Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.

So, back in February I bought a really pretty dress at BCBG. I really liked it, thought it was a great deal, and took it home. Then, I started fretting that it wasn't "bridal" enough because of the color - a dark champagne (almost tan).

I started looking around the Internet and ended up buying two from ebay: the Rebecca dress by J. Crew and a cute vintage dress. Well, the vintage dress ended up being too small and a dingy gray from age. The Rebecca was pretty but it still wasn't right (although I still love it on the model . . . but unfortunately I'm a size 10 and not a 0)

I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I knew in my heart that a dress wasn't going to make or break my day and that I really should be focusing on the marriage and what it means rather than what I'm wearing . . . but I really couldn't help feeling disappointed. And then I felt guilty for feeling disappointed . . . it was becoming a vicious circle of disappointment and guilt!!

Well a few weeks ago my mom asked me to go with her to David's Bridal. At first I really didn't want to go. I had purposely avoided shopping in a wedding dress store because I didn't want to be "sold" or fawned over by a sales person. But, I had mentioned to my mom what I was going through in the dress department and I think she really understood how I felt . . . Mom said that she thought that a wedding dress is a very emotionally charged symbol and that it was okay to feel conflicted.

She also said it would mean a lot to her if she could share this experience with me. As a side note, I have to admit that this was a welcome surprise because previously she hasn't been all that interested in my wedding planning. However, over lunch this afternoon she explained that really she just felt awkward about the whole thing because she can't afford to help much and she didn't want to get in my dad's way. Dad and my step-mom have been amazing with helping me plan . . . and I don't think they would feel strange about my mom getting involved, but for whatever reason Mom felt funny. I guess it's understandable.

So, long story short . . . I tried on ten or so dresses (none of which are pictured here - these were just display dresses I happened to take a photo of while we were walking out. But, I did try on the dress that the girl in the picture is wearing.) with a really wonderful sales guy that reminded me of Christian Siranio (even down to the fabulous hair). I tried a beautiful lace trumpet gown and knew - KNEW - it was the one. I even tried on a lace trimmed fingertip length veil. It was. . . gorgeous. So, we bought it - the gown AND the veil! And now I am sublimely happy!

The dress is made to order and will arrive by October 18. This is cutting it close! I'm glad I didn't drag my feet any longer.

So, the moral of the story is . . . brides, go with your gut on the dress. Definitely go to a bridal shop (even if you think you'd rather stab yourself in the eye) and don't be afraid of what others will think of your choice (I was concerned that some might think it was too fancy, or that the veil was not "me" - especially since I had spent 5 months knitting a shawl to wear instead of a veil . . . ).

I'm really happy and now even MORE excited for October 30 - I didn't think that was possible!!