Woo! We live in TX and have been home (Royal Oak) since December 18th.
I found my wedding dress at Le Salon Bridal in Royal Oak. I HIGHLY recommend this place. They specialize in couture gowns at all prices -- I think their dresses range from $1,000 all the way to $18,000. They are by appointment only and it's one on one, so I was the only bride in the store while I was trying my dresses on. The woman (Alexis) who helped me was amazingly nice and helpful, and it was the only bridal dress place (I went to four altogether) where I felt heard and "special." In fact, they had four of the dresses from my wedding binder for me to try on.
This is the important part for me -- ladies, I am a size 22. It was EXTREMELY frustrating to go from place to place where the consultants refused to even TRY to help me shimmy into any dresses. Some just looked at dresses and said "nope, not going to work." It was very discouraging -- especially when I had specifically chosen dresses that I knew could at least go over my head so I could see the shape. Alexis helped me squeeze into things, and assured me that it was "just a sample dress, that's what they're for" whenever I heard a stitch rip and apologized (my boobs were a big problem, I'm a G). She would then pull and hold the dress to my form to show me what it would look like. NO OTHER PLACE DID THIS FOR ME. My dress ended up being from Allure, and will be custom made to my measurements. This fact combined with the outstanding service I received there made me fall in love. I almost wish I could get married again just so I could re-live such a fun experience.
Yesterday, my bridesmaids and I picked out their dresses:
Tomorrow is cake and flowers, we meet with the officiant on Wednesday, and have engagement pictures on Thursday. I've been very busy while I'm home, but things are coming together and we're getting excited! Hope you've all had a nice holiday!