This is the third installment in myΒ Lillian West x The Espresso Edition partnership.

The final countdown has begun! When this post is published, I’ll be just a couple days shy of two months from “I do!” Time has flown, and it’s not long until I get to reveal myΒ wedding gown!
Yes yes, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. It’s not here quiteΒ yet, but it won’t be long! Until then, I want to cater to the wedding dress-obsessed (like myself) by sharing what went into picking my own gown, and (if you’re a bride-to-be) key things to look for when you’re searching for your own. That being said, I’m going to include some never-before-seen photos of the gowns that didn’t make the cut. They’reΒ all stunning beyond belief, but there was only one that I couldn’t bear to part with.



I went into dress shopping knowing bohemian was the style for me.
After years of pinning (my dress board on Pinterest was created when I was around fifteen), I had narrowed my selection down to a few favorite styles: bohemian, lace, ruffles, and off-white. I didn’t want a mermaid style, nor did I want strapless. I knew that ballgowns weren’t my thing, and stark white wasΒ so not my color.
I wanted my dress to be ethereal and simple, yet bold – making the statement “I’m feminine and fierce, with flowers blooming in my soul.”
So I turned toΒ Lillian West. AΒ designer collection of luxury brand Justin Alexander, this wedding dress designer showcases many dreamy gowns β all boasting a bohemian flair. And they certainly did not disappoint. If you havenβt read about my princess experience at AvaΒ LaurΓ©nne, you should do that now. Lillian West wasΒ kind enough to send over my top ten favorite dresses from their website to try on for myself. It was a truly magical, one-of-a-kind experience that I will never forget. And I found my girl in an instant.
You think I’m kidding! Before I even got to the dress shop, I had labeled one of the ten gowns as my absolute favorite. It was the first gown I tried on, and the one I went home with. Sure, it was a few hours of trying on other gowns and narrowing it down, but I knew she was the one for me. She had just the right amount of lace, ruffles, and she wasn’t bright white.Β Now that beautiful dress is hanging in my closet β and Iβll admit Iβve tried it on more than once since my final alteration appointment. Itβs just too tempting to resist!
Before you head out to your first appointment, take the time to create a moodboard or Pinterest board of your favorite styles of dresses. After looking through your picks, determine the repeated trends. Do you prefer a sweetheart neckline? Maybe you want a long train. Whatever you’re feeling, make sure you try on dresses that include those characteristics. This is going to beΒ your statement and you’ll savor the moments in your dress for the rest of your life.



Below is a moodboard I created, includingΒ Lillian West gowns that I absolutely adore – some of which I even tried on!

