My experience on Curvy Brides

A few months ago I stumbled across casting call online that a new bridal show was looking for PLUS SIZE brides to be on it. Recently engaged, I decided to apply to be on the show. What the heck? I thought it would be a fun experience and I was excited about the possibility of checking out another business that caters to plus size women.

One thing lead to another and a few weeks after I applied I was on a plane from Madison to Baltimore with my mom, Marvel and our friend, and local business owner, Fran (Makeup by Francesca) to be on Curvy Brides which was being filmed at Curvaceous Couture.

The three of us went feeling a bit apprehensive. We had no idea what to expect.  I had never even tried on a wedding dress. I had no clue what I was looking for -- I wasn't even sure that I liked the idea of a traditional white dress. Plus, after going wedding dress shopping with my future sister-in-law a few years ago (and having a horrible experience finding plus-size dresses and decent customer service) I did not have high expectations for my wedding dress experience -- and it was all going to be filmed! Yikes!!!

It's hard to describe how I felt walking through the doors of Curvaceous Couture for the first time. I was overwhelmed, excited and a bit emotional. I wondered if this is how customers feel walking into Z.Bella for the first time? To be able to shop in a place where EVERYTHING FITS YOU is a great feeling. I've seen customers in tears (happy tears) while trying on clothes at Z.Bella because they are so relieved to have a positive shopping experience. During my experience at Curvaceous Couture, I was just as emotional as some of our customers. I felt beautiful. I had pictured myself squeezing into wedding dresses and trying to imagine how I might look on my wedding day, but being able to try on one amazing dress after another that ALL FIT felt so good. Every single dress in the store could have been a possibility for me, because everything came in my size!

You'd think that owning a plus-size clothing boutique, my experience at Curvaceous Couture wouldn't have made such an impact on me, but it did. I think it's because I haven't been the customer yet. I'm busy helping all of our wonderful customers and haven't gotten the full experience myself. I'm so grateful for Curvaceous Couture to give me that experience. As plus size women, we are still used to having slim pickings when it comes to well-made, proper fitting clothing. It was so refreshing to find another place (besides Z.Bella, of course!) that exceeded my expectations. It motivates me and reassures me that stores like Z.Bella and Curvaceous Couture are so important.

At the time that I am writing this, Curvy Brides has not aired. It is scheduled to air on Friday, August 1st at 9:00 PM CST on TLC. I have not seen it, so don't know what to expect. I hope that the show is a hit and that it shows other curvy girls out there that you don't have to settle when it comes to fashion. There are options for the plus size consumer. Unfortunately, because of how the fashion industry is, sometimes you just have to look a little harder for those options. But every woman should be able to find great clothes and feel beautiful in the clothes she is wearing. Whether it's casual clothing (from Z.Bella) or a wedding gown (from Curvaceous Couture) ... The perfect outfit is out there and there are fabulous locally owned businesses with wonderful ladies inside of them waiting to help you feel as beautiful as we see you!

Here's a short teaser from Curvy Brides, courtesy of TLC:

http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/curvy-brides/videos/gorgeous-dresses-that-fit-curvy-brides.htm