because it's all about the dress...

Today at Kelly's Korner , she's starting a new series every Friday that I thought I would participate in today to share a little more about me and give advice to brides to be. Head over there to see awesome dresses and get ideas!

How I decided on my wedding dress:While in Uptown Greenwood, SC looking at spaces to rent for my new business venture, I found the perfect spot that just so happened to be next door to a bridal boutique called Voila! This was September 07' and at this point we had been engaged for 4 months. I hadn't thought once about trying on wedding dress since we weren't getting married until August 08. Plenty of time, I thought. Well, since I had time to kill and my mom was begging me "just to go look" - we walked in and I flipped through the racks until I stumbled upon this fabulous unique dress designed by Pattis Bridal. So many of my friends had gotten married before me and most all had worn some sort of strapless wedding dress. Now, I do love that style, but since it had been done before, I knew I wanted to be a little different. So when I saw this sweetheart neckline, trumpet style dress with embroidered lace straps and a vintage touch - aaaah my heart stopped. I hopped into the dressing room and low and behold - the dress fit me TO A TEE! It was as if the dress was made for me...the length just needed to be hemmed. Unreal! So I thought, well let me just try on one more - but hated it - so I just put them both up and said I'd think about it. 2 days later without trying on any other dresses, or even looking for that matter - I begged my mom to buy the dress. Since it was out of our budget, I volunteered to pay half of it myself since I loved it so much. Done deal.

It was all worth it! I have gotten so many compliments on my dress and even though there are tons of other dress styles out there that I love, I know deep down this dress was meant for me! My advice to all soon-to-be-brides: Go with your gut and never second guess yourself or you'll be miserable. Just find the one you love, check it off your list, and that's one less thing you'll have to worry about. You will be glad you did! Just as long as you feel comfortable and confident in the dress, that's all that matters.

Here are a few photos of my dress+ a few bridal portraits. Photography by Clark Berry in Lexington, SC.

{Veil and chandelier earrings are also from Voila! in Greenwood, SC.}

May all you brides-to-be have the best {and easiest} bridal gown shopping experience you can possibly have :)

Congrats and Best Wishes,