My Say Yes to the Dress Experience
Kleinfelds anyone? Let’s face it. No one is saying no to that question, but if you are, let’s chat! Much like the host, Randy, my experience was larger than life, and sharing the details with all my “Bride Babes to Be’’ is what you didn’t know you needed, until now. I cover everything from brass knuckles, yes—you read that right—to emotions running sky high and plans changing.
Let’s start with the detaining! We were on our way to the Big Apple and low and behold, someone happened to have some bedazzled fake brass knuckles stowed away in their bag. SHOUT OUT to my cousin Charlotte! She completely forgot about them, but that would slip anyone’s mind, right?! Airport security means business, fake or not, but she was finally released and skirted in just in time for hair and makeup so we could begin filming.
Meeting Randy for the first time really set the tone for a fun day of filming. He and the phenomenal stylist, Ellie Kirke, took me around the store to see it all and gave me a sort of litmus test to see how far was too far. I knew I wanted unique and fun but was having the hardest time. They knew exactly what to do and the try-on journey began.
Dress #1 was sooo intense. A black and white striped HUGE gown that didn’t even make it out of the dressing room. If there was a line, it crossed it and I wasn’t about to cross it either…
Up next was a scalloped top, black and white detailed Mark Zunino gown. Pretty, pretty, pretty but not the dress for me and it never made it out of the dressing room either.
Dress #3 was a dress that was so over my budget—I so didn’t care—and so had to put it on. This Zuhair Murad dress was sheer and way too risque, but it was surreal to have it on and was one I had been eyeing for months. When I walked out, everyone was shocked and it felt good to know it wasn’t the one. BUT, Babes, try all the dresses. You might walk in thinking you want traditional and end up with edgy because it feels and looks practically perfect.
I loved the Pnina Tornai that was next in line, but mom said it made me look like a superhero and that I needed a cape to fly down the aisle at my wedding. I couldn’t get that thought and vision out of my head, so it was a no, nope, not happening.
F-I-N-A-L-L-Y another Mark Zunino made its way into my dressing room. Black and white stripes down the center. Flattering. Not too much and Oh So Chic. I felt like I was on my way to an art gallery opening and I just knew it was perfect. When I walked out, my family’s reaction was exactly what I needed and I felt a sense of relief. They were all crying tears of joy…well everyone except my maid of honor. She felt it was more of a reception dress. Cue the mini-meltdown. In my mind, it was artsy/edgy/different. Exactly what I had envisioned. Did I mention the mini-meltdown? I think all brides have one, two…ten. No judgment here. Anyway, I ripped my microphone off and mom and I had a chat. We both agreed that this was a “Once in a lifetime” event and to just Go.For.It.
I said YES to the dress…the reception dress that is! It wasn’t in my original plan to have two dresses, but plans change and you have to remember that it is ok!
Fast forward a few months and I find out that my episode is airing before my wedding. Say what? Pardonne moi? Come again? And also…hold please while I figure out how to respond. It was a true internal struggle. Do I get upset? Do I care that much? Here’s the deal. I couldn’t change the air date so why not do what I do best—throw a party! The Joule terrace was the perfect setting paired with champagne and cupcakes. We added to the fun by having everyone guess which dress I picked before it aired.
What an experience! Saying “Yes to the Dress” is a feeling like no other and I couldn’t wait to share mine with all of you.
To see my featured episode, you can find it on iTunes—Season 14, Episode 16. It’s titled “Not Afraid to Try New Things”. TLC also airs the reruns.
And until next time…
Until Next Time -
BYE, BABES 😘
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