As many other girls, we have always dreamed of what we would look like on our wedding day. Especially THE DRESS. Watching the show, browsing Pinterest for hours on end, I’m sure you gals had an idea in mind just like me. So once the love of my life made me his fiancé, I was over the moon to find my dress!
I had one vision in mind: ALL LACE, sheath, with the back out and under $2,000. Done Deal, right?!
Little to my surprise, the journey to find the dress was a little harder than what I thought. Through trial and error, driving 2 hours to the nearest bridal boutiques, and a little discouragement wondering if I would ever find my dress- it happened! So here I am today sharing my journey, so come along with me 🙂
The first place my mother, sisters and I went to was David’s Bridal. There, my sisters found a dress that they LOVED on me.
(Excuse my faces in the pics. I promise I wasn’t mad, just concentrating lol)
Melissa Sweet: Scalloped A-Line with Double Straps, Tulle, and Floral Detail at David’s Bridal
Loved the layers of tulle and ethereal feel 
The back was beautiful and had the most delicate floral details
My sisters loved this dress, and I thought it was pretty too. But something told me to keep looking- this was the first dress I tried on and I wanted to be certain! And it didn’t fit that fitted look I thought I was wanting..
Essense of Australia: d2320 at Blush Bridal Boutique in Fayetteville, NC
Loved the fit of this dress! it was also lightweight and comfy
The next stop my mom and I went was Blush Bridal in Fayetteville, NC. There, I tried on several gorgeous dresses, including this one! I really liked how it looked on me, but wasn’t sure it was what i envisioned for my outdoor wedding. I also thought I wanted a more delicate lace, rather than applique. I also realized how picky I was throughout it all. hehe
I also tried these dresses that were so pretty!
https://www.loveblushbridal.com/willowby-wedding-dress-aundin/
https://www.loveblushbridal.com/willowby-wedding-dress-doyle/
Ti Adora by Allison Web: Sydney at Coastal Knot Bridal in Raleigh, NC
Loved the neckline and detail 
Back was open
The was one of several that I tried on at Coastal Knot Bridal in Raleigh, NC. I loved the neckline, but still not the lace I was looking for! It was pretty, but not “special to me”.
Another dress that I tried was “Frankie” by Made With Love. Gorgeous dress in the pics, but not on me. Maybe for someone taller!
Gilded Bridal: Raleigh, NC
Next up was Gilded Bridal, also in Raleigh. Let me say, this was the most beautiful boutique I have ever stepped foot in. Like WOW. Their dresses were also gorgeous! The price range was a little higher, but I did find a few that were top contenders!
Here, I found so many beautiful dresses- and these were my tops pics!
Chelsea by Rebecca Schoneveld, Farrow by Tara Lauren & Montgomery by Tara Lauren
These three dresses were so beautiful in their own ways! The designs were unbelievable, where both Farrow and Montgomery had sheer bodices.
Was not crazy about the sheer bodice and low neckline. Didn’t flatter me the way I hoped or what I envisioned.
After I tried both by Tara Lauren, I knew they were stunning- but not right for my wedding or the vibe I was going for. I seemed to gravitate towards more timeless, lace, ethereal, and definitely bohemian. Which was also my wedding theme.
Then, I tried on Chelsea…
This. Lace. Was. Everything! 
& the back with tiny straps
This Dress. Wow. It was everything that I was thinking I wanted. The most delicate lace I have ever tried on, with a stunning back, buttons all the way down, and a flattering sweetheart neckline. I was very happy in this dress. It was slightly over my budget, and with my sisters not at the appointment, I couldn’t say yes without them and their opinion. I knew, however, that this was the dress to beat and I would come back after I thought on it and looked a little more.
The Dressing Room: Pawleys Island, SC
The last place we visited was The Dressing Room. Here, I tried a lot of dresses, some of which are below. I believe the brands were Allure, but not certain.
Very soft lace with halter neckline. 
some back was out with buttons on top
Fitted lace dress with semi-sheer bodice, sweetheart neckline and removable straps 
Jeweled belt was also included
Again, these were similar to what I thought I wanted. Yes, the lace was the boho feel I wanted, but as pretty as they were, I just didn’t feel very bridal. I decided to try something different. A dress that caught my eye earlier in the appointment, but I wasn’t sure if I should try it. I decided to go for it. That’s when I discovered Dramia…
Pronovias- Dramia
I could suddenly see myself in this on my wedding day. And my sisters and mom agreed. All I needed was something to spice it up, an opal halo to make me feel like an angel. With a few thoughts and reassurance coming over me.. Who would have guessed..
That I Said YASSSSS <3
With just a tweak of shortening the train, I was ready to walk into my forever. The staff at The Dressing Room was beyond helpful, and I recommend this boutique to anyone who wants a ton of options!
This goes to show, you may go into finding your dress with one idea in mind, but you never really know until you try them all. My advice to all brides would be to have a SMALL support group to give their honest opinion, be open to new silhouettes, and ultimately pick something that makes you feel beautiful. And Dramia did just that for me.
