When I got engaged, I was 23 and a size 16. I knew nothing about planning weddings, and social media wasn’t something I was involved in, so my knowledge came from the people I knew.
Which meant dress shopping was kind of like swimsuit shopping with the knowledge that I would be on display in front of hundreds of people who would all definitely be looking at me.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best of your life. If you’ve been married, chances are you’re laughing right now at the memory of all the people, all the stress, and all the things that didn’t go as planned.
The dress is a big deal for every bride. I wanted a dress that made me feel beautiful. But most places don’t have dresses for women in double digit sizes. I went to one place that offered to order me a dress if I liked one of the size 6 or 8’s on the rack. You know, the one the owner held together so I could get an idea of what it would look like.
Um, that doesn’t work.
I was fortunate that I found a dress I loved that fit me perfectly, but I can’t help but think if more places that cater to curvy brides were around then I would have had an easier time. At least five stores, close to 50 dresses, and no fun montage with James Marsden taking my picture. It could have been better.
All of that went into my head when I dreamed up Scarlett. How can you not love a dress designer who creates gowns for those of us with built-in padding? Because it doesn’t matter if your dress is a size 0 or a size 30, you should know you are the most beautiful woman in the room on your wedding day.

Mainland vs. Island is available now!
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Excerpt from Mainland vs. Island
I led Scarlett to one of the tables and drew her onto my lap.
“This is better,” I said, kissing her arm.
She shifted on my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Ooh, even better,” I said with a laugh when I was face-to-nipple with her breast.
“Tilt that face up,” she commanded.
I did and raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you like that in the bedroom?” I teased.
She gasped then smirked. “Maybe one day you’ll find out.”