Take a deep breath when I confirm that I tried on over 60 wedding dresses in the past two months. Luckily, my mom is a very patient woman. (thanks mom!) I subjected her to several bridal shoppes and many hours of zipping and bustling gowns. Two weeks ago we make the trip to the Crystal Bride in Geneva. Everyone recommended it: Lindsay, Nicole, Tracey, Tara, Kelley... all became brides at Crystal! (did I miss anyone?)

What a great experience! I couldn't stop smiling at most of the dresses I tried on. My mom and I left the store with a follow-up appointment for Tuesday, 11/24 to ensure Sara's vote could weight in on the two amazing dresses I'd narrowed down to. Her vote was very important! I was confident I would walk down the aisle in one of the two.

This week was the follow-up appointment. The night before I woke up with a bad dream that Crystal Bride had sold both gowns! Just a dream, Just a dream! In true Kleinfeld's fashion, I was joined by a crowd of wonderful women. Along with mom, Sara and Liv, I invited Mary, my mother-in-law (to be) and my sisters-in-law (to-be) to join in the festivities. Michele had to work but Rebecca joined in the fun.

After a short stint of bridesmaid and junior bridesmaid fashion show, it was time to try on the big, white gowns. On a whim, I asked the consultant if I could try on a different kind of dress (because I had steered clear of that style in all previous appointments.) Of course, this one was the winner!! I really don't want to be cheesy, but seeing their faces when I walked out in that gown was an amazing feeling that I won't forget. Each of them said my face glowed brighter and my smile was fuller in "the dress."

So, I walked in expecting to leave with one of two dresses from a previous appointment but left with a completely different gown. It's a gorgeous, flattering, and dare I say couture dress that I can't wait to celebrate in. Look for me in just one year at Old Saint Mary's.