We know you’re probably feeling a mix of butterflies and a little pressure to find the dress. You’ve booked your appointment, maybe saved a hundred gowns on Pinterest, and you’re telling yourself you’re just looking. Just starting the process. Just trying on a few things.
But sometimes, “just looking” turns into finding the one—faster than you expected.
Here’s a story from one of our real Wonderland brides—now a stylist in our shop—Jasmine. She knows this feeling all too well and kindly shared her journey, the hesitation she faced, and what she wishes she had known from the very beginning
Setting the Scene
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Q: Can you take us back to your appointment with us? How were you feeling that day?
A: I was actually shopping at HomeGoods in the plaza when I noticed Wonderland Bridal. I wasn’t planning to try on dresses that day, but I was intrigued. I’d already been to other shops with a large group, and the experience hadn’t been what I’d hoped. Too many opinions. So I decided to take a different approach—just me. I called to book an appointment, wanting to find a dress I loved without outside pressure.
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From the moment I called, everything was wonderful. It felt warm, welcoming, and easy. I had a lot of questions—ha!—and they answered them all so kindly. I knew I wanted two looks, or a dress that could offer that versatility, and while I didn’t have a strict budget, I was keeping my options open. I was also clear: I didn’t plan to purchase that day because my mom wouldn’t be in town for another month, and I really wanted to share that moment with her.
Alicyn, my stylist, totally understood. I never felt judged or rushed, which had not been the case at some other shops I had been to.
Q: What stood out about the dress you first fell in love with? What was your initial reaction when you saw yourself in it?
A: Having done beauty pageants, trying on gowns wasn’t new to me—I usually knew instantly if something was a “yes” or “no.” I was actually surprised when Alicyn pulled a sale dress, since other shops had gone straight for the expensive gowns regardless of my preferences. This dress, though? It was everything. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love. The feeling was different—it just felt right. And the fact that it was on sale, left room in my budget for a second dress which was even more exciting.
Q: Did anyone influence your decision to wait or keep looking?
A: The dress was a sample and could sell quickly, so I was torn. Alicyn helped me Facetime my mom, who loved it, but I still wanted someone with me in person to share the moment. So Alicyn booked me for a return appointment later that same day, and I brought my future mother- and sister-in-law. They loved it too—so I said yes to the dress. Then I planned to bring my mom in when she was in town to help pick out accessories and look for a second gown.
The Turning Point
Q: What happened after you left the shop? Did you visit other boutiques or try on more dresses?
A: Nope! Once I purchased my ceremony dress at Wonderland Bridal, I didn’t shop anywhere else until my next appointment—with my mom.
Q: Was there a moment you realized you’d already found your reception dress at your next appointment? What did that feel like?
A: At my second appointment, I brought my mom and everyone from my first-ever bridal shop visit. I let them all choose dresses they could picture me in. I liked trying a variety, but honestly, I felt overwhelmed again. In hindsight, I wish I had done more research ahead of time and narrowed down what I wanted for the second look. I knew I wanted something with a slit, and Alicyn helped me find a gown that was the complete opposite of my ceremony dress—which I loved. Both dresses showed a different side of me.
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Reflection & Advice
Q: What would you say to another bride who is in love with a dress but scared to commit at the first appointment?
A: Make sure you have the right people with you—people who support your gut feeling. Trust yourself. Don’t overthink it.
The Happy Ending
Q: When you finally said yes to the dress, what was that moment like?
A: It was amazing! I actually got to have two special “yes” moments—one for my ceremony dress, and one for my reception dress.
Q: Looking back now, how do you feel about your dress and your journey to finding it?
A: The entire experience was fun, easy, and honestly so inspiring. It even led me to pursue a job where I get to help other brides have their own magical moments.
Q: Is there anything else you’d want future brides to know—something you wish someone had told you?
A: Do your research before shopping. Know what you’re looking for, or at least what vibe you want. I knew I wanted two looks but wasn’t clear on what that meant, so the process could’ve been smoother if I’d done more prep.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s too soon to fall in love with a dress—Jasmine’s story is your gentle reminder that sometimes the right dress finds you before you expect it. Trust your heart. Tune out the noise. And if it feels like magic, it probably is.