Here Comes the Bride

A LOOK INTO HOW MODA MOMS CHOSE THEIR PERFECT WEDDING DRESSES Written by Emily Fleming, Creative Direction Assistant Graphic by Jessica Tenenbaum, Staff Photographer

Finding the perfect dress is one of the most important aspects of achieving your dream fairytale wedding. There are many factors that contribute to finding the perfect wedding dress—the price, color, size, fabric, detail, length, cut, and more. Four of our Moda staff’s moms have given us a peek into their process of choosing their perfect dress, and gave us insight into what made their dress special to them.

Heather Bushong, Manon's Mom

“Dresses at bridal shops were too expensive—the one I liked was $650—so I found a vogue pattern and had it made by a seamstress in Missoula. It turned out to be around $250. Off the shoulder dresses were the style of the moment, and I liked it. I felt that I could trust Vogue as the style maker of the time. It worked out well for me. I also picked an ivory color fabric over white, and I loved the pattern on the fabric. It was perfect.”

Nancy Woessner, Corbin's Mom

“It was not frilly and over the top and that’s what I wanted. I loved it because it was simple, yet classic. I also loved how the silk fabric and lace peter pan collar gave the dress a very classic, yet elegant look.”

Gail Houseal, Jane's Mom

“I went shopping for my wedding dress with my husband. We went to the Jessica McClintock store together and picked out a dress we found off the rack. When I first picked out my dress, I loved it because it was simple and elegant, but I didn’t know if I felt like a bride. I was also hesitant to be a bride, because the wedding was small and I am not one to want a lot of attention on myself. When I told my husband I loved it, I still didn’t quite feel like a bride. Yet when I picked out my headband veil, that is what made me feel complete.”

Tanya Polsky, Emily's Mom

“My dress was custom made because I was 6 months pregnant at the time. I had a Russian seamstress make me this dress, and I knew I wanted to have flowers, layers, and lots of movement. I wanted a romantic and delicate look, and nothing too revealing. I had freesia’s in my hair, and I wanted the details of the dress to mimic the flower. It turned out beautifully. I also had a summer wedding, so I wanted a dress that was breezy, airy, and light. It reminded me of ocean waves.”

Each dress showed the brides’ individual personalities and tastes. It is beautiful to see how much thought goes into the process of choosing the perfect dress, and how much opportunity there is for creativity and uniqueness. In the spirit of Mother’s day coming up, it felt right to celebrate Moda moms and their beauty, inside and out. ■