My wedding outfit

I have to admit, shopping for a wedding dress was quite a daunting task. It wasn't something I was necessarily looking forward to as I wouldn't consider myself a very bridey kinda gal. Though I have to say, looking back, it's a really fun way to spend time with the ladies in your life. My bridesmaids, my sister Máire & friend Susan were so wonderful with me in different ways. I went to a few bridal shops in Dublin and tried on lots of different shapes. In my head I wanted a 50's prom dress to add a little fun to the day so was considering buying online cause I couldn't find any of the dresses to even try the shape in any of the shops.

Eventually I had decided on a beautiful Temperley dress from Costume Bridal in Dublin, which was lovely & floaty and not too bridey when on a very relaxed Friday morning in Cork I went with Mum and Máire to a shop called Rice & Roses. I have to say I could not recommend them highly enough. The ladies there were fantastic and we had such a special experience trying on the different dresses and feeling in such trusted hands. Compared to any of the shops we went to in Dublin, it was a real treat and were made to feel so special. While there I actually found 2 dresses I really liked; Mum loved one, Máire the other. One, a beautiful silk mikado Amanda Wakeley dress was quite fitted and flattering, the other a stunning Manuel Moto for Pronovias column inspired fashion forward dress.

I eventually had to decide on one, though we were considering both for a while. Logic does go out the window when wedding dress shopping sometimes! I slept on it and the next morning the decision was made, I told Mum I knew which one Dave would pick and therefore no further deliberation was required. The beautiful figure hugging Amanda Wakeley creation was mine.

I then spent alot of time deliberating over how to personalise it, though the shape of the dress was amazing, it was very plain and I wanted to edge it up a little and add a little fun. So over the next few months I had great fun picking accessories including my Philip Somerville head-piece, vintage brooch & jewellary from Jenny Vander in Dublin, beautiful lace bolero from with a bit of blue from a boutique in Naas and my shoes were from LK Bennett to which I glued some beautiful shoe clips I had ordered online.