Wedding Blog
When my sister was getting married, we went with my Mom to try on a billion dresses. 3 stores and 8 hours later, we found her an amazing dress. I wish I had pictures of it and how great she looked trying it on. Sadly, she hasn’t worn it yet and she’s been married 2 years. Her husband is in the military and found out that he would be deployed a few weeks before their scheduled wedding. They ended up getting married at the courthouse. My sister still has hopes of having a real ceremony and reception where she can wear her beautiful dress.
When I got engaged, my Mom suggested I wear my sister’s unworn dress. While I love it on her, I don’t think it’s my style. Besides, I could tell that she really wanted to keep it for herself, though if I wanted to, she’d let me wear it. I passed and everyone but my Mom seemed relieved.
My Mom kept asking me what kind of dress I wanted. She sent pictures and links to dresses online. I looked at all of them but all they made me sure of was of what kind of dress I didn’t want and how much money we didn’t have to spend on a dress.
I was at home working one day and decided to take a break to see what was new on Etsy… and there it was.
I didn’t hesitate. I contacted Liza Rietz and asked her if the material of the dress was dressy enough for a wedding gown, and as soon as she said yes, I was sold. The material is a cotton sateen that is a really pale grey.
I was a little worried about having a custom dress made for me in August 2008 when the wedding wasn’t for another year. Liza said that once payment was made, she’d cut and put the material aside and that in Feb/March I could contact her with my measurements or come down to Portland for a fitting. Done! I paid for the dress right then and there. Liza even sent me a sample of the material so I could match accessories to it.
I’ve made decisions like this before. It’s not the first time I’ve leaped before I looked. I did a study abroad in Russia and didn’t speak the language, and have twice moved to new cities and took apartments without seeing them first. It has always worked out.
Would you buy a custom dress that you’ve never tried on in person? If you’re having your dress made, what tips do you have for other brides?
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Brave. I make a lot of spontaneous decisions, but I think I would be terrified to buy a custom made dress without trying it on. But it looks like you spontaneity paid off. Its beautiful!!
Your dress is so cute!!! I love it. I would jump off that bridge with you and order it. If someone was working with me like your lady is! I can’t wait to see finally pictures!
that dress is amazing. i applaud you for your choice. supporting an individual artist is truly a great thing. plus the dress is beautiful and yes, you will be able to wear it again.
my dress is being custom made and I’m just DYING to see it in person! The seamstress hasn’t made anything like it before I just came to her with some ideas and hope they made sense.
can’t wait to see what you think of it once you see it in person!
Wow, that’s SO unique — and definitely wearable post vows!
I often look before I leap, and like you, have found that things work themselves out. Go with your gut! I think it’s a fabulous dress!
I give you soooo much Koodos for being so gutsy!! I would love to order a dress on Etsy. BUT and its a big BUTT!! I am a voluptuous woman and I would not feel safe that the gown would be something that would flatter my body. In high school (centries ago) I had my prom dresses made and they looked amazing! Yet a Wedding Dress is nothing like a prom dress.
Your dress looks amazing!!!!
I wish I had your courage! I’m totally torn on my dress and can’t seem to make a decision. I’m TERRIFIED to buy online!! I admire your ability to make a decision like that!
Love it! If Liza is in Portland, then you should be all good. She’ll be able to tailor it right to you.
I’m ordering my cover-up from Holly Stalder in Portland. I found her on Etsy, and she’s going to tailor it for me sight unseen.
Don’t worry, it’ll be great!
I have never, but I would totally!!! Whenever I look before it leaps it always works out!!! This dress looks great… I know it will work out!!
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the dress. It’s already obvious you have seriously awesome style!!! I’m with you on the leaping before looking. And it seems you’re probably confident enough in yourself that you know that you can handle anything (e.g. living in Russia without speaking the language!).
Oh wow - I absolutely LOVE your dress. & it sounds like the designer is fabulous as well. Great, great, great find & purchase!!
I can’t wait to see how your dress turns out. I’m sure it will turn out perfect, especially since you can do the fittings in person. You have amazing taste…now I can’t wait to hear more details of your wedding.
