My Mannequin Bride (PART ONE)

Earlier this month I posted a mid-century, mini-counter top mannequin display bride HERE, and in the comments on said post, a conversation developed about Constance Hatchaway, aka The Bride from Disney's The Haunted Mansion dark ride (more about her HERE!) And then, as fate would have it, last weekend while out antiquing around, I stumbled upon a lovely vintage DG Williams mannequin (from the 50's or 60's), and despite a few bumps 'n bruises and broken fingers (which we eventually repaired with a simple combination of glue and flesh colored Band-aids), I purchased the mannequin immediately, --with my mind formulating a plan while driving home to turn her into a full size Constance Hatchaway! Remembering just the week before that I had already spotted a beautiful 50's wedding dress at another antique mall which I knew would be perfect for a possible Haunted Mansion inspired costume, I rushed back and feeling very lucky that it was even still there, I grabbed it. I actually purchased two wedding dresses that day, the other one is newer but essential as it had a high lace collar that I knew I wanted her to have that the main dress didn't. So as you look at the photos below you'll see the collar and that's the only thing noticeable from the other wedding dress concealed underneath. The main dress though is a real thing of beauty, over half a century old and in perfect condition, with silk hoop buttons up the back and at the wrists, diamond point sleeves, and layer upon layer of lovely, soft fabrics. A perfect fit too as she immediately looked breathtaking, and at that point all that was needed was some hair, jewelry, stockings, and eyelashes. Quickly finding these items and adding them to the mannequin, my idea of Constance Hatchaway suddenly took a backseat as I had inadvertedly just created the most gorgeous Mamie Van Doren mannequin of all time instead, haha. So okay, if you know anything about wedding dresses, you've probably already noticed the one thing that's missing from our bridal beauty, and that would be a veil... so, be sure to come back for My Mannequin Bride PART TWO HERE, --you will absolutely want to see the one that we made from scratch and how my eventual axe slingin' murder bride now looks (nearly) finished! Stay tombed...