Weddingbee Blog

Hi there! Remember that time I started telling you about my dress shopping adventures and then totally left you high and dry without a drop of info about my final purchase? My bad! In case you missed the beginning of the story (or in case you need a refresher since it has been so long), I fawned over some inspiration dresses, planned a trip to NYC, and did a little bit of shopping here in Nashville with Mama Dalmatian.

Now, first things first:

Image via The Daily Puppy

Okay, now second things second: I have a very important warning for those of you who have not yet embarked on wedding dress shopping:

IT IS ADDICTING. Of course, every bride’s shopping experience differs dramatically, but I think many brides and many bees would agree with me on this one. For me, dress shopping was fun. Too much fun. I went with just my mom, and we share pretty similar views when it comes to style, so I did not have to face any unwanted negativity or overbearing opinions. I did, however, face salons that reminded me of fairy tales and gorgeous gowns with intricate lace, luscious satin, and soft tulle.

B. Hughes Bridal / Image via McLellan Blog / Photo by McLellan Style Photography

Vera Wang Collection at B. Hughes Bridal / Image via McLellan Blog / Photo by McLellan Style Photography

Clearly after being introduced to the beautiful world of wedding dresses in person, I was immediately addicted. Given this, I had no patience when it came to trying on more gowns. So, on our last day in Nashville, we decided to pop by a couple more salons. In terms of upholding our plans to dress shop in New York that coming week: big mistake. In terms of me finding the dress of my dreams: best decision ever!

You see, amidst the dresses in the photo above there was one in particular that our consultant pulled for me. After seeing what I had tried on and what we had liked, she knew that I wanted an A-line shape with some sort of lace detail. Enter Dinah by Vera Wang.

Vera Wang Dinah / Image via GhanaBride.com

I did not cry when I put the dress on, but this was not surprising (I cry a lot but never in typical tear-worthy situations), but I did feel my heart beating out of my chest, and I did NOT want to take it off. Then, I finally did take it off and I immediately wanted to put it back on. And that is how I knew it was the one.

I love the shape, and all of the tulle, and the lace details on the top, and the soft pick-ups in the skirt. I will not be wearing the ribbon belt that it comes with, not because I do not love a giant bow (because I certainly do), but this one was a bit overpowering on me. Instead I chose a simple grosgrain ribbon tied in a slightly more proportional

The Dress

Close-up

With beautiful Mama Dalmatian

I had been dreading having to make a final decision when it came to dress shopping because decision making is something at which every member of my family is infamously bad. On top of my genetic predisposition to indecision, there was a time constraint because they offered us a discount but only if we bought it that day (it was related to a trunk show). This meant shopping in New York City and keeping this as a back-up was not an option. To be honest, I wasn’t too flustered by this because I knew this dress was not my back-up, it was THE ONE. Mama Dalmatian and I took a quick Starbucks break to think it over. I called Adam to make sure he was okay with the slightly over-budget price (poor guy, he didn’t stand a chance) and once I got the go ahead, we headed back to the salon and placed the order!

The only sad thing about finding my dress was that it meant no more dress shopping, a pastime of which I had grown quite fond. It was a small price to pay, however, for the gown of my dreams.

Did you find a dress sooner than expected? Was your dress purchase an easy decision?

* All photos personal unless otherwise noted.