A number of you have asked about my wedding dress, so let me tell you.The day we returned from our Florida engagement trip with both sets of parents, one of Mr. Handsome’s aunts offered to let me try on her wedding dress. At that point, I hadn’t even thought about what I wanted my gown to look like, so I figured I might as well try hers on.
The minute I stepped into it, all the ladies began gushing over how beautiful it was and how easy it would be to altar. ‘Alright,’ I thought. ‘Might as well just go with this one.’ And that’s what I did.
The dress is from the 1980s and was a bit big on me, so we had a seamstress friend work her magic. To the right is the original gown
The seamstress shortened the sleeves, made the bodice a little more snug, and removed some of the lace and beads around the neck. That was all that needed to be done. The best part was she only charged us $20 for the alterations. What a sweet lady!
The dress had a beautiful train with thousands of small, sparkly beads along the edge. It also had a bustle, which came in handy for the outdoor reception. To add a little extra poof to the skirt, I wore a crinoline.
Your dress turned out beautifully! Very cool story!
Beautiful dress!!!
What about some pics of the bridal party?
Thank you! 🙂 To protect the privacy of the minors we had in our bridal party, I won't be able to post those pictures. Sorry about that!
Ellie
Looks lovely! The seamstress really did a great job. Is that a lace cover over the bodice?
Thank you! Yes, the section under the neckline is lacy netting. It's 80s, but we thought it looked vintage, so we kept it.
Ellie
It IS vintage! My Grandma had a very similar lace neckline. She was married in 1943.
Beautiful!! Very special that you got to use a family members dress.
You are GORGEOUS!!!!!!
I love it! 🙂
Ellie!!!! You're so gorgeous!!! The dress suits you beautifully! You look so happy and blessed! So happy for you and Mr. Handsome!
You looked beautiful in the wedding gown. The story is an interesting one! What a cast of good natured characters! What would they have done with their stored away treasures if Mr Handsome had not brought you into their lives?
May we know your husbands real first name please? 🙂
Very pretty. That was nice of Mr Handsome Aunt to let you use her wedding dress.
I like what the seamstress did to the wedding dress she did a good job.
You look very pretty in it.
You answered the question I had about where your especially beautiful dress was from! I really like the sheer over the dress top because you look fully dressed but still have the fashion that is suited to a young lady in her most romantic of gowns.
Are there any bridal party photos
To protect the privacy of the minors we had in our bridal party, I won't be able to post those pictures. Sorry about that!
Blessings,
Ellie
Just out of curiosity, what is Mr. Handsome's real name?
It looks nice, but I can't help and feel a little bit sad you only thought 'might as well just go with this one' one of my absolute best moments of wedding planning was dress shopping with my mom and seeing her get tears in her eyes and knowing that I had found my perfect dress.
What a beautiful dress and beautiful bride! I could tell it was from the 80s and I love the way it was updated. Your flowers were also very pretty!
Since you can't post photos of the bridal party, could you perhaps post a photo of your parents and you in-laws, if they are willing?
I appreciate your desire to protect the privacy of the minors in your bridal party – very wise. What color were the bridesmaids dresses? How many bridesmaids did you have?
Hi Andrea,
My bridesmaids dresses were blue. Here's the link to a post that includes a picture of them: https://www.anashvillewife.com/2015/05/bargain-on-bridesmaid-dresses.html.
I had eight bridesmaids (five sisters-in-law and three friends). Mr. Handsome had seven groomsmen (2 brothers, 2 brothers-in-law, and three friends).
Have a great weekend!
Ellie
Such a beautiful story, Ellie!!
Did you get to keep the dress? Just thought maybe if you have a daughter someday you could pass it on to her,that would be so sweet:) Maybe the Aunt would allow it even if she now has the dress,a family Wedding gown heirloom!!!!:O)) Now that would be wonderful:O)
Blessing to You and your Mr.Handsome!!!
Hi there!
The dress is currently at my mother-in-law's house. I would LOVE for my daughters (or other girls in the family) to wear it, and Mr. Handsome's aunt would love that, too.
Blessings to you, as well!
Ellie
Could you just post a picture of the dress on someone? You could crop it so the face isn't showing.
With permission, of course, would you perhaps be able to post a picture of both sets of parents from your wedding day??
What a beautiful thing to be able to pass down a dress in the family…. and it's nice it was free too 🙂
Love,
Alexis
I LOVE the dress the altering made It vintage but modern
Thank you, Anna! The altering was done
by an older lady who is a pro at sewing.
Ellie
Hi Ellie!
I love your posts about wedding planning. It’s refreshing to find a bride who isn’t obsessed about the little details, and just want to have a beautiful enjoyable day with their loved ones!
Could you please share your mother’s thoughts on the dress? Wasn’t she sad that you didn’t wear her wedding dress instead? I’m only asking because I’ve been considering using my aunt’s beautiful wedding dress for my wedding, but I worry it will saddle my mother, as I don’t consider wearing hers…
Thanks. Iris.
Hi Iris,
Glad you are enjoying my wedding prep posts! I had seen my mom’s wedding dress before, and we had both agreed that it wasn’t the right style for me. I would definitely talk to your mom about it beforehand, but if your aunt’s dress is what makes you happy, I’m sure it will make her happy, too. 🙂 Do you have wedding colors in mind?
Ellie