Happy MLK Jr. Day — and thank you for all the kind comments on my sister’s engagement story! I promised to share parts of the wedding planning process, so here’s an update on the latest development: bridesmaid dress shopping.
I’m back at UNC for the spring semester, but over Christmas break Marissa and I went dress shopping in Raleigh. We’d hoped to find her wedding gown while she was in town, but she realized it would be impractical to buy a gown in Raleigh and then travel back repeatedly for alterations when she’s living in Baltimore. So she shopped for her wedding dress locally in Baltimore before the break, sending live text updates and photos so my mom and I could be part of the moment from afar. She found a beautiful dress at a boutique there.
When Marissa was back in Raleigh, we visited David’s Bridal one morning after the gym to look at bridesmaid options. Since her five bridesmaids live across the East Coast, she chose dresses from a national chain so everyone could try on and buy near where they live. I hadn’t shopped at a store like that before, so I learned how it works: they usually keep only a few sample sizes and styles in stock. You try on the style you like and then may need to test additional styles for color and fit.
First we picked a color. Marissa was open to suggestions, and we both loved a soft mint green — perfect for her late-May wedding. The dress I tried on was many sizes too large and heavily pinned in the back, which explains the odd fit in the photo.
Next came style selection. Two designs stood out — quite similar overall, with only subtle differences in the bodice and the presence or absence of a ruffle. Neither of us had a strong preference, though I leaned toward the simpler, no-ruffle option.
After trying on a few options, we decided on the no-ruffle style (the cobalt blue sample) in the mint green color. It was hard to imagine exactly how the combination would look from the samples, so I was eager to try the actual dress. I purchased the dress at the store — lucked out with a $30 off promotion for purchases before the New Year — and had it shipped to my address in Chapel Hill.
The sales associate estimated a 6–8 week arrival window, so I expected a wait. To my surprise, the package arrived at the campus mail center just two weeks later. Now I only need a hem adjustment to shorten the length by a couple of inches. At 5’7″, getting a hem is a first for me; the dress is long, especially because bridesmaids will wear flats for the outdoor ceremony. With the hem planned, bridesmaid dress: ✔️
On Saturday I met Marissa and her fiancé, Alex, for lunch one last time before they returned to Baltimore for the spring semester at Johns Hopkins. We met at a Chipotle between UNC’s campus and my parents’ house. They treated me to lunch, hand-delivered a save-the-date, and brought homemade brownies — so thoughtful! 
I’m so happy my sister has found someone who loves her and makes her happy. Alex already fits into our family like a big brother in the best way, and I can’t wait for their wedding on May 28th.
Enjoy MLK Jr. Day — I’ll be back soon with more life updates and some new recipes!