How to pick your perfect wedding dress - Things to think about and try, before buying your dress!!

 I just would like to share some of my experience and potentially help you to shine light on some common and maybe not so obvious hiccups when it comes to choosing your perfect wedding gown.

Japanese garden, San Diego, CA

The Estancia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

First off. I'm not a fashion designer or professional when it comes down to a fashion. I like fashion and I found my style,
that compliments my body type. I had also the privilege to have my 3 weddings (with the same man haha). Side story - I'm from Czech, he is from Southern Cali and part of his family lives on the East Coast. So we've decided to have our wedding in all those places, because it would be impossible to fly everyone to just one wedding from all those places and we really love our family and wanted to share this special time with all of them.

Japanese garden, San Diego, CA

Marine Memorial Golf Course, Camp Pendleton, CA

That being said, I had been to so many different weddings, as a photographer and I've seen it all. Dresses super sweet and simple, huge wedding gowns, elegant and all lace dress. You name it, I've seen it on the bride. What I found out is, that there are several different important things you might wanna consider, besides how stunning you look in your dress.

I'm the kind of girl, who wants to look pretty, but I want my clothes and shoes be practical at the same time. If you are the same, keep reading. If you like to be uncomfortable in your shoes and clothes, just to look pretty, maybe you don't wanna keep reading.

Christmas House, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

It's a very different story to come to a shop, where all the dresses look pretty and you look beautiful in so many of them. You just put it on for no more than 10mins, (probably less), so you can see, if it fits, how does it look on you and if there would be any need for alteration.
Guess what. You will spend a whole day, or at least several hours in this dress. You probably wanna make sure, that the dress will be at least somewhat comfortable. Will you be able to go to the restroom and won't have to take it off in order to use the restroom? Those are just very simple, practical, yet important questions you wanna ask yourself and "try it out" somewhat.
The easiest way is to sit down and sit for a little bit.
Also, try to do some movement in it.
Is it sliding down from your shoulders?
You probably wanna consider, if the strapless dress won't be sliding down from your body.
Is it tight, so it can fit and won't slide off, well, that's great, but it can get very uncomfortable.
Try to do some dance movements too. Unless you are planning not to dance at all at your wedding.

Marine Memorial Golf Course, Camp Pendleton, CA

I believe, that every bride can be beautiful. Whether she size 0, 8 or 22. Some prefer classic look, some modern, some extravagant, some simple. As many women are out there, there are as many dresses that they can choose from. Which is a great news.

Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island San Diego, CA

Be open minded and also practical, when it comes to your wedding dress. You can look beautiful and at the same time feel comfortable and at ease. Because your wedding day passes real fast and what will remain are some pictures and video, that will remind you, HOW YOU FELT. And the last thing that you want to feel at your wedding is uncomfortable, uneasy and tight.

Wedding of Crystal and Mauricio - The Ranch at Bandy Canyon Escondido, CA

Wedding of Eileen and Charlie at Paradise Point Resort Spa San Diego, CA

Wedding of Brittany and Darin at Hyatt Misson Bay, San Diego

Wedding of Mari and Francisco at San Elijo Park, San Marcos

Hope this is a little helpful for your choice and I didn't overwhelm you with too much information. (there are so many things to consider and make so many decision for your wedding day, I get it).
I just love to see beautiful brides, that are confident, look stunning and are very happy with their wedding gown choice. Because that makes my job even easier and more effortless.

Wedding of Claire and Victor at Joshua Tree Park

Wedding of Devon and Christopher at The Estancia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for more post!

Warmly,

Barbora