Liz and Scott's May the 4th Be With Us Star Wars Wishes 05.04.16 (NEW: Rings pg.7)

Hydra · Jul 30, 2015

Dress Shopping! Part 1!

So to start off, I had no idea where to start. I had not tried on a variety of dress styles before - and at that point I thought I knew that: I loved the idea of long sleeves, and hated the idea of sleeveless.

Oh my how that changed!

The first store visit I invited my DF and we hit a shop called the Bridal Connection. I was interested in the Alfred Angelo Disney gowns they carried. I also wanted the chance to try on several styles to see what exactly I could rock. The store was pretty tiny, but I found some pretty pieces.

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I know I shared this photo before. I just love the Elsa style dress. Of course I love the character. The style of gown isn't 100% what I wanted, this number would be AMAZING to wear to Christmas parties or winter events.

I tried a long sleeve gown. This dress was beautiful, but not really fitting for the fairytail/Disney vibe. Maybe I'll get a long sleeve number if we decide to host a reception at home in Colorado.

The first ballgown/a-line hybrid I tried on. Slowly warming up to sleeveless.

The 2015 Disney Fairytail Tiana dress. SWOON! I loved this gown!!!

Ultimately I am not in love with the belt detail, but I love the unique take on beading pattern. By far my favorite from the first day.

The first day taught me that I actually liked sleeveless. I have broad shoulders and an hourglass figure, the cut allows my shoulders to be minimized by the bust. Who knew?

Hydra · Jul 30, 2015

Dress Shopping Part 2!:

So overall I decided I am looking for a sweetheart, medium fullness ballgown, with beaded detail and a flowy-dreamy tulle skirt. I want the princess look for Disney World! Duh!

The pursuit:
Okay, so the dress finding process inevitably got over complicated during our second visit to my salon of choice (which was this last Monday, just a couple of days ago)... Tucking that thought away for a moment, I'd like to share my first appointment with the Bridal Collection of Colorado.

My first visit (back in June) was simply wonderful. My stylist was a sweetheart, the entire salon was buzzing about Disney World, and I got that, "Say Yes to the Dress," treatment. It was a magical day..

This salon is BEAUTIFUL.

Ballgowns, ballgowns, ballgowns.

This dress has been a major contender. My brain keeps on going back to the soft, detailed lace and the dreamy sparkle tulle.

Can we say beaded beauty?! This one was super expensive. Wonder why? Lol.

My top three! All Justin Alexander. I simply LOVE his work. He actually has a special relationship with the Bridal Collection in Denver. He visits the store every Valentine's Day.

Aaaaaaaand here's number one! Just look at that dreamy beading! There are crystals sewn in everywhere. The dress has a delicate sparkle that is just enough "bling."

At the end of the appointment I felt pretty good about my top three choices. I was excited to return to the designs at a later date so I could return to the process without bias.

Hydra · Jul 30, 2015

Dress Shopping Part 3!:

Okay, now to clear up what I meant by my last post. We had planned this day two months in advance. While they are not contributing financially, I wanted to make sure my parents were there to approve of my choice of dress for the big day. They live in the Vail Valley, CO, about a 4 hour drive from the dress salon. We were also joined by my good friend who had accompanied me the first visit.

The first stylist I worked with was not there that day, the stylist who did help out was unfortunately grumpy, and made comments both at my Mother and Father that made them upset and uncomfortable. Regardless of her rushed, bossy, and rude behavior, we enjoyed the visit and made the BEST of the 50 minutes she gave us before shoo-ing us out.

We were briefly given the opportunity to look at more options. We did not end up pulling anything new, since the stylist pushed us through pretty quickly. My mother never got the chance to have a fancy dress for her wedding (a very simple affair), so I wanted to show her the experience.

Mother and Daughter.

Both taking photos on their phones. This is my favorite, they're so cute!!!

Okay, I caved! Here's a shot of the number 1 dress with my parents. My dad was really into giving his opinion. Needless to say, all four of us chose the same gown.

