Dress Shopping

My cousin, Heidi, is getting married this summer. Her now fiance, Pat, proposed to her on Christmas night with a surprise ring. Very romantic!

Until recently, Heidi never much pictured herself in a wedding dress. She was doubtful that she would ever find "the one" but over the last couple years happiness has stumbled upon her, as it always seems to do when we expect it least.

In a Heidi and Pat kind of fashion, they are flying to Reno in June to tie the knot in a rented chapel on the casino strip. She planned practically the entire wedding during a 5 minute phone call after finding the perfect place online. Everything is done...flowers, decorations, music, limo, officiator, tux rentals, chapel, photography, videography...all for about $600. Everything is done except the wedding dress. Now, if she truly couldn't find one while out looking, she could rent one at the chapel when she gets there. But, truth be told, if she couldn't find the perfect dress while shopping at bridal boutiques, I doubt the perfect one will be sitting at this chapel!

Because the wedding is so far away, limited people will be able to attend, which okay. It makes for a stress free guest list...if you have the time and the money to fly out then you're welcome to, but if you don't...then you'll get to see the pictures when they return. Heidi's parents, brother and our grandmother will attend on her side. Pat's parents, brother's family and his grandmother will attend on his side I believe.

Heidi was my maid of honor during my wedding. In some way, I feel sad that I will not have the opportunity to return the same to her but it's a selfish feeling...this is obviously her wedding and her dream. So, when I found out that she was going wedding dress shopping I was so happy to go and watch and take pictures. This is one of the limited times I'll be involved with her wedding. She tried on so many dresses and she was beautiful in every one of them. Her skin tone is perfect for the bridal white color of the dresses. She tried on lots of different styles. So many, it was hard to know which one was best. Her mom and our grandmother were also there. We were in the bridal salon for about 3 hours and we had such a blast. 3 other soon-to-be brides came in, tried out dresses, picked their dress and left while Heidi was still trying on dresses! At the end of the day, she didn't make a decision and she was off to another bridal shop!

Heidi and I have always been close while growing up. We are close to the same age and went to each others houses very often when we were younger. Although we are very different from each other we have always gotten along great. She is definitely one of my best friends. To me, she is more like a sister than a cousin. In the last couple years we haven't talked or gotten together as much as we always had. She works the night shift and her schedule is pretty much my opposite. Pat works the same shift as she does. Because of this, I don't know him all too well but it only takes being in the same room with the two of them for about 5 minutes and you realize that they are perfect for each other. They have a certain chemistry between them that is so calm, confident and loving. I have truly never seen her so happy with herself and her relationship with her mate. It's wonderful to see. I am so happy for her and Pat.

She is one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen and I'm so happy I got the chance to see her smile and glow while trying on styles of the most important dress she'll ever wear!