the. dress.

I was thumbing through the j.crew catalog this afternoon and I found the perfect wedding dress. It's true, the dress that I had basically dreamed of and searched far and wide for was hanging on this twenty-something model in April's catalog. She probably isn't even getting married. Does she even know she is wearing the dress?! It was simple and silky and beautiful and affordable. You think I am kidding-- let me tell you, this timeless elegant perfection of a dress was so close to the dress. My aunt even tried creating this dream dress for me because I couldn't find it in stores. But, it just wasn't quite it.

Since my dream was lofty and unattainable, I gave in to the racks and racks of tulle, beading and white ruffle disaster. (And I was not always a delightful client, as I nixed everything before it even came off the rack- in fact, I wouldn't have even tried on the dress I wore on my wedding day if it was not for Kaley). Anyway, eventually I did find a dress that I loved, I really really loved. But it wasn't the dress. It was, however, my dress and that is what is important. But if I send you an invite to my "vow renewal", for what is going to only be our second anniversary... you will know it is so I could wear the wedding dress.

I remember shopping in the white wedding dress mega-stores and sometimes being downright scared. Truly, my friends and I encountered some pretty interesting "boutiques", one in particular was in a tiny town called Delmar, Delaware. My friend Maria came with me this time, hoping, I am sure, to watch as I tried on many beautiful selections... but we were instead met with an afternoon of ridiculous humor. These dresses were more like renaissance festival rentals or something. I don't know they were just... not... for us. Even still, I really enjoy that memory and I really enjoyed laughing with Maria (and even crying a little) at how difficult it was to find a wedding dress. (Needless to say-- didn't find the dress at this place either).

Last weekend my sweet Maria married her Michael and I am so happy for them. Maria was, I think, the smiliest bride I have ever seen. She always has this contagious radiance, really. I am so thankful to have been there and I am so excited for them. And, she had a really fantastic dress!