Finding the dress is one of the most emotional and unforgettable parts of wedding planning. For many brides, it’s more than just choosing a dress — it’s the moment everything starts to feel real. Whether you’ve dreamed about your gown since childhood or have no idea where to begin, the journey to finding your wedding dress is deeply personal, full of surprises, and often filled with joy, tears, and a little magic.
And surprisingly as Vanessa can attest to the gown you fall in love with isn’t always the one you thought you wanted. That’s why keeping an open mind is key — sometimes the dress chooses you! Today on the blog we have the beautiful Vanessa and her now husband Roman.
Vanesa fell in love with "Lika" by eva Lendel, an elegant stretch mikado wedding gown with a detachable overskirt.
Let's hear all about it...
Vanessa, firstly tell us about your dress?
I had a destination wedding, so initially everything was set up for dress shopping in Portugal. However, I started browsing around in Ireland thinking I'd just be practicing for the real shopping. Until I found Pearls & Lace. What I thought I wanted was a princess ballgown, so that's what I had aligned to try in Portugal and to contrast it, at Pearls&Lace I selected dresses I liked but that were out of that style I had in my mind.
My favourite dress from the website was actually The One - Lika by Eva Lendel , but when I went to try dresses on (knowing I already had a favourite) I was saving that one to try last. And when I did, anything else became a comparison to that one. I ended up buying the dress right away and cancelling the dress appointments in Portugal. The dress was beautiful, comfortable and I felt like a bride in it.
How did you style your dress?
If I had a look that I was going for, I guess I'd say Hollywood.
The accessories were very simple: stud earrings (Chanel logo with crystals and pearls), a thin bracelet from Swarovski with pearls and crystals, white acrylic sunglasses (Tiffany & Co) and my dear Jimmy Choo's Saeda.
The flowers I picked are minimalistic boho (as the decoration of the wedding itself)
Tell us about your bridal party?
The bridesmaids were wearing a custom satin long dress (in sage green, with a slit), with crystal details that each of them chose where and how to apply to their own dress, to make it more theirs.
There were no groomsmen but my groom wore a beautiful black tuxedo with a silk lapel and bowtie.
What would your advice be for other brides to be?
My advice would be try to enjoy the engagement with your groom! Don't let the stress of the details get to you.
What was your most memorable moment of your special day?
I don't think anything beats walking down the aisle with my dad and say yes to my husband :)
No matter how the journey unfolds, the right dress will make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself — and when you find it, you'll just know. 💖
Thank you for sharing your special moments with us.
The Pearls & Lace Girls xx
