Three weeks ago mom and I started the crazy adventure of finding my wedding dress. What I had in my head was something unique with color and nothing traditional…however, what I ended up loving was something fairly traditional, go figure. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our first stop was in Ankeny and the service was really great and the dresses were very fun and unique, but the store really offered nothing to plus-size girls. It was pretty frustrating trying to squeeze my size 16 body into a size 6/8 dress. Not pretty. Even with a good imagination it was hard to see what the dress would really look like in my size.

Moving on to David’s Bridal and I ruled them out completely due to too many horror stories I’ve heard. However, they had this one dress that had pockets that I did want to try. While I was there I tried on three other dresses. To my surprise the service was really nice and the dresses fit to size and they had a lot of selection. However, the dresses didn’t “wow” me or they seemed cheaply made, which I’m sure they are since the prices were very low.

Feeling frustrated and exhausted we headed home. One thing I never realized is wedding dresses are HEAVY and extremely HOT. I was sweating trying these things on.

That weekend we headed to Perry, yes, Perry Iowa. I’ve heard from multiple people this place is awesome. They were not kidding. This was the first time I tried on a dress and felt like I was a bride. I’m not the sappy person, but it felt really good. I tried on about ten dresses and narrowed it down to four that mom and I really liked. However, mom felt a little stressed being the only opinion and needed more support. The call was made. Support was on its way in the names of Jan, Jen, Joy, Dee and Deb (Kari Brooks was there in spirit and gave her honest, good input the night before at dinner).

So we headed to lunch first at The Radish in Grimes, it was a cute little place. We took some embarrassing photos while people honked at us. Finally, we headed to Perry. I tried on all four again and this dress seemed to be everyone’s favorite. However, I ruled it out right there. I think it made me look short and the belt made me think “80’s” and I don’t know why. Taking that one out of the equation left Jenni’s favorite (which I don’t have a picture of). It was very extravagant with a very full bottom. It seemed she was the only one who loved it, so it got cut. That left the “unique one” and “the winner”. The unique one was a very flowy, empire waist with a big bow. No one loved this dress. I could hear crickets. Now the “winner” does have some unique features, but also brings in traditional flare so Grandma Rose won’t hate me forever and it is very flattering. Let me tell you the stress lifted on finding this dress is phenomenal. However, I could barely talk on the drive home I was so mentally exhausted trying to make this decision. I got home, told Nick not to speak and promptly took the most amazing nap I’ve ever had.

So there it is, I found “the dress” and I couldn’t be happier. I must thank the ladies who joined me on this journey and being such good sports, I can be such a pain in the ass, I am not comfortable being the center of attention. And a BIG THANK YOU to my wonderful mother who supported me no matter what I chose and dealt with my frustrations, you’ll never know how grateful I am for you.

Pictures from Perry