Infacet the Wedding Wardrobe of Rachel McConaghie – Wife of Rugby Star John Cooney

Finding the right marriage ceremony gown is simply the tip of the iceberg on the subject of finishing your marriage ceremony model. From your engagement occasion and hen do, to the rehearsal dinner and day two and the honeymoon, there are such a lot of different enjoyable wedding-related occasions to plan appears for in your #bridalera.

To encourage your model selections, we ask trendy brides to share their sartorial secrets and techniques in our My Wedding Wardrobe sequence. Here, we take a peek into actual bride Rachel McConaghie who wed former Ulster rugby star John Cooney. John now performs for French facet Brive and the couple are primarily based in France and their chateaux marriage ceremony was a contemporary fairytale. From lustruous satins to glowing crystal elaborations, discover Rachel’s fabulous marriage ceremony wardrobe beneath; what she wore, how she wore it and the place she sourced it… let’s go!

Bride Bio

Name: Rachel Cooney
From: Northern Ireland
Wedding Date: fifth July 2025
Wedding Venue: Chateau de Saint Martory

So let’s get to know our couple first… Rachel met the love of her life after she had lately moved again to Belfast from Newcastle Upon Tyne in England the place she had accomplished her diploma at Newcastle University and had been working for an additional few years. “It was the first time I had been out at home since my move back and we met briefly for the first time at the Harbour Bar in Portrush. John actually made fun of my accent and it was only a short conversation but something must have stuck. Not too long after when he was back in his rugby club, one of the guys showed him my photo and said ‘this girl has just moved back from England’. John soon released it was me and reached out on Instagram asking if we could meet up. So after some persistence from John, eventually we did and straight away had an undeniable connection. From then on we were inseparable.”

Fast ahead to their proposal, “A key personality trait of John’s is that he loves to talk, and as we were best friends from the get go he really struggled to keep anything from me. So much so that about 36 hours after he bought my engagement ring, we were out and he had had a few drinks he blurted out, ‘I bought you a ring’. So, it’s safe to say it was no longer a secret that a proposal was coming. However, the surprise would be when, where and how. (Or so I thought). John had let me know he had booked a getaway for us and that I would need to pack a bag but couldn’t know any other details. In my head I did think, this could be the time he proposes but at least the location and all other plans would be a surprise. In the couple of days before we were set to go, a package arrives for John. It’s a new pair of shoes he had ordered. He opens them and then instantly turns to me and says, ‘These will be great for walking around Venice’. We both just looked at each other and he yelled, ‘FFS’! So, that was surprise number two gone. However, he proposed on a gondola in Venice just as we were passing under the Bridge of Sighs so that he could kiss me as we passed through. The significance of this is that it’s meant to mean your love will last forever. It was such a special moment and the whole engagement couldn’t have been more ‘us’.”

Rachel describes her private model as timeless with a twist. She tells us, “I gravitate toward basic, elegant, and classy pieces—clean lines, neutral tones, and elevated staples—but I also love to keep things fun and stylish. I like adding unique details, pops of colour, or a trend-forward accessory to keep my looks fresh and expressive. Sophistication and versatility are key for me, but I always find ways to show my personality whether through playful textures, subtle prints, or unexpected combinations. I aim to strike a balance between refined and modern, effortlessly blending chic minimalism with just the right amount of flair.”

There was no higher time to experiment with totally different types than along with her bridal outfits, her model is ever altering and she or he wished her marriage ceremony wardrobe to mirror that. From crystals to silk to lace, fitted silhouettes to princess types, she wished to embrace all of it.

She displays on the method of curating her appears, “It was a lot of fun but also stressful at times. I think we put a lot of pressure to look ‘perfect’ on our wedding day but I soon realised there is no such thing as ‘the perfect bridal look’. There is only your own and how it makes you feel is what’s most important. Pinterest was my best friend and helped me to create boards full of looks and inspiration I could use when it came to my own.” 

The bride and groom-to-be celebrated their engagement with an enormous bash at their home in Belfast. For the event, Rachel wished an ensemble that felt very her and she or he discovered the right ivory co-ord on Mistress Rocks, the sister label of House of CB. She adored the elegant and fashionable vibe of the satin corset high with the fairy whimsical fringe of the midaxi skirt with a layered chiffon hem. She loves to enrich white tones with all-gold equipment so she completed off the look fabulously with gold stomach chains, hoop earrings and gold diamante heels.

“My dad built us an outdoor Moet et Chandon Champagne bar, we ordered a cake, lots of food and treats and of course drinks and Champagne. We had spritz on tap and the karaoke machine going. I remember looking around at one point during the night and our entire kitchen, dining area and garden was just filled with people dancing.”