So freakin cute. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!!
I love the funky style of the dress. I think it will look amazing in person! I totally get what you mean about jumping before you look. I do that from time to time. But, if it feels right in your gut, then everything will work itself out 
Awesome dress!!
Thanks everyone. I love the dress and I love Liza. She’s so nice and very comforting. I was in Portland for measurements a few Saturdays before. I’ll get the dress at the end of May!
@ Smallgood: I was thinking of dying it darker so I can wear it a lot after the wedding.
@ Shay: Oh, I have junk in the trunk and I am short. I think the key is working with a designer that’s close enough that you can do measurements in person.
@ Miss Perfume: Thanks!
LOVE it. As someone who doesn’t want to wear a full gown it’s really nice to see some bees in non-traditional dresses.
You were featured on Mrs. Onion’s Short Dress Bride post, yes?
I love love love the dress! You are so brave - I don’t know if I could buy it without seeing it. That’s why I had such a hard time going on preowned dresses, etc…eee
Ooo, I love it! How unique! And I’m basically obsessed with pale grey right now- fab choice!
I love your dress! it’s so fresh
random - But I’m in the same predicament as your sister. Military complicated things, Wedding was postponed, Courthouse was visited - and my perfect dress sits in the closet. Here is the hope of next summer having better luck for us. I hope your sister gets her special day and doesn’t give up on it it’ll happen!
Beautiful choice!! Congratulations and best wishes to you … Isn’t Etsy a fabulous resource for fun finds? We always find amazing local tips on Etsy and love to post about all the best in Seattle for weddings Thanks for sharing your beautiful gown with us!
What a wonderful dress…..are you going to wear a veil…..I think a bird cage veil would look so pretty with the dress, or maybe a blusher/fly away illusion veil
Wow that dress is AWESOME! I absolutely love it. So modern, so chic!
I’m having my dress custom made with Wai-Ching in Seattle.. It’s a little nerve racking at first when you realize you’ve found your dream dress and there’s no way you could travel to try it on.. But Chrissy is simply amazing; after speaking with her and getting the swatches in the mail I was SOLD!
I should be getting my dress sometime in May, I can hardly wait!
I’ve had this dress saved in my favorite for ages - it might actually be my rehearsal dress!!
@ at : The dress looks completely different depending on the fabric used. I saw it in a navy cotton (I think) and thought it would be perfect for work or job interviews. I bet the dress in a different color (perhaps your wedding colors) would be stunning.
That is one seriously amazing dress!
I am having a dress custom made that I won’t be able to try on as well. The designer has looked at my inspiration and made me a amazing sketch. I am confident … not scared LOL.
What an amazing find! I’m not brave enough to take that route, but I’m sure it will be perfect for you.
Very rewearable, I think, as well!
absolutely lovely. you’ve got taste, m’dear, i’m digging you already.
great choice, Ms Joey!! kudos to you for being brave with what you want.
@lattelove: i’m in the same situation as you are. i’m excited but really nervous too!
Wow I love this! Sounds like you found a great deal and a stunning dress.
i am totally bride crushing on you and your amazing dress!
oh my gosh. i can’t do that… i’m so risk adverse! but with etsy and SO much stuff that im probably going to be ordering online… i dont know how im going to do it! eeek!
(and if you couldnt tell, i decided to just click “oldest” & read through your whole story. it made much more sense than reading it backwards! hehe)
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Mrs. Joey, Seattle
Age and Occupation: 28, Project Administrator for Public Health NGO
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, High School History Teacher
Engagement Date: June 24, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Eastside Catholic Chapel and Lake Union Cafe
About Me: I'm a Seattle girl through and through except for the fact that I don't drink coffee. I love my job most of the time because I get to travel and work with brilliant people who are trying to prevent Malaria. I love DIY projects of all sorts, cooking, and watching sports. I'd wear anything at Anthropologie and could spend all day on Etsy. I love to travel but shouldn't because I always get myself into unbelievable situations!
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