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Once You Go, You Know
Photography courtesy Maggie Sottero. Style #RD1044
When it comes to Jamaica, they say, “Once you go, you know.” And when it comes to your wedding dress, they say, “When you know, you know.” Let me tell you, they were so right! After making the decision to have our wedding in Jamaica, the next thing I did was start looking online for dress ideas. I spent hours and hours on wedding websites, poring through wedding magazines and even browsing through random “so-and-so’s wedding” albums on Facebook (I admit it, I’m a Facebook creeper…don’t judge me, you know you’ve done it, too! haha). After a few months of this “research,” I’d bookmarked a ton of dresses that I absolutely loved, and I was totally sure I’d end up with one of those dresses. Then one day I saw an ad for a big sale at a local bridal gallery (Isabelle’s Bridal, in North Vancouver, for all you B.C. ladies). I could not have asked for a better shopping experience, and would definitely recommend them to anyone and everyone who’ll listen. One day I thought I’d just pop in and take a look around. It couldn’t hurt, right? I mean, if I happened to go in there and fall in love with a dress, (and maybe even find one on sale!) then I’d be tickled pink. If I went and didn’t find a dress, then I could just keep on looking. Well, as it turned out, all of the styles I thought I’d love looked terrible on me! I was disappointed, for sure, but then a funny thing happened. There was a dress that kept on catching my eye as I walked by it, but not because it was an obvious choice. In fact, it was completely different from all the other dresses I’d gravitated towards. Something about the dress, though, was calling to me…I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I figured what the heck, let’s just try it on for fun…
And wouldn’t you know it, when I put it on, my mom and my maid of honour were stunned and (almost) speechless. They both said they loved it, and well, I just knew it was my dress. For posterity, I did try on about a dozen more dresses afterwards, but my mind kept going back to that one dress and all I wanted to do was put it back on. That was more than enough to convince me that this dress was meant for me! It just goes to show that having a preconceived notion of what your dress should or will look like doesn’t always work; sometimes it’s the one that you least expect to love that’s the keeper.
I was lucky enough that the rack size fit me, so I bought the dress on the spot and brought it home with me (well, to my mom’s place, since I don’t want Karlo to see it!) Here’s a money saving tip for you: if you buy off the rack, the bridal shop will usually give you a discount, even if the dress is already on sale. And let me tell you, getting to take that baby home with you and visit it on a regular basis (I visit my dress at my mom’s house at least once a week) is so much fun! I think having to wait for the dress to be ordered in would have been too much for me to handle…
For the record, I had planned on showing a picture of myself in my dress here, but then Karlo would definitely see it, and I want the
Photography courtesy Maggie Sottero. Style #SD5230
first time he sees me in it to be when I’m walking towards him on the beach in Jamaica. That’s a moment in time we’ll only get to experience once, and I wouldn’t want to ruin that. Instead, I’ve included some pictures of a few of the dresses that I had originally fallen in love with. I think these dresses are absolutely stunning, just not on me.
So there you go. That was my wedding dress shopping experience in a nutshell. I am just SO happy with my dress and can’t wait to wear it on our wedding day…and possibly at our home reception as well. Next post I’m going to be doing a tutorial on how to DIY your birdcage veil (yup, I made my own veil!). I really had my doubts that I’d be able to pull it off, so I’m pretty pleased with myself on this one! Haha. For all you brides-to-be, have you already decided what you’ll be doing for your veil? Long veil, short veil, birdcage veil or no veil? I’m so eager to hear what you’re all planning!
Tags: blogger search, destination wedding, diy, maggie sottero, shopping, veil, wedding dress
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Hi Lara!
When’s the wedding? I bought that dress you and you were totally right, the wait is so excruciating! I will receive it only in December and the wedding is in February on the beach of Cayo Santa Maria. Can you upload a picture of you in your wedding dress? I would LOVE to see it!
