There’s something indescribably enchanting about a bridal suite, isn’t there? Walking past one the other day, I found myself utterly captivated by the breathtaking gowns on display. Each dress seemed to whisper its own story—the delicate lace patterns, the flowing satin skirts, the intricate beadwork that caught the light just so. These gowns aren’t just pieces of fabric; they’re dreams woven into reality, waiting for someone to bring them to life.
As I stood there, lost in the moment, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in one of those gowns. How would it feel to have that soft, luxurious fabric caress my skin, to feel the weight of a train elegantly trailing behind me, the veil cascading gently over my shoulders? I could almost see it—the reflection of a woman I’ve always envisioned myself to be, standing in all her beauty and grace.
I often use a technique of empowerment where I use my intellectual faculty of imagination and reach into my future. I see what it is I want, in this case to wear the gown, and use it as inspiration to pull me towards it instead of me only pushing towards it. I now have both the push and pull forces to get me there faster.
This isn’t just about wearing a dress. It’s about what that dress represents. It’s the culmination of a journey, a symbol of transformation and self-realizations. When I think about slipping into that gown, I’m not just thinking about how it would look—I’m thinking about how it would make me feel. There’s a power in that moment when you see yourself in the mirror, fully embracing who you are and who you’ve always been meant to be.
For me, that perfect white gown is more than just an item on a checklist. It’s a dream, a promise to myself that one day, I will stand tall in my truth, draped in a garment that mirrors the elegance and strength I’ve cultivated within. It’s a reminder that beauty isn’t just about the exterior; it’s about the confidence, the authenticity, and the love you have for yourself.
I wonder, has anyone else ever shared this fantasy? The dream of walking down the aisle, not just in celebration of love with another, but in celebration of love for oneself?
It’s a moment that I’ve held close for so long, and one day, I know I’ll make it a reality. Because every woman—every person—deserves to feel that kind of beauty, to have that moment where the reflection in the mirror isn’t just a dream but a manifestation of all the courage, resilience, and grace it took to get there.
So here’s to dreaming big, to living our truths, and to one day making those dreams a reality.
I’m One day, I’ll wear that perfect white gown, and when I do, it won’t just be a dress—it’ll be a testament to the journey, a celebration of self-love, and a beacon of hope for anyone else dreaming the same dream.
Dr. Gwen Patrone
#transpreneur
#TransIsBeautiful #DreamBig #LivingMyTruth #BucketListGoals
4 Responses
Gwen,
Thers is no denying the sensations imagined or real when stepping into a bridal shop , a dream come true for many of us but WHY ? What exactly is the fascination , what are the dresses saying to us and what is it we truly want to be when wearing them ?
I consider myself very lucky being a wedding photographer for thirty years , I was allowed close contact , in fact it was expected of me to arrange them to show them and the bride off to look their best . It was wonderful to be totally trusted to guide her through her special day , of course I imagined myself in her shoes sometimes I’m sure they sensed that connection because of the understanding I had for them .
Sadly the image was very short lived for some , they appear at the weding venue looking stunning but the weather was often cruel , blowing all the fine detail everywhere , the rain streaking her makeup and dear old dad putting his size ten plods in the middle of the gleaming white dress . Saying all that she still looked the star of the show , so is that what we desire for those few hours ?
Over the years I had the opportunites to wear wedding dresses I soon discovered for many the look is superficial , they can be quite uncomfortable and heavy to wear , very few brides could carry off the sweeping , swish let alone me . My weakness was wanting to be a bridesmaid , I loved the choice of styles and colours they wore , besides that they were free to enjoy thmeselves on the day . Often I would stand waiting for the perfect picture at the back of the church during the cermony and dream of being one of the bridesmaids standing elegantly behind the bridal couple .
Teresa,
What a wonderful response and such a perfect hands on experience to share.
For me, it’s the dressing up, the high fashion and beauty of the dress. To be a bride and the center of the universe for a few hours would be a dream.
I loved the bridal photoshoots Kandi had shared here. And being a bride is something I dream about all the time, but have never yet had the chance to wear a wedding dress.
Dressing as a woman for me is somewhat anticlimactic. I want to be that woman I appear to be when I am dressed. I don’t want to dress to simply be wearing. Yet, wearing a wedding dress would be the zenith of “wearing.”
For me the dream of wearing a wedding dress transcends just the wearing. To finally be able to wear a wedding dress, because I am getting married, because I was an attractive enough trans woman to gain a man’s interest and love (yes I am a traditional heterosexual trans woman) that he choose to date and then propose to, present to me my diamond, to be an actual bride, soon to be
wife, and Mrs.
To experience all the pressure and delights of
wedding prep with those woman I have selected as my maids who have accepted me into that
“sister sorority” as if I am a cis woman, and to
imagine my wedding night and beyond.
Oh my wedding gowns are so inspirational, yes?
Ah yes, that’s my dream when I consider wearing “the dress’. I expect it to remain just that, a dream, but I see it as the pinnacle of a womanhood that in itself will stay a dream for this trans person who
knows in her heart that indeed I am a woman.
Sincerely,
Charlene