A blush colored dress. With flowers. I would have expected nothing less. Recently when my sister and I were cleaning out my parents’ attic we discovered mom’s beautiful prom dress. She not only kept it from the time she was 17, but packed it over four times as she and my dad moved around the country. I love that. I love that so much.
Why do we hold onto things? We keep things that bring back wonderful memories, am I right? What I love most is that mom must have loved wearing that dress and enjoyed every minute of her prom. She held on to that because it was special. It evoked memories she wanted to always remember.
In an effort to honor mom wanting to hold onto that dress and knowing her memories of it were wiped away, we captured a few photos of my daughter wearing the pretty gown.
What struck me the most was that Riley LOVED wearing the dress. She didn’t want to take it off. It gave us both insight into what mom must have felt and why she couldn’t part with it. It became about so much more than just the physical object.
I love this little girl with all of my heart and soul. Her grammy would be so proud of her. They are alike in so many ways. Smiles that light up a room, creative, kind to the core, and a silly sense of humor. Beautiful inside and out.
Putting her own twist on this special dress. So fitting.
Timeless, right? My daughter and I had so much fun looking for current versions of this dress. All so beautiful.
I’ve been thinking about this dress so much lately. Mom kept it because she loved wearing it and felt beautiful in it. And because it brought back wonderful memories. Memories she lost due to her illness. Hoping and praying that she sees it from on high and it brings a smile to her face.
Love you, mom.
*If someone you know could benefit from our story feel free to pass this along: Our Journey with Alzheimer’s.
Oh my, Courtney…that just got me. What a beautiful story about your mom and her dress…and equally beautiful pictures to honor her and that memory. Your daughter is beautiful, and sounds like an amazing person. I can imagine the joy it brought you to see her in your mom’s dress.
Thank you, Shannon. We had so much fun with this. Definitely something we will always remember.
these pictures are so special! i would save it and then find a way for each of your nieces and your daughter to incorporate a piece of it on their wedding day or make it into a more modern dress to wear for a bridal shower
I love this so much! Riley, you, your mom- such beautiful women inside and out. Thank you for sharing such a sweet post.
Wow, that dress really is timeless! Your daughter is becoming a gorgeous young woman, and I’m sure your mom is incredibly proud of you both, and is loving her view from heaven.
My sentiments exactly, Jamie!
Mine too! Seriously, that dress is so timeless. It’s like I can see it at stores now! Such gorgeous pictures of your daughter. I am so glad you shared.
PS – My mom kept a dress she had from an 8th grade dance. I wore it to a sorority event in college. And my sister wore a replica of my great-grandmother’s wedding dress for her wedding. So fun to do those things!
Courtney! These are priceless! My eyes welled with tears immediately. How beautiful and what a way to bond three generations through beautiful photos and memories!
The dress is stunning and your daughter is beautiful, made for each other! Special memories attached to this dress and so much love!
What a beautiful idea to have your daughter photographed in your mother’s dress! It really shows how gorgeous they both are❤️
Love this for so many reasons! 💕 Riley is glowing in this special dress – beautiful. Love you guys 💞
What a wonderful idea! Your daughter is beautiful and looks amazing in the dress!! This made me smile and cry.
Thank you for sharing. Xo
You got me in the ugly cry again! What a beautiful tribute in honor of your Momma and her memory. Riley looks beautiful in it! She looks so darn grown up! I know grief is not easy to navigate, but you and your family honoring your loved ones is a step toward healing I am sure.. ❤️
xo,
Marley
What a great post. I’ve been following you for several years and rarely post a comment, but yeah, you got me with that one, girl!!
I echo these sentiments! Thought I was just gonna read about a pretty dress, but instead I have tears in my eyes!
Aww She looks so grown up in this dress. It’s a gorgeous dress and I can see Riley felt special in her Grammy’s prom dress. I like that she wore her high tops with it. Too cute!
This is quite possibly the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a very long time. Life can be so bittersweet, but squeezing as much sweetness out of it as possible is a wonderful trait. I’m sure your mom was so touched by this gesture.
The minute I scrolled and Riley wearing the dress filled my screen the tears started. What a special moment! And, it looks like the dress was made for her!!! All the feels over here. So special friend.
That bought tears to my eyes. Riley is a special person. Three generations of beautiful women!
Riley looks stunning in that dress. Like it was made for her. And, love that she paired it with her Converse!
Riley is beyond beautiful in this dress. She has the right idea to wearing sneakers to the prom. She can dance all night. Love to you all
This is EVERYTHING! What a special moment.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom! Your daughter is strunning in the dress. Hopefully she will want to wear it for a special occasion one day. Your mom’s spirit lives in you, your daughter, and that dress.
