This was actually the first dress I've ever worn, or even tried on. Mom and I went to a local dress shop before going to a chain retailer, because I wanted to experience what it felt like to try dresses on (I mean, we don't do it every year!). I fell in love with it the first time I tried it on.
It's a beautiful A-Line dress that makes the belly look smaller than it actually is. I was VERY self conscious about trying dresses on because of my weight and size, but this dress made me feel like a princess. One of my biggest concerns about buying a wedding dress was that I did not want to commit to a dress while trying to lose weight. The corset back was the solution to my problem, because I could still try to shed some weight without worrying about future alterations or whether the dress was going to be too big.
The flower pattern going down the tulle makes this dress so ladylike. In the photo where I'm trying it on in the store, the associate put a belt on the dress. After consulting with family and friends, I've decided against the belt because it interrupts the flow of the pattern and that is one of the most beautiful thing about this dress.
No bra needed - it has a thick, built-in bra so your breasts are secured nicely in the gorgeous sweetheart line. The stones on the dress sparkle so much in the light - the photos don't do justice as they can't capture the sparkle as much, but it does look amazing in the video.
No cutting alterations were done, and there are no apparent flaws in the dress - I did just get it professionally dry-cleaned, and the dress is sitting in its garment bag waiting for a new owner!