My best friend brought home the Vera Wang last December 2013. When I got it, I knew there were some things that needed altering, specifically the length. I had to cut it short. As for the gown itself, it was so breathtakingly beautiful. No exaggerations. It was also well-made. The material is quite thick and durable. Nothing to make me feel like I'd break the gown any moment. Every detail of it was well-thought-of. Everything was in place. I got the color in Ivory, as opposed to getting white, as in stark white. Hence, the yellow undertone complemented my skin so well.
Come April 2013 (just a little over a month before the wedding), I went to Ivory and White Bridal, an RTW bridal shop in Katipunan my friend owns and operates. Her bridal consultants Anne and Janine helped me out with the alterations for the gown. In addition, since I pretty much knew the church is quite strict, I had a cover-up made to be placed on top of the gown. Nothing too obtrusive or ornate--just a simple soft tulle that went over the gown, that can also be detached for a "second look" for the reception. Plus, I bought my own veil. With very specific instructions: soft off-white tulle. NOT SHINY. No decorations whatsoever (so that people can see my face!). And a simple bias-tape lining all around the perimeter, so that it matched the lines of the gown.
Alas, all things put together, I loved everything about it. I felt good wearing it. And I feel this is the most important part. Because more than the little details that you get so worked up on for weddings, it's the part where you feel you're at your most beautiful that you cannot buy.