Choosing the perfect wedding dress is a momentous decision for any bride, marking one of the most special aspects of her big day. While some brides opt for brand-new dresses, others embark on a sentimental journey by choosing wedding gowns that hold familial significance, passed down from mothers or grandmothers. In a heartwarming twist, Laura Whatley, a newly-wed bride, embraced both traditions.
Initially tying the knot in a new dress, Whatley later made a poignant wardrobe change, slipping into her grandmother Maureen’s 60-year-old wedding dress during her wedding reception at the Oxwich Bay Hotel in Swansea, U.K. in May 2023.
The touching moment unfolded as Laura shared a first dance with her grandfather, a truly sentimental gesture that she immortalized in a video posted on TikTok on November 16, 2023. The video swiftly gained widespread attention, capturing the hearts of over 2.4 million viewers, accumulating 204,000 likes, 4,828 saves, and 784 comments.
Laura is not alone in incorporating sentimental family items into her wedding day. Lately, there’s been a growing trend where brides are bringing out their mothers’ and grandmothers’ old wedding dresses from storage to wear as their own. This trend is gaining even more attention and popularity thanks to the increasing number of viral TikTok videos showcasing these wonderful moments.
Laura’s heartwarming video captioned; “when I surprised my nan by changing into her 60-year-old wedding dress for a first-time dance with my granddad,” unfolds with her position in front of her grandmother, whom she affectionately refers to as her “best friend” while donning Maureen’s vintage gown—a timeless, long-sleeved lace frock.
As the emotional announcement settles in, tears well up in the bride’s eyes, and her grandmother, visibly astonished and elated, reacted with joy. The scene transitions to the dance floor, where the newlywed bride, accompanied by her grandfather, shares their first dance to the melodic strains of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.
In a touching display of support, two individuals assist Maureen in making her way to the dance floor, ensuring she is part of this cherished moment. As Laura and her grandfather gracefully sway to the music, Maureen interrupts the dance with a warm bear hug, underscoring the emotional significance of the occasion. The video reaches its heartwarming end as the three generations—bride and grandparents—unite on the dance floor.
@laurawhatley6 when I surprised my nan by changing into her 60 year old wedding dress for a first dance with my grandad 💕 #wedding #fyp #surprise #weddingdress #grandparents ♬ original sound – Laura Whatley
The comment section was flooded with viewers expressing the depth of their emotions evoked by the video. One person wrote, “I sobbed,” encapsulating the powerful impact of the heartfelt surprise. Some viewers resonated with the emotional connection portrayed, with one person sharing, “What a beautiful moment for you all.” Another viewer, in particular, expressed a deep longing, stating, “What I would have done to have my nanny/grandad at mine. They brought me up from the day I was born because my mam was so young.”
As the comments poured in, it became evident that Laura’s heartfelt surprise had reached beyond her grandparents and resonated profoundly with a broader audience.
(Photo courtesy)
