The "No Look" First Look

I was actually all set to doing the first look with Mox because I wanted to have a private moment with him before all the chaos during our wedding day. But when I suggested this idea to him, he flatly refused to do it because he wanted to be surprised when he would see me in all my bridal glory at the church.

And while I felt kilig that he wanted to preserve that special moment, I also felt sad because I wouldn’t have any chance to be alone with him for a minute before we get married.

Then I suddenly had an inspiration when I saw what Patty Laurel did during her wedding. She and her then-fiance also had a “first look”, but with a twist! They didn’t actually see each other because they were hidden behind a big door. But they had a chance to exchange letters, talk and even hold hands! They had a private moment together without breaking tradition. Oh diba, it’s a win-win situation!

Photo grabbed from Patty Laurel's blog

I wanted the same thing for our wedding. And since Mox doesn’t want to see me before we get married, then I’d just find a way to hide myself from him and yet have a chance to hug, kiss and talk to him. I could do what Patty did—hide behind a door—or I could blindfold him! That way, I won't be too worried that he would get a glimpse of me wearing my bridal gown.

Here are some pictures of the "no look" first look that I got from the Internet.

Of course, if Mox still doesn't want to do this, then maybe we could just have breakfast together on that day. Hehe.

Wedding Gown Pegs Part 2: Maggie Sotero

When I started searching for gown pegs, I fell in love with chiffon gowns because I love how flowy and soft they are—perfect for my beach-themed wedding. But when I fitted one chiffon gown in Ivory and White, I didn't like how the gown made me looked like a frumpy little bride. :( It turned out that gowns with a fitted bodice and a slim A-line or semi-serpentine silhouette look better on my body. Ruchings and pleats on the bodice are a plus because they would hide my flabby tummy. Hehe.

And so I had to search for new gown pegs with that design in mind. Here are some of the gown pegs that I found, which are all from Maggie Sotero's collections.

Debbie

Belize

Melissa Brooch

Coco

 

Kailani

Bianca

Dixie

These are all strapless gowns, but I'll ask my couturier to create a tulle or lace illusion neckline to cover up my pimply back. I'm so excited. I can definitely imagine myself wearing one of these gowns! :)

Wedding Gown Pegs

As promised, here are some of the designs that I fell in love with while browsing the Internet. Of course, all these were chosen with my gown criteria in mind. And one of these babies will ultimately become my dream wedding gown. :)

 

I know I said no lace sleeves, but for this gown, I'd make an exception

 

Skirt is too poofy for me, but I lurve the appliques!

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Gone were the days when bridesmaids wear gowns with the same design and color. The trend now is is having mismatched entourage dresses, where all the bridesmaids wear the same colored gowns but with different necklines. Sometimes the bride shoulders the cost of the gowns, while others let the entourage pay for their dresses. The bride would just give the cloth for the dresses or find an affordable dressmaker to sew the gowns.

At first I thought that I'd like to have my bridesmaids wear my chosen designs for them. But I've heard a lot of horror stories about pasaway bridesmaids who'd complain about their gowns or would have trouble with the schedule of the measurement-taking. I don't want to experience that source of stress during our wedding preps. Plus, I  have no idea if my chosen designs would look good on all of them since they all have different body types. I really don't trust my limited fashion sense. Haha!

And so I thought of having mismatched bridesmaid dresses, but with a twist! I'd let them wear gowns that have different necklines AND different shades of color. That way, my entourage would have the freedom to choose their gown for my wedding. They can have it tailor-made to whatever design they'd like or they can just buy off the rack. Their gowns don't have to match; my only requirement for them is to have a turquoise cocktail dress, or at least a gown in that shade. This is the look that I'm going for.

See how pretty and happy they look? I love how the dresses give a variety of colors in the picture. It's a refreshing break from the usual bridesmaids-wearing-the-same-dress thing. Having mismatched gowns also gives a fun and laidback vibe, which is exactly what I want for my wedding. Plus, it makes my life much easier because my bridesmaids will be the ones who'll pick and pay for their gowns. Less stress and hassle equals one happy bride! :) 

Here are my other favorite pegs for mismatched bridesmaid gowns.

Some brides take the mismatched gown trend even further by having their bridesmaids wear gowns in different colors all together! Think of it as a rainbow effect. It's just so chic and cool! :)

DISCLAIMER: All images are from Google. :)