I’m so excited to finally be posting the last chapter of my dress hunt. This all started with some dress shopping around New Orleans with Ginger. After getting an idea of what I liked and conquering my bridal shop fears on my first trips out, I took advantage of quick vacation in San Francisco. This time I tried on dresses by Stephanie James Couture in San Francisco, and started to narrow in on what I wanted. Where I last left off, I had picked a dress and found a shop in PA where I could try it on over Christmas. I’m back from that trip and ready to show all of you pictures of me in my wedding dress! It’s ordered and being custom made for me.
On this trip, I brought my mom, dad, and Ginger. The shop we went to, called Anne Gregory for the Bride, was in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. It’s one of the few places on the east coast that carries a nice selection of Stephanie James Couture dresses. I wasn’t so sure about this shop because it seemed much more traditional than I would usually go for, but the experience was good. The male owner is out, and made my family feel so welcome. They ordered a sample of my dress Stephanie in CA just for me to try on. As soon as I came out in my dress, Ginger and my mom said it couldn’t be more perfect for me. I know some couples like to keep the dress a secret from each other, but I was so glad I brought the three people that know me best. Everyone was beaming, and while I tried on some other pretty dresses by the same designer, it was clearly no contest. It was great to have that feedback that this dress not only looked great, but fit my personality. Here’s some pictures that my dad took of me in my wedding dress:
Before, I was thinking about a lime green crinoline underneath, but having tried it on, I think bright colored shoes would be a better place for a pop of color. You can see Ginger in the background looking on with a big smile. Love it!
When the dress is made, there will be some changes to the bodice to make it fit me better. The straps will be thinner (like the one on the right in the picture above which was pinned that way), the v-neck will be a little bit deeper, and there will be covered buttons running down the waist section in the back. I have always associated covered buttons with bridal, so I’m really happy I could add this little detail I was looking for. The back has a very deep V that I love; a little bit sexy but still very cute.
I love the fabric. It’s silk doupionni in a soft (not bright) white with pintucks every 1″. This dress is called the Mrs Kennedy, not after Jackie O., but after the designer’s married name. Stephanie couldn’t find the right wedding dress when she was getting married so she decided to make this dress for herself. After a successful run at making her own wedding dress, she found a career as an independent bridal designer. Besides tea length, she also makes long, glam dresses and forties style suits. I could not be happier to be supporting such a cool designer. I’m so excited to finally put a check next to wedding dress!
Did you make any progress on your wedding plans over the holidays?
WOW. Gorgeous! And I’m a bit jealous that Ginger got to go dress shopping with you. Liz won’t let me see her even try on wedding dresses, lest I should see her in the dress before the wedding. Heh.
I love your choice and you look lovely!
that’s a gorgeous dress!
OMG! I totally adore your dress and you look so freakin hot in it. It’s so original and fun…Your going to totally rock that dress.
you’re dress is freaking fantastic!
I looks beautiful on you!