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Mrs. Pomegranate, Sacramento Age and Occupation: 27, Technical Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Software Engineer Engagement Date: August 23, 2007 Wedding Date: October, 2008 Blogging Since: June 5, 2008 Venue: R.H. Phillips Winery About Me: Hi, I'm Miss Pomegranate and I'm a shopaholic. I have a weak spot for the chic cheap - especially anything I can re-create on the DIY. Shoes are my vice, music is my passion in life and technology is the medium by which I live and work. When I'm not scoping out a sale, I'm spending my quality time training for a marathon, playing Wii with my fiance and snuggling with my Silver Labrador and Teacup Panther - and oh yeah, planning my wedding!
About Mrs. Pomegranate

I knew that I needed to do my first dress shopping session either alone - or at least with an un-opinionated bridesmaid. I needed a chance to try on some dresses to see what I REALLY liked without influence of outside parties. Plus, I kept hearing about Too-Many-Cooks-in-the-Kitchen dress shopping horror stories where a delightful wedding adventure quickly turned sour.

Therefore, I took my Crafty Bridesmaid - who, while she has lovely taste, she is also the most carefree. We had a fantastic morning, perusing the stores and sites of the mall. Then we headed back to Sacramento for the first of two bridal appointments.

http://www.weddingbee.com/Image via Lana’s Bridal Studio

Lana’s Bridal Studio is located close to the Town & Country area of Sacramento and is hidden behind a lovely tree lined niche of a parking lot. They have several sample gowns to touch and try-on, as well as books of previously made fashions to peruse. They also offered custom gown design - which is actually what brought me their way, as I had my heart set on a custom designed gown in the likes of what Kelly Osborne is wearing below.

kellyo.jpg
Image via
TeamSugar

While their estimate was appropriately steep for a bias-cut, charmeuse satin dress with such an intricate weave, it was MUCH more affordable than the quote given to me by the locally infamous Miosa Couture. I decided to check out a few of their other beautiful options, including the gorgeous silk shantung asymmetrical gown shown below.

http://www.weddingbee.com/Image via Lana’s Bridal Studio

The next bridal appointment was at a more traditional bridal studio, Bella Donna Bridal Studio. They were located close by in the Town & Country Village shopping center, and boasted a large collection of designer dresses - namely one by Nicole Miller that I had my eye on since the proposal. I tried on a few more than the three I’ll mention here, but these were the ones I felt looked and felt the best. Bella Donna had great customer service, allowing me to try on the dresses mostly in the dressing room and not “on stage” in front of an audience, which was the polar opposite of my try-on plan.

Dress #1 - Dora by Melissa Sweet

http://www.weddingbee.com/Image via Brides

http://www.weddingbee.com/On Me.

I absolutely fell in love with the dotted organza used in this gown. It was the epitome of the full princess gown I thought I would never like - but did. It was completely out of my price range ($3,400) - but I vouched then and there that if this popped up on eBay within budget, I’d jump on it.

Dress #2 - Monte Carlo by La Sposa

http://www.weddingbee.com/Image via Brides

http://www.weddingbee.com/On Me.

Okay, I have to admit that the full reason for me being so “into” this dress was the fact that there was a trunk show going on for La Sposa, and this girl LOVES her a sale. The fact is, it’s pretty plain and while I wanted plain, I didn’t quite mean THIS plain. I wanted something plain with a TWIST!

Dress #3 - HG0013 by Nicole Miller

http://www.weddingbee.com/Image via Nicole Miller

http://www.weddingbee.com/On Me.

I absolutely love this dress. Still, to this day - love it. The Crinkle Metallic Tafetta is to DIE for - it has a delectable texture to it and the tawny color is beautiful. The sample size actually fit me perfectly in the store and I loved the loft of the fabric. However, it again, was sort of…plain. I was torn. This was officially slated as my backup dress - but I didn’t get “the feeling” that everyone spoke of.

