A vintage fashion dream became reality for one bride who walked down the aisle in a truly unique gown one with Hollywood history. On February 13, Sophia Corin Merlino, a Chicago-based bride-to-be with a love for vintage style, donned an original wedding dress worn on screen in Sex and the City. The dress, originally worn by Carrie Bradshaw in one of the Sex and the City films, carries nostalgic appeal and a glamorous legacy.
Merlino’s gown wasn’t bought off the rack or custom-made for her big day — it was sourced secondhand through a fashion reseller who once found the iconic piece in a thrift store for less than $20.
A Thrifted Treasure With a Story
The wedding dress in question is a strapless couture gown originally featured in Sex and the City: The Movie, where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, famously donned it in a bridal couture sequence. Although that film ultimately showed a different wedding dress during the onscreen ceremony, this Vivienne Westwood or Vera Wang (depending on the appearance) dress has lived on in pop-culture memory as part of Carrie’s fashion legacy. Reseller Ashley Cano bought the gown at a Goodwill for the bargain price of $18.99 and shared the discovery on social media, where it went viral. Merlino, who wasn’t even engaged at the time, recognized the seller and immediately knew she wanted the dress someday. When Cano later decided to sell the piece for $2,750 — after years of viral attention — Merlino jumped at the chance. The dress fit her beautifully, and she made only slight alterations before wearing it at her wedding at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami.
A Bridal Moment With Pop Culture Flair
Merlino’s husband, Bobby Ernsting, was reportedly moved to tears when he saw her in the dress during their “first look,” capturing a heartfelt moment that perfectly blended personal love with cinematic glamour. Guests marveled at the gown’s ethereal elegance, noting how timeless pieces from film and fashion can still enchant in real-life settings.
For Merlino, the dress represented more than just a beautiful outfit. She described feeling like a princess wearing it, and she’s committed to preserving its history for years to come. Her choice reflects a growing trend in weddings where brides seek gowns with meaning — whether sentimental, vintage, or culturally iconic — instead of newly purchased couture.
The Allure of Vintage and Pop-Culture Fashion
Brides today increasingly blend classic bridal elements with personal style influences. Whether it’s repurposing family heirlooms or choosing unique vintage finds, there’s a strong movement toward meaningful wedding fashion that tells a story. Merlino’s selection of a gown tied to one of television and film’s most memorable characters fits squarely within that trend. Iconic wedding dresses — from Grace Kelly’s stunning 1956 gown to Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw ensemble — have long influenced bridal fashion and popular imagination. Dresses once seen only on screen or in history books now inspire brides to make their own memories while honoring fashion legacies that have captivated audiences for decades.
Conclusion
Sophia Corin Merlino’s choice to wear a gown tied to one of contemporary TV and film’s most iconic characters is more than a fashion statement — it’s a celebration of personal style, cultural nostalgia, and the emotional weight that clothing can carry. By giving new life to a piece of pop-culture history on her wedding day, she not only honored her love story but also brought a beloved cinematic moment into her own life narrative in a deeply personal way.
