THE DRESS

One of the very first things I started looking for as soon as we got engaged was “The Dress”. I have grown up watching Say Yes to The Dress with my mom and sister so I wanted the entire wedding dress shopping experience! I did go with a few close family members to 3 different Bridal Boutiques in Southern California and tried on many dresses before finding “The One” that I said yes to. However, when our plans began to change that dress (that I’m dying to wear this year) felt like more of a church wedding dress, and I wanted something a little more suited for our new plans.

I have been a big fan of Grace Loves Lace ever since I discovered it 2 years ago. The brand embodies the ultimate fearless, sexy, bohemian goddess! Although I’m obsessed with their gowns and the aesthetic, I never thought I would be able to pull something like that off! Their gowns are a little bit too sexy for my original Church venue and a little too out of my price range.

However when the pandemic hit I was determined to find a dress that I could feel like a bohemian goddess in for our desert "minimony". I came across the Grace Loves Lace website once again, but this time noticed a “Sample Sale” tab. I found the perfect dress for me. It had everything I was hoping for, luxurious hand made European lace, statement sleeves, a long train and less than half of its original price! The only problem was due to it being a sample, it was final sale. It was accompanied by the disclaimer of possibly being slightly worn (it was a photo shoot sample), and was a world away sitting in a showroom in Australia. I don’t know if it was something inside of me, or the 4th straight month of quarantine that made me do it...but I purchased my wedding dress online without seeing it in person.

I was so nervous about this purchase. Although it was a fraction of its original price, it was still an investment! I had no idea if it would fit, I couldn’t take it back, and I prayed I had converted my measurements from US to AUS sizing correctly! I will add that the online stylist that assisted me calmed my nerves and reassured me that I was making the right decision.

I tracked the package religiously (I specifically remember refreshing the tracking several times that day). The moment came when the beautifully wrapped Grace Loves Lace box arrived at my door all the way from their studio in Australia.

I opened the box and realized the dress was seamlessly one piece! That’s right, no zippers, buttons, or hooks. I somehow had to find out if this dress made of handmade lace was going to fit me!

It was truly God and faith that made it work...because it was a perfect fit! Not a single alteration was made to the dress (which is truly insane, because I’m someone who is so petite that I get everything altered or hemmed). It was as if this dress was made for me, and not a single indication that this was a sample piece.

I’ve never felt sexier, more beautiful, and yet more like myself than on my wedding day! It was the perfect dress for the perfect venue and envisioned my bohemian goddess aesthetic perfectly! I’m very proud to be a Grace Bride!