Every bride’s journey to finding the one is completely unique—filled with emotion, decisions, second guesses, and that unforgettable “yes” moment. For the lovely Chelsea, her dress journey took her all the way from Australia back to Ireland, where she found not just a gown, but the magical experience she truly deserved. From a rocky start in other stores to twirling (and tearing up!) in our boutique, Chelsea’s story is a reminder that the right dress—and the right people—can make all the difference. We’re so honoured she chose Pearls & Lace to be part of such a special chapter in her life.
Let's hear all about it...
Chelsea, firstly tell us about your dress?
My dress was ‘Orlaith’. I wasn’t quite sure what exactly I wanted, but I am a sucker for a square neckline when dressing up. I was completely torn between lots of sparkle or absolutely plain. I had been dress shopping in two bridal stores in Australia, and had a terrible experience. The stores did not cater for larger, more curvy girls, and so they had placed me in gowns, far too short, far too small and ones that did not anywhere near close on the back. This experience for me was very daunting, not at all enjoyable and it put me off wanting to go again. I came home for a friends wedding back to Ireland (2 years before my own wedding) and I wanted the experience with my bridal party, so I choose pearls and lace! And how thankful I was that I did so! The girls there, were so welcoming, so accommodating and gave me the most lovely experience, personalise with signage and cookies! The pink lemonade was out of this world!!
At pearls and lace, ‘Orlaith’ was the second dress I tried in. I automatically said No and took it off because there was a fully glitter underlayer and I could see it reflecting colour in the light, like a chrome. I took it off, tried some more on, beautiful dresses but not for me. The lady brought me out to the dress rack and allowed me to pick whatever I like, I pulled Orlaith out again (unknowingly) and commented on how beautiful the detail on the top was, I choose a few more and once again ended up back at ‘Orlaith’ unknowingly. The lady informed me that I had tried this dress on, and choose it out another time, and because I choose it a third time she thinks I should try it again. I was a bit like mehhh, my thoughts were if I am waiting for a substantial amount for a dress I don’t want to make any major alterations or changes, and I knew the sparkly underlayer wasn’t for me. The lady explained that it would be an easy task to remove. When I tried it on she pinned the underlayer up. I cried, I twirled and walked about the shop floor, my bridesmaids cried. I knew I wanted her!! It wasn’t something I thought I would have classed as my ‘dream dress’, self conscious about my weight I wanted something to hide it, I wanted to be able to enjoy my dinner, and be able to dance without being uncomfortable and I wanted to be able to wear it all night! Orlaith ticked all the boxes but looked nothing like the inspiration on Instagram that I screen shooter, looked nothing like the most stunning, strapless tight fitting dresses on the gorgeous, 5ft size 8 girlies! (Probably because I’m 5ft 10, size 16 and heavy chested!)
As all brides too, I second guessed my decision, having kept looking at the unflattering, bad angled photos of me trying on the dress, I had put myself off. Alongside this, seeing all the other styles dresses come up on my Instagram, new styles out, shapes I hadn’t thought of before, more beautiful dresses also had an influence on me changing my mind.
Pearls and Lace uploaded a photo of another dress in the outlet. Completely plain, fitted, square neck! I feel in love with it! ‘Shauna.’ I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I made an appointment on my next return to home to try it on! The girls at pearls and lace organised for the dress to be brought to the Donegal town store so that I could try my dress on again as well to be sure I was doing the right thing. Upon arrival I saw both dresses hanging alongside each other and instantly feel in love with Orlaith again. I tried her on first! Loved it! But I still wanted to try ‘Shauna’. So, I did! I liked it, a lot, but I did not love it nor did I have the comfort or movement like I had in Orlaith.
As the day drew closer, my alterations lady had even convinced me to keep the sparkly layer in my dress. I was still a little unsure and remember saying, ‘I’ll keep it for now, but if I’m the morning I decide I don’t want it I’ll take it out myself with scissors’ she looked at me with a nervous laugh, but I wasn’t joking. Thankfully, I didn’t! And on the day I absolutely loved the sparkles. Reflecting upon my photons I am so thankful that I kept the glittering under layer. It really set of the dress.
I felt like a real life princess on the day. Stress free and looking my best thanks to my hairdresser (lisashouse_ofhair), makeup artist (edelnealis) and wedding dresser (@
attentiontodetailbridaldresser ) it all pieced together so well, I couldn’t have been happier.
How did you style your dress?
I didn’t want to take away from the detail on my dress or the neckline so my jewellery was minimal. I wore the most simple and beautiful ‘Shelly’ bracelet from @Alohabeadsbyalex it was absolutely stunning and complemented the dress in every way. I paired this with Pearla Bay - The Wedding Collection Diamond Drop earrings by LMD which finished off the look. Since getting engaged I knew the exactly flowers that I wanted and the theme ‘rustic’ for the wedding/bridesmaids. My flowers consisted of pampas, rabbit tails and orange roses with little greenery. I choose artificial flowers so that I could display my wedding bouquet in my new home. My veil was scattered pearls and sequence from Pearls and Lace.
Tell us about your bridal party?
Groomsmen and the groom wore a black suit with a bow tie. I had four bridesmaids, who wore a ‘cinnamon’ dress to for the rustic vibe. The dresses paired lovely in that colour way, like a burn orange/rustic brown, with my floral arrangements. I purchased the dresses in the style ‘Rosa’ in Pure Boutique Letterkenny, who were able to cater for all sizes. There was a variety of shapes, materials and colours to choose from. I purchased my flower girl dresses (£11), cardigans (£4) shoes (£5) and socks from Shein. The Paige boy suits were also from Shein, a 5 piece suit for £12 and their shoes (£5). As well as this, I purchased the men’s buttonholes from there too. I have my flower girls hair bands and wands hand made, they were absolutely beautiful, they were perfect, blended everything together so well. (flourish._floral design)
What would your advice be for other brides to be?
One thing I would say, that a lot of people tell you (but you don’t listen) is not to look at pictures!! Don’t!! you look completely different in those pictures. No tan, no make up and hair not done. When I look at my before pictures now I can’t believe I even went ahead with the dress looking like I did.
What was your most memorable moment of your special day?
For me, walking up the aisle in the Phantom House. being in a beautifully lit ceremony room with 90 people who choose to be there to celebrate you, celebrate your love and celebrate your next chapter in life. Having been living in Australia, 3 years prior, it was so wholesome and heart warming to be reunited with my family and friends, from near and far on such a special occasion. A feeling that filled my whole soul and will last forever.
Chelsea, your warmth, honesty, and joy touched all of us here at Pearls & Lace. Watching you fall back in love with Orlaith, seeing your face light up, and hearing how beautiful and comfortable you felt on your wedding day—it’s exactly why we do what we do. Your day looked like a real-life fairytale, and your rustic bridal vision came together so perfectly. We’re so thankful to have played a small part in such a big, beautiful moment in your life. Wishing you and your new husband a lifetime of love, laughter, and sparkles that shine just as bright as you did. 💖
