Okay ladies I'm needing some feedback please!

My family thinks that mermaid style dresses aren't pretty but that's the style of dress I want for a future wedding dress. I wore a mermaid dress my senior year of high school (photo attached). I've also been told that mermaid dresses are cute as long as they're worn by someone skinny. I'm not skinny in the least. I'm a size 18 for most things and to be told I wouldn't look good in something I desperately want is heart breaking.

My boyfriend thinks I'm beautiful and has told me on multiple occasions that I can wear whatever I want to because it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, but it still bothers me. So ladies, if you have any positive words for me or even if some of you curvy ladies have pictures of you in mermaid dresses you'd like to share, please comment!

My special needs brother and I at his junior prom ❤ (not my man)

One of my best friends and I at my senior prom (not my man either)