Fitting # 15

I had hoped that my fitting last week was going to be the second to last (the last being the week before the wedding). Technically, it was the second to last fitting — apparently, the last fitting is called a "pick up appointment" as in, I try the dress on, but nothing gets changed. So, this means that I have 2 more trips to Tina's before the sucker is done! TWO MORE! Tina said that we have hit a record with the number of fittings — I believe it! They are a lot of fun but I'm at the point where I'm just ready to see my dress!

Anyway, I brought champagne to my "last fitting" because it was a celebration of sorts. 3/4 of us finished our 2d year of law school with one of us finishing law school! We parting ways for the summer and this is the last time we'll all be at Tina's together. The dress is mostly done. The skirt is still not done, which is just frustrating because I want to see the whole thing! The bad news is that the dress won't be done until the week before the wedding (freakout!) but the goods news is twofold: 1) If I change sizes (however unlikely) it will not be a problem and 2) I don't have to store the dress at my apartment all summer, which is a relief considering I have curious cats that mean well but end up destroying things! She blocked off her calendar for me that week so there are no worries about rushing or it not being done!

So, without further ado, some pictures that are groom approved (sorry for the weird cropping — gotta keep some things a secret!):

The in-town girls got their dresses altered too and we all went together. Here's bmaid Stephanie strutting her stuff. I was VERY RELIEVED that the dress now looks normal on her! When she first put the dress on, I had serious misgivings about what I just made my bridesmaids buy. I felt really guilty (and still do a little because of the expense) but now at least I know that they can be pretty and flattering!

Tina pinning the ruching in the back because I wanted to see it before I left for the summer!



Almost final dress back. I decided to go with the longer train. I know, longer train and veil... I'm actually warming up to being a bride! Whodathunkit.



Weird cropping because you can see my dress front (Groom's request not to see). I'm not sure what Tina was doing but this is not how my veil is going to look! :)



My attempt... Not really but I thought that it would be funny to just wrap it around like a scarf. I wish I had more pictures of the veil, but it was hard to get it the right way. I'm debating whether I'm going to have Tina do it or whether I'll just look for one in NYC. Like I said before, if I can't find one I might just say screw it. However, as I wrote that last sentence it made me a little sad. Uh oh, I'm become a veil bride... Sigh.

Fitting # 14 & Veil Revisited

Today I had my FOURTEENTH fitting. Yes, that's right 14 fittings. Fortunately, the end is in sight - only 2 more left! One on May 13 and then another in the first week of August. This week, the dress actually started to look like a dress! I had a skirt and everything this time. Well, not a finished skirt but something that resembles a skirt more than in previous weeks.

Unfortunately, my lovely bmaids were unable to make the fitting this week. Finals can do that to law school peeps like ourselves. It's a shame because it was the most exciting fitting in a long time... I did take photos and sent them to all bmaids and FMiL to catch them up and keep them involved. Those photos cannot be shared, unfortunately, but the ones below are groom-safe and groom-approved. :)

The skirt is currently being produced in 2 layers - silk organza (I think that's what it was!) and silk taffetta (what the dress is made out of).

In this photo the silk organza layer is pinned to the bodice. Tina was in the process of pinning the silk taffetta layer up to the bodice. There is still some tweaking that needs to be done, but it looks really great. Just like a real wedding dress. Too bad I can't post photos. Silly groom.

The back of the dress. It looks kind of like petals, doesn't it?

Now to the second part of the post. I've posted about my aversion to veils before (here and here). Well, I've reconsidered. I think that I have found the perfect veil! I know, complete reversal. Here's a previously hidden photo of me in a veil (excuse the crazy not-quite-finished dress):

It is SO HIDEOUS!!! I just hate it so much. I'm a little embarrassed to even post this photo.

Anyway, here are some photos of the new veil idea:

It's called a birdcage veil. I just love it. I love the vintage-y feel of it. I think this last photo captures really what I am looking for. Tina is going to make it for me using some Russian lace she's ordering and using the chiffon flowers that I purchased from J. Crew awhile ago. Amazing how useful J. Crew's sale website has been. At my next fitting (May 13 after finals) she should have the dress completed and my veil made!

