Saying ‘yes to the dress’ is one of the most magical parts of wedding planning. With so many incredible bridal designers and dress styles to choose from, it’s understandable that dress shopping can feel like quite the challenge but it will be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever.
In our series The Dress we ask stylish real brides to share their journey to finding ‘the one’ to help inspire your quest. Here we’re shining a spotlight on the magical wedding day style of real bride Grace Cahill who re-imagined bridal elegance for her winter New York City celebration.
From her vision to her shopping experience, to alterations and accessories, find out how her wedding dress dreams came to life.
Bride Bio
Name: Grace Cahill
Profession: Event Designer | Stylist
From: Dublin
Wedding Date: 30.12.25
Venue: Manhattan City Hall → The Beekman
Honeymoon: Tulum, Mexico
Instagram: @studiograce.ie
The Love Story
We met in Whelan’s on a night Adam was playing a gig. A mutual friend invited him back to a house party at my place (I’d just bought my first home and the rest unfolded very naturally from there. One of those unceremonious beginnings that turns into your whole life. He proposed on the Central Park ice rink, on the same date we actually got married seven years earlier. I remember him being very shaky – less from the romance and more from the ice – while I was completely oblivious to what was happening. It was very sweet, off the cuff and very us.
The Journey
I was a slightly reluctant bride this time around. With a background in fashion, I instinctively sidestepped the big white dress and veil moment. I wanted to feel like myself- whatever version of myself showed up that morning – rather than leaning hard into a bridal aesthetic. The first time around – before our 2020 wedding was cancelled due to Covid – I spent months searching and had a dress made in an atelier in Byron Bay. This time, I bought off the peg. It was simple, easy, and arrived just in time. Effortless, if you let it be.
The Vision
I saved a lot of New York ceremony looks that felt like a blend of old and new – Bianca Jagger adjacent, but not literal. In the end, I chose a dress for its cut and shape rather than a prescribed ‘look,’ then dressed it up with embellishment and faux fur for festive New York winter weather. I also wore earrings Adam bought them for me many moons ago. Feeling relaxed and at ease as the day unfolded mattered more to me than something that simply photographed well, which is probably why I gravitated toward cosy cloche-style hats and faux fur for Sofia too.
The Decision
I filtered keywords and went from there. I did spend time rooting through vintage sites and stores, though I prefer trying second-hand pieces on in person. I think when you’re buying off the peg you have to lean into gut instinct and so I kept coming back to Meshki – the simplicity of the collection, paired with subtle details that stood out. It felt familiar immediately- more like an extension of my wardrobe than a costume. I loved that it didn’t demand anything from me; I could move easily, relax into the day, and be fully present. The details were understated but intentional, which is usually when I feel most like myself. I ordered the dress a month before leaving for New York. It arrived the day before we left, cutting it really close – in a way I oddly trusted.
The Alterations
I swapped a button from silver to gold. I had it done the night before on a rush order by Alts in Union Square. High stakes, but worth it. Looking back, I would have gone up a size. It tugged very slightly at the hips, which I noticed half way through the day. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
The First Look
I showed him the night before. I actually asked him recently how he remembers that moment and he said I looked perfect and elegant. He loved that I wasn’t wearing a traditional bridal look. I’ll take that.
The Advice
Don’t overthink the idea of a ‘dream’ dress and don’t over spend for the sake of it. Go for something that feels like an extension of you, not a concept. If you feel comfortable, relaxed, and recognisable to yourself, everything else tends to fall into place.
A massive thank you to our fabulous bride Grace, you can see more of her gorgeous style and design work over on her Instagram @studiograce.ie
Check out our My Wedding Wardrobe series for more fabulous wedding style inspiration from real brides.
