The Dress

Details:
Bust: 36"-40"
Waist: 30"-34"
Hips: 40"-43"
Color: Blush
Lace, sequin, beading designs - all intact
Boning: yes

My story: I walked into Brides by Jessa in Iowa City on a whim. My best friend and I had lunch across the street, and we laughed at how fun it would be to look at the wedding dresses. We decided to walk in, and soon Jessa said she had a "magic dress" that looked amazing on everybody. When she showed me the dress, I gasped. I hadn't envisioned myself in blush, but I fell in love immediately.

The dress *was* magical, from the dainty lace, sequin, and beading detail to the soft pleats set diagonally across the bodice. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one. I loved how it fit me through the hips, hugging my curves, to the full skirt that billowed around my legs. It was easy to walk and dance in. I had been skeptical about a strapless dress, having seen numerous brides hiking up their dresses at other weddings. However, I had nothing to fear. The corset back helped to keep the dress snug against my frame, and I remember adjusting everything maybe 2 or 3 times the entire afternoon and evening. I loved how the dress sat on my waist, the boning and structure of the bodice keeping everything secure.

An additional bonus: with the corset back, I didn't have to worry about whether or not I would fit into my wedding dress the day of the wedding. My mother simply cinched me into it, and I was good to go. I could have gained or lost 15 pounds, and it would not have mattered - the dress would have been stunning either way. It was so nice to not have that on my mind in the months leading up to the wedding.

One thing to note: a bit of the lining tulle that creates volume from the underskirt had come detached from the lining. I hand-stitched it back on, and one would know by looking at the dress.