Web address: http://www.michelleandray.com

As fitting my nature, I thoroughly scoured nearly every bridal shop in close proximity to my home, not to mention the 10,000 dresses displayed online at The Knot, to determine if there could be a more perfect gown for me than the first I tried on. None compared, as I had a special affinity for this dress. A lot of unnecessary legwork!

While the picture can barely capture the elegance of my designer gown, the fitting bodice was covered in sequins, pearls, and flowered lace. Delicate embroidered flowers danced around the sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, and sheer back. I embellished my purchased gown with satin piping around the edges of both the ball-gown style tulle skirt and detachable, cathedral-length train.

While the day spent in my "perfect gown" was ephemeral, the memories created will be forever etched in my mind!!