Hands up if you could spend hours looking at pictures of wedding dresses! I know it’s not just me. One of my absolute fave things to do is look at REAL brides in their dresses. There’s just something so magical about seeing the sparkle in their eye, knowing that they’ve each picked a dress that is perfect for them! I spent an unhealthy amount of time looking at photos while putting this blog post together (you’re welcome) and I hope you find it inspiring.
There are so many gorgeous girls of all different sizes, each looking incredible in their own wedding dress. Sleeves, pockets, embellishments, minimalist, veils and no veils. There really is something for everyone here!
“My dress was a very simple clean-cut classic style. I went with a Hollywood wave for my hair and glam make up with a berry lip and false lashes.” – Sarah
Dress: The Bridal Outlet | Photo: Keith Touhey
“I found the perfect wedding dress at Dublin Bridal House. It had gorgeous lace detail on it!” – Catherine
Dress: Dublin Bridal House | Photo: Magical Memories
“I knew I wanted a full skirt, and lace – I initially really wanted long sleeves but quickly changed my mind once I started shopping. Being awkward, naturally I chose the furthest possible bridal shop from Dublin – McElhinney’s in Ballybofey in Donegal. They are amazing up there, their attendants and seamstresses are so talented and they’ve an amazing selection of dresses. My dress was by Justin Alexander, with a full mikado skirt and lace bodice, buttons the whole way down to the hem and POCKETS.” – Miriam
Dress: McElhinney’s Bridal | Photo: Thomas Stewart
“I went for simple, sleek hair and natural makeup. My dress was a very comfortable body con from The Bridal Lounge.” – Niamh
Dress: The Bridal Lounge Mullingar | Photo: Peter Bell Photography
“I know it sounds cliche but the minute I saw my dress I knew it was the one. I actually spotted it online and didn’t rest until I found it. After a lot of searching I found it in Kathy De Stafford in Howth. The designer is Riki Dalal and believe it or not the collection is called The Lorraine Collection! I know weird right… Fate again! I loved the cuff on the sleeve and the plunge neck. It had modern touches but it still felt very classic to me. It was so comfortable and I danced the night away in it.” – Lorraine
Dress: Kathy De Stafford Bridal | Photo: ArtZ Photography
“I had seen my dress about a year beforehand on a bridal shop’s social media page so I travelled up the country and tried it on. I loved it instantly as I knew I wanted tulle but wanted a relaxed sweater type top but that was still glamorous and this dress ticked all the boxes for me. I then checked if I could get it closer to home and Cinderella’s Closet in Cork were just fantastic, they got the dress and corresponding veil in especially and were absolute superstars to deal with!” – Jane
Dress: Cinderella’s Closet | Photo: Laura and Benny Photography
“I found it so difficult to find THE dress but when I got there I just knew! My dress was elegant and simple with an edge and reflected me perfectly. I wore a tulle cape with cut out back so you could see the detail of my dress at the back.” – Connie
Dress: MK Bridal Boutique | Photo: Peter Bell Photography
“I had always kept a picture of this stunning dress by Mark Lesley on my phone from the first day we booked our wedding. It was a dress I adored but knew would never suit me. So when the bridal shop closed down that I had ordered my dress with 8 weeks before due to get married, I decided to go in search of the Mark Lesley dress I’d had a pic of and found it at Smart Brides in Portlaoise. Well, it was meant to be. I loved it more than the dress I’d originally ordered. The staff at Smart Brides were amazing and managed to get the dress of my dreams at such short notice. I loved my dress so much I hated taking it off. I’m so glad things happened the way they did. It was stressful at the time but definitely happened for that reason I believe.” – Denise
Dress: Smart Brides | Photo: Denlo Photography
“My dress was made by stylist Martina Liana, and I bought it in Pearls and Lace in the city of Donegal Town (Excellent service, all very kind girls)! I choose it for the unique detail in every dress, the lace is perfect, the embroidery with stones and crystals in the form of flowers brought lightness and romantics for the dress, therefore is mermaid style and some part of the side was transparent. The vail was the same embroidery and exact same as I dreamed. I chose the colour Ivory because it combines more with the tone of my skin.” – Sara
Dress: Pearls and Lace Bridal Boutique | Photo: Yez Lifestyle – Mustafa
“I went for a less formal look with my hair, having it down and swept to one side. This was to show off the back of my dress, which I adored. I chose a La Spoza gown, the first dress that I tried on. I spotted it from outside Embrace Bridal, Gorey, when I went for my appointment and fell in love when I tried it on. My make up too was a very natural look, which went perfectly with everything.” – Wendy
Dress: Embrace Bridal | Photo: Sky Eye Wedding Films
“For my dress, I wanted something simple and elegant and I found that in my Suzanne Neville dress from Sharon Hoey.” – Jacinta
Dress: Sharon Hoey | Photo: Christina Brosnan
Dress: B Couture | Photo: Bokeh Photography and Film
“The first thing I found was my dress. I knew I wanted something totally different and something with feathers. I looked on Pinterest for a feather wedding dress and absolutely fell in love with the Enzoani Leonie. The beading, the feathers, the 1920’s straight down, floor-length style. I was blown away when I saw it hanging in the dressing room in Diamond Bridal. When I tried it on I knew it was the one.” – Pamela
Dress: Diamond Bridal | Photo: DK Photo
Dress: Belladonna Bridal | Photo: Gerard Coneely
Dress: The White Room, Mullingar | Photo: Mark Capilitan
