My One and Only

Thirteen years ago today I married my handsome prince. Life has taken us through many twists and turns, but all of them have been fun and exciting with him by my side. I can truly say I married my best friend, and I look forward to each new day and adventure.

We lived in Nashville at the time (Mr. Sugarplum was a professional musician ‘before.’ Have I ever mentioned that?), and were married in a gorgeous church and had the reception at Union Station Hotel, a converted train station.

What made it even more special, was I was able to wear my grandmother’s wedding dress! It is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. It was hand-made by Neiman Marcus for her, using pure silk satin (most dresses now are made of polyester satin). *quiver* It even has her name embroidered in blue thread on the lining.

dress

My grandmother, however, was 92-pounds and 5-feet-tall when she married. I’m, well, not! But fortunately she wore the dress with three petticoats and a hoop, but with only one petticoat the length was perfect for me. She also wore matching full length gloves, so we were able to use that fabric to add additional gussets on the bodice. Buttoning it and breathing were kind of important.

dress

The only style change I made was to remove the illusion across the chest, as it hadn’t weathered very well in the 50 years since she’d worn it. This picture is a great indication of how supple the fabric is…literally like buttah!

dress

The veil of Belgium lace has been in our family since my great-grandmother wore it in 1921. I affixed it to a headband covered with leftover satin from the gloves, and was the 19th bride to wear it. Mr. Sugarplum wore an old-fashioned style 4-button tuxedo to coordinate with the timeless look of my dress. Don’t we look like we could be a couple in 1940?

wedding

Along with the fabulousness of the dress, came a lot of weight. In both heaviness of the dress, and responsibility not to dump wine mess it up! So I chose a second, light-weight and inexpensive dress for the reception. I don’t think the wedding dress even touched the floor before my grandmother had it back in the box!

I felt like a true princess in my grandmother’s wedding dress, but was able to relax and breathe enjoy the party in the new dress. And it was fun to see the reaction of guests when they saw I’d changed.

reception

We had so much fun eating, drinking and dancing for hours. I realize now, that one of the most special moments of the night was dancing with my grandfather. I was his “Sugarplum,” and he always made sure I knew it!

with poppoo 
xoxo poppoo

We’ve lived in four homes in two states, gone through career changes, had two kids and traveled the world….it’s been an adventure, and I’ve loved every second! I love you, my sweet, my groom, my one and only. Happy Anniversary.

Update: Several of you asked to see my grandmother in the dress….you can find that here.

*Sorry for the quality of the photos, I had to scan them.

Leave a Comment

60 Comments

  1. WOW! that dress is stunning and so special…. you look so glamorous!!! congrats on 13 years!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  2. Mrs. Cody wrote:

    I gasped when I saw your dress: amazing!!

    Congrats on your anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  3. Megan wrote:

    Happy Anniversary! Thank you for making the start of the day such an incredibly positive one!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  4. Beautiful! What a wonderful history with the veil. I agree my day has started well as who does not love a wedding photo!!
    Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  5. That dress is AMAZING!! Happy Anniversary to you and yours!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  6. Delaney wrote:

    Congrats!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  7. Lili wrote:

    Happy anniversary!!!! What a stunning dress and you were a gorgeous princess bride!!!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  8. You added another layer to your special day! So wonderful! Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  9. You two absolutely look like a couple out of the 1940's! Your dress was gorgeous! You don't hear about many people wearing their mother's or grandmother's dress. She had a classic one that anyone would have been honored to wear!

    Happy Anniversary to you both!

    Megan

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  10. Mel wrote:

    Wow! I agree that dress, and you in it…stunning!

    happy anniversary and here's to another 50!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  11. How wonderful! Happy, happy anniversary! Have a wonderful day. 🙂

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  12. Amy wrote:

    Happy Anniversary! That dress is gorgeous, and I love the story behind it!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  13. Your dress was one of the most gorgeous I have ever seen and how special- thank you for sharing these photos with us- absolutely stunning!!!! And Happy Anniversary!!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  14. Ali wrote:

    That dress is amazing and you looked fantastic in it. So special that you got to wear it. Happy Anniversary!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  15. Alexis wrote:

    The dress was absolutely stunning.. It looked like it was made for you, and how amazing that you were able to share that with your Grandmother.

    I hope you and Mr. Sugarplum have an amazing anniversary, and many happy ones to follow!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  16. Absolutely STUNNING…both the dress and you! I love that you were able to wear your grandmother's dress.

    Happy Anniversary!

    My husband and I celebrated our 13th anniversary on May 2nd this year. Where has the time gone?

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  17. That is so amazing…all the sweet little details of your wedding day are fantastic! That dress completely has me desperately wishing that my grandma had kept her wedding dress! (c: What amazing memories…Congrats and here's to MANY more fun times and great memories (c:

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  18. Niki wrote:

    Love the bridal pics at Percy Warner Park – that is one of my favorite places to shoot!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  19. Oh this is such a sweet post!!!! How special to have worn your grandmother's dress. . . and I love the Sugarplum story. Such a darling couple. Congratulations on a wonderful life together!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  20. Oh my…you look like a movie star!!! So classic! Happy Anniversary…love your love story! 🙂

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  21. Natalie wrote:

    Happy Anniversary!! Love that you got to wear your grandmother's dress! It was stunning on you! Enjoy your day today!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  22. holy moley grace kelley! that dress was stunning!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  23. ohmygoodness that dress is stunning!! You and your hubs look straight out of the 40's – classic and gorgeous!!

    Happy anniversary to you!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  24. What a gorgeous dress! How sweet that you could wear it.

    Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  25. Absolutely beautiful! So special for you to wear your grandmother's dress. Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  26. Allison wrote:

    Your dress was exquisite and how special to have worn your Grandmother's dress. You looked gorgeous, Cassie! Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby.

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  27. how very special, and timeless indeed! Did baby girl get a look and want to wear it??

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  28. Congratulations!!! Your dress is absolutely stunning Cassie!!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  29. Happy happy anniversary!!! WOW, you were a stunning bride! So special to get to wear your grandmother's dress. SO beautiful!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  30. Stephanie wrote:

    You look incredible! I am in love with your dress.

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  31. wow that dress is absolutely amazing! it kept so beautiful and you are so gorgeous in it!!!! Congrats on marrying your BF, it is the best to have them by your side going through life's twists and turns

    xoxox
    E

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  32. The dress is gorgeous! Timeless perfection! And you miss thang haven't aged one single day in the last 13 years!!!!! Spill the beans on the fountain of youth would ya! 🙂 Happy Anniversary – cheers to many more years of happy adventures!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  33. Oh honey, that dress is timeless. You lucky girl to get to wear it! So gorgeous, as are you in it. I would have loved it if you had shared a pic of your gmother in it too.

    Happy anni.

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  34. Amanda wrote:

    ok you are just too stinking cute!! Love your dress!! and LOVE LOVED the dress you wore on your anniversary! tres chic!!
    Happy Anniversary

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    What a wonderful memory of our wedding and you look so elegantly ravishing in your g-mother’s dress…you look so happy with me and with Poppoo…thank you for writing such sweet words…I love you, my sweet, my bride, my one and only. Happy Anniversary.

    –Mr Sugarplum

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  36. Natalie wrote:

    oh that train on your grandma's dress is amazing. you looked beautiful!

    http://www.natyouraveragegirl.com

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  37. Kristen wrote:

    That is such a stunning dress! That is so special that you got to wear such a timeless and beautiful piece like that, along with the veil! I love family heirlooms!

    Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  38. That dress is fabulous!! It's amazing with time that classic is always beautiful.

    Posted 6.21.11 Reply
  39. That dress is too beautiful for words. You were a lucky bride to be able to wear it. My dress was handmade by my aunt 36 years ago. My daughter chose not to wear it, but she did wear my veil. Maybe one day my granddaughter will want to wear the dress.

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  40. Drop dead gorgeous! What a story you have to share…

    This post was so sweet it made me misty! Congratulations!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  41. What a princess bride! thats precious you got to wear you granny's dress.

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  42. Sugarplum! I'm about to cry reading this- seriously. You were a beautiful bride in your grandmother's dress. I don't know anyone who was able to do that or whose grandmother had such a gorgeous dress. How special! Congratulations on getting married when you were 5!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  43. Oh my gosh- I just read Mr. Sugarplum's comment- so sweet!!!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  44. Such a beautiful dress, a beautiful story, and a beautiful couple. Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  45. What a gorgeous dress! You look amazing! Congrats on 13 years!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    Cass – it meant the world to Mom that you wore her exquisite dress and "the veil" since her only daughter refused! What better judgment you showed than I did! Never a more beautiful bride than you….xox Ali

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  47. The Zhush wrote:

    Aw, just read your mom's comment above, so incredibly sweet…as was this post! Happy Anniversary to a beautiful couple! First day of summer is the sweetest "sugar plum" for sure!:)
    xx

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  48. You know i looked at this for ages yesterday and then forgot to comment! Cassie you look incredibly beautiful – that dress completely stands the test of time! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Rachie xo

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  49. Ok the comments from your mom and Mr. Sugarplum are making me teary eyed. You were so gorgeous, Cass. I agree with Courtney- SO Grace Kelly!!!!!!!! Thanks to you and the Mr. for being such a fabulous couple to look up to : )

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  50. Leslie wrote:

    Congrats on 13 years! That dress is beautiful, and you looked great in it!!!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  51. Wow, that is one of THE most beautiful dresses I've ever seen, accompanied by a beautiful bride of course! Happy Anniversary!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  52. Haley wrote:

    I love that the dress and veil, oh SO beautiful, have been handed down. A great way to make such a special day even more special!

    Happy Anniversary and enjoy the rest of your very own fairytale!

    Posted 6.22.11 Reply
  53. You looked like a true princess! Happy Anniversary! My hubs and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in a little over a week! P.S. I'm your newest follower…I love your blog!

    Posted 6.23.11 Reply
  54. emily wrote:

    You were a beautiful bride! And that dress is absolutely breathtaking! Happy anniversary to you two!

    Posted 6.23.11 Reply
  55. Oh wow!!! What an amazing story… and fabulous dress. 13 years is definitely something to be proud of! Congrats!

    Posted 6.23.11 Reply
  56. Jodi wrote:

    Such a cool story behind your dress! It is sooo gorgeous, you were a stunning bride. Happy anniversary!

    Posted 6.23.11 Reply
  57. Holli wrote:

    What a magnificent wedding story and the dress is spectacular!! Wow!!! happy Anniversary (a bit late)

    Posted 6.23.11 Reply
  58. A belated Happy Anniversary to you guys!! Your grandmother's dress is so timelessly beautiful & meaningful, it makes me misty-eyed. Divine.

    Posted 6.24.11 Reply
  59. I'm tearing up over here! Love you guys – happy anniversary!

    Posted 6.26.11 Reply
  60. Abbie wrote:

    Um, that dress is amazing all on its lonesome, but with the story behind it, rock-the-world awesome!

    Posted 8.4.11 Reply