Ep 9. Bionic Bride

In Say Yes to the Dress season 17 episode 9, entitled "Bionic Bride," viewers get an inside look into the bridal journey of a unique and determined bride-to-be, Andrea. Unlike most brides, Andrea has an artificial arm as a result of a traumatic accident that she suffered, but that doesn't stop her from striving to look her best on her wedding day.

Andrea visits the Kleinfeld Bridal salon in New York City with her mother and her best friend, hoping to find a dress that showcases her individuality and complements her unique situation. The appointment starts with Andrea explaining to her consultant, Shay, that she needs a dress that will not only fit her body comfortably but will also accommodate her artificial arm.

Shay quickly makes Andrea feel at ease, reminding her that she deserves to feel beautiful on her big day. Shay works hard to find dresses that Andrea will be comfortable in, and Andrea is pleasantly surprised by Shay's selection. During the appointment, Andrea finds herself gravitating towards dresses with sheer materials and intricate but minimalist designs. She decides that the dress she wants is one with a fitted bodice, a low back and a flowing, voluminous skirt.

However, Andrea's determination to find the perfect dress doesn't mean that she isn't nervous - in fact, she's very nervous. Despite her reservations, Andrea tries on the dresses that Shay picks for her, and her mom and best friend chime in too, voicing their opinions on the gowns. Everyone in the room agrees that a dress with sleeves would be best for Andrea, as it would help camouflage her artificial arm.

As more dresses are tried on, it becomes clear that Andrea has a particular style in mind, one that is simple but elegant, and that flatters her figure. She confesses to Shay that she never thought she would be able to wear a wedding dress that would make her feel beautiful due to her situation, but the idea of getting married has given her the courage to believe in herself.

Shay is understanding of her situation and does everything she can to help Andrea find her perfect dress and feel comfortable in her own skin. As they continue to browse through dresses, the bride-to-be eventually finds the one that is "perfect and subtle" to her liking - a strapless A-line wedding gown made of silk organza, featuring a sheer layer of Chantilly lace and a full tulle skirt. The gown fits her like a glove, emphasizing her figure while concealing her left arm.

When Andrea steps out of the fitting room in her chosen gown, her guests are speechless. As they whirl around Andrea to view the dress from all angles, they each offer their praise. Andrea looks, and more importantly, feels, beautiful in her dress. She expresses her gratitude to Shay for helping her find her dress and making her feel comfortable, confident and, most of all, beautiful.

As the episode concludes, viewers are left with the knowledge that Andrea's dress will not only be beautiful, but it will also have a special meaning to her on her wedding day. With its understated and flattering design, the dress serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of its wearer. Her journey to find the perfect dress empowers viewers to feel just as confident and beautiful in their own skin as Andrea does. Say Yes to the Dress season 17 episode 9 is a must-watch for anyone who wants to feel inspired by a truly unique story of love, determination, and self-acceptance.