P.S. Be positive to take a look at the gallery beneath to get a glimpse of their darling pastel-hued Lambeth buttercream engagement cake too!

Rachel had an uber-luxurious shock for her main girls when she requested them to be her bridesmaids as she booked a set for them multi function of her favorite inns, The Shelbourne Hotel. She wished a sublime gown with a horny twist which was figure-hugging, textured and had cut-out detailing and she or he discovered the perfect maxi on White Fox.

“I drove us all down to Dublin and the whole thing was a surprise. They thought we were crashing at John’s family home for the night, then I pulled up outside the Shelbourne and the valet and staff helped take our stuff out of the car and took it away for parking. The girls were screaming with excitement. I checked us in and went up to set up the room, I made everyone bouquets and had personalised envelopes and invitations asking them to be my bridesmaids. I brought a personalised box of my favourite champagne rose LPR and we all cheersed to a great evening of food and drinks that I pre-booked.” 

Rachel exuded refined sophistication for his or her authorized ceremony at Belfast Town Hall. Initially she wished an all silk robe with sleeves and a low again however then she got here throughout the Dion stretch-duchesse satin gown by Halfpenny London and she or he knew it was ‘the one’ that she might elevate with the appropriate equipment. While the bride-to-be was pressed for time she sourced it on The Outnet in her dimension and ‘ready to wear’. She had it shipped to her inside three days and she or he took it straight to the seamstress the place it was altered to suit her physique like a glove and in order that the hem landed simply above her sneakers whereas sustaining the practice behind. 

She wore white Prada leather-based slingbacks to match the true white shade of the robe and her ‘something blue’ had been the little flower hairclips that her hairdresser put into her glossy updo in the course of the appointment on the morning of the ceremony. Her equipment additionally included floral earrings and the iridescent ivory Petal Bag by Clio Peppiatt which she rented from ByRotation. She fell for a chunky pearl choker by Bronx and Banco and it was offered out that didn’t cease her as she discovered another on Etsy from a neighborhood and a small enterprise proprietor which complemented the look exquisitely.

“Our photographer was so good and we also toured round some of our favourite spots in Belfast after, e.g. Cathedral quarter and our favourite pubs the Duke of York and The Dark Horse. We were joined by our closest family and had booked a room in The Waterman for a sit down three-course meal, we had a cake which we also got photos with. John later surprised me by booking a stay in the Merchant Hotel for that night, so we went out in Belfast and came back to that beautiful hotel.”

Her associates whisked her off to Paris for a classy lengthy weekend in Paris with a strict itinerary of restaurant and bar bookings and whereas the bride had no thought what was deliberate she packed a picture-perfect array of appears.

“When we arrived at our apartment, they sent me away and set up with balloons, table display, decorations and the printed out itineraries with a dress code for each day. We had matching pjs, champagne and they also set up a stunning picnic for me at the Eiffel Tower. It was so thoughtful and we all had a fab weekend.”

She opted for elegant and female outfits together with a ruched co-ord and a drop waist gown.

For their night time out with a sparkles theme, the bride dazzled carrying the Sydney Sequin gown by For Love & Lemons which is awash with pearlescent sequins.

Rachel and John’s marriage ceremony was a contemporary fairytale set within the storybook setting of Chateau de Saint Martory which sits on a peaceable woodland property within the Garonne River valley. There was a unique theme every day and on the Thursday night time they held a Venetian Masquerade themed occasion in honour of their engagement in Venice which included delicious pizza and loads of dancing.

The glowing bride wore a light-weight linen co-ord with floral lace accents from the Celeste vary by the Australian label Byee, the Amery bralette and the Jolie maxi skirt, which she paired with outsized floral earrings from ASOS.

“I love Australian brands and fashion, I think the girls just get it there. I had ordered and brought Venetian masks with me to the wedding for people to have in pics and for the table displays. I loved the boho feel of this look for the first night and paired with the silver and white venetian mask I feel it all came together.”

The couple held an al fresco wine and cheese tasting with a scrumptious unfold of meals, cheese and wine for his or her visitors to tuck into. Rachel is massively impressed by the style and Wimbledon and she or he served up a wonderful ode to 2 courtside model icons for the magical night.

“I really like how Kate Middleton at all times wears Self-Portrait. I additionally love Paige Lorenze’s Wimbledon model (her fiancé performs tennis) and she or he wore the enduring polka dot taffeta gown. I feel as a model Self-Portrait have essentially the most stunning items, so I believed what higher time to splurge and get one in every of their attire than my marriage ceremony weekend. I browsed for a very long time on their web site however my eye saved coming again to at least one piece, the White Taffeta Maxi Dress. It arrived and I attempted it on and was in love. I paired it with a easy white kitten heel and my hair in an updo. The gown had a pearl-like shine to it so I additionally added pearl pins to my hair too for an elevated look and white flower earrings from Accessorize. My coronary heart bag was hand beaded and likewise from Accessorize. It added a playful ingredient to the look.“

Rachel wished to include stunning bows into her marriage ceremony wardrobe which included the Kailey gown by Meshski with a low again and a removable bow whereas her bridesmaid wore little white bows of their hair to match. 

