I bought this dress for my son's wedding inspired by Niecy Nash of The Color Purple. And honestly? From the second I stepped out of my hotel room, people were already stopping me. Like, before I even got to the venue.

I'd been looking forever. Months. You know how it is—you want something that feels special but still you. The wedding was at this really pretty hacienda place in Southern California—white stucco, courtyards, big planters with bright red geraniums everywhere, and these little covered walkways with red-framed glass doors.

Very warm and outdoor-y. I kept thinking, I need a dress that goes with that vibe but doesn't blend in. Then I saw this lavender sequined one online, and something just clicked. I ordered it, and when it came, I actually gasped.

Now, I'm 5'11", so floor-length gowns are usually a nightmare. They're either too short or I have to pay a fortune for hemming. But with my purple heels—they have a little sparkle too—this one hit the floor just right. No alterations at all. I normally wear a 14 or 16, so I went with the 16, and the fit was spot on. It hugs my curves but doesn't squeeze—I could breathe, move, sit, dance.

The sleeves are these little cap things, and the V-neck is soft, not plunging. The silver sequin detailing runs all over the lavender fabric. In the daytime, out on those walkways for family photos, it caught the sun and shimmered like crazy. Then later, under the twinkly lights at the reception, it had this completely different warm glow. Both were beautiful.

I paired it with a silver necklace, a matching bracelet, a little white beaded clutch, and my hair up in a loose bun with some curls around my face. The pale purple really popped against all that white stucco and the red flowers—our photos turned out stunning, especially the ones with my son.

And here's the thing I didn't expect: it was actually comfortable. I've worn formal gowns before where after an hour I'm counting down until I can peel them off. But this one? I wore it for hours—photos, greeting guests, walking the patio, dancing—and I never once felt like I needed to change. By the end of the night, I honestly didn't want to take it off.

So if you're a mom of the groom, and you're looking for a purple dress that works for an outdoor wedding—especially that whole hacienda feel—I'd say give this one a serious look. It's pretty, it fits well, and you'll actually enjoy wearing it. I sure did.