From the moment I got engaged at 46, I knew I wanted a wedding dress that reflected my personal style and wouldn’t hinder my growing baby bump. Years ago, I had envisioned myself wearing the finale dress from the Gucci spring 2002 runway show. But finding it, let alone in my size, seemed like a long shot. Instead, I found myself drawn to The Row’s Madeline dress, a flowing, elegant design that perfectly captured the beachy vibes I craved.
The Row’s Madeline dress, with its strapless column silhouette and comfortable cotton gauze fabric, was the perfect choice for a pregnant bride. It was inspired by the idea of a luxurious towel after a relaxing day at the beach, evoking a sense of comfort and effortless elegance. Plus, its forgiving design would happily accommodate my growing belly.
However, being a fashion enthusiast, I couldn’t help but explore other options. I tried on the Cecily jacket and tailored trousers from Attersee, envisioning a sophisticated, modern look that could be dressed up or down. I even saw Barbara Guggenheim sporting a similar style at her wedding, confirming its timeless appeal.
Then came the news I never expected: I was pregnant! The joy was overwhelming, but so was the slight panic about my wedding dress. I continued to try on the Attersee suit, monitoring the fit as my bump grew. By Memorial Day, the suit, while still looking flattering from the front, was no longer working from the side. The weather was getting hotter, and the wool and silk blend felt increasingly impractical.
My search for a new dress began. I explored options on Net-A-Porter and Matches but couldn’t find anything that truly resonated with me. I did, however, find some great pieces for the pre-wedding events: Khaite’s Sicily dress for the rehearsal dinner and High Sport’s gingham Petra skirt for the Italian-themed welcome dinner.
Thankfully, The Row dress arrived just in time. The bodice was as advertised—comfortable, drapey, and accommodating to my growing bump. My seamstress made a few adjustments to the bustline, and I started lifting arm weights to tone my triceps for a little extra confidence.
On my wedding day, I felt at ease and incredibly comfortable in my dress. It allowed me to move freely, dance without restraint, and celebrate with joy. I looked and felt my best, embracing my pregnant body and radiating happiness. It was a reminder that true style is about feeling confident and comfortable, regardless of your size or shape. My wedding dress, much like my journey to the altar, was a beautiful testament to the power of embracing change and celebrating individuality.
