the front of the dress (besides the fabric that crossed in the front, it wasn't ruched at all, I was just holding it up in semi fear of catching on fire...)
I was reading a post on Elizabeth Ann (this one) and couldn't help but laugh out loud at how ridiculous some people are when it comes to what a bride wears. I remember shopping for a wedding dress with my mom and wondering how long I would be able to keep a straight face when time and time again the moment we said I was looking for my wedding dress, the sales woman's eyes would immediately gloss over and she would steer me straight to the most crystal covered, pouffy, Cinderella-esque dress. The thing is- that is the last thing I wanted. I know for some women, this is exactly what they are looking for, and if you are one of these women more power to you.
I was not one of those women.
the back of the dress (I gave into having a big bow just for added drama. That and I found an awesome brooch and that's the only place it would go!)
The looks and comments I received when I told people this were hilarious. It was as though no one could envision a bride unless the were covered from head to toe in tulle.* Speaking of which, J was very opposed to any sort of veil being over my face. He said we didn't live in an area were malaria was an issue, and when I walked down the aisle he wanted to be able to see me. There was no argument here- I felt the same. I did have a veil, one that did not cover my face and I loved it. It was long and flowy and meant something to me because I made it. Anyhow, now I'm rambling and there is a funny story I want to tell.
Of all the entertaining stories I have about people's reactions to my dress, my favorite happened on the night of the rehearsal. The wedding coordinators at my church have a tradition that every wedding they do, they have the bride sign her name on a "practice train." Overall, I thought this was a beautiful tradition. The train was covered in signatures of brides throughout the years and it was fun knowing I was part of it now as well. The fun part came when she asked me to wear it so I could get used to walking in a train and not falling. I laughed, tied it on and said "that shouldn't be a problem, I don't have a train."
Then there was silence.
After a few seconds she took a quick breath and said, "of course you do, dear. All brides have to have a train- that's what makes them a bride"
I figured it wasn't worth correcting her- especially since in less than 24 hours she would see me, the bride, in a trainless dress so I just laughed it off and left to go tell the story to my bridesmaids.
Me in the "practice train"- which was about 3 ft of fabric longer than my actually dress :)
So here's to everyone trying to find their "perfect" dress. My words of advice- find something you can dance in, something you can breath in, and most of all- whether it's long or short, covered with crystals or not, pouffy or stream lined- find something that makes you feel absolutely beautiful.
*I did finally find my dress, but it wasn't until after I had it altered and reworked that I had the "this is the one" moment. (My dress started as a strapless, A line dress with a straight across neckline with a tie that knotted in the back. You can see from the pictures, that's not what it ended as!)