on oodles of gowns, each one seemingly prettier than the last, and pranced around the shops. I found so many individual elements about these gorgeous garments that I loved, but not one that embodied them all.

Determined not to settle, I returned home on Saturday starving and exhausted but eager to continue the search.

My mother had made us a last minute appointment at Fontana Bridal Salon in Scarsdale, NY for Sunday. The shop has been around for decades (in fact my Aunt bought her wedding dress there) and they are timeless and classic in their assistance of brides-to-be.

We arrived at 1:00pm on Sunday to a bustling crowd. We browsed, sipped mimosas, and once again began pulling dresses to be tried on.

The third dress I put on was the most unique of all of them. Its color was distinctive and antique, the details were breathtaking, and the way it moved was dreamlike. Hesitantly, I stepped out of the dressing room and onto the main floor. It was certainly attention grabbing (the look I was going for) and truly representative of my personality, as well as our wedding’s.

It truly broke the mold, and to be honest, was not at all what I was expecting to end up with (despite my soon-to-be Mother-in-Law’s insistence that this is exactly what she pictured me in!), but then again, neither was ODH when we first met – and we all can see how well that’s turned out! Sometimes the ones that shatter your preconceived notions are simply the absolute best.

So, the dress is paid for in full and will be custom cut to fit me perfectly (then it will be altered and taken in because I insist on slimming down and shaping up between now and November). Now it’s a waiting game. {A waiting game filled with table settings and floral arrangements, bridesmaids’ dresses and tuxes, limo reservations and menu selections, of course}.

But wow – I have a wedding gown! What a trip!

The Hunt: Shopping for the Perfect Wedding Dress - Part I

Tomorrow, it begins – the quest to find the perfect dress.

While I’ve learned that not ALL little girls have dreamed of this day since they could barely utter the word “wedding” (let alone understand its meaning)…that doesn’t mean that I should be ashamed of the fact that I absolutely have. {Those who know me well are smiling, rolling their eyes, and undoubtedly shaking their heads in agreement}.

While the last few weeks have been largely characterized by booking a church, a reception site, a photographer, and a band, tomorrow is my first look at what will likely be the most memorable dress I ever put on. In many ways it is the first step in establishing the tone, the style, and the décor of the event…the pressure. is. on.

I’ll be spending the day with my mom and my sister (the Maid of Honor (“MOH”)). I have an early hair appointment and then I’ll be sampling gowns from three bridal shops (phew!)

It goes without saying that I’m excited; but, along with the excitement comes a little bit of nervousness, though I can’t quite place why. That said, I’ve heard that once the ball gets rolling and you start trying on a few dresses it quickly becomes incredibly fun (eek!). In truth, I cannot wait.

Though I’m nearly certain I won’t come away having found “the one” – it will be a great introduction to what’s out there.

I’ll be sure to report back (though not in any terrible amount of detail seeing as ODH is a regular reader of this very blog and clearly cannot be privy to any information regarding final dress decisions).

Wish me luck!

And have a great weekend everybody!