“Hey Ellie,” she said, her voice a little hesitant, “I wanted to check in about something… Janine, your dad’s partner, reached out yesterday.”
I sat up. “She what?”
“Yeah, she asked if I could make her a similar dress. She said she wanted something more ‘glamorous’ but with the same pattern.”
I couldn’t speak for a second. “She asked for my dress?”
“She asked for the pattern you designed. I wasn’t sure what to say. I told her I’d check with you, obviously.”
I felt like the air had been knocked out of me. Janine wasn’t just wearing white. She was trying to upstage me. It was the dress I’d spent months sketching, choosing fabrics for, and working on with Mia, using lace details inspired by my mom’s wedding photos. And now she wanted to hijack it.
I hung up and immediately called Chloe.
“She’s psychotic,” Chloe said flatly. “She wants to be the bride at your wedding.”
“She laughed when I told her not to wear white,” I said, still reeling.
“What did Dad say?”
“Nothing. He just sat there.”
Chloe made a disgusted noise. “Of course he did. He lets her bulldoze everything.”
I stared out the window at the trees swaying outside. I could feel the anger simmering just under my skin.
“I’m not letting her do this,” I said finally.
Chloe’s voice softened. “Good. What are you gonna do?”
I took a breath. “I don’t know yet. But she’s not walking into my wedding dressed like me.”
I was furious, but I didn’t scream. I didn’t throw anything. I didn’t even call Janine, though I wanted to. I just sat with Evan on the couch that night, legs pulled up under me, while he paced the living room like he was one deep breath away from marching to my dad’s house.
“I swear, Ellie,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “if you give me the green light, I’ll talk to her myself.”
I shook my head. “No. That’s exactly what she wants — drama. A scene. She thrives on that. Let her think she’s winning.”
Evan stopped pacing. “So what are you gonna do?”
I smiled, though it wasn’t a nice smile. “I have an idea.”
And I did.
Over the next few weeks, Janine could not shut up about her dress. At my bridal shower, she floated around the room like she was the star of a reality show.
“You ladies will die when you see my gown,” she told Evan’s mom, practically twirling her wine glass. “It’s elegant but daring — definitely going to turn heads.”
“I’m sure it will,” I said, smiling through my teeth.
Chloe caught my eye from across the room. She mouthed, “You okay?” and I gave her a subtle nod.
We had a plan.
That night, I emailed every female guest on the invite list, including Evan’s cousins, my aunts, and even the florist’s assistant, who I knew would be snapping some behind-the-scenes photos.
The subject line was simple: A Fun Wedding Request! Inside, I wrote a short note:
“Hi, ladies!
For the photos and overall aesthetic, I’d love it if everyone could wear something in a soft rustic shade, such as off-white, ivory, or cream. Earthy tones, flowy fabrics, and neutral florals are all perfect. Think warm and coordinated for those sweet autumn vibes. It’s totally optional, but it would mean a lot. Thanks so much, and I can’t wait to see you!”
I purposely left Janine off the thread.
The following week, I met with Mia, my seamstress, again. I brought coffee and a new idea.
“I need a second dress,” I told her. “Something bright. Something completely different from the one I designed before.”
She blinked. “You’re changing your dress a week before the wedding?”
“I’m changing everything,” I said.
Mia laughed softly. “All right. What are we thinking?”
“Sunflower yellow,” I said. “Chiffon. White lace accents. And a golden sash.”
Her eyes lit up. “That could be gorgeous.”
I smiled. “That’s the point.”
The day of the wedding arrived, and it was crisp, golden, and perfect. Aunt Carol’s farmhouse had never looked prettier. The backyard was strung with warm lights, fall leaves danced in the breeze, and the scent of smoked brisket hung in the air.
I stood inside the small guest cottage with Chloe, my hair curled and pinned with baby’s breath, and my dress hanging from the closet door like a secret weapon.
Chloe looked at me and grinned. “You’re glowing. No joke. You look like a straight-up woodland goddess.”
I smoothed the chiffon skirt with my hands. “Thanks. It’s kind of poetic, isn’t it? She wanted to wear white to steal the show… now she’s going to blend into the wallpaper.”
Chloe snorted. “You’re evil. I love it.”
Evan knocked once and poked his head in. “Can I see you before the ceremony?”
Chloe slipped out with a wink. I turned to face him as he stepped inside, his eyes widening.
“Oh my God,” he whispered. “Ellie… you look…”
I laughed. “Different?”
“Beautiful,” he said, taking my hands. “Completely, heartbreakingly beautiful.”
I kissed him lightly. “Ready to get married?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”