Caralyn & Martha: A New Friendship Breaking Boundaries

If you haven't already heard, I've had the privilege of partnering up with Martha Stewart Weddings to share my wedding journey! It's been a few weeks since the first Martha Stewart Weddings post has gone live but it's extremely important for me to talk to you, my people, about why this partnership is so important to not only me, but the plus size community.

When I first started working on this back in October, it didn't feel real. I couldn't believe that they agreed to have me on board as a monthly contributor! I still have a hard time processing that I'm getting married, it just all feels so surreal sometimes. It's almost like an out-of-body experience– like I'm watching someone else's life unfold! Nonetheless, I do not take this opportunity lightly. Not only is it a chance to share my wedding journey, but it's a chance for a plus-size/ curvy / full-figured / whatever you want to call me, woman to bridge the gap. My question to you: when's the last time you saw a curvy bride publicized in any sort of mainstream media? To be honest, I can count on two fingers over the last 5 years.

My dream for this project is to be a plus size bridal warrior, connecting the gap between the straight (smaller) size and plus size bridal industry. When I first signed on with them, I selfishly wanted to create content that was strictly for the plus size bride- because as a new bride-to-be, none of the content out there was aimed at me. However, I quickly learned as I began writing that the trials and tribulations of being a bride are not exclusive to a size or body type. Sure, we may have different issues on different sides of the spectrum but I think we can all agree that we're not immune to being self-conscious about our bodies. I also don't think being exclusive ever really gets you ahead, so that's why I've decided to focus on SIZE INCLUSIVITY.

As a full size 14, I'm placed right in the middle when it comes to women's sizing. I represent the AVERAGE size woman in America. I'm just at the beginning of the plus size range, which can be a challenge since it's hard to find clothing at plus size stores that fit me and hard to find clothes in straight size stores. But what doesn't hurt you, only makes you stronger, and I think this gives me a great perspective when it comes to discussing size inclusivity. I've felt the good and bad from both sides. And for this reason, I'm excited to continue this journey with Martha Stewart Weddings and serve as the ambassador for all women out there who have dealt with shopping for wedding dresses! I appreciate all of the support during this exciting time!

Special thanks to my wedding planner, Karina Lopez from KC You There for making this possible. And shout out to my future groom for not only making me a future bride but also believing in this process of documenting our wedding journey!