Standing in front of the 4-plex mirrors, I can't help but think of everything Tom and I have been through so far in our relationship. I've made it tough for the guy, whose sole purpose was to make my life better. I'm a mess, aren't I? If I was Tom, I'd left months ago. That's the best thing though, finding someone who'll stick with you even when you drive them up the wall. 

Certainly this isn't the dress I pictured myself wearing on my wedding day. Hell, I didn't even picture myself ever having a wedding day, but I know that this isn't even acceptable. It's too.... simple and I am a complex woman.

"I'm not impressed." The words come out blunter that I visualized in my head. Johanna looks the least amused at my stale choice of words. Quick! Apologize! "This is too simple for me, sorry." Her breath huffs loudly as she guides me back to the changing room. I can't even count on one hand how many dresses I've tried on; I don't know how models can do this for a living. I already have a headache and my feet are beginning to hurt from standing in these stupid heels all day.

"One more dress, come on Marie, just try on one more." Kris is sitting across from me in the dressing room. My body is hunched and my hands are holding my head. "This is too much, Kris. Maybe I'm not meant to find a dress or to be a bride." Was I having second thoughts? I was, but doesn't everybody? I'm only 22 and I already found my knight in shining armor? 

"Marie, for the last time, Tom loves you. You're just stressed and believe me, I'd be the same if I had to spend all day in a boutique trying on over-priced wedding dresses. You have to trust yourself that you'll find the one." 

Stop being so dramatic, Marie. I wipe the lone tear that's settled on my rosy cheek. "Fine, one more dress," Kris clenches her fists in excitement. "But only one more dress, okay? I don't want to be here all day." She quickly nods her head before she runs out of the room, looking with Johanna for the perfect dress.

I've always hated the word. Perfect. Such a dull and double-sided word. Nothing is ever perfect in this world; people aren't perfect, clothes aren't perfect and neither is love. So why do we always say it? 

There's a soft knock on the other side of the door. "Come in." Johanna appears with only one gown in her hand. She smiles as she hangs it up, letting me take my first glance. "I think this could be it," she says confidently. I shrug my shoulders then begin to undress from the gown I was currently wearing.

Walking out to the 4-plex mirrors with Diana, Emma, Kris and my mom via Skype, my emotions start to flare up. They all gasp as I hear my mom mumble something in Spanish. Kris nods her head before she winks at me and mouthing this is it.

I step onto the platform and when I turn my gaze to the mirrors in front of me, it's a sigh of relief. This is it. This is my dress. Turning around to see the faces of Diana, Emma and Kris in tears makes everything I have to not cry, completely be thrown out the window. I'm as emotional as I could be. This dress is, for a lack of a better word, perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I'm at a loss for words but I know that this is everything I ever wanted. It's simple but has a touch of my classically vintage flare. "This is the Josephine dress," Johanna looks at the ladies describing the dress. "It's a soft sweetheart empire line guipure lace puddle-hem with an embroidered belt sash detail and a matching guipure lace cap sleeve shrug. 2500 Euros not including any alterations." 

At this point, money isn't even a notion in my mind. I found the dress, my mom saw the dress; all is well in the world. I take a tissue to wipe the non-waterproof makeup from under my eyes. I wish Tom could be here. "Only two and a half months till Thomas will lay eyes on you in this beautiful gown." Diana pulls me in for an embrace, the smell of lilacs embed into my nostrils. 

I grab Kris' phone to talk with my mom, one on one. "You look beautiful Niña. Absolutely stunning." Her strong Spanish accent breaking through every syllable. “I wish you were here mom. Realmente lo creo." I can hear her begin to cry. "You two are really meant to be together Niña. Siempre y para siempre." The same words Tom said before he officially placed the engagement ring on my finger. 

Always and forever.