UPDATE:

Took it in tonight to the second seamstress, she was just lovely and a doll to work with, knew exactly what the problem was and we came up with the solutions together. We'll be changing the back into a corset lace-up, hemming the dress by about 1/2 inch, and adding one 18 inch layer of crioline on the bottom to give it just a touch more fullness.

Now, she had nothing but amazing things to say about the quality of the workmanship done by my first seamstress, from how perfectly invisible the sides were done to the perfect "cupping" of the bust and how seamless the bustle was done. She doesn't actually have to "change" anything about what the first lady did with the modifications we're doing (meaning, so seam ripping and re-doing, it'll be left as is) because changing the back to a corset lace up will fix the waist and armpit muffin top issues. I am so relieved! And, feeling pretty darn good about not asking for changes or money back, etc. What she did she did exceptionally well (minus the fitting me the way I want it to part), and she more than earned that money. Can't wait to update you all with the finished dress!

YAY! I have been waiting for an update, and am so pleased that she is able to make this work for you so that it will fit your perfectly!!

Your dress will look even more gorgeous with a lace up corset back and is the perfect solution! You can cinch the waist and bust just as tight or loose as you want and feel fantastic on your wedding day. I am so happy this is all working out for you and that the first seamstress really did do good quality work.

i'm so glad the work that was done, was done well, and that the fixes can be done to make the dress truly fit the way you want it to.

plus a corset back gives a little flexibility with fit - so should you gain or lose a pound or two between now and the wedding, it'll still fit properly!

Great news, and it's gonna look awesome. You will be beautiful.

Excellent news. I'm glad it's going to work out. From the pictures that I've seen of you in this dress; I predict that you're going to be a knock out. You're so very very lovely.
Hope that you will have pictures of the actual wedding day dress for us.

Thanks you guys!

I'll post a photo or two after my next fitting on the 14th (I'll have my hair done up all pretty too!). I'm so unbelievably excited about how beautiful my dress is, and how beautiful it is going to be once on me properly!

It should also go without saying that I'll be posting a thread after the wedding with tons of pictures!

I've had 2 corsets made for me and it takes someone who knows something about boning to do it right [i can't believe that I said that] and do it well. I had this this guy in RI make mine, 15 years later they still fit and look as hot as ever!
If these folk sold this dress to you I bet they can alter it.

BTW i think your dress is gorgeous!!!! I remember when you first posted it. You're a young lady and 3 years can make a dif in your body, even if you've not had weight changes.

Tell them clearly what you want and show them the picks, se what they say.

Good luck MissCassie, I hope it turns out as beautiful as you hoped. I had so much angst and emotion regarding my dress but it turned out amazing in the end, after a few issues along the way.

OK MissCassie, I've been not so patiently waiting to see these pictures, especially of you in your corset dress after it was fixed. Did I miss them somewhere, or do I just have to be more patient to see wedding pictures?