Imagine walking down the aisle in not one, but three vintage bridal looks spanning decades of fashion history. That’s exactly what Lizzie Nelson did for her New Hampshire wedding, blending nostalgia, family heritage, and a bold sense of style. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is wearing multiple vintage wedding dresses a genius way to honor tradition, or does it risk overshadowing the essence of the big day? Let’s dive in and decide.
Lizzie’s love for all things vintage is undeniable. ‘I’m obsessed with anything old,’ she told Vogue, and her wedding wardrobe was a testament to that passion. For her nuptials to Samuel Cox, she donned three distinct bridal looks: two cherished family heirlooms and one meticulously sourced piece from a vintage bridal shop. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about the dresses; it was about the stories they carried.
Growing up in a fashion-forward family—her mother designed menswear for Timberland, and her aunt worked at Ralph Lauren Purple Label—Lizzie’s childhood was a playground of haute couture. ‘We didn’t play dress-up with costumes,’ she recalls. ‘We played with real designer pieces.’ This early exposure to fashion set the stage for her wedding vision: a curated collection of vintage looks that felt both timeless and personal.
The ceremony and reception took place at a coastal New Hampshire club, a venue Lizzie describes as ‘intimate yet elegant.’ Here’s a bold question: Can a wedding truly balance tradition and modernity? Lizzie’s choice of venue and attire suggests it’s possible.
Her main wedding dress, a 1987 Carolina Herrera gown from the designer’s first bridal collection, was a stroke of serendipity. Found at Brooklyn’s Cha Cha Linda, the deep ivory dress with a faint floral print and a removable shawl initially left Lizzie unsure. But when she tried it on, something clicked. ‘It just felt right,’ she says. Controversial interpretation: In a world of custom-made gowns, is choosing vintage a rebellion against modern bridal trends?
To complete the look, Lizzie enlisted Ann Hamilton, a NYC seamstress specializing in vintage bridal recreations, to craft a detachable train. The process wasn’t easy—finding the perfect fabric to match the 1980s cream gown took weeks. But the result? Stunning. Thought-provoking question: Does altering vintage pieces compromise their authenticity, or does it breathe new life into them?
Lizzie’s second look was her grandmother’s 1958 Priscilla of Boston gown, a family treasure passed down through generations. Her mother, aunts, and cousin had all worn it, each adding their own twist. Lizzie transformed it into a two-piece set—a modern mini bubble skirt paired with the original beaded top. Here’s a counterpoint: While repurposing heirlooms is sentimental, does it dilute their original charm?
For her after-party, Lizzie wore a reimagined Donna Karan set from the ’90s, originally worn by her mother. She tailored the silk pants and shortened the top, creating a look that was both nostalgic and contemporary. Bold statement: Is Lizzie’s approach to wedding fashion a celebration of heritage, or does it risk losing the essence of each era?
One of the most touching details? Her custom Larkspur & Hawk earrings, crafted with lace from her grandmother’s dress and a blue ribbon for her ‘something blue.’ Emotional hook: These earrings weren’t just accessories; they were a way to carry her grandmother’s legacy with her forever.
Lizzie’s wedding wardrobe wasn’t just about fashion—it was about storytelling. ‘I wanted it to feel like me,’ she says. But here’s the question we’re left with: In blending old and new, did she create something uniquely hers, or did she lose herself in the past? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
