Eloping was never an option for Eric and me. We wanted our families to be involved and to share this special occasion. We wanted our wedding to be the greatest celebration of our lives.

After all, we waited so many years to finally find each other.

By the way, this is our last wedding.

‘Til death do us part. Literally. We are both done with divorce!

A few weeks ago, my mom and I began the adventure of finding a wedding dress. I was excited to have her there with me. We had lunch together and made a day of it. We went to several stores and found so many beautiful dresses. I wasn’t sure exactly what style I wanted. I did know that the dress I chose had to be incrusted with jewels. I wanted total glam! I mainly tried on A-line and fitted styles. My mom was ever so patient, always giving me her best advice. After all, this dress had to top the dresses from my last two weddings. This one had to be special.

These were a few of my favorites from the various bridal shops.

At the second wedding shop, one dress caught my eye as I was leaving. On a whim, I tried it on. I actually laughed as soon as I saw myself in the mirror. This dress made me happy!

I wasn’t sure about this dress. It wasn’t anything that I would have normally sought. It was completely different from all others. From my mother’s expression, it wasn’t what she had in mind either. But this dress made me so happy! We nicknamed the dress the “happy dress“. But still, I wasn’t willing to commit. I needed to see other dresses, so we left without a dress.

Fast forward to a few weeks later….

I went to Savvi Formalwear in Raleigh where Vikki, the most patient woman in the world, helped me. I went shopping alone this time, planning to have dinner with Eric and the kids afterward.

I was greeted with a mimosa- always a good start!

After trying on many more beautiful dresses, I was once more overwhelmed. I did find one dress I really liked. Out of frustration, I called Eric to look at it.

Yes, Eric helping me choose a dress was completely unconventional. But I really wanted him to be part of the process!

He liked it, but agreed it wasn’t “the one”.

Still having thoughts of the happy dress, I showed Vikki a picture. She actually had that dress in the shop! I tried it on for Eric. When I walked out of the dressing room, he smiled. He agreed that it was the perfect dress for me. All of my anxiety about the dress disappeared. So he and I, that very day, purchased the happy dress.

Immediately, I called my mom to tell her that I’d purchased the happy dress. She assured me that it was perfect and I had purchased the right dress. I was relieved to have her approval. I was beyond excited about the dress!

After we purchased the dress, they gave us the cutest tiny wedding cake- which we devoured in the parking lot! Choosing dresses is hard work!

Still so excited about choosing a dress, Eric pulled out his tuxedos and modeled them for me when we returned to his apartment in Raleigh.

I am so grateful to Eric for being there with me during that happy time and for being such a good sport in helping me choose my dress. We’ve had so much fun planning our wedding together. He’s always there for me! We make all decisions together. We have no secrets from each other. It only made sense for him to be there that day, too.

Still, I was disappointed that my mother and bridesmaids couldn’t be there to help me officially say yes to the dress. So Vikki and I devised a plan….

Stay tuned to the official “Say Yes to the Dress” celebration…..