Goldilocks and the three dresses

Before I met Mr. D, pictured a very different kind of wedding. I imagined wearing a very large ball gown with a sweeping train, intricate beading and yards of flawless white satin. Something not unlike this Kenneth Pool dress...

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But, as you know, my new ideal wedding has taken on a very different personality. Because we will be dealing with temperatures near 90 degrees that day, I didn't want to wear something heavy. I started my search early (12 months) in the planning process for a few different reasons: 1.) it's fun, 2.) I have a bit of weight to lose before the big day and I was worried that it might take me a while to find something that would look good on me, 3.) I was afraid it would be hard to find a dress that worked with my theme and price range.

I did the usual magazine and online browsing. I really wanted to keep things simple, so I zeroed in on the Casablance 1831. While I was in So Cal for work, I made an appointment to try her on at the bridal shop down the street from my mom's house. She was even more beautiful in person, with delicate beading with enough sparkle, but not too much. She was lightweight and and a gorgeous color. But I couldn't commit because it didn't zip. The consultant assured me that ordering my size would be no problem, but I didn't want to be the size I was at the time. So I walked away, determined to work out and shape up so I could try the dress on for real.

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But I couldn't commit, so I continued to look for dresses. I considered tea length dresses for awhile, but it wasn't what I really wanted. I have seen some really fabulous tea length dresses on other brides (Mrs. Onion!), but I didn't think it would be the right look for me. I made a couple of uneventful trips to David's Bridal, but didn't take any pictures. I tried on some very pretty dresses, but none got me very excited. So, back to the world wide web I went.

And then I found her on nordstrom.com...

Isn't she divine? She's matte jersey, with big fat chunky rhinestones and a side zip by JS Boutique. There is rouching over the bust and back and I'm totally in love. She was listed for $180 and only available online. But there was a handy dandy size chart so that I was able to determine my size without trying her on. But as you know, I'm not to hip on paying full price for anything. I turned to my trusty friend, Google, and continued my search. Low and behold, my dress was listed on eBay, in my size, and with no reserve! I placed my bid and remained nervous/obsessed for 2 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes. There was a flurry of activity at the end of the auction, but I won. I WON! The winning bid? $69. Plus $10 shipping. I won my wedding dress for $79.

I wish I had taken pictures of her arrival. Mr. D was mowing the lawn when it arrived, so he accepted it for me and handed me an envelope. I recognized the return name, but never in a million years thought my dress would come in an envelope. I opened the envelope carefully to find a perfectly folded dress. I pulled it out, and there wasn't a wrinkle in it. I had purchased the perfect domestination wedding dress!

Every bride wants a perfect dress. What makes your dress perfect for you?