From flickr.com/photos/k-girl/9296551

Finally I can reveal the dress I decided on! My final stop was at an Atlanta boutique, Kelly’s Closet. Even before I got engaged– when I was furtively buying copies of wedding magazines out of Plumeria Dude’s sight– it seemed that almost every line I loved was carried there. I didn’t plan on making an appointment though, because I knew most everything was out of my price range. But I had tried on dress after dress at boutique after boutique, and I had yet to find the perfect gown. My mom was in town and she offered to supplement the dress budget. I took her up on the offer and we headed down to Candler Park to check out the Closet.

From the moment I stepped in the salon, they took such good care of me. Kelly herself was my sales associate, and she took my price requirements in stride as she pulled a number of gowns for me to try. She didn’t just pick some from the regular racks– Kelly also pulled some samples from the back room. I must have tried on at least half a dozen gowns that afternoon, from architectural Junko Yoshioka frocks to old Hollywood styles by Amy Kuschel.

The first one I tried on ended up being the one. I didn’t get that teary, heart-swelling feeling like a lot of brides do. In fact, I was pretty tired of trying on dresses, period. But I knew that this gown, the Olivia by Canadian designer Renella De Fina (PDF), was just right.

Taken at my first fitting

I was really worried that I would become one of those brides who’d never be happy with their dress selection. But I didn’t second-guess this one. The fabric is a lightweight silk taffeta with a lovely hand. The dress is well constructed and has underskirts and crinolines built in. The  fabric flower? A $4  score from H&M. As far as alterations go, it needs hemming and a bustle put in. It’s so me– simple, classic and feminine, with a personalized touch. And I feel like a beautiful bride in it!

With French bustle pinned in

Best of all? Since it was a sample, I got it for less than a third of the retail price. Even with alterations and cleaning it’ll come in under budget. That made my bargain-loving heart sing!