Selection from “Say ‘Ken’ To The Dress” by Mimi James
featured in The Jewish Exponent, June 23, 2011

How three brides found three perfect gowns…

Selby started the dress quest at a bridal boutique’s trunk show – but quit after five dresses. Her mother came to the rescue by suggesting Janice Martin, the Ardmore dressmaker. “At that first meeting with Janice, we talked about what I like and don’t like, and the reality of my body. Janice looked at me – but not just my chest. She watched how I sit, stand and walk to get an idea of my body. Then, she pulled out amazing fabrics. Did I like the high sheen of this? The matte of that? Did I like lace? Modern lace, antique lace or French lace? Then, she did a sketch of what kind of dress she thought would be great for my body”

Selby and her mother loved the sketch, and the dress that resulted from it. It has several unique features. The white silk cotton is lined with baby blue silk organza, which is invisible to the eye but gives the outer white depth and a silvery sheen. It has pockets, which Selby requested. The dress is sleeveless and has a sash under the bustline. On that sash, Martin placed a brooch belonging to Selby’s grandmother.

On June 4, Selby and Feigenson were married near his family’s home in Maryland. “I had a fair amount of anxiety about the dress before I started shopping,” Selby says, “but I put myself in Janice Martin’s hands, and she put me in the dress. And I absolutely love it.”