Being a mermaid

Most of my childhood was make-believe. We had a trunk full of costumes that were used on a daily basis. Our pool became "the ocean" where my sister and I would have mermaid adventures. I even pretended to be Ariel in the bathtub. So needless to say, I have now grown up to adore any excuse to dress up and I have a fondness for anything with a happily ever after. I used to dream of having a big extravagant "princess" style wedding with a huge ball gown and castle reception. Now it's just not me anymore! And I'm sure 10 years from now, I'll look back on our wedding photos and think I would plan things differently. But a wedding also becomes a reflection of the couple's current tastes when they get married. And right now, I envision hollywood glamour meets fairy tale. That's why a mermaid dress seems to be a perfect fit! Now I have to remind myself to leave my options open and try on anything and everything... but I keep being drawn back to that gorgeous silhouette.

I also love that it pays homage to that little girl inside me imagining herself as a mermaid. I am completely terrified of deep, open water... but I also have a minor obsession with anything and everything sea related. I want a seal and a dolphin as my pets. The sound and smell of the ocean take me to another place entirely. I created an entire routine for Part of your World that I would perform in front of the television.

The Quest for the Dress

My wedding dress journey began at David's Bridal. I just missed their $99 gown sale, but from the looks of the website, probably wouldn't have chosen one of them anyway. I've never worn a wedding gown before so it was really fun to play dress-up, but I left feeling a little exhausted and probably more confused than when I started. I really have no clue what I want at all!

Ironically, I've mentioned in the past that I'm open to lots of styles of dresses except lace. But, the girl at the store suggested this because of the vintage style and it was not stark white (which I am definitely against). I have to admit, I sort of liked it. A lot.

This one is an example of something that looked better on the hanger. It was pretty but just not me.

I did like the ruffles in the back though...

I definitely like the mermaid cut!

This one is even more gorgeous in person. I call it the octopus dress because of the way the ruffles look like tentacles. I loved the detail on the top! And it fit like a dream!

And check out the back! LOVE IT!

Ok this one was not my favorite at first until I got up on the pedastal and practically all the strangers sitting around oohed and aahed over it! I started feeling like a movie star...

And the back really was to die for!