pretty dresses

I've never really planned on going to bridal stores cos I kind of always knew I'd have my gown custom made (and get it at a cheaper price too). I didn't think I need to have my dress designed for me either cos I feel more comfortable having my own 'design' from a combination of dresses I find pretty, without offending anybody or worrying about being forced into something I don't exactly like.

But I also know it could be fun to try on dresses. I've tried on one wedding dress before and it was just magical, even when the dress was too poofy for my liking (I only tried it on to check what size would fit me). Even my little nephew who saw me in the dress was awestruck (note he was just 2 and probably his first time to see such a huge dress). :D With bridal stores, it's quite sad (or embarrassing even) to leave and not get anything (or find something you really like that you can't afford). So I save myself the trouble. But but but! There are just too many bridal stores around, and I guess here in Brisbane, people are still welcoming even when you're not buying (still not trying on any dresses though to not get anyone's hopes up, mine included :D).
A shop I checked out in the city. The dresses inside were really lovely, averaging at around 3 to 4 grand $$$.

This afternoon, I decided to check out a bridal store in the Valley which I've passed a couple of times now, after church. One dress caught my eye, almost out of my peripheral vision, and it looked too pretty I had to give it a second look. Yesterday it wasn't on the window display anymore, so I thought I'd really have to go in next time and check it out. I did today, luckily my friend gamely came with me, and the girl at the store was really nice too (not the snotty kind like those you see in American movies).
The shop's called The Babushka Ballerina - cute name right? :D The dresses are equally cute, and this is the particular dress I was looking for:

If you don't know yet, I'm a big Disney Princesses fan. One memorable moment in my life was seeing Disney Princesses on Ice - their final dresses were just divine (and of course quite exaggerated too) so you'd probably understand why this kind of dress appeals to me. :D

This is the ivory-coloured one on the rack which I like better.

It's a bit too 'feathery' for me though, so I guess I'm fine with the design I had in mind. I just wish when I go home next month to try my dress on, I'll be blown away. It's nothing too extravagant really, hopefully flattering. :D It actually makes me nervous, but I'm crossing my fingers that the tailors are able to execute the design I want perfectly. Here's hoping I'll have my dream wedding dress! :)