The Dress: Jen's Sensational Sustainable Wedding Looks She Designed Herself

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 diving into the breathtaking wedding day style of sustainable fashion designer Jen Byrne who designed both of her wedding day looks for her idyllic summer wedding in Dublin.

From her vision to the accessories, find out how she made her bridal style dreams a reality.

Bride Bio

Name: Jen Byrne
Profession: Sustainable Fashion Designer - By Jen Byrne
From: Dublin
Wedding Date: 30 August 2025
Wedding Venue: Airfield Estate, Dublin
Honeymoon: Vietnam

The Love Story

We met on Bumble! I was coming to the end of my Masters in Edinburgh and we met during the Edinburgh Fringe, two weeks before I was due to fly home. We saw each other every day the last week I was in town and he drove me to the airport. I was devastated when I left, thinking I’d missed out on something special. A few weeks later he came to visit me in Dublin and we haven’t looked back since! As for the proposal, Euan made pancakes for breakfast one Sunday which had been a weekly tradition for us during lockdown but had since become less frequent. He just seemed like he was reminiscing, saying how much fun we always have and that he wanted to continue having adventures together forever. Then he took the ring out of his pocket! I gave him an old claddagh ring that I’d found many years ago and had kept tucked away for just this moment!

The Vision

I wanted something unique, that I would feel like myself in on the day while also keeping to my sustainable values. I wanted it to feel bridal but not traditional, and it also had to be something I could wear into the future. In my work with my small brand I use all vintage and pre-loved materials, especially hand embroidered tablecloths. It was important to me to wear something that was meaningful and felt true to myself, as well as something that I could re-wear multiple times.

The Design Process

I started working on my ceremony outfit in May, ahead of the wedding at the end of August. I found a large cross stitch tablecloth and knew it would be perfect but it took a little time to decide on the outfit I wanted to make it into. After making some mock-ups of shape and style, I decided on a top and trouser co-ord. The outfit still needed something a little extra (and the occasion to wear something extravagant comes rarely!) So I got eight metres of organza at the Scrap Store and made myself a long sheer outer layer that gave the outfit the princessey gown feel that I wanted without being traditional.

The Evening Look

I wanted something more playful and also something that would allow maximum comfort for a big meal! I had a roll of deadstock silk I was very kindly donated and wanted to take the opportunity to use such a gorgeous fabric! I left it very last minute to make this outfit (about one week before I had to travel for the wedding) which is not to be recommended! I also made two sets of pieces to style it with, and a jacket. The evening look was a short dress, fitted on the top with a ruffled skirt. I added tiny heart embroidery in shades of pink and red around the neckline and the hem. When we entered the room for dinner, I paired it with a starry tulle cape that I had made to go with it - there were starry tulle trousers too but I decided it was too hot on the day to wear them! The dress also had a detachable bow on the back.

The Advice

Go for something that feels truly ‘you’! As hard as it may be, try not to let the opinions of others influence your choices because it’s important that you feel like the best version of yourself is shining on the day!

A massive thank you to our fabulous bride Jen, you can see even more pictures in the gallery below!

Check out our My Wedding Wardrobe series for more fabulous wedding style inspiration from real brides.