The Dress

This is my beautiful Mariana gown from Pronovias Barcelona. It is made of mostly lace, with very subtle clear sequins sewn into the overlay throughout so that it catches the light without being "bling'd out". The train is a cloud of layered tulle, which falls naturally without any crinoline underneath. I loved how the lace pattern from the bodice sort of appears to be floating down the back of the train. These pieces catch the light as well. The boned bodice has crystal beadwork on the neckline, and the thin straps are made out of tiny beads as well. It has a dramatic low back, with the same crystal design echoed just above where the train picks up. It's a natural white/ivory colour, so not optic bluish-white. I loved this dress, and it got rave reviews from all! Definitely a "wow factor" dress.

I'm usually a street size 2 or 0, and this dress was altered to be a bit smaller in the hip and bust, but could be let back out. I'm also 5'6" and wore flats the whole day. The straps were modified to cut in under the arms for more stability and a more open look from the back, but the length of the strap was preserved so it could be re-attached to its original position (see Pronovias website). It has not been professionally cleaned/preserved yet, although that can certainly be arranged. It doesn't have a single tear, mark, or stain on it. I changed into a second dress after dinner, so this one remained essentially pristine. It has a bustle sewn in and ready to go, but it was never actually used since I didn't dance all night in it. So, the weight of the train has never pulled on the bustle.

I can't wait to see this dress go to another woman who will let it live for another beautiful day. It's too incredible to lock up in a closet for the next 20 years. And if it means anything at all, everything was perfect for our wedding day (not a cloud in the sky despite calls for thunderstorms), so Mariana comes packed full of good luck to boot!