Once I was engaged, the thing I looked forward to the most was finding my wedding dress. All ten of the wedding apps I’d downloaded to my iPad said I needed to do this 7-9 months prior to the date. I was already behind schedule. Having watched every single episode of every single wedding show on TLC, I knew exactly what I wanted. Only problem was I was in Los Angeles…alone. Initially I thought I’d go into a bridal salon and pick out a dress solo so that everyone would be surprised when I walked down the aisle. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew I needed some assistance and support. I needed my girls.I decided to fly to my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri and enlist the help of my grandma, my very opinionated cousin Jana, and my honest and dear friends Heather and Taressa. All of these people knew me, my style and my vision. I knew they’d tell me the truth but would also support and encourage me.  And they’d make the experience super fun. So I made an appointment at the best salon in town, The Gown Gallery, and set out to say yes to my dress.

I knew exactly what I wanted. A white white dress, mermaid style, with some drama on the bottom. I was particularly attracted to tulle, but that wasn’t a must. What I absolutely did not want was a dress that was anything but white, had lace, or had bling. With those parameters in mind, my consultant Eboni brought me back 10 beautiful dresses. I put them on then went outside the fitting room to let my entourage see and critique. They unanimously thought the dresses were pretty but lacked any “wow.” 8 dresses in, Jana decided enough was enough. “I’m tired of seeing the same dress over and over. Can we see something else cause this is boring?” Eboni looked at me and said she knew the perfect dress, if I was willing to trust her and step out of my comfort zone.

When Eboni came back she had a dress that had everything on my no list. It wasn’t white, it had lace and it had bling (modest bling)….. But it was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. As soon as I tried it on I knew it was the one (as cliché as that sounds it is very true). As I walked out I was met with a serious of Ohs and Ahs. I asked Jana her opinion and could see tears forming. A great sign although I did tell her to knock it off with the tears and woman up. I’d seen people on TV cry when wedding dress shopping, but never understood how an article of clothing could lead to so much emotion. Eboni brought out a veil and “jacked me up.” When she turned me to face the mirror, I was overcome with emotion. Me, the sensible, non-emotional one, was in tears. It was something about knowing that this is what Leonard would see me in as I became his wife. The most special moment in my life and I would be wearing this beautiful Maggie Sottero gown.

I couldn’t have done it without the support of my girls and a bridal consultant who listened and then went to work. I can’t wait for Leonard to see me on our wedding day!

Read Nicole’s last Road to Mrs. post here plus get expert wedding dress shopping tips here.