An Affair To Remember and the Gown of My Dreams
“I will never forget that moment, stepping into the gown, seeing myself in the mirror, and realizing that my eight-year-old self had been right all along. This was the dress I had been dreaming of.“
– Sophia Kellstrom, Miss North Carolina 2025, on shopping at An Affair to Remember Prom, Pageant & Formal Wear
Some moments in life are so powerful that they become part of your forever story. My first experience with An Affair To Remember (also known as AATR) was one of those moments. Not only was it my first time ever shopping with them, but it also became the biggest, most meaningful purchase of my entire year: my Miss America Evening Gown.
Since I was just eight years old, I dreamed of competing at Miss America, and I have carried a vision of who I wanted to be when I stepped onto the Miss America stage. I could picture the confidence, the elegance, and the way I wanted to feel under those lights. What I never imagined was that one day I would get to bring that childhood dream to life in the most breathtaking way possible.
Through An Affair To Remember, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: to fly to New York City and work directly with Jovani to create a custom gown that was uniquely, undeniably me. The experience in New York was unlike anything else. Every detail was thoughtful, intentional, and infused with artistry. Together, we designed a stunning yellow halter-strap gown that felt bold, radiant, and timeless all at once. From the first sketch to the final vision, I knew this dress was going to be something extraordinary.
The anticipation built with every passing day until I finally traveled to Fayetteville to try it on for the first time. I will never forget that moment, stepping into the gown, seeing myself in the mirror, and realizing that my eight-year-old self had been right all along. This was the dress I had been dreaming of.
What made that moment even more special was sharing it with my amazing mother, our incredible Executive Director, and my Miss North Carolina Fairy Godmother. Only having my Nanmother there would have made it beyond perfect, but I got to have another moment with her at home. To stand in that gown, surrounded by the women who have supported and loved me through this journey, was something I will always treasure.
Then, to complete the look, Ms. Melinda also created beautiful custom earrings that perfectly complemented the simplicity and elegance of the gown. They were the final touch, a delicate but stunning embellishment that made the entire look feel finished, intentional, and unforgettable.
