Chapter 2

~.~

A few months pass…

Eret had chosen my brother-in-law Andrew to be his best man, and had chosen his close friends from work as his groomsmen (considering Hiccup, Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Astrid didn't make it into the real world).

We had also gotten the boring stuff out of the way, such as insurance and budget and picking photographers and videographers. But we also did some fun stuff, too, like getting our engagement photos taken and making the guest list (it's going to be a very small wedding).

My maid and matron of honor (Amalie and my half-sister Stephanie), my bridesmaids (Hanna, Vanessa and Christy), my mom and Eret's mom and I head to David's Bridal to pick out my wedding dress.

I'd looked at bridal magazines in the past, but never envisioned myself at a bridal salon. The night before, I looked online to see what bridal gowns and bridesmaids' dresses, along with my maid and matron of honor's dresses, caught my eye.

I narrowed it down to six, and, unfortunately, when we walked into the store, only four are available.

The two that weren't available had these descriptions online:

Option #2

"Sheath Wedding Dress with Beaded Illusion Neckline

This art deco-inspired sheath wedding dress marries an elegant beaded illusion neckline with a pretty pleated bodice for a glamorous effect."

Option #4

"Extra Length Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress with Lace

Lace cap-sleeve slim gown with keyhole back and heavily beaded sash. David's Bridal Collection 4" Extra Length Wedding Dress Chapel train."

I head into the fitting room with the four other options and an attendant to help me.

The first dress I try on has this description:

Option #1

"V-Neck Trumpet Wedding Dress with Pleated Bodice

A wedding dress should make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. This V-neck trumpet wedding dress is designed to do just that with flattering pleating and side ruching accented by a subtly shimmering floral appliqué."

I head out to my wedding party to see what they think.

"What do you guys think?"

"Hmmm...well, it's beautiful. But it just doesn't scream 'you'." Vanessa says.

"But it's completely up to you. You're going to be the one in the wedding dress." Ruby says.

"You're right. Hmm..." I stare at myself in the mirror. It's not my favorite of the dresses, and it doesn't really flatter my figure.

I turn to my attendant.

"I don't think this is the one."

"Okay. We've got three more to try on. Let's get you into the next one."

We head back into the fitting room.

The attendant helps me into the next dress, which has this description:

Option #5 (since there were originally six)

"Jewel Taffeta Wedding Dress with Brooch

Combine Hollywood glamour with a regal silhouette and you get this taffeta off-the-shoulder ball gown. Tulle on the skirt softens the dramatic straight neckline, and the brilliant brooch at the hip brings sparkle. Jewel, exclusively at David's Bridal. Chapel train. Fully lined. Back zipper."

I head out again to my wedding party.

"I can't see you walking down the aisle in this dress. But my brother will love you, no matter what you wear." Amalie says.

"Hmmm...I thought I liked it because of the off-the-shoulder sleeves, but it's just not me."

"Okay. Next one."

The attendant and I head back into the fitting room, where she helps me into Option #6, which has this description:

"Jewel Cap Sleeve Illusion Neck Wedding Dress

This cap sleeve satin trumpet gown is on trend and the perfect choice for your special day! Cap sleeve beaded bodice features eye-catching illusion neckline. Embellished lace illusion back detail. Button Closure on upper back, zipper closure with illusion buttons on lower back. Satin trumpet skirt adds movement and drama. Sweep train."

We head back out to the main area.

"It's beautiful, but, again, it just doesn't scream 'you', sis. But, it's your big day, so you have to make the ultimate decision." Stephanie tells me.

"Yeah, it's not me. Hopefully the last option will work."

"If not, we've got dozens more you can try on." My attendant reminds me.

We make our way back into the fitting room, where she helps me into Option #3, which has this description:

"Satin Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress

The oversize appliqués that grace the A-line bodice and hem of this regal mikado wedding dress complement the bodice's ultra-feminine lace and illusion cap sleeves. Jewel, exclusively at David's Bridal Polyester Sweep train Back zipper; fully lined."

I look at myself in the mirror of the fitting room, and tears start welling in my eyes.

"I...I think this is the one."

"Let's go see what your bridal party thinks."