Rachel at all times dreamt of strolling down the aisle in a romantic and dramatic lace marriage ceremony gown with a two-tier cathedral veil and she or he was completely breathtaking on her big day. She exuded trendy romance carrying an off-the-shoulder lace Milla Nova marriage ceremony gown with a semi-sheer corset and sleeves.

“I went to a few different wedding shops including Verona Bridal and Ivy and White in Belfast. The dress I chose ended up being the third one I tried on at Verona Bridal. I got that rush of excitement when I walked out and looked in the mirror that wasn’t matched by any of the others. The princess, ball gown style was a close second but just wasn’t ‘the one’. I loved the lace up corset back and corset detailing on the stomach and around the bust. However, I knew I needed to make a lot of alterations to make it perfect for me. The first change I made was the neckline, the original dress was a straight across neckline. I changed this to add a ‘V’ and more of a sweetheart neckline. I found it much more flattering.”

The gown didn’t have an identical veil however Kelly Black Design made her goals come true. They had simply gotten in a lace that matched the edging of her gown completely and it seemed like a match made in heaven when all of it got here collectively.

Her ‘one thing blue’ was her Sophia Webster Rosalind Crystal mid sandal with the blue ‘Wifey for Lifey’ font of the soles. Her ‘one thing borrowed’ was her Iridescent Mini Antonia Shrimps purse which she rented from HURR and her ‘one thing new’ was her earrings kindly gifted from the native jewelry model Copperlane Gift Co.

She additionally wore a really particular present from her husband, a Cartier D’amour necklace in yellow gold that he purchased her for Valentine’s Day.

“I was saving it to wear it on our wedding day as it matched my Cartier wedding band with the matching singular diamonds. I love it so much and it dainty, gold and goes with everything. A timeless piece. (He really is so thoughtful to make the ring and necklace match). I got my mum to wear a little blue sapphire ring for me that had been in our family, she was speaking during the ceremony so I thought it would be nice for to have it with her whilst doing so.”

Rachel wished a glowing second gown that may dazzle with flash pictures. bride wished a I wished one thing sparkly that may look superior with flash pictures all through the night time and in the course of the champagne tower pour. She glittered in a crystal tassel gown from Albina Dyla and she or he modified her earrings for a dangling crystal pair from Lovisa that had been a last-minute purchase earlier than they left for France.”

“I got in touch with them explained what i wanted sent my measurements and they made it for me. I originally went with a gown but changed my mind and had it take up to above shoe length (thanks again to my seamstress). It took four people to get my into it on the wedding evening but was so worth it. I think this dress was a favourite of the wedding guests (and mine). It came with shorts but when the outfit change time came, we (my bridesmaids and I) couldn’t find them anywhere, so in a panic I had to go commando, but it was all fine!”

Rachel wished one thing floaty, comfy and glossy to have a good time in as her first day as Mrs Cooney. Once extra she gravitated to Australian design and the Dimity robe with a low again and a semi-sheer hem by Natalie Rolt was the right finisher to the most effective weekend of her life.

“John and i started our morning by opening a bottle of Krug champagne we had been saving for a special occasion, the plan for this day was a pool party and BBQ. Tables were all set up and food (sausages, salad, chicken, falafel etc) and drinks (champagne again) were served to our guests and we all chilled and partied by the pool. The DJ arrived at 12pm and performed a four-hour set with us. It was such a fun day.”

Pinterest is a bride’s finest pal on the subject of curating a marriage wardrobe, she says.

“Pin ideas and create multiple boards. This will help narrow down what you do and don’t want or like, and help develop your own individual look whilst taking inspiration from others. Follow lots of brands on Instagram who have bridal lines, this way you’ll be on top of the latest drops and have even more options to start creating your looks from. Finally, enjoy the process and don’t take it too seriously! It only happens once.”

An enormous thanks to our fabulous bride Rachel, you’ll be able to see much more photos within the gallery beneath!

Check out the opposite instalments of our My Wedding Wardrobe sequence together with Designer Jennifer Wrynne’s Timelessly Elegant Looks and Rebecca Shekleton’s Y2K & Carrie Bradshaw-Inspired Style.

If you already know somebody with unbelievable marriage ceremony model, contact us at good day@onefabday.com to be a part of our sequence.