So exciting!

Fitting # 13

Thinking about my fitting later today, I realized I didn't post about my fitting from last week. Not much to update on. The skirt was not in a place to make decisions . . . again. This made me quite sad. Although, I did enjoy being able to delay the decision! For whatever reason, it's really throwing me for a loop.

The bodice is FINALLY done. I mean that sincerely — no more changes! I feel like that's all we've been working on lately! Of course, due to Groom's request, I can't post any pictures, but needless to say it turned out wonderfully (future MiL approves!).

What I can post pictures about is my bmaid's fittings! Their alterations are being done by the wonderful Tina as well. Here's a picture of Bmaid Jess getting fitted:

I, personally, think the socks make the outfit! She's such a trooper. She was having major sinus issues and was really drugged up from Sudafed but she was there! (Notice the bunched tissue in hand). It's great to have such dedicated, caring friends! Love you guys. :D

Fitting # 12

The fittings keep on coming! This fitting we focused mostly on the skirt. Earlier this week, I changed the skirt and train design upon Tina's suggestion, I might add. Before last week, I didn't even think I would have an opinion about these things! I was only looking at dresses from the top up. I decided earlier this week that I wanted the skirt fuller and the train longer. Go big or go home, right? I'm just kidding but still...

Here are some pictures to see my options:

Short train and not as full skirt.

Longer train, fuller skirt.

Long train and full skirt.

I haven't decided how long I want the train yet. We've decided to hold that decision until I actually have to make it. It's easier to make the train shorter from a long train than the other way around. I talked to E about it and he likes the picture of the longer train and the fuller skirt. It's funny and cute that he has a definite opinion about these things. So, that made my decision easy—I'll do what he wants me to do since I don't have a definite opinion. It's our wedding afterall.

I don't know how I feel about the bigger skirt and train. I mean, I don't want the dress to be over the top or me to seem like a diva with this whole thing. We are having an outdoor wedding that's relatively small (as far as Polish weddings go), and it seems tacky to make the dress too extravagant. I think it has something to do with the fact that I don't like the idea of being a "Bride." For me, "bridal" has a negative connotation as a descriptor. I hear "bridal" and want to change things. Is that weird?

Another anomaly as far as brides go, is my reaction to veils. I may have blogged about this earlier, but the first time I went to try on dresses the saleswoman put a veil on me (in the dress I am using as the starting point for my dress). I started hyperventilating, and she had to take it off me right away. At this fitting, I decided to try again. No hyperventilating or panic attack, but I definitely felt tense and broke out into a sweat! I am NOT a veil person. I'll give it another shot when the dress is done but as it stands right now, it's a no-go. Erik is kind of opposed to veils, so that works out well for him.

Also, I want to give a shout out to bmaids extraordinaire: Stephanie & Heather. Things are so busy for us at law school, and it's just wonderful that they are able to come and share this with me. I love hearing their opinions because they totally help!

Fitting # 11

Yes, I'm on a roll this SB. Really, I just can't bring myself to pull away from it. I'm starting to get freaked out that I won't get everything done in time. I want it all to be as perfect as possible and I'm just concerned something's going to slip through the cracks!

Anyway, yesterday Bmaid Jess & I went to my 11th fitting. And this time, the SKIRT was started!! It's muslin right now—to give Tina lines to work with. Hopefully, at the fitting next week, it will be made out of taffeta! Tina seemed to intimate that the hardest part (and most tedious part) is over with the bodice really coming together. For me, it still looks like a long way to go but she knows best!

So, updates since last fitting: Bodice starting to look more finished. Skirt started in muslin. Determined length of train and discussed fullness at the bottom of the skirt.

