Because I didn t get a response in personally send...

Because I didn t get a response in personally sending them an email, I have decided to post this online.

Every girl dreams of the day when she tries on THE DRESS and feels like Cinderella. I am so thankful to have had that experience with Elizabeth on the day I said, "YES to the dress". She was reserved on her comments but gave sincere and personable feedback when asked. She listened to my likes, wants and dislikes with each dress I tried on. She was a dream to work with.

However, things changed when I went to my appointment last Friday, October 30, 2020, to try on MY DRESS for the first time. My experience was not even comparable in the slightest. Before seeing or trying on MY DRESS, Emily re-measured me. My measurements increased by 2". I was surprised but it was a pleasant surprise for me. You see, I started working out in the middle of August at Pure Barre in Evansville. I have been faithful to my workouts, feel much better, and I know I have lost inches in my waist. No sooner did I mention how I have been burning calories, toning and lifting muscle and how I have enjoyed my workouts, Emily tells me I should do more cardio and should basically stop taking Pure Barre classes! Emily is job training a fellow employee. Is Body Shaming what Ella Park Bridal wants to be known for? Seriously!?

Before I even tried on MY WEDDING DRESS, Emily's comments made me feel uncomfortable and ashamed of my size, especially in my hip and thigh area Those hurtful statements said to me in front of the new employee were appalling and showed lack of respect for a woman's body. "More cardio"? I was in complete shock and tried to hide my emotions. At this point, I had not put MY DRESS on. It took away all the excitement I had leading up to this appointment. I was still hearing her say I was larger now and to stop my workouts.

Once the dress was on, I could not see beyond my flabby arms and stared at my hip and thigh areas. Empty. It was then, Emily reiterated in front of your bridal trainee, my Mother, and my Aunt I should stop my workouts at Pure Barre and concentrate on cardio.

My mother, as shocked as I was, and seeing the pain in my eyes, tried to smooth it over by commenting "she doesn't want you to build muscle in your thighs and assured me she knew that was not my workout intention.

Please note, the only alteration needed at that time was for the hip area to be taken IN.

I have never in my life been body shamed or felt so insecure about my measurements as I did that day by Emily's remarks.

Since my engagement last June, I have had several girlfriends get engaged. Most all of them have reached out and have asked how my experience with Ella Park Bridal was. What should have been a memorable joyous occasion was filled with sadness and heartbreak.

I hope you share with your staff and make the necessary changes to prevent this ever happening to any future brides. As much as I enjoyed working with Elizabeth and finding my dress, the emotions and insecurities that I felt during my final fitting were astounding. I am not in love with my dress anymore and you have Emily to thank.

Heartbroken,

Rachel