Sassi Holford, Stephanie Gown

My unrequested, biased opinion: This was truly the dress of my dreams. I vividly remember trying it on, after visiting 8 different bridal shops, and getting emotional. I tried on others during that appointment and put it on one more time before leaving, and got emotional again! I decided to go back to a few shops to be certain, then went back to purchase it. When I tried it on again, I got emotional for the third time. I knew it was the perfect dress. I had always imagined a-line, strapless, and ivory - and it was more than I could have asked for. It is stunning.

Size: I am 5'3" and wore 2-inch heels in this dress so I shortened the dress but kept it long enough so it didn't look too round at the base of my feet. You can tell in the photos that it is a bit longer. I provided all the alteration details, but I mostly brought it in around the bust and waist. I'm fairly petite, but I also really wanted it to fit snug. I still felt like I had some room around the bust and some of the alterations can be undone to loosen the waist and change the bust (alterations details listed below from my tailor).

Button Detail: I added buttons all the way down the train for an additional $250. I figured there is nothing like a button detail, even though the dress was so beautiful without it. My favorite part about the buttons was that the top ~9 buttons are all functional. There is no zipper, so you have a waist day that you clasp and then you do each button. We shifted the functional top buttons over to the right slightly to make it tighter, but the buttons all still looked seamless and perfect, which I made sure of. I loved that the buttons were functional - it made the dress even more elegant and the design purposeful.

Fabric & Design: I saw a lot of dresses that were embroidered but the design either felt too tropical or had sparkles or was too small of a pattern where it looked busy - the design on this dress can be described as elegant, classic, beautiful, formal, elevated. It reminds me of roses. I fell in love with the design, and every time I look back at photos I just can't believe how perfect it was! The fabric feels rich and thick. I reminded me of a meringue because it isn't shiny or thin or like anything you've worn before. It looks creamy and not only looked great in person, but looks great in photos.

Alterations:
- Took in bodice side seams about 1/8".
- Added Size B bust cups (these can alway be removed or replaced)
- Took in waist stay 1.5" inches (there is flexibility to let out the waist stay if you need to)

I spent $1,200 on alterations which is why I have it priced the way I do, but am open to discussing prices.

I am more than happy to 1) share more photos 2) talk more about the dress or 3) talk more about the alterations. Heavily discounting this dress because I paid more than I budgeted for, but just could not say no to this dress!