Funny story from the fitting: Tina asked me how long I envisioned my train... I was, like, "whatever you think works best with the dress." She was somewhat surprised. Apparently, brides have actual opinions about trains... Not this one! I have no idea what I would want. In fact, while looking for wedding dresses the thought didn't even cross my mind to look at the length of the train. All I thought was: Outdoor wedding = chapel length train!

I also figured something important out about my wedding shoes. After having to put the shoes on and off at these fittings, I'm beginning to realize that they may need some "tweaking." I'm going to take them to a cobbler in town and have the stationery strap replaced with a snap button. They are just too difficult to get on and off!

Here are the Groom-approved photos (it's so cute he wants to be surprised) from the fitting:

We started working with the ruching at the top of the skirt. This is out of muslin and won't be this white when it's completed. This is probably as long of a train as we'll do.

Bodice with the skirt. I can't wait to see it finished! You can really see the difference between bright white and the natural silk.

We did take photos from the front but I can't put those online for the surprise issue. When the wedding is over and done with, I'll post a series of front shots so you can see the progression! Only 143 more days!

Fitting #10

I know the Groom has requested that spoiler photos not be posted, but that does not mean that I can't post about the fitting and put pictures up that don't give anything away!

The dress still only consists of a top part. It is killing me that the skirt hasn't been started yet! Tina says soon enough. She keeps promising it and then things take her longer. I'm not complaining—I'm just getting antsy. I have a fitting over break to finish up with the bodice (fingers crossed) that the bmaids are not coming to because it'll just be the same as this fitting. The goal is to get it done by the week after finals so it should start coming together pretty quickly!

Another good note: Tina is letting me do a fitting the Monday after I finish my summer associate position in NYC, which will be 12 days before the wedding! Hopefully nothing major will need to be done! It makes me feel better though because I was worried about when that would happen. Fortunately or unfortunately, my firm cut the summer program to 10 weeks so now I'll have 2 weeks before the wedding to be at home. I'm actually a little relieved.

Now, back to the dress! The ruching is being finalized and finessed on the bodice. I finally have armholes now - no more tent dress! The bodice is fitting a little big in areas that aren't very flattering at the moment, but Tina would rather have too much fabric at this stage. She's going to sew it together for the fitting during SB.

Here are the pictures (that don't reveal much!):

The bodice is starting to actually look like a wedding dress! This may be the last picture I post of this. This is the best picture of it—once it was off the form it collapsed and didn't look quite as perfect.

It looks messy but this is the back of the dress. The weird ruffles down the center will be gone on the final version.



We did the fitting with my shoes on this time to see if I liked the fullness of the skirt/ petticoat thing, which I did not. Tina said we can discuss that more later. What's going on in this picture? you may be wondering. Since nothing is sewn yet and since there isn't a zipper, Tina has to pin the bodice on me on the sides.

Stephanie, Me, Jess, & Heather

One more note: Heather brought her bmaid dress to the fitting so that we could see it on her. And, get this, it looked great WITHOUT alterations! Tina pinned the back like she has for the other dresses and it looked better but it certainly wasn't necessary if Heather doesn't want it. I told her it was up to her and she decided to wait until May when the other girls are getting theirs done.

Fitting # 9

Last weekend I had another fitting. I know what you are thinking: "How is it possible to have yet another fitting?" Well, it just is! We've been making a TON of progress between these last fittings though. The hard part (getting the boning in the bodice situated) is over. Now it's on to the fun stuff!

Barb (MiL) was able to come to this fitting which was really special for me! I have so much fun sharing these wedding planning experiences with her. She doesn't have a daughter (well, technically until 8/15/09!) and I don't have a mother-figure in my life, so it works out perfectly for both of us!

Now, I just want to post a "head's up." This will be the last blog post with full-on shots of me in the wedding dress. The Groom has requested that no more photos be shown to him (or posted online because he'll see them). I guess he's just traditional like that. I, personally, don't care, but I will honor my future husband's wishes. Nevertheless, I will be posting pictures of the dress—just from strategic angles that don't give it away (Jess & Steph, you have your work cut out for you at the upcoming fittings!).

