My story is unique from most brides in that I was not engaged nor in a serious relationship at the time I found Carrie - my gorgeous dress. In fact, I had met my now boyfriend of six months a mere 5 days before embarking on the quest to find the perfect gown. (Imagine telling a guy you just met that you are picking out your bridal dress!)

Three weeks before my mother died of ovarian cancer, I asked her to grant me a final wish of picking out my wedding dress with her. This is an event I believe all mothers and daughters should share together and I knew my mother would never see me in my gown except for the day I picked it out. My mother was too weak and in too much pain to join me and my friend for the fittings and search. I had the challenge of finding a dress that my mother would approve of without directly having her opinion. Luckily, she and I had very similar taste. After trying on Carrie I fell instantly in love with it - and I knew my mother would say "it's the one!" The next day, my mother saw me in my dress for the first...and last time. She said with tears in her eyes, "it's perfect!" The bridal representatives at Katherine's Bridal in Alexandria, VA were remarkable and provided us with a private room for the moment. Tears flowed as my mother and I posed for pictures. When she returned home that afternoon, she worked up enough strength to call and tell me I was the most beautiful bride. I will never forget those words - especially on my wedding day!

The dress is now hanging in my closet waiting for my special day to arrive. I can't thank Maggie Sottero enough for designing this gown. It has more meaning for me than just a dress. This is a final moment with my mother - my best friend. The pictures we took on that day are the last pictures of her alive.

While she won't be with me on my wedding day, I know she will be smiling down on me from heaven.

Thank you Maggie...