Shelley and Geoff

Even though I always felt the dress is a super important detail of my wedding, I was nervous to shop for a dress because I was concerned I'd be unhappy or underwhelmed with everything I tried on. No one wants a negative dress shopping experience, or feeling like they are out of time and forced to choose something. I like to think I have an elevated taste and sense of style, it was important to me that my wedding dress reflected this style. While browsing "The Knot Lookbook" app on my phone I came across a Paloma Blanca dress that I HAD to try on. The app has a feature where you can type in your zip and it will tell you the closest store to you that carries a sample. D'Anelli Bridal came up as a location that carries the dress. I called to double check that they had it. They did not have it, but they were able to have a sample shipped to their store for me to try on. Walking into D'Anelli I was pretty sure the Paloma Blanca dress would be the dress I ended up with, I couldn't wait to try it on! It was so unique, but so elegant. Before trying on we decided to browse the store and pull some other dresses to try on as well, since this was my first appointment shopping for my wedding dress. Myself and a bridesmaid of mine came across a Mikaella dress with long sleeves and to die for crepe material. I remember saying "I love this, I gotta try it on but I don't think I can pull it off" (I have always loved the idea of long sleeves- and especially since its perfect for a November wedding!)

The Paloma Blanca gown I came there for had to be my first try on (first wedding dress I had ever tried on!) The dress was two piece, lace 3/4 sleeve top with a high neck line and the most beautiful crystal buttons detail down the back. The skirt was a high wasted ballgown with pleats that were perfection and POCKETS! (blanking on fabric) I loved loved loved the dress! It was unique, elegant, timeless and so beautiful. I tried on a few other dresses, but none were competing. Then it came time to try on the Mikaella dress. I remember when I walked out of the dressing room, my groom's mom said "I told myself I wasn't going to give too many opinions but wow wow wow this one is it!" Even though I loved the Paloma Blanca gown, there was no question that the Mikaella dress was the absolute perfect gown for me. I don’t know how to describe it other than it felt perfect for ME. Although I didn't end up with the Paloma Blanca gown I had shipped in, we thought it was pretty funny I ended up with a gown from the same designer, and so fitting because both labels ooze of elevated sophistication and timeless elegance- exactly what I was trying to achieve! As I'm sure you've noticed, I did change the belt. Although I loved the original belt, when I had the sample on I wanted to experiment with a belt that had embellishment all the way around to my back. I loved the look of the thinner belt with more embellishment, so I went for it! I paired it with a 23foot cathedral veil. I also have to say, the lady from D'Anelli Bridal who didmy alterations (4 fittings) did an incredible job. It was a long process for her but she worked so hard to make sure it was perfect, and it truly fit me like a glove!

I cannot tell you how many people, both at my wedding, and after when seeing pictures, immediately compliment the dress. All I can say is "I know! Isn't it perfection!?" There are so many beautiful memories I cherish from the engagement process and my wedding day, but there is no doubt that the beautiful dress I wore will always be a centerpiece of those memories. Thankyou to Mikaella for creating such a beautifully timeless gown.