We head back out to my wedding party and their jaws drop.

"I think this is the one, guys."

"We think so, too." Christy says.

"I see that you pre-picked your bridal veil and accessories."

"Yes, I did. But just the tiara, veil and clip-on earrings. I ordered the earrings a while ago."

"Out of curiosity, have you gotten your four somethings picked out?"

"I've got the old and blue, which is my wedding band, which used to be my grandma's, and the blue is a necklace."

"All right. Something new and something borrowed."

Amalie perks her head up.

"I've got this diamond tennis bracelet I packed, just in case my brother was going to pop the question while we were here. So, I've got you covered for borrowed."

"That's perfect, Amalie. Thank you. And I guess my shoes could be the something new?"

"Perfect. Let's get that bridal veil and tiara on you."

The attendant puts on the bridal veil and tiara, and I get a good look at myself.

It's the first time I had ever seen myself in wedding attire, if you don't count me trying on my mom's wedding dress.

"You look absolutely beautiful. Eret's going to love you even more, if that's even possible." Ruby says, misty-eyed.

"I love it. I love everything about this look."

"I'm so glad. But, let's talk numbers. It's not anyone's favorite part, but it's got to be done."

"Okay. My dad said I can spend up to $600 on everything bride-related."

"Let's see, your total today, not including tax and alterations, will come to $468.93. Your bridal gown was on sale, and it was the second cheapest, right next to the shoes. And it looks like we won't need to make too many alterations. You're definitely going to stay under budget."

"That's fantastic!"

"Shall we kill two birds with one stone and get your bridal party dressed?"

"Of course."

"Okay. Let's go get you changed, then we can see about getting your maid and matron of honor and bridesmaids into dresses."

"We've looked at options and we already agreed on what we want."

"Perfect."

I change back into my regular clothes, and the attendant puts everything together and off to the side. After I help the attendant find the dresses we picked out, I take my seat on the couch and my maid and matron of honor and bridesmaids get up.

"All right, maid and matron of honor, let's see those dresses."

The dress we picked for my maid and matron of honor has this description:

"Extra Length One Shoulder Satin Dress

You will love the way your wedding party shines in this elegant gown! 4" extra length one shoulder satin dress. One shoulder bodice features embellishment detail. Fully lined. Back zip."

They look perfect on Amalie and Stephanie.

"Girls, what do you think?" I ask.

"We love them. We really do." Amalie says.

"Great, I love them, too. You guys look incredible. Okay, now for my bridesmaids!" I say.

My maid and matron of honor head into the fitting room as my three bridesmaids come out, dressed in the dress that has this description:

"One-Shoulder Sequin and Mesh Bridesmaid Dress

A one-shoulder sequin bodice adds glamour to this long, mesh bridesmaid dress. Reverie, exclusively at David's Bridal Polyester Back zipper; full stretch lining."

I smile at my friends and cousin. They look beautiful in the dresses we picked out.

"You guys look amazing!" I exclaim.

"We think so, too!"

"All right, ladies. Shall we do mother of the bride and mother of the groom, or are you all tuckered out?"

"How about we all go get some lunch and then come back?" Ruby asks.

"Fine by me. I'll hold the wedding dress, accessories and maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids dresses until you get back."

"Thank you!"

We head to lunch at a local pizza place, then head back to David's Bridal.

My mom tries on the first dress she sees, which has this description:

"Dainty floral lace tops the bodice and matching jacket of this short A-line tank dress, while a chiffon skirt drapes gracefully below."

"Mom, it's perfect. You look beautiful!" I say.

"I love it, too. This is the one."

"All right, Ruby. You ready?"

"I am. I already have one picked out."

"Great. Let's get you into it." The attendant shows Ruby to the fitting room, who comes out in a gorgeous dress, which has this description:

"This A-line dress sparkles from the scalloped sequin lace bodice to the crystal brooch that adorns the flounced jersey skirt."

"You look beautiful, Mum!" Amalie says. I nod in agreement.

"I feel beautiful. I'll take this one."

"Perfect. All right, ladies. Let's get you checked out."

We head to the register and check out.

Afterwards, we pile in to the Nordisk's rental car and head home.