Without further ado:

This is the back of Tina's draping on the bodyform. She is still trying to figure out what to do with the arm-holes so there isn't a seam on the pretty sleeve.

Because there are no arm-holes, this looks pretty much like a tent! It vaguely reminds of Sleeping Beauty where the fairy godmothers are making the dress . . . Not sure why . . .

Here's Tina and me getting down to business. We are trying to figure out how much room I need to move around as well as how think the straps are going to be. My answer: As thin as possible! I am very anti-capsleeve!

Draping in the front on me. Last picture that will be posted like this.

Back draping. It will be much more dramatic later when it all comes together. There may be more pictures like this. We'll see.

Barb, Jess & Me. The funny story behind this picture is that when I got up to give the camera to Tina to take it, Barb sat in the middle of the couch. She wanted to be in the middle. I had to pull a bridezilla move and say, "I'm the bride. I sit in the middle!" I know, I know. I have my moments . . .

Fitting # 8

Draping has started! Yay!

So at tonight's fitting we started working with the actual fabric. Novel idea, right? I'm so excited as I'm sure is evident from the pictures.

Here's the update: Boning is in the bodice now. Tina uses "spiral steel" for the boning. That way it twists and bends with my movements. It's more forgiving and was really comfortable! In fact, I didn't really feel like there was boning in the bodice. Well, that's a bit of a lie because I did have better posture and couldn't breath deeply but, you know, it wasn't uncomfortable!

Also, we discussed the details of the train. There will be some ruching in the back but it will gradually get less as it goes down. The bustling will no long be an "up tuck" or French bustle. We'll probably use the buttons in the back so it all flows nicely together. I believe we'll assess that as the dress shapes up more, but I like Tina's ideas about it.

Next weekend (while Barb is in town!!!) we will really start to see it look like a dress because the skirt should be there (as opposed to just the petticoat that I've been wearing). I'm really starting to get excited now!

Here are all the pictures:

I know my hands are in a weird position, but I just don't know what to do with them to keep them out of the way! I feel like I look like an opera singer. At any rate, I didn't want to get stuck by the pins!

The requisite back shot.

Wow! It's actually comfortable to sit in. This is a BIG deal! The strap is a little high in the picture, but you get the point. You can see how happy I was to be sitting comfortably. Notice how the bodice is still pretty smooth. Good job, Tina!

Yay draping! Very Grecian at the moment. The fabric is so light. I think that it will be perfect for an August wedding. In this picture, Tina is getting an idea of the ruching that will be done at the top.

This is a picture of me looking in the mirror at the ruching of the bodice. I really like it and I think it shows. I also think that despite the fact I'm not incredibly tan at the moment the color of the fabric still looks nice, which is a definite plus.

Anyway, that's the update for now. I had Stephanie bring her b-maid dress to the fitting too, but that's another post. :) I'll try to work on that one over the weekend and send out an update email to my b-maids. I've been really bad about that lately! Too much to do! (Did I mention I was in law school?!).

Fitting # 6 & #7

Okay, so I went back and looked at how many fittings I've had because I can't have two posts with the same title of "Fitting # ???"! So, I've had 7 fitting so far and am not much further into the process. I am excited though because we are finalizing the bodice part (to which the boning will attach) this upcoming week and possibly doing some draping of fabric.

These pictures are from the 6th fitting:

The bodice looks more like how I want it now, which is great. The sleeves are looking less like cap sleeves, and I am now able to put my arms over my head, which is crucial for dancing to YMCA and with tall relatives like Cousin Steven and my brother Matt. This is also not to mention throwing the bouquet! All essential wedding activities! Also at this last fitting, Tina took measurements with my shoes on! Trying them on again made me think of 2 things: 1) They are awesome! and 2) I hope that my PT makes it so I can wear 3" heels for 12 hours!

Alright, back to working on my 30-page Note Rough Draft that's due Monday!

Dress Fitting # ??

