I realized I haven’t been keeping you updated on the wedding plans!
It’s less than 2 months to the big day!
It’ll be in Maui (yes, we’re getting Maui’ed in Maui!) and I hired a wedding coordinator to take care of everything, including the photography, etc.
Anna Kim will be our photographer. Her stuff is amazing! I’m so excited for her to be taking our photos!
We’ll just be on the beach, us two, with the sunset behind us. At least, that’s how I envision it!
And about my dress!
OMG.
I cannot even begin to you what I’ve been through with dresses!!
I’ll try to relay the mind-blowing craziness of it all.
Well, I was originally going to go with a simple white dress, but then I figured, why not go all out and get the dress I REALLY want?
Yes, that is what I should do, I decided.
So I searched and found this gorgeous Maggie Sottero dress and decided it was the one and I MUST have it. (the photo above)
Well, turns out, it takes 4 to 6 months to get a designer dress shipped to you. What?!? Who knew!! I sure didn’t.
As I couldn’t find a used one in my size, I kept looking online, but couldn’t find anything that really hit me.
So I flew down south and went wedding-dress-scouting with my mommie, sis and niece.
Every place was terrible! Unfriendly, and no dresses I would even have.
Until… I stepped into David’s Bridal and we all breathed a sigh of relief and just KNEW… we would find a dress here! No question! I KNEW it with everything that was within me!
Without even having an appointment, they whisked me off to a dressing room, put me in a slip and shoes and proceeded to try dresses on me. It was GLORIOUS! So much fun.
The last dress I tried on, I decided was mine. It was NOTHING like the Maggie ball gown dress I originally wanted, but nevertheless, I just KNEW this was the dress for me and I bought it, along with 2 SUPER long, sparkled veils, shoes, all the jewelry, preservation kit, etc…That night, I went for my fitting at the seamstress and was so happy I had it all DONE! (I am not a shopper and my main objective was to get it done quickly and efficiently. 🙂  )
It was this beautiful, Chantilly Lace (my nickname!) Oleg Cassini dress… we had it altered to not have any shoulders and it’s a champagne color, with ivory underneath… a bit different than this photo, but this gives you an idea.
I lugged all of it home on the plane (It was HUGGEEE… I was surprised they let me on the plane with it all!).
When I got back home I sunk into a funk when I realized … I wanted a BALL GOWN style, not what I’d gotten. UGH.
I was so confused. I didn’t know what to do. I realized I still actually wanted the Maggie dress!
I seriously agonized for about a week. I knew it was such a silly issue to bog me down, when there are MUCH greater problems in the world. But I couldn’t seem to shake it…
Finally, I thought I’d have one last look online…
As fate would have it, I googled that Maggie dress again and lo and behold, found one online IN my size, AND height, AND color, $600 cheaper than the listed price of almost $1800. Hmmm…
About an hour later, I bought it. BAHAHAHA!
So the Maggie dress has arrived and of course I tore open the box and tried the dress on immediately!
It was originally a size 2 (which is what I need) but was sized down to a 0.
So now… I am on project WEDDING SHREDDING. I have to lose about 5 pounds in about 6 weeks.
More on that in my next post…
WHEHEHEHEHWWWWW. I’ll have to sell the Oleg dress, but that’ll all happen later. Sigh…. Back to knitting something…I’ve finished a couple projects which I’ll tell you about soon as well…
Have a good one and we’ll chat soon!
Chandi
Sounds like quite the ordeal, but am so happy you got your dream dress.
I’m sure you’ll be a beautiful bride.
Chandi , OMG the dress you bought at Davids is the very same one that my daughter bought this last summer the day it came out. We loved the Davids we went to. They were the best… I do love the dress though that you have decided on. Just knowing you from your blog it seems prefect. Have a wonderful wedding in Maui that is my favorite place its paradise…..
Congrats on being the proud owner of TWO wedding dresses!! I love them both, but can totally see you in the ball gown with frills. It is just SO gorgeous! I was going to suggest dying the lace creation, but then can’t think of many occasions to wear it in Alaska!! Curled by the fireside while knitting?!? I think not. Good luck selling it, but don’t think that’s going to be a problem . .& neither is losing the weight! I find the faster I knit, the less I eat, & am getting more exercise.
I’m gonna put a kink in your mindset.. No one else seems to have but.. you have to think of the venue too. A ball gown on the beach? Isn’t that much? If you were gonna tell us that you got the gown for a party at home later with all the friends and family.. I get it. But on a beach in Maui with the wind and the sand and the surf? Are you wearing heels? On the beach?
We all want to look like fairy princesses walking down the aisle, but the venue is important to.
And of course, the most important part is marrying the perfect man for you, no matter where it may be!
I helped marry off 2 daughters and at the end of the day.. The pix going into an album that sits on the coffee table, you basically forget all the people who showed up or what you ate and just remember that magical time when you both said “I do” and then you get on with real life!