Coming up - the final dress decision.

Tags: , |   Link for this post | Share this post: The Search for My Dream Dress Begins!      
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10 Responses to “The Search for My Dream Dress Begins!”

1.
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Guest
chill

I love love loved the dora too, and searched hi and low on ebay and other sites. Then I found tallulah at the store and caved and bought that dress. Dora is beautiful!

 
2.
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Guest
Erin

Oh, you look so nice in all of those dresses - if those didn’t make the cut, I’m excited to see how fab the final one is!

LOL, I loved the La Sposa one. I thought, “I can’t believe she didn’t pick that one. It’s perfect!” …then I realized it’s very similar to mine! haha

 
3.
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Bee
Miss Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

I think you look fab in all of them! I can’t wait to see what you picked!

 
4.
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Nikki

I ended up with the Nicole Miller Metallic Tafetta and I loved it. I never received so many compliments in my life. Check me out in the April 2008 events section at http://www.weddingsislamujeres.com . Shameless plug for you to look at me in my dress, I loved it that much!

 
5.
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Amanda

Those dresses are all gorgeous!

My experience with Bella Donna wasn’t as great. I almost purchased my gown from there. The time I went to make the purchase, during their MS trunk sale, I had awful customer service! I made an appointment and nobody came to help me. The two associates were both helping the same woman. This, by the way, was the third time I’d been in. I wound up leaving and went to another place that had the same dress with better service.

I do love their wall color though.

 
6.
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Bee
Miss Peacock (message)  374 posts, Helper bee

I loved Dora! That was definitely my second choice. I loved the polka dots and how the skirt was so full without being a ball gown. Sigh…
But, Priscilla of Boston is having a sample sale soon and they carry Melissa! I don’t see on in CA, but maybe you could call and order it? Maybe? :) Check out their site.

 
7.
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Rachel

I think all of these are lovely! Hey, are you getting married in Sacramento? You should check out the work of Sacramento wedding photographer Sarah Maren. She kicks major bootie.

 
8.
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Guest
The Search For My Dream Dress Part II » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] to eBay for wedding dress inspiration was a fruitful decision. After my last bout with dress try-ons and seamstress interviews, I was rather excited to meet Carole Kenney of Carole [...]

 
9.
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Jessebel

My wedding gown is MS Dora! When I pricing the gown, Bella Donna was the first store I contacted (I’m from Sac but live in LA) but an associate told me they didn’t carry the gown. Oh well, Alexandra Bridal got my money instead.

 
10.
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Member
laurencrouch (message)  2 posts, Wannabee

Hi! I have this stunning Melissa Sweet Dora dress for sale. It has lovely vintage details such as sweetheart neckline and ruffled bust. It is constructed out of a dotted silk organza. It is both timeless and distinct at the same time. The dress is a 0 in the bust and a 2 in the hips. My measurements are 34/25/34.5. The hem was left long for shoe height options. The dress is a custom variation of a French bustle to be ultimately flattering. If you any questions, feel free to ask. If you are local you are welcome come see the dress. The dress has been professionally cleaned. I am asking $2000 for the dress. Thanks! And happy dress hunting! Let me know if you think this might work for you!
laurencrouch82@gmail.com

 


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Mrs. Pomegranate
Mrs. Pomegranate Mrs. Pomegranate, Sacramento Age and Occupation: 27, Technical Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Software Engineer Engagement Date: August 23, 2007 Wedding Date: October, 2008 Blogging Since: June 5, 2008 Venue: R.H. Phillips Winery About Me: Hi, I'm Miss Pomegranate and I'm a shopaholic. I have a weak spot for the chic cheap - especially anything I can re-create on the DIY. Shoes are my vice, music is my passion in life and technology is the medium by which I live and work. When I'm not scoping out a sale, I'm spending my quality time training for a marathon, playing Wii with my fiance and snuggling with my Silver Labrador and Teacup Panther - and oh yeah, planning my wedding!
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