Thanks ! :)
Hey Lara! You’re so lucky you got your dress off the rack!! I think it’s a sign it was really meant to be. I’m really looking forward to the DIY veil. I thought birdcage veils looked kinda rediculous but when I saw my cousin with one on it really suited her. Looking forward to the next post!
Aw Lara!! Hiding the dress from Karlo is probably so hard but it’ll be so worth it to see the look on his face!! Ah so romantic!!:)
Just happened by …. stunning!
http://www.ashortguidetoahappymarriage.com
Congratulations on finding your dream dress!!
ok, sounds like WAY too much fun. I want action shots next time!
I’m living vicariously through your dress shopping experience:) You’re going to look beautiful…can’t wait till the next post!
Thanks for all the comments, ladies!
Judith – You’ll have so much fun doing a DIY veil. For me, DIY’ing my veil has been the most rewarding of all the projects I’ve done so far =) Aww, I wish I could show you THE dress, and I want to see yours, too! Hmm…
Jennifer – All of the above and more (can’t forget the johnny cakes)! Plus, our home reception is being catered by our favourite local Jamaican restaurant, so even the people who can’t make it on the trip will get a taste of all that Jamaica has to offer =) I’ll be talking all about the at home reception in future posts so stay tuned ;)
Emily – wow, you didn’t bother trying any other dresses on? That’s great, but actually, trying on other dresses even when I knew which one was THE one was quite fun! Shopping for a wedding dress is a once in a lifetime thing, so I wanted to make sure to get the full experience ;)
Aww, Ate Che, you have a video of my 2nd birthday party?! That’s awesome! Is that the one when we were all playing musical chairs and I got a pink tricycle as a gift? Wait, I think that was my 3rd birthday, nevermind. I don’t remember my 2nd at all! I’d love to see it – next time you’re in town let’s have an old family tapes party, that’d be a hoot =P Love you, too!
Ang – thanks for reading all my posts, even though you are actually THERE for all of it =) Love love LOVE!
Chrissy – ooh wait until you see! We got some beautiful fabric (in different colours) and the styles the girls have chosen are sooo pretty.
Tricia – It’s SO true… much like guys haha. The ones you least expect to be keepers, right? =P
I am sure you will look absolutely gorgeous! Karlo will be speechless. You are so right it is the one you least expect!
Another great post! Who doesn’t like hearing about wedding dresses?! What was the final call on the bridesmaid attire?
Great post, lady. I remember that day and the feeling we all had when you tried on “the dress”. Can’t wait to see you in it again soon!
My little Roo…brought tears to my eyes just thinking of you putting on that dress. Wish I was there with you. I can’t believe how time just zooms by. I was just watching a video of your 2nd bday the other day..now you’re getting married.
Can’t wait to see the dress. I’m sure it’s just as lovely as you.
Love ya babe.
Oh those dresses are just beautiful! I know exactly how you feel – I knew the first one I put on was THE one, and didn’t even bother trying any others on because I didn’t like any others nearly as much, even on the hangers! I’m glad you found something gorgeous. And I’m excited to read about your DIY projects – I have a couple coming up myself :)
Jamaica is absolutely amazing for destination weddings! The beaches, the food, the sun, the sand and it’s sooooo green. I can’t wait to read more about your journey and see how you incorporate all of the things that Jamaica has to offer into your wedding!
What’s on the menu? Jerk chicken? ackee? coco bread? rumcake?
Great post! You had me re-living my dress shopping experience! Isn’t it funny how the dresses you thought you’d love (I had photos on my phone, my work computer and home computer) just did nothing for you when you actually tried it on? (Check out my last post, I too posted the dresses that I said NO to). The dresses you have pictured are stunning..so pretty! I’d love to see the dress you “did” pick..hmm..how to see it without having Karlo see it..
You have me excited! I haven’t picked out what to wear for a veil yet and have yet to look at DIY projects (whatever it is I choose will be DIY). I will be patiently waiting your next post :).