Congrats, and I am sure you will have a dream of a wedding, whatever you choose to do!!!
Yep, I realized that once it was all purchased… Plus taking an enormous 12 lb dress all the way over to Hawaii… not very practical. I’m such a silly. Oh, well. 🙂
Your so not silly! You are so much a bride, trying to get all your dreams into one day. Best thing to tell yourself and start a tradition.. is renew your vows every 5 years or so, and buy the dress you dream about. I am still dreaming of dresses I wish I would get married in.. every season since 1976 (first wedding!!!) I fall in love with a dress I wish I had worn!! lol…
I lived in Hawaii for five years and seeing women walking around on the beach in HUGE elaborate wedding dresses with their morning suited or tuxedo-ed new husbands is an every day occurrence! When I was staying at the Ko Olina Resort it was not uncommon to get in the elevator with two brides on their way to the beach. Since you have two dresses anyway I would ship one directly to the hotel and carry the smaller of the two with you. That way you are covered! Things happen in destination weddings, it is a belt and suspenders time!
If you are trying to lose weight in 2 months try a couple a different things.
First : If you haven’t already, cut a lot of salt out of your diet! Salt makes your body retain water. Some water retention is a good thing, but many of us consume far too much salt over the daily requirements.
Second : Up your fitness routine. If you’re running, add in something like jump roping or yoga. Stay away from anything that is strength training. Although muscle DOES burn more calories, it will only bulk you up over 2 months, not slim you down.
Third : Minimize sugar and saturated fats for the next 2 months. If you *must* have a drink in the evening, stay away from the “rum/coke” “margaritas” and etc. Since they are loaded in sugar from not just the alcohol but the juices/sodas and mixtures as well. Opt for wine, specifically white since red can stain teeth over time.
Fourth : If you don’t run, but enjoy walking, still add in something like yoga or jump roping. Both will slim your body down. I know pilates is a good program to slim down, but it depends on what you are already doing.
Fifth : Watermelon. Eat a lot of watermelon in the few days before the wedding. Watermelon is filling. But is also a good way to flush out water and other things that cause bloating. And while I’m at it : Lemon. Have a glass of water with half a lemon squeezed into it. No sweetener. Takes a few days to get used to the taste, but I lost 15 lbs in the first 2 months when I started drinking lemon water. And Bonus : the lemon water gave me energy too. Plus it’s loaded with Vitamin C (to help prevent any colds that might try to hit you at a critical time!)
That is great advice! I know for me sugar is the root of all my weight gain. It warps your taste buds, makes you have strong cravings and encourages your body to convert calories to fat. I completely agree on the lemon water- as much a day as you can stand. Not sure how you avoid sugar while eating a lot of watermelon though. I would stick to celery, cucumbers and snap peas! Don’t worry. Five to seven pounds in six weeks is completely doable!
Wow, they’re both beautiful, you’ll be absolutely stunning on your big day!
You are too funny. CONGRATS on the dress and wedding of your dreams.
As for the slim down – lots of protein, very little carbs; you’ll drop it fast…
The Maggie dress was a fitting choice. It immediately made me feel ocean waves. Perfect for a beach wedding. Best wishes.
So glad you got the one you originally wanted. It’s sooooo much more beautiful! A lot like my daughter’s gown she wore last year. You’re going to be gorgeous!!
Great story! I love it. I can just imagine the debating that went on in your head for a week, but it was on SALE!!! LOL
Hugs and best wishes, and no I didn’t know you were getting married, good luck and hugs and prayers from California!
Chandi,
When I went looking for my wedding dress, I did not know what I wanted. I had my mother in law (my mom passed away 5 years earlier) take me to a little shop, and we picked out 10 dresses that we thought would look good on me. My wedding was not formal, more relaxed, but I wanted a pretty white dress. It just happened that my dress was the last one I tried on. I loved how bright white it was with velour over white satin, and the netting under the short dress made me feel like a princess. And would you believe it only cost me $100. I even found a dress to match for my sister as she was my maid of honor.
And to top it off, the next few days, after all of her friends wanted to see me in the dress, I popped the seams. My mother in law was a seamstress, so she did not stress, she told me to just lose 5 pounds in the 2 months before the wedding…And I did it. I cut out all the starchy food items (rice, bread, pasta, beans) I ate salads, rode my bike, took walks on the beach and drink lots and lots of water…And I did it!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! Congrats on your wedding!
Drink a glass of water before each meal. You should be drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. You will lose weight fast!!
Love both dresses. 🙂
With the Oleg dress, have you thought about changing the color and maybe using it when you have a special occasion? Or I’ve heard of a foundation but don’t remember the name of it, I’ll have to look it up, but donate the dress to women
who have had breast cancer.
