…. and for obvious reasons I’m not allowed to blog the photos I took.

True story : *almost* moved to tears when I saw her in the first time. Seriously. Gorgeous dress. Gorgeous girl. PERFECT style dress for her.

You’ll see.

In 5 months from tomorrow.

But, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about her experience, in case it helps other brides and grooms out there shopping for their attire, dealing with vendors and other details of wedding planning ….

{FYI: Kaitlin is my husband’s sister and I will be her maid-of-honor at her wedding in August. Jamie Delaine will photograph.}

Kaitlin lives in Orange County. Just south of Los Angeles. Both are homes to fancy-schmancy-high-end-bridal-boutique. She has PLENTY of lovely bridal boutiques to choose from. Plenty.

But, like any bride, she looks for her wedding dress wherever she is.

When we were in Idaho for Chris and Nichole’s wedding, Kaitlin went to this tiny storefront wedding dress shop (if my memory serves me correct, it was Affordable Elegance Bridal in Couer d’Alene).

Here’s the amazing thing about this bridal shop : Kaitlin felt taken-care-of by the attendant. Even though we/she didn’t have an appointment, we were able to walk in and get help promptly, efficiently and thoroughly. The attendant even suggested Kaitlin try on a crinoline even though she didn’t think of it herself.

Katie went into that shop 3 times during her visit. And on the last one she ordered her dress.

Even though it was in a shop a million miles away from her home and wedding (give or take).

That’s OK. Katie was in love with the dress and confident in the vendor.

And, girls, here’s the lesson. If you don’t feel valued by a vendor when they are still *trying* to get your business, how are they going to treat you as it gets closer to the wedding date?

Choose a florist who is genuinely interested in your vision for your wedding day and not just one who will press upon you flowers that are trendy or cheap or otherwise. Choose an officiant who makes you feel comfortable. Choose a wedding dress from a vendor you can TRUST to get you the dress you ordered and on time.

You’re worth it.