say yes to the dress 1-2-3 times

After my previous post regarding our anniversary, Paula reminded me that I haven't yet told about the recycled dress that has  outfitted my body for three important dates in my life.

~my god!!! could we look any dorkier??~

I purchased this dress brand new in 1988 for my senior prom.

Up until that point, I had always rented my prom dresses.

Splurging the $70 on this dress was a big deal since I was still on a JC Penney's retail salary [$4.65/hr]

The dress came white with the black edging.  My friend's mom who was a seamstress, added the black lace down the middle bodice, sewed a silk and lace rose to the hip and made my black lace gloves.

Dress reconstruction #1

[I am sick that I can not find my large framed professional bridal portrait.  It's somehow gotten lost in all of my moves.]

Randy and I were married in 1989.

We paid for most of our $1000 wedding on our own with the help of family contributing food, decorations, and emotional support.

I knew my tight budget couldn't warrant an expensive gown. That is when the prom dress came out of the closet and found it's new identity!

With the help of my Auntie E and Aunt Janin, we gave our ideas to a seamstress in Lehi to transform the prom fru fru into my summer wedding dress.

All of the black was removed and pearl beading was put in it's place.  A heart shaped neck was added along with shoulder ruffles and fourth tier to the bottom of the layers for $80.

I adorned my own silk shoes, Elise bought my lace gloves and Janin generously gifted my veil.

[one of my favorite memories was shopping with Elise and Janin for the veil.]

Dress reconstruction #2

A few years after my wedding, my cousin's wife wore my dress and veil  for her special day!

[Jeremy and Tori]

She kept the dress the same, but attached the veil to a cowboy hat and wore lace up vintage boots.

This dress is a chameleon to each event it is called to!

20 years later..........

And we would be ready to celebrate our wedding anniversary with a party to remember!!!!

Of course, I called on my dress yet again to accompany me through my special memories to come.

BUT......20 years had put some eensy weensy major girth to my mid section and I would need some professional help revamping this lovely for the 3rd time!

I called on Paula, the bestest seamstress that I know, and she worked her butt off getting this dress ready in time for the celebration.

She took off the previously added fourth tier, removed the entire upper neck and shoulder ruffles and used the discarded material to add small shoulder straps and about 4 inches to the back side in a corset lace-up.

She also cleaned up my fragile veil by re-positioning the beading and adding big sunflowers hand-sewn around the crown.

Paula put much time, effort and love into this project.

Dress reconstruction #3

I wore my original wedding gloves and used the original bouquet and  garter belt.

I look forward to what the future brings between me and this dress of mine.  We have a bond that lasts through thick and thin [literally!]

Who knows....maybe a daughter in law would appreciate the 

funk, fun and form-ability in this frock?