This week’s featured bride is Tessa from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What we love about Tessa’s story is that she became friends with Jackie, the other bride she sold her dress to on BravoBride! Read below to find out more about Tessa’s big day and check out the photos from both bride’s weddings.
When you were shopping for a dress, what were you looking for in style?
I wasn’t sure what I was looking for when I first started shopping. I was never one of those brides that already had their big day planned out before an actual engagement. I had never tried on a wedding dress so I started from square one. I quickly learned that beading and sparkles were not for me. I wanted subtle elegance that would last throughout time. I also didn’t want a dress with too much volume due to my small frame. I eventually found this dress and loved the details, although I needed a few alterations to make it the perfect dress.
Why did you decide to sell your wedding dress?
As I was downstairs doing laundry I saw my dress hanging and realized I really needed to do something before it started aging. After checking into the prices for preservation, I realized I could make $200, not spend it if I sold the dress. I also felt good about passing on the good karma I felt the dress brought me. My wedding day was amazing and the dress was a large part of that. I had the pictures to remind me how great the dress was so it wasn’t sad to sell it at all.
Would you recommend selling a used wedding dress to other brides?
Yes! I never saw the point to pay to preserve a dress you can never touch again. The bridal business has an obsene markup and there is no exception for dresses. To spend that much money for something that is used only for one day seems crazy. By selling on BravoBride you can recoup some of that money and maybe even develop a relationship with another bride.
Where and when did you get married?
August 15th, 2009 in Sioux Falls South Dakota. The ceremony was held at our church – First Reformed Church and the reception was a CJ Callaways.
What was your favorite part of your day?
My favorite part of the day was driving around in the limo after the ceremony, knowing I just had married the love of my life and knowing that the fun was to be had at the reception. We also had our parents and the entire bridal party in the limo with us so I felt like I was surrounded by so much love.
Vendors who helped make Tessa’s day possible.
Reception/Caterer: CJ Callaways
Cake: Chef April Austin
Flowers: Jillian’s Flowers
Photographer: Catching the Moment Photography
DJ/Entertainment: Wow Entertainment
Hair: Lisa Erickson – Style Masters Salon
The wedding dress story continues. We love how Tessa became friends with Jackie and here’s how it all happened…
When I sold my dress on BravoBride, I had emailed the potential buyer several times. These emails got more lengthy and before I knew it we were exchanging update emails weekly. I got to be involved in planning her wedding (which was 1 year and 2 days after mine, August 17th, 2010). We added each other on Facebook and still keep in contact today. We joke that our dress is like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, only in a wedding dress form. Hopefully some day I’ll get to meet Jackie, who shared my wedding dress and became a great friend.
Jackie’s gorgeous wedding photo’s are below. Even through their weddings were so different the dress worked perfectly for both of them!
This gorgeous Demetrios Ilissa mermaid gown was selected as our preowned wedding dress of the week! It’s made of 100% silk taffeta and the neckline, back and spaghetti straps are intricately beaded. It features a very flattering rucshed bodice and bubble hem with sweep train. This gown has never been worn and is offered for over 30% off the purchase price. Please click here to view the full listing.
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