If there's one thing people know about me it's that I absolutely without a doubt love my job. I'm a bridal consultant for David's Bridal (think "Say Yes to the Dress") where I help brides put together their perfect dress for the magical day we all dream of having. To me, it's been an absolute dream job helping brides feel like the beautiful princesses that they should. I take pride in my work knowing how important this day is for these women and that they are allowing me to be a part of it.
I have met an infinite amount of brides in the past two years and have had connections with each of them. I ask them each the same questions--where is the wedding, what is their vision of their day, and what's their dream gown. We work together to pull a few gowns and I get them prepped in the dressing rooms before I start helping them put on their picks. Standing in a dressing room with someone helping them gets dressed is the definition of getting personal fast. Being separated from the family members gives me the opportunity to ask how they met their fiancés, how they proposed and what they love. As the day goes on it tends to get deep and I become their main confidant when the stress starts to come.
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But nothing will beat the bride I met most recently. She came alone to not feel the stress of others telling her what to do, and immediately, I could tell she was having anxiety.
After a brief moment, she told me, "I'm sorry I am just going through treatment of an eating disorder and last time I tried on dresses I weighed 30 pounds lighter than I do now. I didn't even want a big wedding, but he did so I want to feel as beautiful as possible."
I had her show me the dress she tried on a few months back and loved, but she decided not to try it on since she didn't want to ruin the experience. I then asked her where she was receiving her treatment for anorexia. She told me the name and I responded that that's the exact same place I was also receiving treatment. We stood among the dresses going back and forth on our different experiences and how each of us was coping. Thus the bond was formed.
I was determined to find her perfect dress and I knew almost exactly which one to put her in. Sure enough, I put her in the gown, dressed it up with my favorite belt and watched her stare at herself unsure at first how to feel. I asked, "Are you planning on wearing a veil?" She hemmed and hawed at the idea until I finally picked my favorite one and watched the tears form in her eyes.
"Oh my gosh, I have never felt more beautiful. I didn't think I'd ever feel like a bride after everything I've been through."
We both started to cry. Through sharing our stories we learned we both have similar journeys and similar battles with the same end goal--to be happy. I've noticed through telling people my story that some are hesitant to tell theirs. It doesn't have to be about an eating disorder, but it can be whatever life throws our way. It's these stories in our lives that help us connect to one another in this world. It's how we meet people, make bonds and grow as individuals.
After she left she immediately texted me saying how grateful she was to meet me and that her experience was amazing thanks to me. Sharing what makes me so unique with others and being open to my story is how I have met my best friends and the some of the most inspiring people. Hearing their stories is what gives me a greater understanding of this world reminding me that we are all human. Remember your story and don't be afraid to share it. Be courageous and proud of it. You never know who you might meet.