It was really heartbreaking to feel like I found the gown, but leave without putting money down on it. The moment just didn't seem right after the poor customer service. Management reached out to me after the fact and offered to replicate the day, but due to my parent's schedule and other factors, it just isn't logistically possible.

Here's hoping the dress-buying spark hits me here soon. I have about 4 months to order to gown for it to arrive on time.

twinkybel81 · Jul 30, 2015

Your number one is absolutely stunning on you, I mean wowie!!!!! I hope your spark finds you, everything will work out the way it's supposed to.

Do you know the model number for the JA in your top 3 that has the illusion neckline (pictured above)? It's beautiful and I want to see more pictures of it. If you have pictures of you in it, would you be willing to share?

Hydra · Aug 1, 2015

twinkybel81 said:
Your number one is absolutely stunning on you, I mean wowie!!!!! I hope your spark finds you, everything will work out the way it's supposed to.

Do you know the model number for the JA in your top 3 that has the illusion neckline (pictured above)? It's beautiful and I want to see more pictures of it. If you have pictures of you in it, would you be willing to share?

That was the dress that I actually thought was the one... Until I tried it on. The cut to the illusion neckline is super unflattering on my shoulders, I think the style would look really good on a petite woman.

I could have the top modified, but I was warned modifying illusion/super beaded necklines is very pricey. I haven't completely fell out of love with it, but now I look at it and see a project I don't need.

Here's a pinterest board I compiled with lots of found photos of the dress and the # information: https://www.pinterest.com/hydraworx/the-dress/

twinkybel81 · Aug 1, 2015

Hydra said:
That was the dress that I actually thought was the one... Until I tried it on. The cut to the illusion neckline is super unflattering on my shoulders, I think the style would look really good on a petite woman. I could have the top modified, but I was warned modifying illusion/super beaded necklines is very pricey. I haven't completely fell out of love with it, but now I look at it and see a project I don't need.

Here's a pinterest board I compiled with lots of found photos of the dress and the # information: https://www.pinterest.com/hydraworx/the-dress/

Thank you! I'm sorry you didn't like how it looked on our shoulders, that really is disappointing.

Doodlebug25413 · Aug 2, 2015

Oh lordy, I can't choose my favorite. I actually like the Tiana dress on you! And the Elsa. But the one with your parents is beautiful!
Ok, how do you get your hair to grow that long???? I'm having a heck of a time trying to get mine to grow out longer

That sucks about the crappy customer service on your 2nd trip. At least management tried to make up for it. But still sucks, because it's supposed to be a fun time for you!

MarieBonfamille · Aug 2, 2015

Oh my days, I can't wait to go dress shopping! I'm really sorry that assistant ruined the day for you though, that's just awful. Irrespective of her having a bad day, she ought to have just sucked it up and been pleasant!

You do look lovely in the last gown with your parents though. :cutie:

TXMNie · Aug 2, 2015

Beautiful dresses! Your parents look so happy with you! Sorry about the assistant being a Little Miss Crabby Pants, though!

Hydra · Aug 2, 2015

Doodlebug25413 said:
Ok, how do you get your hair to grow that long???? I'm having a heck of a time trying to get mine to grow out longer

I rarely use heat, use Redkin products and I went to lengths to find a hairdresser who knows how to bleach without minimal damage! I've had this length of hair since I was a preteen, I don't think I'll ever cut it short!

MarieBonfamille said:
Oh my days, I can't wait to go dress shopping! I'm really sorry that assistant ruined the day for you though, that's just awful. Irrespective of her having a bad day, she ought to have just sucked it up and been pleasant!

It stinks because I know I need to order the dress, but it killed my enthusiasm.

TXMNie said:
Beautiful dresses! Your parents look so happy with you! Sorry about the assistant being a Little Miss Crabby Pants, though!

