I think I found it!

I think I found my dress on Nordstrom's website. I will still have to get to the store to see it in person and try it on. I'm a little reluctant to post a picture of it though. I kind of want to keep it a surprise for the big day, even though I'm TERRIBLE with surprises. I know Mom is probably going to want to see it -- and I know she'd want to be here when I go try it on, but maybe that's one of the sacrifices that needs to be made when planning a wedding from afar. A few of my girlfriends have also expressed interest in coming along. I definitely think it's a good idea to bring someone who can be a second set of eyes -- the voice of reason -- in case I think I look really babe-a-lic-ious in something that would actually land me on a worst dressed list somewhere. Plus, having the company of your girlfriends is just nice. I can holler a different size from the dressing room for them to fetch for me. Like a personal shopper!

If I decide to, how do I organize a wedding dress shopping trip? Do I give friends advance notice of the day that I want to hit the stores? Then maybe Mom and sis could make it, too? I'm held up on the notion that most brides will buy their dress in a bridal salon, which caters to a bride and her posse. But something tells me I'm better off going to places like Macy's and Nordstrom. I almost tried on a dress I saw at JC Penny's prom section the other day. Or, what if I find something I love online and skip that whole dress shopping experience, that, in my head, is bisected with a fabulous lunch at the 112 eatery?

So two questions: Keep the dress a surprise? If so, from who? (Obviously from Tyler)
And lastly, do I wrangle my ladies for the expedition, too?