The greatest tragedy during my wedding planning was when someone else bought my wedding dress.
When I saw that the dress had sold, my heart broke into a million pieces.
Shortly into my vintage bridal search, I realized two things.
Photo: Blake Nelson
Second, while I loved looking at dresses online, in reality, I needed to try things on.
On the night before the appointment, a wave of anxiety set in.
Ive swung out vintage shopping many times before.
Photo: Blake Nelson
With the ever-changing inventory, it can be completely hit or miss.
What if I couldnt find anything I liked?
Or, on the other hand, what if I did?
Photo: Blake Nelson
As the Valentino dress taught me, good vintage waits for no one.
The dress didnt need even a touch of alterations.
In the final moments of my visit, stressed and sweating, I put down the deposit.
Photo: Blake Nelson
But after taking a breather, I knew in my gut that this dress was perfect.
Picking earrings, shoes, and a bag was more of a treasure hunt than my one-and-done dress success.
For shoes, I found a fabulous pair of gold vintage Manolos on Vinted for $50.
Photo: Blake Nelson
Then came the shoes, which were perfect.
The final piece was the earrings.
I clipped them on and took a step back in the full-length mirror, my mom holding her breath.
Photo: Blake Nelson
The moment felt impossibly long as I took every piece in, suspense hanging in the air.
I exclaimed, finally.
My moms relief was palpable.
Photo: Blake Nelson
For a beat, everyone in the room froze and stared at the lone gold flower on the floor.
She scooped up the earring and began to have a go at fix it.
Another friend started to fan me, like an ailing Victorian woman.
Well, maybe you dont need the earrings, Claire suggested kindly.
I have to wear them, I said.
Just jam this in my ear, I told Claire.
Isnt that going to hurt?
I said, which was true.
(My next option was to get super glue, which I was not afraid to do.)
Note to any future vintage brides: make contingency plans around essential accessories.
The shoes had also proven to be a bust.
The hours my friends spent sending me vintage listings.
The special outing to Happy Isles with my mom.
The kindness of Jose at Hamlets Vintage who moved mountains to repair a gold clutch just in time.
Even though it was a hassle, I wouldnt have done it any other way.
And there are other benefits to shopping second-hand for bridal than just having a one-of-a-kind outfit.
I could be less precious.
When it rained all day, I didnt panic when the dress got wet.
I hugged everyone and ate messy arepas and cake.
The look wasnt trendy or exactly in style, but I felt exactly like me.
And by doing everything secondhand, I got to put what really mattered first.