And yet, despite the crabby pants, my parents were so cute and excited to be there. So that's what counts.

elphie101 · Aug 3, 2015

That gown is simply gorgeous on you! It's such a shame you had a little black raincloud of a customer service rep to squish out the excitement of the day, because that dress seems absolutely perfect for you. I hope you feel inspired to order it soon!

Hydra · Aug 3, 2015

elphie101 said:
That gown is simply gorgeous on you! It's such a shame you had a little black raincloud of a customer service rep to squish out the excitement of the day, because that dress seems absolutely perfect for you. I hope you feel inspired to order it soon!

Thanks for the kind words! At this point I'm almost thinking of getting the original dress I lusted over used, and modifying it to work out. I sew and tailor as a hobby, and I knew I wasn't going to sew my own dress (old adage that every stitch you sew is a tear you'll shed), but I could easily modify the top and I'll be stopping by the LA fashion district in September, so I could probably find the correct supplies.

So many options. How do brides not go completely insane?!

CQuinn · Aug 10, 2015

Subbing in, love your planning journal so far. Those gowns are beautiful and it's awesome that you tried on styles you weren't planning on at first. Sorry you had a cranky consultant. They really make or break the experience.
It would be awesome if Disney had a big bridal salon with awesome CMs there to make everything wonderful.

edeneye · Aug 10, 2015

Wow, I'm really gonna enjoy this one! Firstly, congratulations! It's so nice to see how so many details that you guys enjoy are already informing so much of your big day. So many people struggle with expectation or get caught up in pinterest and don't arrive at the personal touches until later but you guys are unique right from the Halo inspired engagement ring onward. Oh but I think you left out a detail about you guys, at least one of you is clearly a mean photographer!

I love the stuff from Celebration, especially the pics in the trooper armour! So good that it was at Anaheim this year and you could get some Disney time too. Either is surely worth the trip but both is almost too good to refuse.

The planning trip looked great & obviously entirely successful! It's good that despite being something of a rushed appointment due to their oversight that you really seemed to get some great info out of it. When we visited the wedding pavilion it was totally empty so it's awesome that you got to see it dressed and ready for a wedding and got an organist preview! If for some reason you ended up at the Contemporary after all - though it definitely looks like GF is the one - I guess an upside to transport is that your guides light the way with what they jokingly refer to as a lightsaber.

A shame the dress shopping didn't quite go so well. Well, you definitely got some amazing options to think about but I know from my wife's experience how much bad customer service can sour what really should be one of the most exciting parts of the process. Oh well, you'll have time to consider your options and really get a feel for what is right for you. All the best with that!

cinder1 · Aug 10, 2015

Really enjoying your PJ!! You and your fiance are so cute together.

Miss Whimsy · Aug 15, 2015

Subbing. Love me some Star Wars nerdy brides/grooms.

Good on you for not making the purchase with the poor customer service--the bad sales rep would have gotten a commission!

sara1215 · Aug 16, 2015

That Elsa dress is beautiful! what a hard decision.

caitieemac · Sep 20, 2015

I love love love your number one! ad the Elsa dress looks gorgeous on you!
Can't wait to follow along

AnnaGiselle · Sep 21, 2015

Following along! Your first choice dress is lovely! I know exactly what you mean about going sleeveless. I really wanted an illusion neckline with cap sleeves going into dress shopping, but after trying on dresses, I realized a strapless sweetheart was just so much more flattering for my shape. Can't wait to hear about more of your planning!

Hydra · Oct 19, 2015

Oh my gosh guys. We just had an insane couple of months. Travel to Atlanta, Las Vegas, So-Cal and New York and I was averaging 50 hrs a week at work for the last two months.

Whew.

So our initial deposit has been turned in, our dates are secured and our planner is Sara! I'm super excited to finally be in the home stretch/have time again to think about the wedding. Lol!

Liz and Scott's May the 4th Be With Us Star Wars Wishes 05.04.16 (NEW: Rings pg.7)

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