In a heartwarming gesture that moved her family to tears, a bride made a surprising decision at her rehearsal dinner that left her grandmother overwhelmed with emotion. Olivia Turi, a 25-year-old bride, chose to wear her mother’s wedding gown, a significant piece of family history, to the rehearsal dinner, creating a poignant moment for her loved ones. The unexpected choice to wear her mother’s dress, which was captured and shared on TikTok by Turi, sparked a flood of emotions, especially from her grandmother who was deeply touched by the sentimental gesture. Turi shared with PEOPLE exclusively that the moment was incredibly powerful for all involved.
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The emotional reveal took place in front of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City, where Turi’s grandmother stood in awe upon recognising the dress instantly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she was moved by the sight of the beloved gown that held decades of memories. The original wedding gown, worn by Turi’s mother in July 1996 at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens, N.Y., was carefully reconstructed by Lauren Holovka at Le Laurier Bridal, preserving its delicate details. The transformation of the dress included a structured bustle designed by Holovka to maintain the original silhouette while adding a touch of flair, leaving both Turi’s grandmother and mother in disbelief at the stunning outcome.
Turi’s younger sister, Gabrielle Martinelli, shared that their mother was emotional in the best possible ways upon seeing Olivia in the dress, fulfilling her dream of one of her daughters wearing her gown. The dress has now become a symbol of family tradition, with Turi planning to pass it down to Martinelli and eventually to her own future children, cementing its status as a generational heirloom. The New Jersey native tied the knot on May 17, 2025, at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel in N.Y.C., where she wore both her mother’s dress and another gown, creating lasting memories that spanned three generations.
The sentimental act of wearing her mother’s wedding gown not only honoured family tradition but also created a powerful connection between past, present, and future. Turi’s decision to incorporate the cherished family gown into her special day resonated deeply with her grandmother and mother, encapsulating the love and memories shared by the women in their family. The touching moment captured on TikTok, which went viral and garnered widespread attention, serves as a reminder of the significance of family bonds and traditions that endure through generations.
The bride’s choice to wear her mother’s gown symbolises the timeless bond shared among the women in her family, highlighting the importance of honouring traditions and creating meaningful connections across generations. The emotional reaction from her grandmother, captured in a viral moment, reflects the power of sentimental gestures and the deep-rooted emotions attached to significant family heirlooms. Turi’s wedding day not only celebrated her love and union with her husband but also paid tribute to her family’s history and legacy, creating a lasting memory that will be cherished for years to come.
The heartwarming story of Olivia Turi’s wedding dress choice serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring love and traditions that bind families together, transcending time and generations. The emotional impact of wearing her mother’s gown to the rehearsal dinner resonated deeply with her grandmother and family, evoking tears of joy and nostalgia. Through her thoughtful gesture, Turi not only honoured her family’s past but also laid the foundation for future generations to carry on the legacy of love and connection embodied by the cherished wedding gown.