islandbride317

HUGE congrats, SUGAR! Glad you're part of our PHENOMENAL community now...you already know how amazing this site is as a lurker though, so I'm glad to OFFICIALLY welcome you to BDW! WELCOME to the BDW sisterhood -- and now let the wedding-planning miracles happen!

HAPPY WEDDING DAY, MY SWEET FRIEND!!! I can't even tell you how much your constant friendship has meant to me over these past few crazy months of us both planning our MAY 2010 weddings.....I hope you know how phenomenal you really are, love! And to you and your new husband Daylen, I wish you all the VERY, VERY best of LOVE, LUCK, FORTUNE and SUBLIME HAPPINESS

Belated, but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS, ladies!!

YEA, AMY.....HAVE A SAFE FLIGHT, A WONDERFUL TRIP, AND A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING! Can't wait to hear all about how fabulous it all was, and you'll be in the forefront of my thoughts on your Big Day, 5/8/10!

I think #1 (as it is, without a single alteration since it' so stunning without one) would be the winner....hands down, in my book, but you're in the driver's seat here, sweetie! WHATEVER you think YOU would be most comfortable with, is EXACTLY what you should do -- period! BE excited and CONFIDENT about whatever decision you make

Good luck to all of the marvelous Mrs. contestants -- we love and appreciate you all!

GOOD LUCK, CHICAS!! Once again, stiff competition this month....but you're all fabulous everyday, so you're already winners! Cheesy, I know, but soooo true!

WOW! WOW! And......WOW, sweetie-pie! "Here, here!" for Amy and her magnificent Planning Thread!! You're like some kind of wedding-planning phenom/rockstar/virtuoso -- and I'll need an icepack after I pick my jaw up off the floor, because damn, you're good! So let me just say, maybe I am a little biased because you KNOW I think you are utterly fabulous anyway, but you just *might* be the most prepared, meticulously detail-oriented bride-to-be EVER!! And you weren't kidding about your planning thread being a beast either, but I'm sure all of the wonderful ideas you had and were able to share will be an inspiration to future brides for ages to come! A 12-page Word Doc. must be some kind of record....but with each post, I was more and more impressed by how dedicated you've been to making sure you, your husband-to-be and your guests have the experience of a lifetime. I am so proud of you and all of the hardwork, time and energy you've invested into making your wedding vision come to life -- everything is flawless and your day is destined to be just as brilliant as you are! HUGS, MUCH LOVE and ENORMOUS CONGRATULATIONS to you, my dear friend...and I absolutely cannot WAIT to see all of your stunning photos when you return!

Congrats and a very wise decision NOT to keep looking at gowns....that is how I DID end up with 3 gowns!! (Now, each one does have a role: one ceremony, one TTD, and one for our stateside reception in Aug.....but I know, still sort of crazy though!) Do you have any pics you can share?! We'd love to see the gown YOU'RE in love with, too!

Hands down, my vote is.....MAGGIE! MAGGIE! MAGGIE! Wowza, is that dress gorgeous on you (distorted image or not!) You look superb, and the dress looks like it was MADE for you -- to me, the choice is clear! #1 all the way!

Hmmmmn.....this is a tricky one. And, md2002, your advice is PERFECTION! YOU are 100% right that if he didn't notice all the imperfections she speaks of, maybe he just picked something, said "Box it up!" and went on his merry way, without giving an inch of the same thought and careful consideration you did when purchasing a ring for the woman you love. And as far as my own personal situation goes, I guess my fiance John and I just aren't that senitmental about some things as some of the other members! I absolutely plan on upgrading when we can afford it, because he and I realistically looked at our budget before we got engaged, and compromised to get me a ring that cost a fraction of what my "ideal" ring" cost, but it was something I could be proud to wear in the "meantime". For whatever it's worth, it was more important to me for us to be engaged after 4 years of dating and become husband and wife, no matter what the grade of diamond I was wearing on my ring finger, but.... We had an understanding that this is the "for now" ring until we can get the ring of my dreams in a few years. Neither of us are emotionally tied to the ring itself, but we are super-tied to the meaning of wearing one, if you get my drift. Either way, do what will make you actually love the ring you're wearing. No one wants to be embarassed of a symbol that represents something that you should be most proud of, which is the love you share. Again, just me and my $.02

