I wanted something flattering to my body type while still giving me a fairy tale look. Our planner recommended Truly Forever Bridal. They have an extensive selection that you can buy off the rack with no delay from ordering. With shipment delays due to COVID, that was an important factor. My experience there was nothing less than dreamy. My consultant was like a Fairy Godmother, and the seamstress gave me the idea and guidance of lightning up the underside of my dress.

My wedding dress inspiration was all over the place. I swore up and down that I wanted a strapless ball gown dress, but the more I really thought about the dress I knew that’s not what I really wanted. I wanted something that was going to be timeless. I have always loved the look of lace dresses, and I have always loved the antique but royal look of a champagne-colored dress, plus I knew I wanted straps. I put my dress on and just knew it was it!

I chose Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota as my bridal shop because I knew I didn’t want to shop at a large chain bridal store. I wanted to shop at a local small shop where I knew I would be remembered every time I went in. I wanted to make that connection with the staff and let me just say, they did not disappoint! Both the store managers Laura and Jules were amazing during the process, listening closely to what I said I wanted in a dress and even pulling some that I may not have said, just to make sure I had all my options.

Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota made me feel like a princess, and they always remembered me when I went in. We really did build a strong connection during the whole bridal gown process from saying yes to the dress, to the fitting, altering, and even dress preservation. I can’t recommend them enough!

I had two requirements in finding my wedding dress. Being larger chested, it was important for me to feel contained and comfortable. The second must be that I had to be able to get low on the dance floor!

I was referred to Truly Forever Bridal by a friend and the owner Lela was amazingly patient with me in finding the perfect dress to meet both requirements and so much more!

For my wedding dress, I wanted a fit-and-flare style with a modern lace design. I did not want it to be plain or simple; I wanted it to be jaw-dropping. I also tried to incorporate the springtime inspiration from the wedding theme.

Before going to Truly Forever Bridal, I had visited two other wedding dress boutiques. I was unimpressed with the selection and the customer service. Truly Forever Bridal has two locations, one in Tampa and one in Sarasota. They have a large wedding dress selection, and the entire business has a great reputation. At the Sarasota location, I found the first consultant who actually listened to what I wanted instead of just trying to insert her own opinion or upsell more expensive gowns. We were served wine and water, and she was so accommodating when I wanted to try certain things like adding different straps or see how the gown would look bustled.

Right when she pulled “my” dress and I tried it on, we all knew it was the one. It actually fit me right off the rack, and I had the bridal moment that everyone talks about. It was amazing!

I was out shopping one day and noticed Truly Forever Bridal. I wasn’t ready to look yet, but it looked so beautiful so I figured I would just make an appointment. The day of my appointment was Halloween weekend, and we had the store all to ourselves. Rebekah of Truly Forever had my favorite style of music on, and she and my mom bonded over Downton Abbey; it was all seamless and easy. She made me feel relaxed and didn’t rush me or try to change my opinion on any dress I tried on.

My dress was a surprise for me! I knew I wanted a lace look but wasn’t set on a style. I always loved more of a vintage style instead of a full ballgown style, that just doesn’t suit me. So I tried on about 10-15 dresses, and once I tried on this dress, it spoke to me, and I knew it was the dress I was looking for. It was a great day, and I am so happy I noticed the shop and decided to make an appointment. I feel like it was all meant to be!

I chose to shop at Truly Forever Bridal for a couple of reasons. The main reason was that our wedding planner recommended them since there was such a quick turnaround to the wedding day, and I could buy off the rack there. The second reason was that I had been there before for a photoshoot, and I knew it was a beautiful atmosphere to try on dresses. Third, I follow them on Instagram.

The experience at Truly Forever Bridal was wonderful! The inside of the building is beautiful, with chandeliers and Tiffany Blue walls and dresses are lining the entire interior of the building. Alison was my dream dress finder. I showed her a couple of pictures of dresses that I liked and expressed concerns for those body parts I’m self-conscious about.

Alison quickly pulled out options for me to say yay or nay, and then she started a dressing room for me. She was so sweet, and I think we went through almost everything in my size until I found the one, classic, feminine, not too Jessica Rabbit sexy, but still flattering and timeless. Then I posed with the “Say Yes to the Dress” sign.