Okay, so I've lost count of how many times I've gone to Tina's to do a fitting for my wedding dress. I know this is bad and that I should know, but does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not. Let me start out with saying what didn't happen at the fitting today. We did not do any draping of the fabric.

In fact, Tina decided to redo the bodice and rethink the support structure of the dress. We decided to make some substantive changes to the straps, which in turn make changes to the bodice. I may also end up doing "recon" on how the skirt attaches to the dress we are using as a base for the design. Any takers on coming with me?

On the bright side, it is a good thing that we did this fitting. Apparently, all that working out over break really paid off! She had to take the bodice in by 1/2 an inch as well as adjusting other things that may have shrunk . . . I have 2 more pounds to go, but I doubt there will be any more changes in the trunk area—at least I hope not! Tina basically told me I'm not allowed to change weight. That's a lot of pressure considering the weddings in AUGUST! My next fitting is Feb. 4, so I'll be sure to post an update then.

Tina promises that we will be doing the draping VERY SOON at which point I'll post pictures again (doesn't seem like there's much of a point right now). Also, for this fitting and the next, my bmaids are off the hook as far as coming with me, which I'm sure they've appreciated!

Fitting # 4

This morning, my local bridesmaids and I braved the remnants of an ice storm to have breakfast and go to my 4th fitting. We met at Le Peep and hung out there until just before my fitting at 11am. It was nice to relax and share some good conversation now that the semester is over. The funny thing is that none of us were actually done yet - we had lingering papers to deal with.

At the fitting, I finally got to see my fabric!! It was very exciting and felt so wonderful. It's getting more and more real as the days go on. See below for me inspecting the silk taffeta. It's amazing that Tina is going to take this bolt of fabric and make it into a wedding gown. I wouldn't even know where to begin. If you look at the bottom of the photo you can see Tina's helper, Molly. She's the sweetest cat ever (well, except for mine!) and really enjoys wedding dress making.

This is me making sure my wedding shoes match the fabric. It's not like I would change anything if they didn't, but it was nice to see that they did match! After all, I bought the shoes first. . .

I bought my wedding jewelry at Thanksgiving at my favorite jewelry website and wore it to my fitting to get an idea of how it worked with the neckline. I'm beginning to notice a trend of buying accessories first and then worrying about whether the dress will match. . . This may not be the most recommended way to do things! My necklace and earrings are aquamarine and blue topaz respectively. Since my dress is going to be simple and I won't be wearing a veil, I thought that a little color would be nice and would match the hydrangeas. Plus, I'm not that traditional and the thought of wearing a pearl/crystal combo was not pleasant. I would consider wearing diamonds, but we don't have the money for that!

Anyway, here's the latest picture of the dress, or at least the top part:

It's still a work in progress. I'm 1 fitting away from draping the fabric!! Tina has to put the boning in the above top and have me try it on again before we can do that. I CANNOT WAIT! My next fitting is in little over a month because we are all going our separate ways for the break (yay for being halfway done with law school). This means that I have to be at my wedding weight by NEXT MONTH! The interviewing and stress of school have not helped matters (neither have the aforementioned BWW Sundays). So, with the permission of my physical therapist, I will be hitting the gym daily!

Also, during the fitting, my local bridesmaids worked "sweatshop" style on stuffing the Save the Dates. I figured that the most efficient use of their time during the fitting (they are so nice to come to all of them with me) would be to stuff the Save the Dates — that way we wouldn't have to meet later to do it. They worked it assembly line style and got them all done! My only regret is that I didn't get a picture of my helpers!

Finals & Wedding Planning

Do not mix! In fact, finals and having a relationship do not mix well either. Or having family or places to go or cleaning the apartment or going grocery shopping. I did manage to work out today, which is a vast improvement over the past, oh, 3 months! And I shouldn't blame it all on finals. I should blame it on law school in general.