I’m so glad you found your ideal dress & congrats to you both. I’m sure it will be a wonderful blessed day for you both. 🙂
I love the dress you chose! Of everything, my favorite item (next to my husband) was my dress!!!! I’d change nothing about it to this day!!!!!
If you’re looking to loose weight fast, check out the ItWorks! Body Contouring Wrap! Seriously, it’s amazing how well they work!!! I absolutely LOOOVE THEM!
Congratulations again!!!!
That is so hilarious! I totally get it. I go through the same indecision at times. Especially when it’s a super big deal! Losing 5lbs will be easy…troll Amazon for Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson. It’s way fun, and will get those abs super fine in 60 days. Your buns will tone up like crazy too! I love those dvd’s so much fun, and boom, it’s exercise and you don’t even know it. I lost 10lbs doing it in 60 days. Wow! Your wedding is going to be awesome. I hope you post lots of pix 🙂
Shape wear, see if you can get some shape wear that might help you fit in that beautiful dress x
Both dresses are beautiful! If you are happy with your decision, that’s all that matters. Try the clearvite diet (with shake); you might loose 5 lbs, but it helps get rid of the bloat. Helped me drop a size without too much work. Or just cut wheat and yeast out for a week or two. Good luck and have fun!
I like both dresses but the one from the bridal place seems to be the one to show your beautiful figure. Glad you got what you were after, finally I just can’t see starving oneself to fit into a one day dress. Good luck to you.
Both dresses are gorgeous but I’m glad you got what your heart desired. Perhaps the other will be someone else’s dream dress when you get a chance to sell it. I love the Canyon yarn colorway. Very pretty. Is that what you used for the legwarmers? (I’m guessing that’s what they are)
Your dress looks like the French Lace rose–it’s really a design masterpiece.
Chandi, you would look magnifico in a burlap bag! Happy Wedding Day!
So glad you got the dress of your dreams. I went through something similar – knew what I wanted but couldn’t find it (this was back in the dark ages before internet!) Tried on several in the bridal salon but they made me feel like I belonged on top of a Christmas tree or wedding cake (too fluffy & flouncy) and it was going to cost a fortune for alterations. Luckily one of the seamstresses was just finishing up with someone else. She took a look at the magazine picture I had and offered to make it for me. No hesitation on my part, I said YES!!! Custom made dress for a third of the price. 30 years later, I’m still glad I followed my heart with the dress (and the guy!). You’ll lose the weight with no problem, don’t despair. Wishing lots of sunsets, joy & blessings. x
That dress is GORGEOUS…….and sooooo YOU! What a beautiful wedding you will have, We want pics!
slim down from a 2? why not just have it altered to fit you as you are!! My daughter was just a bridesmaid for her sister and the wrong size dress arrived 2 wk before the wedding – she was in a panic but took it back to the wedding shop and the seamstress there was able to alter it 2 sizes up without anyone being the wiser – beaded empire waist and all!!!! It was amazing but I am sure you could find someone in your area with the same talent!!
By the way, my best friend and I just got married 8/03/2013 and we got married in t-shirts and jeans!!! of course it is the second time around for us – we were both widowed and we are both senior citizens but we sure enjoyed our attire !!!!
You can’t go wrong with a Maggie Sottero dress. That is what we bought for our daughter when she got married. And yes, you have to order it months ahead of time but it is worth the wait. The one you chose is gorgeous! So happy you found it in your size and color for less than full retail – SCORE! I’m sure the Oleg dress will sell. Might as well get what you really want rather than just “settle” for THE BIG DAY! Congratulations and best wishes for a Maui-velous wedding day.
Cannot the dress be let out again? I borrowed a formal dress from a friend once who’d had it taken in and I was able to get it altered back to the orig size and then back down when I returned it to her. But for my wedding I didn’t try to loose weight, but it happened naturally.
It will be lovely! Congratulations!!
Both dresses are beautiful and I am partial to the Maggie dress too. You are going to have family all there and a full reception? That dress demands to be shown. Can’t wait to see the pictures.
You have 2 beautiful gowns and I feel you will beautiful in what you wear. Congrats and wish you and your future husband blessed life together.
Chandi, your dress is stunning!!! all you went through to finally find the dress you had your heart set on, CONGRATZ!!!! I WISH YOU MOST GLORIOUS WEDDING DAY EVER!!!! <3
Chandi — Your dress is magnificent and you will look absolutely stunning in it! My words of advice — You can’t please everyone so don’t even try. And I spent my honeymoon in Maui — 24 years ago this past July. Can’t wait to go back some day!! Enjoy!!
Oh Chandi they are both just gorgeous!!!
Hi Chandi,
I loved reading your story about finding THE dress, as I, myself am on the same search! I am looking for the Maggie Sottero Juliette dress in a size 0-2… any chance you’ll be selling yours? Either way, thanks for sharing your story and I hope your wedding was as fantastic as it sounded!
Yes, I messaged you! Thanks!