Alterations

Today was the third and last fitting for my wedding gown. I knew I would have to get alterations if I bought my gown in the US. I took a big risk, not even trying the gown on before buying it and then having it shipped to Germany. Too many accidents just waiting to happen, right? But, God is good. My gown made it here and luckily, my only problem was in the thigh area - I needed it taken in. Easy enough. No major alterations. Miraculously, the first Bekleidungsservice I called, turned out to be fantastic. They are extremely polite, patient, and no matter how many times I've changed my mind about my damn train, very accommodating. And they speak English. So, today something odd happened. I've heard that story about how when a bride tries on her wedding dress, instantly she knows that dress is "the one." I've never really felt that way. The first couple of times I tried my gown on, I just concentrated on fixing it and finding the right accessories. I looked at the gown, not at myself, in the gown. Well today, as I stood in front of the mirror, even with my black sweat socks peeking out from under the hem, I felt it. I felt the nervousness of my one and only wedding day approaching. I felt the pride my Mom's going to feel. And I felt beautiful, hopefully the same way G will feel when he sees me for the first time. Today, I felt like a bride.

Endlich!

The search is over. I ordered my gown today! I would love to post a picture but I'm going to try to be traditional (shock!) and surprise G on our wedding day. But I will tell you that after searching for so long for the perfect formal gown, in a nontraditional color, in the end I chose an ivory lace wedding gown - with a sweep train!

NYC Mama

My Mama loves me. She really really loves me. She's flying to NYC next week, to look for wedding gowns in the bridal district. She is convinced that she will find my dream gown. Isn't that sweet? And crazy! I know it sounds risky - my mother choosing my wedding gown - but we have a very unique relationship. We are best friends (for real) and we have the same sense of style. She knows what looks best on me and vice versa. She is the only person I trust enough to shop for something so important to me. She's taking my photos and measurements and of course, her digital camera so that I can see her favorites every night. And she's bringing her girlfriend along for a second opinion...and mental support if it comes to down to me actually making a decision! Wish us luck:)

A Back Up Plan

Ich bin allein! We are in Frankfurt for a couple of days and then we are headed to Köln. G had a meeting in Koblenz and his parents are working so it's just me and Roby. So what's a girl to do? SHOP! And naturally, I've been shopping online for more gowns. I'm starting to realize that the probability of me finding my gown in Deutschland is slim. And to be honest, I'm getting tired of searching. Finding your one and only wedding gown is supposed to be fun - not a headache! I didn't want to order a gown from the US (via my Mom) because of alteration issues. But I may take that chance. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I find something in Köln. In the meantime, I thought about the easiest option for buying a formal evening gown in the US - department stores. I'm really getting desperate, huh?! But surprisingly, I found some fantastic gowns from Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. I really like this first gown...extremely simple but fabulous all the same!

The Search Continues

München...

Frankfurt...

Next, Köln.

U Turn

Well, as usual, my Mother was right. She said that as soon as I saw myself in different wedding gowns, my opinion on which style I prefer would drastically change. And that's exactly what happened. After searching for the ideal "non wedding" wedding gown and trying on long, short, lace, beaded, taffeta, silk, chiffon, white, off white, eggshell, ivory, champagne, and beige gowns, I have decided they are exactly what I do not want! Now I see myself in an amazing evening gown. Definitely formal. I'm leaning toward the Grecian style. And believe it or not, color is fine with me. What do you think? Aren't these gowns dreamy?

To See or Not To See Thru

There is a fine line between super sexy and trashy...I've been sitting on the fence, on more than one occasion. However, for my wedding, I want an atypical gown but I don't want to cringe when I look at my photos next year. What do you think?

A order B?

These gowns are very nontraditional but everything about us, especially having two different ceremonies in two countries, is nontraditional. So I've been choosing gowns that I find beautiful and memorable, as opposed to what a wedding gown should look like. These are just a couple of my favorites...there's more to come. What do you think?