Omg isn’t trying on wedding dresses so much fun! When I was planning my wedding, I tried on so many different styles! You look stunning in all of these dresses and I can’t wait to find out what you will be actually wearing on your wedding day!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
These gowns are so dreamy and you’re looking fab. So bad, in our custom, the bride needs to don a traditional Indian saree. Nevertheless, drooling over the looks.
Omg isn’t trying on wedding dresses so much fun! When I was planning my wedding, I tried on so many different styles! You look stunning in all of these dresses and I can’t wait to find out what you will be actually wearing on your wedding day!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
All of these dresses look GORGEOUS on you! I love how simple, flowy, and feminine they all are. CANT WAIT TO SEE YOURS!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Those dresses are what wedding dreams are made of!!!π°β€οΈ
Girl, Iβm nowhere near getting married, but Iβve also had my wedding Pinterest since I was like 15. So excited to see what you picked for your big day!
Xx, Kelsey
http://www.kelseyybarnes.com
These gowns are so dreamy and you’re looking fab. So bad, in our custom, the bride needs to don a traditional Indian saree. Nevertheless, drooling over the looks.
Wow loving all of these dresses!! It’s so hard to pick a favorite for sure! You are stunning in them all.
All of these dresses look GORGEOUS on you! I love how simple, flowy, and feminine they all are. CANT WAIT TO SEE YOURS!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
I love all these gowns. I’m a huge fan of non-puffy, sleek gowns. These are perfect, and you look beautiful in every single one!
XOXO
Cathy
I looooove all the dresses you tried on, especially the ones with lace sleeves!
OMG!!! You look absolutely beautiful <3 I loved the first dress, but they are all gorgeous.
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
First of all, you look stunning in ALL of the dresses. How the heck did you even pick?! You are going to make the most gorgeous bride. I love your mood board too.
All of the dresses look gorgeous on you. We got married last year and my dress was so perfect and I really just wanted to feel like me in it. I loved it so much and REALLY wish I could wear it again lol If only! I already have said that I want to renew our vows for our 10 years!
you look so beautiful in each one of these. I cannot wait to see your actual dress!
I looooove all the dresses you tried on, especially the ones with lace sleeves!
So beautiful babe!! & These dresses look absolutely stunning on you! Love the ones you tried on!
Kileen
cute & little
All of these dresses are gorgeous! I love the boho vibes and all the beautiful details!
Xo, Steph
Love all the gowns with lace detail on top and a simple, flowy bottom! Can’t wait to see YOURS!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
I love the ones that you tried on! You are going to be a gorgeous bride Steph!
So many beauties! Absolutely loving that first short sleeve lace gown. Absolutely stunning on you! You are going to be such a beautiful bride Stephanie! I cannot wait to see your big day!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
Love all the gowns with lace detail on top and a simple, flowy bottom! Can’t wait to see YOURS!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
You look stunning in all of these dresses. Youβre going to be such a beautiful bride!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Loving your tips so much! These are all gorgeous on you – I can’t wait to see the one you chose!
Eeek I can’t wait to see what your dress looks like! You will be a stunning bride. Our weddings are just a few weeks apart – mine is 6 weeks away now! Crazy how time flies!
xx Mollie
I think trying on Wedding Dresses was my favorite part of wedding planning! So many gorgeous styles you look great in all of them!
you look seriously stunning in all of these! so pretty and ethereal! I LOVE IT! I cant wait to see what you choose!
xo, Whitney
You look so beautiful in your gown! I just got married two days ago and my dress was my dream. I hope you love your dress so much! Gorgeous bride!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2018/09/06/Must-have-writings-for-your-wedding-day
I love the ones that you tried on! You are going to be a gorgeous bride Steph!
First of all, you look stunning in ALL of the dresses. How the heck did you even pick?! You are going to make the most gorgeous bride. I love your mood board too.
OMG!!! You look absolutely beautiful <3 I loved the first dress, but they are all gorgeous.
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Those dresses are what wedding dreams are made of!!!👰❤️
you look so beautiful in each one of these. I cannot wait to see your actual dress!
All of the dresses look gorgeous on you. We got married last year and my dress was so perfect and I really just wanted to feel like me in it. I loved it so much and REALLY wish I could wear it again lol If only! I already have said that I want to renew our vows for our 10 years!
I love all these gowns. I’m a huge fan of non-puffy, sleek gowns. These are perfect, and you look beautiful in every single one!
XOXO
Cathy
So beautiful babe!! & These dresses look absolutely stunning on you! Love the ones you tried on!
Kileen
cute & little
Wow loving all of these dresses!! It’s so hard to pick a favorite for sure! You are stunning in them all.
Girl, I’m nowhere near getting married, but I’ve also had my wedding Pinterest since I was like 15. So excited to see what you picked for your big day!
Xx, Kelsey
http://www.kelseyybarnes.com
So many beauties! Absolutely loving that first short sleeve lace gown. Absolutely stunning on you! You are going to be such a beautiful bride Stephanie! I cannot wait to see your big day!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
All of these dresses are gorgeous! I love the boho vibes and all the beautiful details!
Xo, Steph
You look stunning in all of these dresses. You’re going to be such a beautiful bride!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Eeek I can’t wait to see what your dress looks like! You will be a stunning bride. Our weddings are just a few weeks apart – mine is 6 weeks away now! Crazy how time flies!
xx Mollie
I think trying on Wedding Dresses was my favorite part of wedding planning! So many gorgeous styles you look great in all of them!