Bride-to-be Blogger Stephanie: My Dress Is In! My Dress Is In!


Bride-to-be Blogger Stephanie: My Dress Is In! My Dress Is In!

Stephanie and her friend Emily on her first dress-shopping trip.

A squeal of pure, abounding glee. I think that’s how I’d best describe it. I don’t think I’ve ever squealed before, but when La Bella Moda called to tell me my wedding dress—which I haven’t seen in six months—had finally come in, I simply couldn’t contain my excitement. Yet I was at work, so it turned into a more muted, high-pitched, squeaky “Really?! That’s great!”—with a lot of emphasis on the great.

When I put down the phone, I peaked behind my monitor and said to my coworker Amanda sitting across the way, “Guess what?!”—with a giant smile spreading across my face.

The incredible thing about Amanda is that she cannot only match my excitement level but take it to an entirely new echelon of elation. She was completely thrilled for me. She suggested that I go that very night to try it on—which I was dying to do—but I knew my mom would want to be there with me, and she wasn’t available.

We couldn’t find a date that worked until this past Monday, but the time was finally upon me. I was going to see the dress I chose a half year ago for the first time since doing so. I’m always browsing through wedding magazines for ideas, and I can’t help but look at all of the wedding dresses and wonder, “Did I make the right decision?”

As I drove to the salon on Monday night, I was sweating I was so nervous. I had the air-conditioning blasting, despite the fact that it was dropping into the 20s outside. I was also running behind due to my fifth meeting of the day at the work and was driving a bit more aggressive than usual to make sure I made it in time. I couldn’t miss my appointment!

I arrived huffing and puffing after running from the car (my signature move of sorts, as I tend to run late quite often). My sister, mom, and best friend Emily were waiting for me inside.

The La Bella Moda staff escorted us upstairs, where the dress was waiting. I got undressed, put on my wedding shoes (which I found and purchased the day before!), and waited anxiously for the dress. When we slipped it over my head, I had a moment of panic, as it wasn’t going down. It felt way too tight.

We decided to try stepping into it, which worked much better—but it still felt disconcertingly tight. Beyond the feeling of tightness, however, when I gazed up into the mirror, it was absolutely perfect. The dress was exquisite. Relief washed over me, I had made the right decision. This was my dress, no doubt in my mind.

I walked out of the dressing room to oohs and aahs from my sister, mom, and Emily. I stepped onto the platform before the wall of mirrors and felt utterly content. It was gorgeous, and I felt gorgeous in it!

Before further reveling in its beauty, I wanted to first get back to the tightness concern. I know I haven’t gained any weight since trying on the dress. If anything, I’ve lost weight. So it was perplexing, especially since we had ordered the dress in a larger size than we originally thought just to be on the safe side. So as not to worry myself with it, I’m just going to chalk it up to all bridal wear running extremely small. I mean, my super petite bridesmaids are wearing 10s and 12s in their bridesmaid dresses—crazy!

The good news is the dress looks like it fits me perfectly—it hugs every curve just right. The bad news is it doesn’t feel that way. But La Bella Moda owner Lena pointed at the seam of the dress and demonstrated how there is approximately one inch of fabric to work with, so she is going to let it out a bit before my next fitting. Hopefully, that should solve the problem, and I can stop worrying about it.

On to the fun stuff and back to reveling in its beauty, and after admiring the dress a bit longer, we then began accessorizing. We tried dozens of sashes and veils with it before finding just the kind of sash I’ve been hoping for, and it just so happens to match my new shoes. And we tried on the veil that I first fell in love with at Bridal Garden. Mission accomplished!

I wanted just a little more time in the dress before taking it off. I walked around the floor, admiring how beautifully the train flows behind me, how the sash accents the dress, and how the veil really makes me feel like a bride. I looked in the mirror once more and reluctantly conceded it was time to take it off.

We went downstairs, placed the order for the veil and sash (which was shockingly expensive!), and scheduled my first fitting. I walked out of the salon supremely happy. In the back of my mind, I’m slightly worried about the fit, but most of all, I’m completely ecstatic about how beautiful it is.

The other thought running through my head: “Pat is going to absolutely love it.”

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