You’ve seen the photos. The sheer fabric, the shimmering crystals, and that unmistakable "Gretzky glow." When Paulina Gretzky finally married PGA star Dustin Johnson at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, the internet basically imploded. After a nine-year engagement, people weren't just waiting for a wedding; they were waiting for a fashion event.
The Paulina Gretzky wedding dress—or rather, the multiple dresses—didn't disappoint.
But here is the thing: most people focus on the sparkle and miss the actual engineering behind the look. This wasn't just a "celebrity wears expensive gown" moment. It was a massive collaboration with Vera Wang that took over a year of secret meetings, champagne toasts at The Mark Hotel, and custom fittings that redefined what a modern "naked dress" looks like for a high-profile bride.
The Ceremony Gown: Architecture in Crystals
For the actual "I dos," Paulina didn't go for a traditional ballgown. Honestly, that wouldn't have fit her vibe at all. Instead, she walked down the aisle on the arm of her father, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, wearing a custom Vera Wang Haute masterpiece.
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The brand officially described it as a "light ivory diaphanous hand-beaded crystal gown." Translation? It was a shimmering, see-through work of art. The dress featured a dangerously plunging neckline and a totally open back. Because the gown was so sheer, it was built over a custom nude bodysuit that gave it structure without sacrificing that "skin-first" aesthetic.
Vera Wang is known for her architectural approach to bridal, but this was different. It felt like jewelry turned into a garment. Every crystal was placed to catch the light of the Tennessee sunset, making Paulina look like she was literally glowing from within as she stood against the lush backdrop of Blackberry Farm.
The Second Look: Silk and Cowl Necks
If the ceremony dress was about high-drama glamour, the reception dress was about effortless, sexy movement. You can't exactly drop it low on a dance floor with Kid Rock—who performed at the reception, by the way—while wearing ten pounds of hand-placed crystals.
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Paulina swapped the sheer beads for a custom light ivory silk charmeuse gown. This one was all about the drape. It featured a deep cowl neckline and an open back, but the "wow" factor came from the intersecting crystal straps that crisscrossed over her skin. It was sleek. It was liquid-like. It was the perfect pivot from the "ice queen" vibe of the ceremony to a "party bride" energy.
The Details Nobody Noticed
We often get distracted by the labels, but the beauty of the Paulina Gretzky wedding dress journey was the team she assembled.
- The Makeup: She didn't just hire a local pro. She flew in Mario Dedivanovic (yes, the Makeup by Mario). He’s the guy who basically invented modern contouring.
- The Hair: Styled by Riawna Capri from Nine Zero One, Paulina’s hair was kept in loose, "undone" waves. It balanced out the high-octane sparkle of the dress so she didn't look over-processed.
- The Venue: Choosing Blackberry Farm was a deliberate move. It’s a five-star resort that feels like a rustic escape, providing a grounded contrast to her ultra-luxury gowns.
Why the Nine-Year Wait Mattered
Some people poked fun at the fact that they were engaged since 2013 before finally tying the knot in 2022. But if you look at the fashion, the timing was actually perfect. Had they married in 2014, the "naked dress" trend wasn't where it is today.
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By waiting, Paulina was able to lean into a more mature, confident style. She already had her two sons, Tatum and River, who were part of the ceremony. There’s something kinda cool about a bride who knows exactly who she is and isn't afraid to wear something that bold in front of her family and the world.
How to Get the Look Without the Vera Wang Price Tag
Look, most of us don't have a "Wayne Gretzky budget" or a direct line to Vera's personal cell phone. But you can still channel this energy.
The "Paulina Look" is defined by three things: transparency, shimmer, and a plunging silhouette. If you’re shopping for a wedding, look for gowns with "illusion tulle" or "crystal mesh." The key to making it look expensive rather than "costumey" is the fit. Paulina’s dress worked because it was tailored to the millimeter. If you go for a sheer look, spend the extra money on a high-end tailor. It makes or breaks the entire aesthetic.
Also, don't be afraid of the second dress. Even a simple, high-quality silk slip dress can mimic her reception vibe. It’s about the transition from "ceremony formality" to "celebration freedom."
Actionable Insights for Brides-to-Be:
- Prioritize the Bodysuit: If you’re going for a sheer or "diaphanous" gown, the undergarment is the most important part of the outfit. Ensure it matches your skin tone perfectly in natural light.
- Contrast Your Texture: If your dress is heavily beaded like Paulina’s, keep your hair soft and your flowers simple (she carried a classic white bouquet).
- The "Second Dress" Strategy: Choose a reception dress with a completely different fabric than your ceremony gown to create a distinct "second act" for your wedding night.
- Tailoring is Queen: A $500 dress that is perfectly tailored will always look better than a $5,000 dress that bunches in the wrong places.