Oh my goodness…this brought tears to my eyes. I know your mom was smiling down at you and your daughter that day.
Tears as soon as I saw Riley in the dress. Wow, what a special moment for both of you. I’m sure your mom is smiling so big! ❤️
I loved this SO much!!!!!!
What a beautiful dress and memories. Your daughter looked so beautiful in it, she looks like she’s going to the prom too.
This is just the most beautiful thing I’ve seen! It looks like that dress was made for your daughter! How very special for both of you, and what a wonderful way to honor your mom. These pictures will be something that you all can cherish and hand down for generations to come. Thank you so much for sharing something so precious and special with all of us. Hugs to you both!💟
What a wonderful way to honor your mom’s memories of this special dress! Your daughter looks so beautiful in it, I’m sure wearing it will be a memory she treasures as well!
Oh wow! Riley is so beautiful and that dress!!! OMG, so your mom. What a lovely moment. What a treasure❤️
This is just way too special, Courtney. Riley looks so beautiful and her radiant smile— no doubt your mom would be smiling so big. What a gorgeous dress too! I agree, it’s timeless. Maybe Riley will wear it to prom one day 🙂
a beautiful dress on a beautiful girl😊 so sweet and precious. Love the converse with the dress🥰🥰🥰
I absolutely love this post! Your mom’s dress is beautiful and it was meant for your daughter… she looks gorgeous in it.
Just beautiful! Did you find any pictures of your mom in this dress?
Amazing memories to be shared across the generations still to come. Love this so much Courtney!! Blessings.
Riley looks absolutely stunning in this dress!!! She’ll have to wear it to a homecoming/Prom/shower one day….
Just beautiful.
I miss your sweet posts with you, and your mother, out and about. It reminded me of the times with my mother. I know you miss her.
I love this post! The dress is so beautiful and your daughter looks great in it!
Thank you for sharing, my mom is losing more and more of her memories plus the daily tasks of hygiene. She is now on hospice since she has taken several falls but thankfully only one was where she hit the back of her head but she was still fine. It sure will be a miracle if a cure is found.
I have never commented on a blog before, but I can’t imagine how it felt to have your daughter wear that dress. It made me tear up seeing how beautiful she looked and thinking about how it would have made your mom feel to see her it, but also how your mom lives on through you and your daughter. I’m sure she is smiling down on you.
P.S. That dress is so timeless and classy, and could be worn to prom right now. Your mom had good taste 💕
Wow! I have been following your blog for a few years now …and have always seen your daughter in a slightly tomboyish light…but not today! She looks stunning in your Mom’s beautiful and timeless dress . Her smile is glowing! It is always exciting to put on a garment that brings you joy and in turn let’s you radiate that feeling…evident in your daughters smile and I am sure was on your mother’s face all those years ago when her date came to pick her up for prom night! Thank you for sharing your tribute to a treasured family heirloom .
The dress is gorgeous, as is your daughter wearing it! What a wonderful way to preserve memories of the dress. I agree with another commenter above – perhaps each of the young women in your family can incorporate a piece of the dress in their wedding dresses. And, yes, I’m sure your mom is looking down with a huge smile on her face!
What a beautiful story. Your daughter is gorgeous! Such a treasured memory making day! Beautiful pictures also. I really enjoy all aspects of your blog!
Quelles belles photos !! 💕 📷
How lovely-it looks made for your daughter! Id love to see pic of your mom at your daughter’s current age if you come across one
I love this so much!
Oh that is so absolutely beautiful. She’s looking down at you and smiling for sure.
Oh My! Your daughter looks beautiful in that dress of your mom’s! You know….that could make a gorgeous wedding dress for her in the future. Add a gorgeous veil. White and blush flowers. I instantly pictured it in my mind.
Hi. I’ve been a reader of your blog for years but this is the first time I have commented on a post of yours. I think this is my favorite post of yours ever! I absolutely love this dress! I love the color, the style, the look… there’s nothing I would change about it. It’s gorgeous! And to have your daughter wearing it is so special. I have no doubts your mom is smiling from up high. This post was so beautifully written. My sister has a picture of my mom in her prom dress but just the picture, not the dress. This makes me want to go and get that picture and make a copy of it.
Oh Courtney that dress literally took my breath away and your daughter looks almost ethereal in it. That’s the kind of gown granddaughters get married in!
I’m not sure if you remember me – you did some design work for my BFF Jean Moody a few years ago and we met up with you for lunch. I am emceeing the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Temecula on October 6 – I would love for you to join us to honor your mom. I’d be glad to connect you with the local OC/ IE chapter … I bet they would love to share your beautiful story.
Best,
Dianne
I love this so much!!!!