Awwww, ANGELA -- YOU LOOK FANTASTIC in your gorgeous gown already, even before alterations!!! Such anticipation waiting for *your* gown to arrive after you've placed your order is just awful, right?? But then, when it FINALLY arrives and you get to put it on, AND you still love it, feels so amazing, doesn't it? You are gonna be one stunning bride, my dear

OMG, Michele -- you're a married lady now! Woo-hoo and HUGE (Belated) CONGRATULATIONS to you and your new husband! I'm sure everything about your day was divine....can't wait to read the full report, complete with lots of pics! HUGS!

Quote: Originally Posted by LynnieS Ok, seriously, this is the last time I swear Lynnie....they're fabulous -- in every way! GORGEOUS-NESS!

I think both are absolutely STUNNING and perfect for the beach....I just thought the Jasmine gown was a *touch* more elegant and sophisticated -- but that's just me! Go with you heart, and you'll NEVER go wrong

The BACK OF YOUR GOWN is positively STUNNING....I am a Maggie bride myself, and that feature of the gown IS, in essence, it's showpiece -- so I KNOW why you would rather do anything else than cover it up! And I took a look at the veil you posted as the one you sort of "have" to wear by default. Hmmmmmn.....here's a compromise-suggestion: can they cut away all the extra layers and make it one-tier (whichever layer/length you choose) and call it even? THEN, you'll still be wearing a veil, but being only 1 very sheer layer, you'll still get the effect of the detail on the back of your gown without missing a beat? And even more, let me echo the other girls that said one VERY IMPORTANT THING: YOU ARE THE BRIDE!!! Look how you want to look; do what you want to do....it IS YOUR ONE DAY to be completely, unapologectically selfish in the way YOU LOOK, so compromise for NO ONE! But that is just my $0.02 Good luck, sugar! Please let us know what you come up with in the end!

Hell yes, I am doing a TTD....but with my ACTUAL wedding gown? Not a chance. I bought a $50 cheapie used wedding dress on eBay just for the photos, so instead of "I can have my cake, and eat it too", I SAY I can "Take my TTD pics, and keep my real dress, too!" It IS possible to have the best of both worlds

YIPPEE!! Two fabulous, totally-deserving ladies....I'm thrilled for you both! CONGRATULATIONS, GIRLS!

Good luck to all the Fab-u-licious Mrs.!!!

Yea, girls! GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDES-TO-BE!

Aw, what a great group of girls have already been nominated.... Here are my contributions: B2B: ~Angela~ MRS.: TAMauree

WOW, DEBBIE~!! It honestly looks like it was cut to fit you....you look a-maaaazing!!! CONGRATULATIONS on finding your perfect gown, because it couldn't be more gorgeous

Oh, Holly....wow, do you ever look stunning! (Belated) but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a Mrs., and I can't wait to see even more pics of you as the beautiful bride!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by clfaidl2 Islandbride317, thats a great idea! never thought of that. thanks for sharing. What type of suitcase are you using though? Just a "regular" suitcase, but large enough for the dress to be fit into while it's still in a garment bag...at least, that is the plan! Maybe Google "gate checking" or call your travel agent to get more details? It just might do the trick and get your gown to your DW safely!

Anyone heard of "gate checking" it? That might be the way to go for larger gowns... My travel agent actually suggested placing my gown (already inside the garment bag from the salon), folded/into a suitcase, and then asking at the airport if they can "gate check" it -- which is similar to when a passenger that uses a wheelchair or stroller has it taken just as the plan is finished boarding, it's stowed below with the rest of the luggage, and then it is brought to the gate immediately when the plane lands and given directly to the passenger -- pretty cool idea and although I'd rather not fold it, I'd prefer to do that instead of having something rip through the garment bag and tear the dress! Either way, good luck