470 Days to Go: One down, 55 million to go.

Houston, we have a dress.

I did NOT think I would find THE Dress today. I really only went to appease a bridesmaid and a wedding coordinator. After a few "maybe"s and several "Not if Hell froze Over"s, The saleschick comes in with a few more options, two of which were discontinued, could not be ordered, take it now or leave it for ever types. The first of these two was lukewarm at best. But the second... the second made everyone catch her respective breath.

Except me. I'm indecisive to say the very very least, and this is, after all, my wedding gown, the be all and end all of my dress wearing career. I'm also as NOT a dressy, fussy, girly girl as a girl can get. Walking into this place, I was dumbfounded. The only articulate thought I might have had sounded something like "Ooooo, pretty..." I thought I knew what I wanted. I thought I wanted a high neck halter with LOTS of lace... like almost all lace. I thought I wanted an antique white at the very least, and an ivory for sure.

This gown had no lace, was NOT a halter, and might be antique white in the right light. And it had a zipper - did I mention no zippers?

And somehow it really was perfect. I looked good, and other than that I was still wearing my slacks, it was comfortable. It was beautiful. It was only $323.25 after taxes.

Wait, what? You spend HOW much on your WEDDING GOWN?!?!?!

That's right ladies and gents, not just under budget, Two/thirds under budget. Can I get a what? what?

The icing on the cake? My two year old dress expert looks at me - done up in veil, jewelry, et al. and says "You beautiful Jon."

Sold.