The Shocking Truth About Domino Kirke's TWO Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses

Domino Kirke’s wedding to actor Penn Badgley remains one of the most refreshingly non-traditional celebrity unions in recent memory, and it’s all thanks to her unique bridal style. The couple actually tied the knot not once, but twice, in 2017, giving the musician and doula an opportunity to showcase two distinct, yet equally bohemian and laid-back looks. Her choice of gowns, especially the second one, completely redefined what a celebrity wedding dress can—and should—be, sparking a conversation about authenticity in bridal fashion that continues to this day in December 2025.

The decision to hold two separate ceremonies—a small, intimate courthouse affair followed by a larger, outdoor celebration—perfectly encapsulated the couple's private and unpretentious approach to their relationship. This two-part approach also allowed Kirke to ditch the conventional white ballgown in favor of two dresses that felt deeply personal, culminating in a vintage taupe lace creation that broke all the rules of traditional bridal wear. It was a bold fashion choice that cemented her status as a bohemian style icon.

Domino Kirke-Badgley: Musician, Doula, and Bridal Icon

Before diving into the details of her iconic wedding looks, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted woman behind the unique bridal choices. Domino Suzy Kirke-Badgley is far more than just "Penn Badgley's wife" or "Jemima Kirke's sister."

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• Full Name: Domino Suzy Kirke-Badgley
• Born: 1983 (Age 41–42), London, England
• Nationality: British-American
• Spouse: Penn Badgley (married 2017)
• Children: One son from a previous relationship (Cassius Riley), and a son with Penn Badgley (born 2020)
• Primary Career: Singer-songwriter and Professional Doula
• Business Venture: Co-founder of Carriage House Birth, a collective of doulas operating in New York City and Los Angeles.
• Family Connections: Sister to actress Jemima Kirke (Girls, Sex Education) and actress Lola Kirke (Mozart in the Jungle). Her mother, Lorraine Kirke, is a vintage shop owner and stylist.

Her background—steeped in the arts, bohemian New York culture, and the intimate, grounded world of birth work—directly informed her relaxed and highly personal bridal aesthetic. This was a bride who prioritized comfort and meaning over high-fashion spectacle.

The First Look: Intimate Courthouse Chic

The first wedding ceremony took place in February 2017 at a Brooklyn courthouse. This small, civil ceremony was described as intimate, with only about 40 close friends and family members in attendance.

A Simple, Boho-Chic Lace Dress

For the low-key civil ceremony, Kirke opted for a simple, yet elegant white lace dress. The gown featured a boho-chic aesthetic, complete with three-quarter sleeves and a relaxed silhouette that was perfectly suited for a casual, mid-winter courthouse wedding. This initial choice set the tone for her overall bridal journey: non-fussy, inherently romantic, and deeply personal.

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The dress was a stark contrast to the extravagant, often custom-made gowns typically seen on celebrity brides. It was a deliberate choice that signaled a preference for authenticity over opulence. This look was less about making a statement and more about celebrating the commitment in a comfortable, genuine way.

The Second Look: The Controversial Vintage Taupe Gown

Four months later, in June 2017, the couple hosted a larger, outdoor wedding reception at Maison-May in Brooklyn. This event was the true celebration, and it was here that Domino Kirke unveiled the dress that would become her most famous and talked-about bridal look.

The 'Dirty Old' New York Vintage Dress

Kirke completely switched gears for the second event, choosing a vintage-style, short-sleeved lace gown in an unexpected taupe or beige color, a deliberate move away from traditional white. The dress was a true "New York vintage gown," a nod to her mother’s background as a vintage shop owner and the family's long-standing love for pre-loved clothing. Its non-traditional color and aged look led to some polarizing reactions, with a few commentators jokingly referring to it as an "old" or "dirty old" wedding dress.

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However, the dress's perceived flaws were precisely its strengths. It was perfectly imperfect, radiating a unique, lived-in charm that a brand-new, high-end designer gown could never replicate. The taupe color, a subtle departure from ivory, made the delicate lace detailing stand out beautifully, offering a soft, earthy palette that was ideal for the summer garden setting.

The Celestial Headpiece and Bohemian Styling

The styling of the vintage dress was just as revolutionary. Instead of a traditional veil or tiara, Kirke paired the gown with a stunning celestial headpiece. This crown, adorned with stars and moons, became an instant focal point and a defining element of her bohemian bridal style. The accessory added a whimsical, ethereal touch that elevated the entire ensemble, making it feel less like a simple vintage dress and more like a carefully curated, magical outfit.

The non-traditional choice of a colored vintage dress and a celestial crown perfectly reflects the broader trend of non-traditional celebrity weddings that prioritize personality and comfort over formality. It was a powerful statement that a wedding dress doesn't need to be expensive or brand-new to be beautiful and memorable. It simply needs to be authentic to the bride.

The Lasting Impact on Non-Traditional Bridal Fashion

Domino Kirke's two wedding dresses, particularly the vintage taupe gown, have had a significant and lasting impact on the bridal industry. Her choice provided tangible inspiration for countless brides who felt constrained by the pressure of the "perfect white dress."

Embracing Vintage and Sustainability

By choosing a New York vintage gown, Kirke championed a more sustainable and meaningful approach to bridal fashion. The concept of wearing a pre-owned, vintage, or even a colored dress for a wedding gained considerable traction following her highly-publicized ceremony. This move resonated deeply with a generation of couples prioritizing sustainability and unique finds over mass-produced luxury.

The Rise of Bohemian Bridal Style

The entire aesthetic of the second wedding—from the Maison-May setting to the beige lace and celestial headpiece—solidified the "bohemian bridal" trend. It showed that a wedding could be relaxed, deeply personal, and incredibly stylish without adhering to outdated conventions. The look is often cited by wedding planners as the epitome of effortless, Brooklyn-cool elegance.

Domino Kirke’s wedding dresses were not just clothes; they were a manifesto. They proved that authenticity, comfort, and personal history can create a bridal look far more impactful and memorable than any haute couture gown. Her style choices remain a timeless example of how to celebrate love on your own terms.