How did you pick your dress?

Dolly: I came in with a very clear vision: mermaid silhouette, simple but glamorous, absolutely no ball gowns, and definitely no sparkle.
NYC Bride was the second boutique I visited with my mom and sisters. I tried on every mermaid dress… and nothing clicked.

Then my sister said, “Just try something different.”
So I did – and the first ball gown I tried on completely changed everything.

I fell in love instantly. It was comfortable, it felt right… I finally felt like a bride. Like a queen.

What made this dress “the one”?

Dolly: The biggest thing – I wasn’t forcing it. When you’re dress shopping, you can get overwhelmed and tired, and sometimes you start convincing yourself to settle.

But with Leona, it was immediate. I could picture myself walking down the aisle the second I put it on.

It wasn’t traditional ivory or white, it had sparkle (which I said I didn’t want!), and it was a ball gown (also a “no”)… but somehow it was perfect. Not too much, just enough.

Of course, I overthought it. I even left to try other boutiques because I was scared there might be something better out there. But nothing compared. I couldn’t stop thinking about that dress.

That’s when I knew – it was mine.

And honestly? It looked so expensive. People are still shocked when I tell them the actual price.

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?

Dolly: Just being there with my husband, surrounded by our favorite people, feeling so much love – it was overwhelming in the best way.

And seeing my husband’s reaction when he saw me in the dress for the first time… I’ll never forget that.

It was truly the best day ever. If I could relive it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. 

Your dress might be waiting for you too.
Discover more wedding dresses at nycitybride.com, book an appointment, or connect with us for a free video consultation.

Photo: DFams Photo & Video