As our one-year wedding anniversary approaches, I’m reminiscing about the days leading up to our wedding. A special part of preparing for the wedding was making my Mom’s dress my own. I have always had a great affection for vintage clothing, but when I was growing up, I always admired my Grandma’s dress. I never imagined that I would wear my Mom’s dress, so when she offered to let me try her dress on, it caught me by surprise.
Although my Mom’s dress was the first one I ever tried, I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on. I was overcome with emotions and started tearing up because it was the first time I could clearly picture myself walking down the aisle towards William and marrying him. Although there would need to be some alterations, it was everything I could ask for. I was in awe since it looked like it was made for me.
We found a trustworthy seamstress who specialized in altering wedding dresses. She took off a layer of tulle on the bottom, altered the neckline so it didn’t have such a high collar, and fixed the bow on the back. We also took off the lace sleeves because they were too warm (how my mom wore this in July’s heat, I will never know). I wore the dress on the wedding day with my mother’s veil and silver sparkly heels.
When I think of my Mom and all she has done in my life I think of Proverbs 31:25:
She
is
clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come.”
I can always rely on my Mom for unfailing support and advice. She is a breast cancer survivor, prayer warrior, and has a generous spirit. She is the strongest woman I know. When I’m overly stressed about trivial things I can count on her wisdom and humor to cheer me up. I admire her for her loving patience with my Dad. My Mom’s gentle spirit guided our family through many ups and downs. She has sacrificed much to put our family’s needs first. She inspires me to be my best self.
I have learned so much from my Mom. Being able to wear her wedding dress was such an honor. This was just another way in which she shared her generous heart with me, and I felt wrapped in my mother’s love on my wedding day.
It was really incredible to go through the process of transforming the dress with my Mom and sister. Going to the fittings and explaining our vision for the dress was one of my favorite parts of preparing for the wedding. The dress became my own after the transformations, but I will always remember that it was a very special gift from my Mom.
Both my Mom and I had July weddings and wore the same dress. I hope the similarities continue. I hope that William and I can have a long marriage, that we can share as many laughs as my parents do, and that I can possess as generous a heart as hers. Who knows? Maybe someday the dress will find new life again and I will be able to pass it on. Thanks, Mom!