Freedom

On this last day of August, I leave the month with a grin and memories of an exceptional, day that occurred this late summer month. I was married in August 1994 wearing my white, cap sleeved, silk organza basque waisted wedding gown with an alencon lace bodice handcrafted in Charlestown, MA by Priscilla of Boston. I accessorized with a matching wreath styled headpiece adorned with organza and lace flowers attached to four layers of elbow to cathedral length veiling.  I also wore Mariam Haskell pearl, drop earrings as a finishing touch.The day of our anniversary I decided it was time for my beloved, gown to breath fresh air again and be released from the preservation box I diligently acquired so my dress would stay safe. The excitement flooded back when I touched the dress again instead of just "viewing" it from the window on the preservation box! The crunch of the organza skirt and twinkle of the beading on the bodice conjured sheer bliss and butterflies just as it did the day I wore it.

my dress circa 1994

When trying to select "the one" gown, many brides mention they want to still like the dress years from the wedding day and not ask "what was I thinking?". After freeing my gown that day I realized the gown was certainly not the style of today and perhaps not even what I'd choose now because our taste and style evolves as we mature. However, I still love my wedding gown. It is radiant and captures my youth, which every woman will enjoy feeling no matter when they decide to take a peek at it either in photos or in person. Try not to let that "what was I thinking" ever question enter your mind when deciding on your special, dress. The words "yours" and "special" are what a wedding gown is and will be forever.

Marchesa Fall 2012..Deco neckline!

A quick mention about gown preservation I learned from talented seamstresses I've working with over the years. I wasn't in the wedding industry at the time of my wedding or I would have taken my own advice back then and saved myself some money. You really don't have to get your gown "preserved", which is an extended service beyond dry cleaning. After the wedding, if the gown is significantly soiled you may want to consider a reputable dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns to clean it. After it is cleaned or not, store the gown in an old bed sheet that acts as a garment bag. Store it in a well ventilated or air-conditioned closet. The sheet allow the fabric to breath instead of plastic that traps moisture and invites mold.

I will say my gown is out of style now, but as anyone knows fashion is cyclical. Inspiration is always taken from the past. That is one of the reasons why I'm obsessed with vintage gowns because you see so much of them relived in today's styles. I'm dying to get to New York market in October as the Gatsbyesque, art-deco, Princess Kate influences started and will continue to dominate the runways! I'll let you know soon!

Enzoani Fall 2012..thank you HRH Kate!

Celebrate your anniversary whether a year or decades ago always with joy and recollection of the wedding gown you wore. Only yours and uniquely beautiful as you were created to be.