Real Brides: Heather

We met in middle school. Lived in the same neighborhood, rode the same school bus, and hung out with the same groups of people. I thought he was a nerd and he thought I was going through a phase (it wasn't a phase, mom). During our college years, we became best friends, sharing everything from late-night mac and cheese, to daily phone calls. After years of supporting each other through life, on NYE 2018, we realized we were obviously in love with each other (classic). On May 14, 2021, we got engaged in a very special place, just the two of us. Our wedding day on August 27, 2022 was the best day of our lives. It was just full of fun, joy, and laughter. 

I wasn't sure what kind of dress I wanted, but I never expected something fitted. My dress was the first fitted dress I tried on. And I actually have a picture of the first moment I saw myself in it: I'm pretty sure my face says it all. I was struggling with a lot of body image issues because my body has been changing as I approach my 30's. This dress made me feel so empowered. And so beautiful. I was also always nervous about my tattoos, about what family would think. But this dress showed off every single one; even my side tattoo peaked through the transparent lace on the sides. It was a dress that made me look at myself for everything I am, and truly embrace it. Every dress I tried on after this just didn't feel the same. At that point it just felt like I was trying on dresses to get them out of the room. Then, I finally got to put MY dress back on... I bought it that day. I knew I didn't have to sleep on it. From that day on, I actually experienced a crazy journey with this dress. 

After it came in, about 6 months after ordering it, I tried it on and it fit great! I took it to the tailor recommended by the shop and they made their first rounds of alterations. We were just 2 months to the wedding date so my workout regiment is really firing up. I'm getting stronger and stronger and realize... my body is changing. I was getting wider and bigger... but in a good way. But the tailor didn't see it that way. When I went in for my second fitting, the dress would not fit. By a lot. It was about 3 inches from even closing. The tailor looked at me and said... "You've gained weight, haven't you?" and I said, "Well, I suppose so, but not the way you may thing. I've been working out and gaining lots of muscle." They scoffed and took the dress out a couple of inches. They had me suck it in, hold my chest, and *literally* NOT BREATHE while they zipped it shut. They told me I needed to lose weight and sent me on my way. I was mortified. My beloved dress seemed like it was slipping away. A few weeks later, I called them in a panic... the dress still isn't fitting and to make things worse, it won't close AGAIN! I go back in and beg them to help. They laugh in my face and tell me to lose weight... again. I was done with it at this point. Fully in tears I went to another local tailor run by a kind-hearted family. They took me under their wing and said that the dress could absolutely be let out and salvaged. I breathed a sigh of relief, and finally... put my dream dress back on and IT FIT! My wedding day was an absolute dream and I am forever grateful that this dress got to be a part of it. We went through a lot, but honestly, this dress helped me love myself again.

Photo Credits: Grace Creatives