The Dress

Jim Hjelm by Hayley Paige bridal gown - Ivory Silk Taffeta Trumpet bridal gown, Alencon lace bodice with sheer illusion neckline, three-quarter length sleeve, chapel train.

The dress fits like a glove (without being too tight), is very comfortable and is even more flattering! The softly structured bodice with the boning through the stomach and hips is SO flattering and extremely forgiving for those of us with the ultimate trifecta of problem areas: "hips, butt, and gut". I loved the ivory color and simplicity of the skirt/train, which looked great against the delicate lace detail on the upper body and light/sheer illusion neckline.

Before I found this dress, I really had not seen or tried on anything that felt "like me" and with time running out I was starting to panic, so I visited a local boutique that sells some dresses directly from their showroom collection for immediate purchase. I tried this dress on in the only size they had available (12) and immediately fell in love with it, even despite the fact that it was just too large all over. I had the dress altered to fit women's "street size" 6 or 8 - more specifically: brought up hemline/reduced length of the train slightly; had the bodice taken in at waist, chest, and hips; and also removed some "excess material" around the sleeves/chest/shoulder area to give a more polished, fitted look. I felt very confident and comfortable in this dress which is really all I wanted on my wedding day - I hope it serves the next bride just as well!

Alterations

Dress has been professionally altered to fit women's "street size" 6 or 8 - bodice taken in around the waist, chest, and hips; brought up hemline of train, and sleeves taken in to be slightly more fitted.