Wedding Wednesday: The Dress! Part I

Aside from the weekend of November 9, 2012 (aka the proposal weekend!), this past weekend goes down in the books as seriously one of the best, most memorable, and definitely happiest of my life.

Yes, I picked out The Dress...I said "yes" to it, even! But more importantly, I shared it with so many people I love! It was such a wonderful experience.

I have to split this recap in two parts so that the post doesn't get too long and and so I can savor the memories a little longer!

Part II will include many photos and gift descriptions made by the beautiful Dana of Bloom and Inspire! 

Oh and no, none of the photos include me in a dress. Not even the bad dresses. Andrew follows my blog and I don't want him to see me in any white dresses!!

Here we go! My dress tales, Part I :)

I planned to have 13 total people here for the weekend. 

Yes, 13. 

No, I'm not crazy.

Me, Andrew, Mom, Dad, Sister, Niece, Sister-in-Law, 3 bridesmaids, Andrew's Mom, Andrew's Aunt, and Andrew's Cousin. AKA some of the most fun people in the world. We had a blast! 

No drama.

We were early for everything.

Everyone got along and were best friends by the end of the weekend.

Everyone can't wait to get together again.

Seriously!

The party started on Thursday. My parents drove from Ohio and picked up my sister and Lizzie from O'Hare. We met outside David's Bridal after I got off of work for my first wedding dress session! One of the best moments this weekend was when Lizzie saw me. She freaked out and ran over for a hug. She held my hand and wouldn't stop smiling. Then when we went inside David's she beelined for the nearest pink dress. Thata girl. Then we flipped through magazines while the sweet lady brought me some dress options.

Anyway, it was pretty awesome trying on dresses at David's. The customer service was excellent and they loved having a 2-year old running around! It was also really special for me to have my Dad there, since he was going to babysit Lizzie during the subsequent weekend appointments. 

I tried on a few dresses before I found an awesome one that looked really great on me. The price was insanely cheap (as far as wedding gowns go), and it looked pretty fantastic. I wasn't quite ready to say "Yes," but thought it was a great option just in case I didn't see anything else.

That was, until Friday's appointment came along.

Before that, though, we went to 90 Mile for incredible Cuban food. YUM! The music was very festive and Lizzie hit the stools as if they were drums. So much cuteness. We had a great time!

I woke up on Friday at 5 a.m. without an alarm. I was so pumped for more fun! I did work a half day...well, to be honest, I worked between telling all of my co-workers about dress shopping!

I left work and picked up my Mom, sister, and sister-in-law from the hotel and we drove out to Lemont, IL to the sweetest little bridal boutique, Martellen's. This spot was so cute, and once we got past the crazy prom dresses we scoured through the delicious Stella York gowns that I saw online. We spent quite a while at this place, chatting with the lovely ladies who work there. I thought that I had found The Dress. What I found was absolutely the one to beat. I also quickly realized the difference in fabrics from the night before!

We left feeling rather giddy, not only because we had so much fun, but also because many people were about to join our entourage!

The four of us met up with Andrew, my Dad, Lizzie, Andrew's Mom, Andrew's Aunt, Andrew's Cousin who lives here (her name is Daniela - I love this gal! She is my best friend in Chicago for sure!), and my hometown bridesmaid, Holly! Our gang walked over to Lou Malnati's and were met with a swarm of people. We weren't having that madness, so Andrew thought quickly and saved the day! We went to my new favorite Chicago restaurant: Eleven City Diner. Oh my comfort food goodness was this place awesome. Go there. Please. You'll thank me. Lizzie loved it, too. Her pancakes were in the shape of Mickey Mouse.

Andrew's Mom brought me fun cups that we drank out of all weekend, too!

After dinner we danced our way back to the hotel. Literally. It was cold! 

We gathered in one room and shared delicious wine and fun treats from the super cute welcome baskets Mom made for everyone. We gabbed and laughed, gabbed and laughed. It was such a blast! 

When we woke up even more fun was in store!

But more on THAT next week! ;)