Finding your wedding dress is one of those moments that so many brides dream about long before they ever step into a bridal boutique. You may arrive with screenshots saved, styles in mind and a good idea of what you think you’ll love — but sometimes, the dress you fall in love with is the one you least expect.
At Pearls & Lace, we believe that finding your dress should be about enjoying the experience, exploring different styles and, most importantly, finding the dress that makes you feel completely and beautifully you.
We were delighted to welcome one of our lovely brides, who came to us having already tried on a selection of dresses and with a good idea of the styles she wanted to explore. What followed was one of those truly special bridal moments — the moment she stepped into her dress, looked in the mirror and simply knew.
Here, she shares her experience of finding her dream gown at Pearls & Lace, from trying different styles to the emotional moment she said yes to the dress
Claire fell in love with 'Vanessa' by Martina Liana a stunning high-neck column bridal gown combining modern sophistication with glamorous luxury. Featuring a sculpted bodice, dramatic low keyhole back and delicate pearl buttons, the fitted silhouette is adorned with intricate beading and shimmering pearl embellishments from shoulder to train. A statement gown for the modern, fashion-forward bride.
Let's hear all about it...
Claire, firstly tell us about your dress?
I visited a few bridal shops and had tried on a few different designs and styles of dresses. I screenshotted pictures of dresses that I liked and already knew I preferred certain necklines and types of dresses but I also wanted to try all to be sure.
When I was trying on wedding dresses with the lovely Carole in Pearls and Lace - she brought in my dress (after asking me if I had a budget in mind - to which I replied, no, I don’t want to restrict myself to any of the dresses! I needed to see!). I knew instantly that I loved it more than any other dress I had tried on and my mummy who was with me became emotional seeing me in it. Although it was a slightly overwhelming feeling, I felt like a princess in my dress so I said yes to the dress that day!
We had the loveliest experience and we were treated with the warmest welcome to Pearls and Lace.
My dress was a stunning fitted, embellished dress with a high halter shaped neck line, pearl details and low back. It was the ‘Vanessa’ gown.
How did you style your dress?
I decided to wear minimal jewellery given the detail on my dress as I didn’t want to take away from it. I went with small silver pearl earrings (See our Pearl edit here) and a silver tennis bracelet. I went for a double veil and Jimmy Choo heels.
My amazing flowers from Nettles and Petals were a mixture of roses, orchids and baby’s breath. I went for all white coloured flowers and knew I wanted an elegant, castle style wedding!
Tell us about your bridal party?
My lovely husband, our fathers and groomsmen got their suits from nineteen83. We went with black trousers and shoes, a white shirt, black dicky bow and cream blazer with a waistcoat - we loved this look. We have been to a lot of weddings and wanted something different to a tuxedo, also taking into consideration we were getting married in Spring!
Our stunning bridesmaids were dressed in pale yellow dresses, with a high neckline and cowl back from Six Stories.
Our nephews/ page boys were dressed in suits from Next and looked absolutely amazing!
My mother got her beautiful outfit made from Shauna Fay and hat from Diane Lee Millinery.
What would your advice be for other brides to be?
Relax and enjoy all of the little moments, planning an appointments with your loved ones. Sit back and embrace the excitement/ build up. It’s all over in a flash unfortunately and you’ll have the best memories. I would love to re - do it all over again and I wouldn’t change anything about the day! You more than likely will forget a small detail or to bring something on the day but nobody will notice, don’t worry!
What was your most memorable moment of your special day?
I was lucky enough and blessed to love every minute of our day but a few very special moments come to mind:
-Putting on my dress and the initial reveal to my family and bridesmaids who hadn’t seen it (apart from my mummy).
-Standing outside of the chapel with my parents waiting to walk down the aisle to my husband to be (I was on time - I was so nervous but excited and smiled the whole way down!).
-The wedding ceremony.
-Walking into our drinks reception, the sun was shining, a cocktail in hand, reception outdoors with Sean Magee playing and our nearest and dearest celebrating with us!
A huge thank you to Eoin and our lovely bride Claire for sharing her experience, advice and beautiful memories of finding her dream dress with us at Pearls & Lace. We hope her story has given other brides a little insight into the journey of finding the one.
