Weddingbee boards

I can't believe it! It's mine! The DRAMA is OVER! It's seriously DONE!

OK, so backstory... some of you may remember all my drama. I drove a good 3.5-4 hrs to try on this dress after stalking it since 2007. The price was higher than I was comfortable with and I talked myself out of it. 

I found a completely different dress... and stood in a mirror for 20 min. talking myself INTO it.

Come alterations time, the vision is beyond gone and I'm heartbroken.

A girl pops into my life with a NWT JA9552.

We go back and forth, I have a few concerns with the size but it looks to be a go!

I don't hear back from her, so I go to running of the brides in DC. (third time to drive 4 hrs for a dress.)

I don't find anything good, but do try on 2-3 JA size 8s (a size up from the one avail) which fit like a glove. Basically, a 6 would be too small.

I called a store in Houston where I have family, and they have one to sell me! My SIL goes to check it out and there's a few holes in the skirt... :-(

I called EVERY store in the country that carries JA Signature to try and find a sample in/near my size for sale.

I found one in Charleston and ordered it last Friday. I haven't said anything because the one in Houston was supposed to be "perfect" as well. I've been really stressed about if it would work or not.

IT ARRIVED TODAY AND IT IS 100% PERFECT AND IN BRAND NEW CONDITION! Seriously, I've hardly seen any samples in this good of condition! It may need to come in a tad on the bust, but it's PERFECT!

I can't even describe how amazing I feel right now! 

Obviously, I need a crinoline

(yes, it zips all the way but I couldn't reach :-)

Also, remember how it has a lace long sleeve jacket?

It's supposed to be like this

But on me, it looked like this

Not really the look I think I want. Sooooo. I'm going to alter the jacket. I'm thinking boat neck and 3/4 sleeves... kind of like this (warning, the jacket is not actually buttoned or connected in the back so it's just kind of a generalization.. it would be tight etc after alterations..) But, thoughts on this as the alteration?

My other issue, is if this is the look (for ceremony only), I'm not sure about veil... I was thinking fingertip? I wanted a blusher... but with the lace top, I'm not sure what veil would be best... 

Oh goodness, so much weight has been lifted off me... and today is 80 days out! nothing like a last min. dress change! Also, in 9 days, it will mark the 3 year anniversary of the first time I saw this dress and fell in love.

What a saga this whole heap of a mess has been, but it's over! (Anyone want to buy a size 8 Pronovias Megan, NWT? :-)

Love the proposed alterations to the jacket, and I am really happy for you that you got your dress. Good luck selling the Megan.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone. Really, y'all all helped keep me sane during this whole ordeal. 

I'm glad y'all seem to like the altered jacket. I think I'm going to try and have it opened up to the tip of the shoulder... I would only wear it for the ceremony (in a church) as well... 

Ahhh, feels so good! I just played in it for about 30 min :-)

LOVE IT!

That really is an amazing dress and since you posted that picture months ago I haven't seen anything like it. 

I like the altered top as well.  Make sure you have plenty of room to move around (and hold your husbands hand at the alter!).

I love the idea of a lace edge veil with this! 

How are you doing your hair?  I like the way the model has it!

The dress looks phenomenal on you! Congratulations!

Thank you! Do you think bridal stores would have an issue bringing in a dress that's not theirs to try on veils?

@ttt123: Thanks! According to the website it's called "Ivory" but it's def. darker than the typical bridal ivory. It seriously photographs a thousand ways, but IRL, it's more of a natural/ivory/mocha It's really hard to describe. It most situations, if photographs pretty ivory though... 

@jordynrose: I've been itching to write this post since about 10 days ago! Lol, I put the dep. on the dress a week ago monday and the Friday "purchased" it during tax free weekend! Then I had to wait for it to come to my door! I was so excited but was trying not to get my hopes up.

I'll tell you what though... after stalking this dress for 3 years, the fact that it's in my house is odd! haha

As for hair inspiration, I have naturally wavy hair and it hold curl pretty well. I love it when my hair has texture to it, so these are my inspirations... Not all that far off from the model image.

@AmuseMeMusically: I almost bought a sample of a 10 (this one is an 8) and I was in-between 6/8 in sizing. Closer to 6 but that smidge over ;-) I've always heard you can take a dress in at least 2 sizes and let it out 1. Because of the lace and silk/satin... I didn't really want to let it out if needed. We will be taking it in a tiny bit, but not much. There is some boning in the bodice. The 10 the seamstress said no prob... and it was pretty big on me! 

I've also always heard to buy the size your at, because sometimes with the best of intentions we don't loose weight. (shoot, I GAINED weight during my engagement! lol) But, you do have a while. Perhaps try calling JA and see if they know if there are any plans to discontinue the gown. At least go try it on, and then start your diet/fitness routine. Then before the next collection comes out, buy it? I'm just concerned that it feels to me like it's def. getting phased out right now, I'm not sure how much longer it will be around....

@Miss Mitzie: :-) I've loved this dress for so long it's great to share it with others, finally! I'm more than happy to "inspire" you!

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I can't tell everyone how much it means to me that people love it and are so excited/happy for me. I can't wait to get it altered, do bridals, and wear it! woohoo!