Attire + which shoes?

When I was in Israel for a week after the engagement, I looked for and found my wedding dress. I like lots of dresses online, but I wanted something simple, not poofy, and with lace.

I went on my own. I think I wanted my mind to be uncluttered, unfettered with other people's opinions. I knew that upon my return to London I would go shopping with my girlfriends (which was the best day ever), but I decided to look in Israel anyway. And I'm pleased I did, because I found my dress and discovered that the bridal market there is markedly different from that here. All the brands that are available in England and America are hardly sold in Israel. The market is dominated by Israeli designers who make the dresses on-site. The dresses are made to measure, rather than being ordered in the closest size and then altered. So any changes can be accommodated. The handiwork is amazing. It is also possible to rent dresses, and these are completely altered to fit the bride, too. When you order the dress, you choose to rent or keep it. To keep the dress you pay 10% on top of the rental price. Most people don't bother, but I will. Since my dress isn't poofy, it won't take much space, and I would like to own it. If I had chosen a bigger dress I wouldn't do that, though.

I would describe my dress as: slim fitting, sweet, elegant, simple, lacy. I can't post it here because Marc reads this blog.

The price includes 4 fittings: I will have 2 in February and 2 right before the wedding. Can't wait to see it again!

Here are the two pairs of shoes I have my eye on, designed by Diane Hassall. They are made to order and they are pricey, far too pricey than is reasonable for something that can only be worn once. But I love them! They also come with a clutch... which pair do you prefer?

PS: that thing people always say, that you never see a bride's shoes - not true in my experience! I hate it when a lovely outfit is let down by disappointing shoes.