Newly married Justin Alexander bride and New York City-based fashion blogger/influencer S.J. (also known as @Fashinny) shares what it is really like to shop for a wedding dress and why she chose a Justin Alexander brick-and-mortar bridal boutique.

What is your favorite memory of shopping for your wedding dress? Initially I attended The Knot Couture Show, New York Bridal Fashion Week's premiere luxury trade show by The Knot, to get a feel for wedding dresses and styles that I was interested in. I stopped by the Justin Alexander booth and saw an absolutely stunning dress on one of the models. I told her how gorgeous it looked on her and she asked if I wanted to try it on. I was amazed that I was able to try it on right then and there, and absolutely fell in love with the brand - and the dress! Afterwards, I went to Justin Alexander retailer I Do I Do, a lovely bridal boutique in Morristown, New Jersey, that carries the line. I thought I was set on the dress I tried on at the expo, but after trying on different styles, I decided to go with a different option! 

What did your shopping experience look like? I Do I Do is a cozy bridal boutique in Morristown, New Jersey and it was the perfect boutique for me to get my dress. I was overwhelmed by the idea of a huge bridal store, but this one was exactly what I was looking for. The store was warm and inviting and the individualized attention was perfect for a bride to be. 

Did you plan a day around the experience? If so, who did you invite to join? My mom joined me for the day - it was actually her birthday which made it extra special. I took the day off to spend with her so we could enjoy every minute. Prior to my visit, I had mentioned to the staff that it was my mom's birthday and they did not forget. They had flowers and champagne for her, which brought tears to her eyes! After finding my dress, we headed into NYC and went for brunch then shopped around. We had the most perfect day to remember - I don’t know how to top that for her birthday this year.

  Mom and I after my appointment

How did the team at I Do I Do and Justin Alexander make the decision easier for you? They picked out a few dresses for me to try on and by the end there were two final dresses - the one I had previously tried on at The Knot Couture Show and one that the Justin Alexander bridal consultant thought would suit me. I remember trying on the dress I tried on at the expo and loving it just as much as that first time I tried it on. Then, I tried on the final dress that was picked for me and it was a game changer!

One of the many beautiful dresses I tried on: Style 8852

The first time I tried on what would end up being my wedding dress: Style 8924 

How did you know you found “the perfect dress”? The moment I came out of the dressing room and saw the look on my mother’s face I knew we had found the one! I remember seeing the dress on the hanger and feeling unsure, then putting it on and absolutely loving it. But of course a girl always wants her mother’s opinion when it comes to wedding dress shopping and my mother’s face said it all! 

My perfect wedding dress on my wedding day: Style 8924

What were some of the personal touches from the in-store shopping experience? Having a small bridal boutique was special for me. On that day, there was only one other girl dress shopping at the same time. I didn’t feel overwhelmed and I felt completely comfortable trying on all of the options. I liked that the team was dedicated to making me feel my best and finding the right option for me. I also liked that they had an opinion when I asked about which dress they would choose. All of those little details made it the most perfect wedding dress shopping experience.

The I Do I Do and Justin Alexander team

If you did it all over again, would you change anything about your day? I would not change anything regarding my experience with Justin Alexander or the staff at  I Do I Do. I loved that I was able to take the day off and spend this special once-in-a-lifetime moment with my mom, but I do wish that my sister and sister-in-law could have been there to share the moment with us as well. 

My in-store experience was absolutely perfect from start to finish. The staff is warm and welcoming and the store is stunning. Being in this type of environment added a special touch to my experience of choosing my wedding dress. The staff is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. They are patient and listen to what you are looking for, while catering to your personal style and needs - something that might be hard to do if you shop online.

You can have the same experience as S.J. First find an authorized retailer near you HERE and then find the dress of your dreams!