A bride tried on 9 wedding dresses before finding a stunning 35-pound ball gown

Samantha GrindellSep 3, 2020, 02:36 IST

Janal Montagna wore a Ysa Makino dress she bought at Kleinfeld Bridal.Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Janal Montagna and Aaron Kurincak got married in Croatia in May 2019.
When looking for a wedding dress, Montagna wanted to find a gown that fit the old-world feel of their destination wedding.
She ended up buying a Ysa Makino ball gown from Kleinfeld Bridal that featured gold detailing and weighed 35 pounds.
"I felt like an absolute queen," Montagna told Insider of how she felt in her wedding dress.

Janal Montagna and Aaron Kurincak met almost 15 years ago at the University of Miami.

The couple met in college. Kristian Del Rosario Photography

Kurincak and Montagna got engaged in 2016 and married in May 2019.

They got engaged in 2016. Katija Zivkovic

"I wanted something dramatic," Montagna told Insider of the wedding dress she envisioned for herself, but she was open to different styles.

She wanted a unique gown. Katija Zivkovic

Montagna wasn't in love with the look of the first gown she tried on.

The gown wasn't right for the wedding. Janal Montagna

Montagna liked this gown, but it didn't feel like the right style for her wedding.

She liked the off-the-shoulder fit. Janal Montagna

This gown was the right feel, but it still wasn't dramatic enough for Montagna's taste.

Montagna liked the detailing. Janal Montagna

This tulle ball gown was another beautiful dress that didn't fit Montagna's vision.

It was the wrong vibe. Janal Montagna

Montagna liked the gold detailing on this trumpet gown.

The color was pretty. Janal Montagna

This dress made Montagna feel beautiful, but it ultimately didn't fit her venue.

The dress was wrong for the location of the wedding. Janal Montagna

The classic shape of this gown was a hit.

She liked the lace. Janal Montagna

The flowing sleeves drew Montagna to this gown.

The dress was the runner-up. Janal Montagna

As soon as Montagna saw this Ysa Makino dress, she knew it was the one.

Montagna loved this gown. Janal Montagna

"It was so different and contemporary, but so classic all at the same time," Montagna said of her gown.

She knew it was the one. Janal Montagna

Montagna decided to purchase a separate dress for her reception that was easier to move in.

Montagna wore a separate reception dress. Janal Montagna

Montagna wore a long veil to the ceremony.

She wore a long veil. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

The dress had a sheer lining underneath the heavier corset.

The dress had a sheer layer. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna needed some help getting around in the big gown.

The gown was heavy. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

"It was magical," Montagna said of how she felt in her wedding dress.

She felt beautiful in the dress. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna and Kurincak had a first look at the villa they were staying at before the ceremony.

They had a first look. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna's gown fit perfectly with the Croatia backdrop.

The dress fit the venue. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna was glad she changed into a slimmer dress for the reception.

The reception dress. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna recommends brides do their research on boutiques before they go shopping.

Research is important when shopping for a wedding gown. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

Montagna told Insider she really admires her husband.

Montagna admires her husband. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

"We've been through a lot together," Montagna said.

They've been together for almost 15 years. Fabijan Drnas and Katija Živkovic

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