First off let me say I am SO sad this experience is over. It was SO MUCH FUN, I knew it would be but I was blown away. Also let me say this is not sponsored in any way, my friend Jamie (the photographer) found out they were opening a store in NJ last year and said when I get engaged we have to go, so it has been planned for a long time!
When I was talking on stories about finding a wedding dress, the amount of people that reached out and told me they were so afraid to go try on dresses because of their size, or they pushed back their wedding because they didn’t want to try on dresses, was alarming. WHAT!? It is supposed to be a happy time in your life and something you should look forward to! Let me start by saying bridal sizing is a JOKE. On average it is 6-8 sizes larger then your “street size” whatever that even means. You can not go into it worrying about what size it’s going to be because it DOESN’T MATTER!!! It is literally a number written on a piece of fabric, why should that define you?
That also goes for normal clothing, but when I tell you to put those fears aside and go enjoy the experience because you will be surprised, I MEAN IT. Brides by Young is a plus size bridal boutique but it starts at a bridal 14 which is a “street size” 6-10. Most wedding dress designers can make whatever size you need but trying on a sample size 12 when you are a 20…it is hard to see what it is going to actually look like. So being able to try on my size in samples was a game changer. I could really get a feel for what they would look like on me properly.
Alyson was my consultant, I can not say enough good things about her. She got to know me and my style and I showed her some photos I had saved. She asked me to trust her and she brought in about 8 dresses. PS I did not need the Spanx they had a bustier and I just wore a nude thong (yes they see naked people all day…it doesn’t phase them). The second I saw all the dresses I knew it was going to be a difficult decision. I honestly loved every single one of them, there was only one I was meh over. She had me try on different styles then what I had in mind, and I am so glad she did. Go into it with an open mind because they are the experts and you will be pleasantly surprised!
I don’t remember which # dress was THE ONE but the second I put it on I knew. I literally said “yep, this is it”. As soon as I showed my mom and friends I also knew. We all loved it, it was PERFECT. Alyson had me try on a couple more dresses just in case but nothing compared. Then I was sad it was over! I could have stayed all day and tried on dresses. The best moments of the day was my mom balling the second I turned around in THE dress and then my dad came in when I had the veil on and his face was priceless! I am so glad I had Jamie there not only to get pictures of the dresses but also to capture those moments with my parents. It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
The biggest takeaway I want you all to remember is this day is about YOU. It’s YOUR wedding and you can do whatever the hell you want. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. If you love the dress, but your mom doesn’t….it’s not about her. If you love the dress and your friends don’t…its not about them. ITS YOUR DAY. I have never felt more beautiful than I felt in that dress and I can not wait for Jared to see me in it.
Also a heads up, my dress will take 10 months to come in as well as 2 months alterations…stop waiting until the last minute! Give yourself time. I know not everyone finds their dress the first go around but I had the best experience there and I could have said yes to all of the dresses because they were that beautiful.
I am keeping the dress I got a secret but here are all the other dresses I tried on! I do not know what size I tried on in them because Alyson didn’t make it about the size, exactly like it should be. When you say yes they will measure you and order the size you need.
Studio Levana Kris Curvy Enchanting Collection
Eddie K UR132
I had her put a different strap on this one because I didn’t love the strap it came with!
Ashley Graham x Pronovias Day
Allure W413
Demetrios 854
Stella York 6758
Demetrios 8021
All photos were taken by Gracie Perl Photography. She is AMAZING!!
Thank you all so much for supporting me and being happy for me through this time in my life. I am so grateful I get to share these moments with you all and I love each and every one of you!
xx, Em