[ DRESS THE PART [
All dressed up Five brides recall their gown-shopping stories In some ways, finding the perfect dress is like finding the perfect partner: You have to try on a few before you get the right one. These five brides’ experiences were no different— it took a couple tries before landing on a winner. One even had her gown custom made. If only it were that simple!—Caite White
LIKE IT A LATTE
Adrienne Fadoul Wedding date: December 31, 2014 Groom’s name: Marks Brewbaker Dress designer: Johanna Johnson Cost: $4,000 to $5,000 Alterations (and cost of alterations): Approximately $200, to shorten the length and have it taken in on the sides and back. Did you shop around much before deciding? I found my wedding gown at Hitched Bridal Couture in Washington, D.C. I knew they were having a Johanna Johnson trunk show that weekend, an Australian designer I had been eyeing based on the simplicity and Old Hollywood style of her gowns. I visited two other boutiques before Hitched, but nothing wowed me the way this Johanna Johnson gown did. Why did you choose it? This dress combined all the details I love: silk, lace, hand beading and a low back. It also had a sheath silhouette, which I knew worked well on me. The reaction I got from my mom and friends confirmed it: They loved it as much as I did!
LUCY O PHOTO
Favorite detail about it: The color! It’s called latte and it had this beautiful champagne/gold shine. I knew it would go great with our candlelit New Year’s Eve wedding. How it worked out: I felt great in my dress all day. It was light and very easy to move around in. I added a Johanna Johnson cathedral-length veil in a super soft tulle for the ceremony and I loved how it looked with the gown.
C-VILLE Weddings 33