Last month I visited the bridal store in Lawrence and when I told them my budget they looked at me like I had horns growing out of my head. I was devastated after that experience thinking that I'd never get a dress. That same day I had a conversation with the owner of Happily Ever After. She said to me "There are lots of options at that price point." My faith was restored.

I visited Happily Ever After on Saturday with three friends. I had an appointment and had the time of my life. We started in the clearance room--where I always shop first and then we were encouraged to pick out dresses that we liked. Alice, the AWESOME saleswoman also picked some out. I tried on between 10 and 15 dresses in the 3 hours we were there. I am so thankful that Alice pushed me outside of my comfort zone. The dress I decided on was not something I'd ever consider, however, I am positive that it was made for me.

Never once did I feel pushed that I had to make a decision while I was there. Never once did I feel inferior because of my budget. Never once did I feel rushed--I just kept trying dresses on. We were able to take photos of me in every dress and were encouraged to do so. The dress a purchased had a spot and they are going to take care of that

I'll be recommending Happily Ever After to anyone I know shopping for a wedding dress or formal to go here first. I also love that it is a local store owned by local people.

This has been the smoothest part of my wedding planning since the engagement!

I started my hunt for a dress at a national chain store. I scheduled well in advance but had to pick a Saturday morning (early) so my mother and bridesmaids could attend. We arrived early, and were eventually sent to pull our own dresses, and when I inquired about a dress on a mannequin, the staff balked, then informed me it would not fit me anyway (I'm a street size 5, it was a size 8 dress). Then I was sent to change into a bra that didn't fit (instead of my own strapless bra that DID fit) and a petticoat. I was left in the fitting room for 20 minutes in my underwear before the first dress could be brought in to try on, and this was pretty much how the rest of my experience went at said store.

Fast-forward to my trip to Happily Ever After. My appointment was scheduled in advance, and I sent a few sample pictures of my front runners from the first store. I told the owner what I was and was not looking for and specifications for my dress. When I arrived, she had several items she thought might work, and went through her racks with my party and me to identify more. Having tried several on and identified a few that I liked, Katrina then encouraged me to try on a gown displayed on a mannequin. I was immediately intimidated by the huge amount of ornate beading on this gown, but tried it anyway, and the rest is history. My dress is beautiful, solidly crafted, and unique to me (unlike that national chain store's products).

Katrina sent the gown for cleaning because it has been displayed at bridal shows and in her shop, and arranged for tailoring as well, even going so far as to make sure I got a discount for working with a tailor she had partnered with. She THEN helped choose tuxedos for my son and stepson to wear (at an unbelievable price) in addition to being a military friendly business and offers so much advice through her industry connections. She's been an absolute Godsend!