Custom Gown in a West Cork Ireland Wedding | Molly + Graeme

Sometimes, moving across the ocean leads you to meet your person.

Molly and Graeme are both from Ireland, but an Irish pub in Toronto brought them together!

Once engaged, they knew they’d marry in Ireland. Graeme always wanted to wed in his hometown of Bantry in West Cork, and they wanted their friends and family, most of whom live in Ireland, to help them celebrate. On top of that, Molly shared, “We were lucky enough that our close friends from Toronto flew over!”

Outside of the where and vibe, “a fairytale mixed with an absolutely crazy party,” Molly and Graeme leaned into fate. After all, it had led them to one another! “We were the most unorganized, last-minute planners ever (except for the dress, which is the only thing I sorted early). Some things were only booked a month or two before.”

Poof, There It Was

The one thing Molly dove into straight away was The Dress. She booked an appointment at our flagship Toronto wedding dress shop and, before coming in, perused our collection online and spotted Margherita. A dramatic, basque waist gown, it “was what I envisioned: a corset vibe and tight at the top with a big poof at the bottom.” She pointed out the dress that had caught her eye to Vanessa, who suggested she try on a few others first, a journey which led to a custom ball gown inspired by Margherita, but with a satin cuff across the strapless neckline and made from an entirely different material. “The experience was so amazing that I didn’t feel the need to go anywhere else. When you know you know, as they say!”

More of their fun wedding in Ireland, how they got engaged, and some excellent planning advice from our vivacious bride below.

Could you share your engagement story?

It was on Christmas morning. He said we weren’t doing presents, so I hadn’t got him anything, and instead we just got presents for our dog. So, we were sat opening her presents wrapped in Peppa Pig paper. He then passed me my gift which was a handbag. I was so in shock I got a fabulous handbag when I hadn’t gotten him anything, I felt so guilty! Then, he said he had to make sure the price wasn’t still on the inside and pulled out the ring.

How did you personalize your day?

Our 18-month-old daughter running up the aisle was the highlight of the day. My brother walked me down the aisle which was very emotional for us both. But also cause we’re from different parts of Ireland (5 hours apart) it was so amazing to bring the 2 sides all together.

Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?

We were the most unorganized, last-minute planners ever (except for the dress which is the only thing I sorted early). Some things were only booked a month or two before. So, I think if we can pull it off and be told by everyone it was the best wedding they’d been to, anyone can. Every vendor kept saying how chill we were and I think that really helps because you get to enjoy the day instead of stressing. Have fun with your girls in the morning getting ready. Once you’ve the right people in your party, they’ll bring the vibes to keep you calm! Our band also made the evening, sometimes it’s hard to get people on the dance floor but their music choice had everyone up and boogying from the get-go.