The day I went dress shopping I had multiple appointments set up at bridal stores and boutiques. I first went to a large chain store and tried on dress after dress after dress. Although the dresses were within my budget, there wasn't a single o...ne that I could see myself in. The second store was better, but the dress I found there was significantly out of my price range. The third store almost laughed when I told them my budget. When I would describe my style, it sounded like a bunch of opposites: vintage yet modern, bohemian yet classic, beachy yet dressy, etc etc. When the consultant would hear that, the first thing they'd bring me was a strapless dress. "Oh! But you can add straps or sleeves for just a bit more. And the length? Well, you'll have to order extra length also for an extra charge." All of the dresses would require so many modifications I might as well be making my own dress from scratch! I finished that day disheartened and unsure where to try next when a coworker mentioned to me La Vie en Blanc. "Thank you" and I went on with my day. I came across another coworker who also suggested to me this store. "Thank you" and again I went on with my day. By the time the third person recommended the same store I stopped what I was doing to make my appointment. When the day of my appointment finally arrived, I made sure not to get my hopes up. It was a longshot. If you found a dress you liked, you could not order a different size or length. It's whatever is on hand at that moment. I started looking through the dresses and many had already been cut to fit a much shorter or more petite bride. Even so, I found about 6 I wanted to try on. One of the store owners looked through the dresses I had chosen and went to grab one more. She came back and said "let's try this one first." The moment I tried on the Essense of Australia gown, I started to tear up. It hit all of my style contradictions right on the head! This was what I was looking for! From the style to the size to the length, it felt as if it had been made just for me! Even so, I thought I was overreacting because of how frustrating my previous shopping experience had been, so I decided to try on the other dresses I had picked out too. Before I took off the Essense of Australia dress, the owner took a quick picture and video of the back and posted it on her IG story. Before I was even completely out of the dress, the phone started ringing. Call after call of brides asking for appointments to try on that dress! I went ahead and tried on each dress I had picked out, but nothing was right. I finally tried on the Essense gown a second time. This time, the owner brought out a veil and helped arrange it just so. I looked at myself in the mirror and burst into tears. That was it! I had found the gown and said yes to the dress! I walked out that day with the wedding dress of my dreams! Thank you to the wonderful women of La Vie En Blanc for turning what had been a stressful experience to an enjoyable and memorable one!