We just had Thanksgiving "break." I spent most of the time preparing for my finals (like I should have been doing all semester). Erik and I went to visit his family for Thanksgiving and were out of town from Wednesday-Saturday. I only worked half-days during this time. Wednesday night consisted of driving the 3 hours to his mom's and then discussing wedding plans (which, of course, was not hard to do!). Thursday (Thanksgiving!) morning I outlined up until the point I had to get ready and then we spent it with family. Friday consisted of me being slightly hung over and feeling guilty for not studying more. And Saturday we drove back and I took the night off!

I made up for it Sunday by studying all day. I actually asked Erik to go out drinking with his buddies on the night of the 12th (as in, "Dear, do you mind not coming home until 2am?") because I have a take-home final that night. He grudgingly acquiesced. Our apartment is a mess and I'm a ball of stress! My dressmaker, Tina, emailed me to let me know the fabric was back ordered and I had mixed reactions — one part "bummer," the other part "thank god I don't have to deal with this until after finals."

Also, I have to call The Country Squire because Erik has a huge family and we want to be able to invite more people, which is contingent on the other side of the ballroom not being booked.

On a lighter note, outlining is mostly done and our honeymoon is booked. I'll write about that in another post later.

Fitting # 3

Today I had my 3rd fitting with Tina. She has to help me into the top (see left). We nailed down the shape of the neckline and backline so she can start making the more solid piece to which she will attach the boning. I made the front and the back a little lower than we had talked last time - why not show off the goods? I like the look of a v-line in the back and front as opposed to some thing more sweetheart shaped.

I paid the second deposit today as well, which is REALLY exciting because that means that she is purchasing fabric!! The next fitting will begin the draping of my fabric (silk taffeta) and looking at proportions. The fittings will now be with my wedding shoes on too. Unfortunately, this means no more Uggs. (See pictures below). The next fitting will be in early December right after Thanksgiving. The good thing about having all these fittings is that I have motivation to WORK OUT. The motivation hasn't worked so far, but I'm holding out hope... :P A funny side note about that is when Stephanie was helping me into the bustier - She was using all her muscle strength and noticeably struggling, which made me think, "Geez, I have to work out." Turns out that she was trying to get it on the smallest hook-and-eye. Needless to say, trying to undo that was much harder!

Three of my b-maids were able to come - my 3 local ladies - and it was a lot of fun to share this with them. They were my papparazzi and fashionistas! I truly value their opinions, and I'm glad that they could take time from studying and see the dress creation.Yay! Dress!

Picking the placement of the straps is serious business.

Neckline.

Backline.
Uggs are classy.

Jessica, Me, Heather, & Stephanie

Fitting # 2

Tonight I had my second fitting for my wedding dress. Pretty much Tina is creating the base layer of the torso that all the boning will go on. I tried on a starter-top that she marked and fitted to my body. The fact that I've probably gained about 3-4 pounds during this interview season is hopefully not making the fit too off... I do have motivation to hit the gym though! (I am proud to say that I hit the gym while at a hotel, which is certainly a first for me!) Heather came tonight with me and so kindly took pictures! The next fitting will probably be sometime in early October.

Despite the fact that I'm super excited about the dress and getting married, it is all a little bittersweet because today marks the 4th anniversary of my dad's death. It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years. I try not to get too sad about it, and I think about the fact that Dad LOVED Erik. I think that he would be very pleased about how things are turning out. Also, in case you (reader) are wondering who's going to walk me down the aisle - the answer is simple. No one! I am my own, independent person and no one is giving me away to anyone. Even if Dad were alive, I think that the only reason he would be walking me down the aisle would be because he would have probably wanted to and not because I'm traditional like that.

Tonight Heather celebrated my dad's life with me at Biaggi's before the fitting - I always go out to a nice dinner to remember September 18. I really appreciate her friendship and am glad that she was able to be there. For those wondering where the groom was - he was in Cary seeing a friend from Arizona (Steve, who's also in the wedding) that he never gets to see. I wish I was able to go with him, but, alas, class gets in the way again. We talked about it and decided that it would be better for him to go up to his hometown rather than stay and make a big deal about it. I think that was a good decision.