The Dress

Write-ups from Sherri Hill:
Strapless, sweetheart neckline A-line ballgown with corset boned bodice in powder blue by Sherri Hill.

Its fitted corset boned bodice has a sweetheart neckline plunging to the waist and a partially open zippered back.

Embellished with unique one-piece Italian lace of floral appliques and scattered Swarovski crystals, the gown flares from the waist to the floor length to ensure a figure-flattering form. Movement see the crystals sparkling, which makes for a beautiful effect.

Write-up from myself:
This is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. Light catches the crystals, so as the dress moves it sparkles and glimmers. It is absolutely breathtaking. The powder blue colour is unique, and looks amazing on blondes.

There is boning in the bodice, so further cinching with corsetry is unnecessary. There are bra cups in the corset, however I have bigger boobs (DD) so I wore a nude strapless bra to keep the girls in place. :)
The staff at the boutique I purchased the dress from explained that the lace panels on the dress are unique, as 1) it's Italian lace *swoon*, and 2) they are whole panels. So the front of the dress is one entire panel of Italian lace, and the back has two panels, one each side of the zip.
The lace has an applique floral design throughout, and - oh my Lord - has Swarovski crystals as well!! (The ultimate girly-girl's dress!) The floral design is done in a shimmery thread, so coupled with the crystals it really catches eyes.

The Swarovski crystals themselves are a deeper blue than the gown which works beautifully, because as you move they catch the light and sparkle the usual bright white/silver colour. So each sparkle has a depth behind it. It stands out from the powder blue like a fairy princess's dream dress. :)

The gown has been worn once for my wedding; it was quite comfortable. A seamstress took the hem up; I'd say the hem was at a height for stiletto's (which I wasn't wearing) or extra tall girls. I stand at 165cm, and with the hem taken up a little the gown still comes down to the ground for me. In average heels it's at floor level.

How the gown looks in real life and in photos... our photographer (Ben Connolly, a world-renowned photographer with a gazillion medals and awards) used one of our photos for his advertising sign at the front of his home. The gown is also featured twice on Ben's home page (https://benconnolly.com.au/). Ben has entered a few of our wedding day pics in international comps because the uniqueness of the gown really stands out. Staff at our wedding/honeymoon destination were continually coming up to me after the wedding day asking if I was the bride with THAT dress...many said they've never seen anything like it; plenty of hushed-toned comments on the sparkling too; they also asked us to pass on professional photos for their own advertising.

I'm a regular Australian size 10, and it fits me like a glove.

Feel free to contact me for any further info!
Best wishes with your bridal gown shopping and your big day. :)

Alterations

Hem taken up to reach the floor on a 165cm tall woman in average heels.